What is Auto CPAP

The "gold standard" and most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. In CPAP treatment, the patient wears a mask that delivers a steady and constant stream of room-temperate filtered air. The stream of air pressure holds the airway open and prevents obstruction by the tongue or soft palate. Ninety-five percent of patients who use CPAP see a 90-95% reduction in their apnea hypopnea index which makes CPAP the optimal treatment for sleep apnea patients. Patients who begin CPAP treatment often report an immediate improvement in their quality of sleep and quality of life.

CPAPs are used at home, although they must be calibrated by a sleep technician in a sleep lab prior to being used so the correct pressure can be obtained. This process is called titration. In contrast to CPAPs, APAPs (or Auto-PAPs or Auto-titrating PAPs) are self-titrating and automatically adjust the pressure throughout each and every night to maximize sleep quality and resolution of obstructive events. APAPs do not need to be titrated in a sleep lab and are effective from the first night of use. The patient can begin using the APAP at home immediately and rarely will need a lab titration.

The AutoCPAP Advantage

The APAP is equipped with sensors that track respiration. The sensors allow the APAP to adjust the airway pressure to the patient's needs. When a person is breathing normally, the pressure delivered is low. When the APAP senses an apnea or hypopnea, it automatically increases its air pressure to keep the airway open and unobstructed. The end result is that sleep quality is preserved while delivering up to 40% less pressure than the traditional CPAP (which has one constant pressure), leading to a better night's sleep. In addition, the APAP doesn't require a titration in the lab, saving on doctor and sleep lab visits.