Advantages And Disadvantages Of APAP Machine

When you have sleep apnea, your breathing slows down or even stops while you’re asleep before restarting. A device to maintain a positive airway pressure is frequently the first course of therapy that your doctor may recommend. These gadgets keep your throat from getting too tight at night by breathing air into your lungs. One of these gadgets is the automatic (or auto-titrating) positive airway pressure (APAP) machine.

Thus, if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you have likely heard about APAP devices. Although they offer many advantages, they also have some disadvantages. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of utilising an APAP machine to make the best option for your health.

APAP Machine: How Does It Work?

APAP is one of the three main kinds of positive airway pressure; it helps to keep the upper airway open while you sleep. A cover is used to attach the pressure generator to the APAP machines. Two more significant categories of positive airway pressure devices exist besides APAP. The initial one is referred to as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The alternative is called bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP).

APAP machines automatically adjust the air volume to meet your demands during the night using the software. For example, resting on your back might make breathing interruptions more frequent because it relaxes your mouth and tongue, which restricts airflow. APAP increases the air pressure if that occurs. Based on what’s ideal for you, your physician will decide what the top and lower air pressure restrictions should be.

Advantages Of An APAP Machine

APAP treatment has several advantages. These consist of:

  • Two machines in one, each with a separate mode. Continuous mode (CPAP) and auto-adjusting modes are available on APAP devices. As a result, patients may test out CPAP and APAP without switching equipment.
  • Adjusts pressure for various sleeping postures. Patients can change sleeping positions and receive the proper pressure since the stress might alter during the night.
  • Heightened comfort. Patients usually need less stress in lighter sleep phases, but APAP machines only give more pressure when apnea episodes occur. Patients frequently say that utilising APAP results in a more pleasant night’s sleep since they receive the required force. This also explains why the APAP machine has a greater adherence percentage than the CPAP machine.
  • Adapts to a new way of life or environment. The APAP machine will react to the patient’s changing demands, so the doctor won’t need to change the pressure setting if the patient gains weight or develops allergies that cause congestion. For instance, if a patient has congestion or a congested nose, the APAP machine will change the pressure to provide the proper air pressure to enable them to breathe.

Disadvantages Of An APAP Machine

While APAP treatment provides numerous benefits, there are a few possible drawbacks to consider. These consist of:

  • Cost. APAP machines are complex machinery. They are typically more expensive than CPAP devices, and some insurance policies do not cover them.
  • Changes might take time. Sleep difficulties might result from the machine’s occasionally sluggish adjustment time during adaptation. Sleep quality may worsen if the equipment repeatedly makes disruptive modifications over the night.
  • Patients should not utilise APAP if they have specific medical issues. People who have obese hypoventilation disorder or chronic heart failure are not suitable candidates for this treatment.

Differentiating APAP from CPAP

A CPAP and an APAP machine’s primary distinction is that an APAP machine automatically modifies its frequencies as you sleep. As a result, it can adjust to fluctuating pressure requirements throughout the night.

A CPAP machine is typically changed to a single setting either through a PAP adjustment study at home, in a sleep research facility, or via trial and error. The CPAP can be manually modified to a different setting if the pressure is too high and uncomfortable during exhalation. However, it will not automatically change.

People with sleep apnea might benefit from being aware of the distinctions between these two devices to discover the best match for their needs.

APAP or CPAP: Which One Would You Choose?

It would help if you spoke with a sleep expert or physician when deciding between an APAP and a CPAP to determine which device is best for you. Finding the best PAP machine frequently requires some trial and error. Many individuals begin using a CPAP device when a doctor prescribes one, but if they do not see the intended results, they may change to an APAP. Some people could decide that neither PAP machine is the best option for them and choose another course of action. The optimal duration of therapy for your unique situation will be determined by evaluating your symptoms and requirements with your doctor.

Conclusion

For them to perform correctly during the day, patients need to receive enough sleep of high quality at the appropriate times. Lack of sleep reduces productivity in those who are affected. They perform activities much more slowly than usual, make more errors, and take longer to react. Even with just a few hours lost every night over many nights of sleep deprivation, a patient’s capacity to function deteriorates as if they haven’t slept for perhaps a day or two.

It’s essential to obtain all the information before recommending APAP to patients. Keep in mind that there are several sleep apnea therapies available right now. Please find the most effective method for helping your patients obtain a good night’s sleep by working with them and their medical team. The right device choice can greatly influence your patient’s overall quality of life.