Since 1996, there have been technologies that allows automatic adjustment of continous positive airway pressure(CPAP) for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS). There are many factors that influences overnight pressure needs in a given individual, including sleep structure, sleeping position, physiological changes in nasal resistance, and fluctuations in body weight.
Several parameters have been used to drive auto-adjusting CPAP,using either pressure or flow signals available inside the device that allow the detection of apneas, hypopneas, snoring, inspiratory flow limitation as a surrogate of upper airway resistance, impedance, or a combination of variables
Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) devices are designed to respond to these factors by increasing pressure as needed to maintain airway and then by decreasing pressure when no events are detected over a time period. As such, APAP maybe able to 1) determine an approprite pressure level for fixed CPAP treatment and 2) act as a chronic treatment of OSAS by providing variable pressure during the night that may improve comfort and adherence.
Please download pdf for complete bulletin
