What is the CPAP Ramp Feature?

This post was originally posted on August 1, 2017, and updated on January 11, 2024.

CPAP therapy is not easy for a lot of users, especially those new to CPAP machines. Wearing a mask during sleep with pressurized air doesn’t feel normal and can lead to users abandoning their therapy. AutoRamp and adjustable ramp time are features available on many CPAP machines that help users get accustomed to CPAP therapy, so they stay CPAP compliant.

What Does CPAP Ramp Mean?

A CPAP ramp starts your CPAP therapy at a lower pressurized air setting then you may have been prescribed by your doctor. The lower setting makes it easier to fall asleep. Once asleep, your CPAP machine “ramps” up to the higher setting recommended by your doctor for CPAP compliance to help avoid apneas at night.

What is Ramp Time?

Ramp time is the period from the first lower air pressure setting to fall asleep to the higher pressure setting once you are asleep. Some ramp functions are adjustable so you can set this period of time to fit your own personal sleep patterns. On most CPAP machines the default setting is about 45 minutes before the elevation to the higher setting.

What is It Like to Use the Ramp Feature?

For new users of CPAP machines, the intensity of pressurized air can be overwhelming. Many users may choke on the air and give up on therapy. The ramp feature eases users into the habit of breathing pressurized air gradually so that they stick to their therapy. In some instances, users may stop the ramp feature entirely once they get used to the sensation of their mask and pressurized air while sleeping.

What is AutoRamp?

AutoRamp is a CPAP machine innovation that takes the ramp feature to the next level. AutoRamp starts with a low pressure setting, then when it detects that you have fallen asleep elevates the setting to your prescribed level. This smart technology monitors breath to sense the difference between your waking respiration rate and your sleeping respiration rate.

What Are the Benefits of AutoRamp?

• If you have difficulty falling asleep during CPAP therapy, AutoRamp is the best solution to ensure you stay CPAP complaint and fall asleep peacefully.
• Some CPAP machines can be noisy, which can disturb sleep. The lower pressure setting of AutoRamp is much quieter and makes it easier to rest.
• Because you are falling asleep faster and easier with the help of AutoRamp, you will enjoy a higher quality of sleep. Better sleep means better overall health.

How Does AutoRamp Work?

Set your CPAP machine to the auto setting. The machine will automatically detect changes in breathing as you fall asleep and adjust the air pressure setting accordingly. If you wish to adjust the machine differently than the default auto setting, you can adjust the timer to fit your personal sleeping preferences.

How To Set Up the Ramp Function in CPAP Machine

Every CPAP machine has a slightly different ramp, but generally, you will find all machines include these two settings.

Starting Pressure

This is the air pressure at which your ramp will begin. In most cases, the default will be the lowest possible setting, but it can be adjusted if you are comfortable with a higher pressure setting.

Ramp Duration

This setting determines how long the machine will take to ramp up to the prescribed pressure setting. The default setting for most is 45 minutes, but this can be adjusted according to your comfort.

With these two ramp settings, users may have an easier time adjusting to their CPAP therapy.

Do I Need Ramp Feature with My CPAP Machine?

If you have no problems with your CPAP therapy, then a ramp feature is not necessary on a CPAP machine. However, if you are new to CPAP therapy and are just purchasing your first CPAP machine, it might be a good idea to select a machine with a ramp feature. If you find that your prescribed pressure setting makes it difficult to fall asleep, you can switch on the ramp feature to help you get to sleep for the first few nights.

What Are the Benefits of CPAP Ramp Features?

For new users, getting used to CPAP isn’t easy. At times, those first few weeks may be so uncomfortable that you abandon therapy altogether.

The ramp feature introduces and acclimates you to the pressurized air of CPAP therapy at the most critical time of discomfort – when you are trying to go to sleep. By gradually increasing therapy pressure, the ramp allows users to fall asleep comfortably while still delivering effective treatment for their sleep apnea.

Potential Problems of Ramping Up

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Waking Up When the PAP Machine Reaches Final Pressure

If you wake up at your prescribed high pressure setting that means you are not adjusting to that setting even after you have fallen asleep. Stop using the ramp feature. Try using your CPAP machine at a lower pressure setting for a while, then gradually increase pressure settings as you become used to it.

How to Restart Ramp

Sometimes you may wake in the middle of the night for many reasons unrelated to your sleep apnea and disrupt your ramp function. If you need to restart the ramp feature you can power off your CPAP machine and then start it again. Your ramp feature should resume as set. 

Overusing Ramp Feature

For CPAP therapy to be effective you must achieve your prescribed pressure setting. Because some users find their prescribed setting uncomfortable, they overuse their ramp feature, using CPAP at consistently lower settings. While the ramp is helpful, you must try to get used to your prescribed setting in order for therapy to work.

What is New in The Ramp Feature?

Innovations in ramp technology include CPAP machines that can detect when a sleep apnea episode is occurring and adjust pressure settings accordingly. Rather than just elevating from a low to a high setting as current CPAP machines do this new development allows the CPAP machine to target apneas as they happen.

Can I Find a Ramp on Every CPAP Machine?

The ramp is a common feature on most CPAP machines, but not all machines have it. Be sure to check with your provider to determine if it is an option on your machine. If purchasing from an online retailer, be sure to double-check machine features.

Here are a few models that include ramp function: 

• Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine
• ResMed AirSense 10 Auto CPAP Machine
• Fisher and Paykel SleepStyle Auto CPAP Machine
• Transcend 3 miniCPAP
• ResMed AirSense 10 Auto for Her - A CPAP Machine for Her

If you have questions about adjusting your ramp feature or CPAP therapy in general, our knowledgeable customer care team is standing by! Contact us via phone at 866-414-9700 or via email at questions@thecpapshop.com.