CPAP Vs. APAP

CPAP and APAP machines are devices that are primarily used to help those suffering from sleep apnea and other breathing problems. Sleep apnea occurs when the respiratory passages are blocked while sleeping, resulting in sudden bouts of breathlessness and similar breathing problems at night. These machines work to enable breathing when such instances occur. Both are based on the principles of Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) that enable easy breathing among those with respiratory conditions. While CPAP refers to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, APAP refers to Automatic Positive Airway Pressure. There is also another device known as BiPAP that refers to Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure. While the purpose of each device is the same, the way they function varies slightly.

Difference Between APAP & CPAP

CPAP is an air pump that delivers pressurized air into the nasal passages through a hose, along with a nasal interface that goes into the patient's throat. The air provided by a CPAP machine reduces instances of breathlessness at night by providing an adequate amount of air into the lungs. This machine also prevents snoring. A nasal mask is used to deliver the air. In some cases, a mask that covers both, the nose and the mouth may be provided, but these have been found less effective in comparison to one that uses only a nasal mask. A CPAP machine may cause side effects such as nasal dryness and nasal congestion. In order to prevent these side effects of the CPAP machine, heated humidifiers have now been made available with these. This does not completely eliminate the effects but only reduces them slightly. While using the CPAP, it is essential that the mouth be closed so that the air pressure reaches the throat. More often than not a chin strap is used to keep a patient's mouth closed.

The APAP machine on the other hand allows for a change of air pressure with each breath taken by the patient. This is the most prominent and effective difference between the CPAP and APAP. This means, while the CPAP allows for a continuous airway pressure level, the APAP allows for adjustments based on the requirement of the patient. For example, when a person using the APAP changes her/his sleeping position, the APAP adjusts the pressure levels to ensure that the required pressure is maintained. This is unlike the CPAP which maintains one pressure level throughout, irrespective of changes in the sleeping position or breathing patterns. In some cases, the breathing of a patient may be normal. At a time like this, the APAP delivers only the required air pressure. If you have a sudden bout of shortness of breath, the APAP machine will adjust the pressure levels to fulfill your breathing requirements when facing such a problem. This is why the APAP machines have been found more effective than CPAP or BiPAP machines. All three machines require you to wear a mask, but the level of efficiency of each varies considerably. Also, there have been some problems with CPAP, after which the BiPAP and APAP were developed.

The settings of both these machines should be made only by your doctor. Do not make an attempt to set these machines on your own. Based on the intensity of you condition, your doctor will decide on the air pressure required by you while breathing. The importance of the setting levels is greater when using the CPAP vs. Auto PAP. As mentioned earlier, the APAP machine will adjust itself based on your breathing pattern. These machines can only be purchased upon prescription, and will be set either by your doctor or your pharmacist (by following suitable instructions by the doctor). A lot of people are now looking for alternatives to CPAP in the form of surgery and other medical procedures. However, the APAP is definitely a better choice when looking for an alternative.

If you believe you are suffering from a sleep disorder, it is essential that you visit your doctor at the earliest. Only your doctor will tell you whether you require any of the PAP machines to control episodes of shortness of breath at night, and will explain to you the use of CPAP vs. APAP, advising you about which one would be more beneficial. Do not diagnose yourself, as health is a very sensitive issue that should be dealt with in the appropriate manner.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.