Autoadjusting Positive Airway Pressure (AutoPAP)
This unit is auto titrating. It adjusts the inspiratory pressure to the degree of airway obstruction. It is constantly varying throughout sleep time. If no apnea is sensed it delivers minimal pressure. With any apnea even pressure increases to maintain an open airway at all times.
The physician would order an AutoPAP at 4 and 20. This meets the full range of possible pressure requirements. This unit, along with some CPAP and BiPAP units have recording capabilities. A smart card is held in the unit for a length of time and then downloaded. The report will show pressure required and patient compliance in days and hours. If downloads are needed, they must be specifically ordered.
Note: As with the BiPAP, a CPAP must be tried for 3 months prior to ordering a change to an AutoPAP.
