APAP vs CPAP: Choosing the Right Sleep Apnea Therapy

Millions of people across the world especially in Pakistan suffer from sleep apnea which is a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. Positive airway pressure therapy is the gold standard for this sleep apnea treatment, and most patients benefit from CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure). This guide mentions the APAP vs CPAP debate, highlighting the differences between CPAP and APAP and their advantages, as well as discussing the suitability of each to help people choose the right treatment and device for their health. 

Introduction to Sleep Apnea Treatments

As mentioned earlier, sleep apnea is a condition that causes breathing to stop during sleep, resulting in fatigue, illness, and a low quality of life. This condition can be treated with PAP therapy, which keeps the airway open through air pressure delivered through a mask and includes CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP.

Learn more about the difference between BIPAP and CPAP and APAP.

What is CPAP?

CPAP full form is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP machine works by delivering air at a positive pressure throughout the night to keep the airways open. This constant supply of air pressure prevents airway collapse thus making CPAP an effective treatment option for moderate to severe sleep apnea cases.

Wondering, how does CPAP work? CPAP machine works with a motor that produces airflow at a predetermined pressure which we call CPAP pressure settings. CPAP therapy is mainly offered for patients with severe CPAP sleep apnea, or those who require a steady air pressure.

Learn about different types of CPAP machines to explore options.

What is APAP?

APAP full form is Automatic Positive Airway Pressure. APAP machine automatically modifies air pressure at your own breathing patterns while sleeping at night. This automatic feature makes them an ideal choice for patients who have different pressure requirements or change sleeping positions while using the machine, such as lying on the other side.

One of the best automatic CPAP machines available today is the ResMed APAP, which guarantees a personalized and comfortable breathing experience according to the specific respiratory pattern. 

To understand more about what is an APAP machine and the benefits of the best APAP machine – The ResMed APAP machine, explore our guide on the ResMed S9 AutoSet for sleep apnea therapy.

Key Differences Between APAP and CPAP

Feature	CPAP	APAP
Pressure Adjustment	Fixed pressure	Automatically adjusts pressure
Patient Adaptability	Less adaptable to breathing changes	Highly adaptable to varying needs
Best Suited For	Severe, consistent apnea cases	Mild to moderate apnea with variability

Advantages of CPAP Therapy

• Consistent Pressure Delivery: The CPAP machine offers dependable ventilation under extreme situations.
• Proven Efficiency: CPAP therapy is perfect for those patients whose breathing patterns are steady and regular.

Learn more about how to use a CPAP machine to maximize its benefits.

Advantages of APAP Therapy

• Pressure flexibility: The APAP machine can adjust to variations in breathing patterns over the night.
• Better Comfort: APAP is perfect for people who need different pressures or who switch positions a lot during the night.
• The top APAP machine with its cutting-edge features, the ResMed APAP machine is a great option.

Who Should Use CPAP?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is ideal for individuals with:

• Severe or persistent sleep apnea: 

CPAP provides a consistent and fixed air pressure, which is why it is best for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea for continuous breathing throughout the night without interruption.

• Stable breathing patterns: 

If your breathing patterns are consistent while you sleep, then CPAP therapy is a reliable and trustworthy treatment method that does not require adjustments for variability.

• Cost-effectiveness: 

CPAP devices are generally less expensive than APAP devices, making them an affordable option for budget-conscious individuals. 

• Medical supervision: 

CPAP is prescribed by doctors after a thorough sleep study to ensure that patients are exposed to consistent air pressure.

• Specific pressure settings: 

There are adjustable CPAP machine pressure settings that make it the best option for maintaining the recommended airflow if you need the pressure set by your doctor.

Who Should Use APAP?

APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) is better suited for individuals with:

• Mild to moderate sleep apnea: 

APAP is ideal for patients whose sleep apnea conditions may change throughout the night or over time as this advanced device automatically adapts the pressure level to the needs of the patient.

• Changes in breathing patterns: 

If you tend to change sleeping positions at night or have different breathing patterns, then APAP is the best option to adjust the level of the hypopnea index to provide you with a better sleep treatment.

• Need more comfort: 

Most people do not like fixed CPAP pressure settings and turn to APAP (Automatic CPAP therapy) as they prefer the flexibility and natural delivery of APAP air pressure according to their needs.

• Changes in sleep states: 

APAP is not only useful for those who travel a lot but also for those who travel from one environmental factor to another, such as altitude or humidity. The APAP device adjusts to these variations effectively.

• Advanced Features: 

The latest APAP devices like the ResMed APAP machine boast advanced features such as data tracking, comfortable settings, and quiet operation for the tech-savvy user looking for convenience. 

Conclusion

While selecting the right sleep apnea machine, it is important to keep in mind the primary goals and needs. CPAP is a reliable treatment for individuals who are looking for constant and consistent oxygen therapy. APAP, on the other hand, is a more flexible and adaptable device that offers comfort to users. Explore our guides on APAP vs CPAP and then consult your doctor to make a well-informed decision. Whether you choose an APAP machine for sleep apnea or CPAP, know that with Respiratory Zone, you’ve made a good choice by getting the best equipment for a small price.