Differences Between CPAP & APAP Machines
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are a fixed pressure unit and delivers a continuous, steady level of pressurized air during sleep. CPAP therapy only delivers one airway pressure which is prescribed upon diagnosis of your Sleep Apnea. For example, a machine is set to a fixed pressure of 8cmH20.
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) machines are units defined by their ability to adjust air pressure automatically in order 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 4-10cmH20 and will provide therapy within that range automatically and adjust to your needs.