Automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) devices are a type of therapy equipment designed to maintain a consistent flow of air into the airways during sleep. These devices constantly monitor breathing patterns and adjust the air pressure delivered to respond to the user’s needs, offering a personalized treatment experience throughout the night. This dynamic pressure adjustment differentiates them from Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, which deliver a fixed pressure.
The ability to adapt to changing sleep stages and breathing variations offers several potential advantages. It may lead to greater comfort, especially for individuals who find a fixed pressure challenging to tolerate. The automatic adjustments can also address issues like positional sleep apnea, where breathing disruptions occur primarily when sleeping in certain positions. The development of these devices reflects an ongoing advancement in sleep therapy technology, aiming to provide more effective and personalized treatments for sleep-disordered breathing.