What Is an Apap Machine?

APAP stands for automatic positive airway pressure, which describes a machine used to treat sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when blocked airways interrupt your breathing as you sleep at night. APAP machines help keep your breathing continuous.

APAP vs. CPAP

• CPAP stands for continuous positive air pressure. CPAP machines blow air at a specific pre-set pressure that is high enough to keep your airway open during sleep. APAP machines are a specific type of CPAP machine that automatically adjust the pressure on a breath-by-breath basis to your specific needs.

Compliance

• Despite the danger of sleep apnea, many patients lack compliance with CPAP machines. The constant high pressure can feel irritating. APAP machines improve patient compliance, as they significantly reduce the pressure required. When patients feel comfortable using the machine, they use it more often.

Filters

• All APAP and CPAP machines include filters to clean the pressurized air before you breath it. Usually, these filters are constructed from a washable foam material. Some APAP machines use very fine filtration systems with disposable paper filters. The only maintenance APAP machines require is the cleaning and changing of these filters.