How AutoSet works to treat your sleep apnea

What are the benefits of using a ResMed AutoSet™ device for your sleep apnea? How exactly does it work? Find the answers to these and other AutoSet FAQs below.

Q. What are the benefits of using ResMed’s S9 AutoSet™ device?

A. AutoSet adjusts pressure on a breath-by-breath basis to suit your personal breathing needs throughout the night. As a result, you receive the minimum pressure required for therapy, and these lower average pressures help to improve comfort.

Q. How does the device know to adjust pressure in AutoSet mode?

A. After you fall asleep and your pressure needs begin to vary, your AutoSet device responds to three separate parameters, based on the degree of airway blockage caused by your sleep apnea: inspiratory flow limitation, snore, and apnea. AutoSet devices automatically increase pressure as airway blockage starts to occur in order to minimise the chances of it developing into apneas.

Q. How does AutoSet handle hypopnea events?

A. AutoSet devices only respond to hypopnea events when they're associated with airway blockage. Hypopneas that are not associated with airway blockage cannot be treated with increased pressure, and as such an AutoSet device pressure will not increase in these cases. Talk to your doctor or ResMed accredited outlet about which devices can treat hypopnea events.

Q. How fast does AutoSet evaluate and respond to changes?

A. AutoSet assesses breathing and adjusts pressure according to a five-breath average.

Q. I've heard that APAP modes work only for people on low to moderate pressures. Is this true?

A. Actually, the opposite is true. AutoSet technology can provide greater benefits for people who need higher pressures.

Q. I'm looking to purchase a device with APAP mode. Why should I choose ResMed's S9 AutoSet instead of others?

A. Our AutoSet algorithm has been clinically validated in numerous third-party tests and peer-reviewed journals for more than a decade.1,2,3 During this time it has been continually developed and enhanced.

Do you have a question about ResMed's AutoSet that isn't addressed on this page? Contact our customer support, click here to submit an online inquiry.

References

Teschler H, Wessendorf TE, Farhat AA, Konietzko N, Berthon-Jones M. Two months auto-adjusting versus conventional nCPAP for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Eur Respir J. 2000 Jun;15(6):990-
Hukins C. Comparative study of autotitrating and fixed-pressure CPAP in the home: a randomized, single-blind crossover trial. Sleep. 2004 Dec 15;27(8):1512-7. This was an industry supported study by ResMed Australia. Dr. Hukins received research equipment from ResMed Australia.
Massie CA, McArdle N, Hart RW, Schmidt-Nowara WW, Lankford A, Hudgel DW, Gordon N, Douglas NJ. Comparison between automatic and fixed positive airway pressure therapy in the home. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003 Jan 1;167(1):20-3. Supported by a grant from ResMed Corporation.