Differences Between CPAP & APAP Machines
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are fixed pressure units delivering a continuous, steady level of pressurized air during sleep. CPAP therapy only delivers one airway pressure which is prescribed upon diagnosis of Sleep Apnea. For example, a machine can be set to a fixed pressure of 8cmH2O.
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) machines are units defined by their ability to adjust air pressure automatically to provide a patient with the amount of pressure needed to keep the patient’s airways open. Therapy is provided within a range setting. For example, a machine can be set at a pressure range of 4-10cmH2O, and therapy will adjust in that range automatically based on your needs.