Click on the questions below to expand and reveal the answers...
AutoSet™ devices adjust pressure on a breath-by-breath basis to suit patient needs as they change throughout the night. As a result, patients receive the minimum pressure required for effective therapy. The lower average pressures improve comfort, reduce pressure-related side effects, and lead to more consistent use of therapy.
After you fall asleep and your pressure needs begin to vary, your AutoSet™ device responds to three separate parameters: inspiratory flow limitation, snore, and apnoea. AutoSet devices act pre-emptively by increasing pressure in response to inspiratory flow limitation and snore, both of which typically precede obstructive apnoeas. The AutoSet device calculates the pressure you need based on the severity of the event. This early intervention prevents obstructive apnoeas and reduces respiratory arousals.
AutoSet™ devices respond to obstructive hypopnoea events when they are associated with flow limitation or snoring. Hypopnoeas that are central in origin (related to your central nervous system, not physical obstruction) should not be treated with increased pressure.
This is a more difficult question to answer. The short answer is that all masks have different physical characteristics and an AutoSet device needs to know the specific characteristics of a mask for best performance. AutoSet™ devices respond to conditions like leak, snore, and inspiratory flow limitation. To properly treat a person with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), an AutoSet device needs to know exactly how much of the conditions it detects come from the mask. All masks have some degree of leak to ensure users get fresh air. All masks also have some degree of resistance by virtue of their materials, contours, and leak. So using a mask that is "unknown" to the AutoSet™ device won't let it do its job properly.
Actually, the opposite is true. According to a recent study, AutoSet™ technology provides the greatest benefits for people on 10 cm H2O or more.
The AutoSet algorithm has been clinically validated in numerous third-party tests and peer-reviewed journals over the past 11 years.
AutoSet™ devices evaluate flow limitation on a breath-by-breath basis and adjust pressure according to a five-breath average.
Do you have a question you would like answered?
To speak with a ResMed Patient Advocate or report any performance concerns with your ResMed product, call ResMed sleepVantage on 0800 917 7071 (Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm GMT).
If you have a specific, individual health concern—especially one related to your treatment—please discuss it directly with your health professional.