If the airway completely collapses, it’s called apnea.
If it partially collapses, it’s calledhypopnea.
The total number of these events per hour of sleep is known as theapnea-hypopnea index (AHI).
Somsak Bumroongwong / EyeEm / Getty Images
You might think that severe OSA requires a higher CPAP pressure setting to treat it.
Most people require more pressure than this low setting.
The average setting often lies between these two extremes.
Levels above 15-20 CWP may require a change tobilevel therapy,(BPAP).
This is done remotely from another room so that you are not disturbed.
This setting should also be optimized while sleeping supine (on your back) when sleep apnea often worsens.
With this, the prescribing physician recommends a range of pressures.
The machine will start low and adjust upwards as needed in response to measured airway resistance.
Some people with mild OSA need high pressures and some people with severe OSA need relatively modest pressure.
Factors that affect the pressure setting include:
In addition, being overweight or obese may influence the prefs.
It may also vary somewhat during the night, depending on your sleep position and sleep stage.
Remember the Mask
A CPAP mask can deliver air through the nose or the mouth.
There are no differences in efficacy among the different mask types.
The best mask is the one you find comfortable and will wear regularly.
Summary
Multiple factors are involved in determining the best CPAP setting.
The most important is the anatomy of the upper airway and the nature of the airway obstruction.
In the end, the pressure tweaks should be determined by a board-certified sleep physician.
This will result in less daytime sleepiness and reduced risk of health complications associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.Understanding the results.
Sleep Foundation.CPAP pressure tweaks.
2020 Jul 23;56:21-24. doi:10.29390/cjrt-2020-005
Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.Understanding PAP.
