Benefits of Auto-adjusting (APAP) Machines

Benefits of Auto-adjusting (APAP) Machines

Key Takeaways

  • Auto-adjusting CPAP machines are a common option for treating sleep apnea, designed to adjust the air pressure to a user's breathing as it changes throughout the night. 
  • APAP machines use sensors to detect changes in breathing patterns and match a user's breathing to deliver optimal treatment.
  • Auto-adjusting machines have many benefits, including some to help patients who have trouble sleeping at night.

What Is an Auto-Adjusting CPAP Machine?

Auto-adjusting CPAP machines (APAP) are designed to automatically adjust the amount of pressure delivered on a breath-by-breath basis. The auto-adjusting CPAP can operate in a full CPAP machine mode to deliver constant pressure when desired.  These machines are typically software-capable, or ‘smart’ machines, which can help you and your doctor fine-tune your obstructive sleep apnea therapy and monitor for effectiveness. Learn more about APAP machines.

Benefits of APAP Machines

Ideal Pressure

An APAP machine monitors your sleep and modifies pressure for your changing sleep conditions. For example, if you change your sleeping position, the APAP determines a shift in your breathing pattern and adapts accordingly, so you always maintain the ideal pressure.

Adaptability

Sleeping is not a static event. You can toss and turn, experience nasal congestion one night, or disrupt sleep another night due to a mask leak. APAP helps you stay CPAP compliant with your optimal pressure and improves CPAP therapy comfort regardless of changes in sleep and breathing.

Reduced Sleep Tests

Frequent sleep apnea tests can be part of the sleep apnea experience. Doctors may want to review the status of your sleep apnea to see improvements or changes in sleep patterns.  The process can be costly and inconvenient for patients who already must manage a nightly routine of CPAP therapy. APAP helps maintain consistent CPAP compliance by adapting to changing breathing patterns and reducing the number of sleep tests needed.

Accounts for all Regular Changes

Variable breathing patterns are not always due to outstanding conditions. Some patients may have naturally variable sleep patterns which can be difficult to manage with a traditional CPAP machine. Other patients may have changing health conditions which can cause changes in sleep routines.

Fortunately, APAP machines are ideal for adapting to these variable conditions so even patients with varied sleep patterns or changing health conditions can stay CPAP compliant. 

REM Sleep Adjustment

REM sleep is a critical part of the sleep cycle. Achieving REM sleep regularly helps sharpen concentration and control mood. This stabilizing step in your nightly sleep journey is necessary for sleep health and personal well-being.

APAP helps prevent disruptive sleep episodes by controlling and adapting air pressure settings. APAP essentially helps you stay asleep longer so that you experience REM sleep.

Adjustment for Weather

One unexpected disruption to CPAP therapy is the weather. Changes in humidity and air temperature can affect CPAP therapy and reduce healthy sleep. APAP can adjust to changes in humidity and air temperature that can affect breathing during sleep. APAP helps you sleep comfortably no matter what the weather. Learn more about how the weather affects CPAP therapy here. 

Improved Comfort

Staying comfortable during CPAP helps you sleep better. APAP helps maintain that comfort level by constantly adjusting pressure settings so your comfort—and your sleep—is not disturbed. APAP gradually adjusts pressure to maintain comfortable breathing all night long.  

Ideal for Patients Suffering from Sickness or the Flu

While CPAP therapy is important to maintain every night it can be difficult when suffering with a cold or flu. Nasal congestion can make wearing a mask uncomfortable and symptoms of cold and flu can be aggravated by the dry air of CPAP.

APAP machines can help manage CPAP compliance through periods of illness. With the labored breathing that comes with congestion, APAP adjusts pressure settings for enhanced comfort. An APAP machine with a humidifier can make dry air more soothing until you are well.

Be sure to keep your mask and hose clean while sick to prevent infection from getting worse. Try nasal decongestants to help with symptoms. Be sure to use your humidifier with your APAP to prevent dry air from making symptoms worse.

Ideal for Trouble Sleepers

APAP is the best solution for anyone who suffers from other sleeping problems other than sleep apnea.  Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and other conditions can compound the effects of sleep apnea and make CPAP therapy more challenging.

APAP can help moderate bedtime breathing patterns which can relax an individual before sleep, helping with insomnia and anxiety-related sleep disorders.

Health Benefits

Long-term, improving sleep can have health benefits. Consistent and peaceful sleep can maintain healthy cardiovascular health and reduce high blood pressure.  Well-rested individuals may experience improved cognitive function and emotional well-being. Reducing sleep apnea symptoms with APAP can enhance daytime alertness, improve mood and help make your waking life better.

Where Can I Buy the Best Auto-CPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea Therapy?

Auto-adjusting CPAP machines are available at most medical supply stores. You can also find APAP machines online at medical equipment retailers.  Shopping around at brick-and-mortar stores may not lead you to the best price for your APAP machine. An online search can lead you to a lot of options, some of which may not be reliable.

The CPAP Shop has been providing patients with CPAP, APAP, and other sleep apnea supplies since 2004. Their expert customer service can help you find the APAP machine that fits your needs—and your prescription. For any questions or assistance, please call our team at 866-414-9700.

Chris Vasta

Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes and is frequently tapped to provide reviews on new releases.