Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, also called CPAP, is one of the most basic flow generators that are the most preferable as well. This device involves a continuous and constant flow of air, which the patient has to inhale and exhale over. The majority of manufacturers render a resolution to this exhalation by sensing or/and reducing the machine pressure upon it.

Automatic titrating (measuring and adjusting) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, also stands for AutoCPAP, is set within a low and high-pressure range. That aims to fulfill various inhalation needs. Depending on which, the physician predetermines the range before using it on you.

Both the CPAP and AutoCPAP devices have their significance. In this article, you will get acquainted with both these types in detail.

CPAP

CPAP machines use very gentle or mild air pressure in accordance to keep the airways always open. These are the types of devices used by many patients who suffer from sleep apnea. Thus, face breathing troubles while sleeping. More specifically, CPAP devices help ensuring your airway doesn’t collapse while you are breathing asleep.

CPAP therapy is sometimes also used to treat infants with underdeveloped lungs. The machine blows air into the infant’s nose to inflate her/his lungs. In the case of adults, if someone gets suggested to use a CPAP device, it is better to prefer a sleep technologist while working with it. A sleep technologist takes care that the air pressure evacuating from the machine is not way too high and is enough to keep your airway open while sleeping.

CPAP therapy not only improves your quality of sleep by making breathing easy for you but eliminates or reduces your snoring as well. Along with that, it also eliminates or lessens daytime sleepiness, which is also a symptom of sleep apnea. Studies also say it can even significantly manage high blood pressure and reduce it too. However, some can also feel claustrophobic under the CPAP mask and face runny nose or nasal congestion-related issues. But not to worry, as these are some minor side effects that are easy to prevent if the mask gets fitted correctly.          

AutoCPAP

Unlike the CPAP devices that are set to deliver continuous pressure, APAP is configured within a low and high-pressure range. That is manufactured this way for the sake of varying inhalation requirements. These devices hold a sensitive algorithm technology, which allows the device to detect the range of inhalation pressure one needs with each breath.

Generally, the logic of rendering a range is a customer’s pressure requirements may vary during any preferred night or hour of sleep. For instance, let’s consider sleeping position; many have more apnea episodes and of higher duration while they sleep on their sides vs. back or stomach sleeping. Imagine “gravity” while you lay flat on your back; the tongue and jaw relax naturally and automatically fall back. That ends up blocking the airway that results in apnea episodes. Many even suffer through a slightly stuffy nose, which tends to worsen apnea episodes.

People tend to need higher pressures for situations when they are under the influence of alcoholic drinks before sleeping. Although it is ok to have a glass of alcoholic beverage or wine if your doctor approves or allows you. Many require APAP as sedative mediation for pain-inclined deeper sleep that causes more apnea events. Even people on counter flu and cold medications can suffer through sedative effects. For such nights, APAP devices must offer proper inhalation pressure that one requires on a breath-by-breath basis.

As per the theory, an AutoCPAP device must work set at the highest pressure of 20 and the lowest of 4. Although, some experts suggest APAP gets more effective while the range is tightened a little closer with the average know CPAP machine required by each patient. Thus, people who feel like APAP is a massive challenge for them; can bring this fact to the attention of their consulted physician.

Conclusion

Therefore, this is the basic difference between CPAP and APAP devices that might help you to choose the type you need. Although, it is always better to see a physician first who can choose the best for you.