APAP and CPAP

APAP, or positive airway pressure, is a form of respiratory ventilation, which is commonly used to treat sleep apnea. This method of ventilation is also used to care for critical ill patients in hospital. A patient who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea should consult a doctor, who may recommend a positive airway pressure device.

Delivers air on a “breath-by-breath” basis

Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP Login) is a sleep apnea therapy that delivers air on a breath-by-breath basis. These machines work by delivering pressurized air between two pressure levels to keep the airways open and prevent airway collapse.

The device operates based on complex algorithms. It follows the individual’s breathing pattern and adjusts to the user’s needs. For example, it may decrease the pressure when the convexity of the inspiratory flow waveform faces upward. Similarly, it can increase the pressure when the convexity of this waveform flattens.

APAP devices also have the ability to detect events that can trigger an increase or decrease in pressure. For example, a patient who is experiencing an allergy attack might have their pressure reduced. On the other hand, a person who has lost weight might need a higher pressure.

Costs more than CPAP

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is a sleep apnea treatment that works by delivering a gentle, steady pressure to your throat. While the price of a CPAP machine can be high, the advantages of this type of therapy can outweigh the costs.

A CPAP machine costs between $500 and $1000, depending on the features of the device. If you need to add accessories to the machine, the cost may rise even more.

A CPAP humidifier adds a layer of moisture to the air to help keep your nasal passages from becoming dry. The humidifier chamber can cost anywhere from $20 to $40, while a heated hose can cost up to $150.

When it comes to cost, CPAP is often more expensive than oral appliance therapy. The cheapest CPAP machine is priced at around $850, while the most expensive BiPAP machine can cost as much as $4000.

Can cause pulmonary complications

Several studies have suggested that APAP can cause pulmonary complications. These complications include pneumothorax, interstitial lung disease, and emphysema. Despite this, there are no conclusive proofs of APAP-induced pulmonary injury. It is important to conduct further research into pulmonary complications to improve our understanding of APAP exposure and pulmonary morbidity.

Among the mechanisms by which APAP may induce pulmonary complications, oxidant stress and ER stress pathways are known to be involved. A recent study demonstrated that APAP exposure causes activation of inflammatory ER stress pathways in the distal lung. This has been associated with the upregulation of CYP2E1 expression. However, more work is needed to understand how ER stress pathways contribute to APAP-induced pulmonary complications.

Moreover, APAP metabolism may lead to localized glutathione depletion in the lungs. This could lead to direct pulmonary metabolism of APAP and result in significant alveolar injury.