CPAP Pressure Estimator

CPAP pressure ranges from 4-20 cmH2O, with most patients needing 8-12 cmH2O. The exact pressure is determined by a sleep specialist through in-lab titration study or by reviewing data from an auto-adjusting CPAP (APAP). Factors include BMI, neck circumference, and AHI severity.

CPAP delivers a single fixed pressure all night. APAP (auto-titrating PAP) automatically adjusts pressure breath-by-breath between a set range, delivering only the pressure needed. APAP is often preferred for comfort and is used for both treatment and pressure determination.

Medicare defines compliance as using CPAP >= 4 hours per night on >= 70% of nights. However, optimal health benefits come from using CPAP all night, every night. Studies show each additional hour of use provides incremental benefit for daytime alertness and cardiovascular health.