PROBLEMS EXHALING HAVE RETURNED! HELP?!

[elliejose]

I did fine for awhile and am back to having a lot of trouble exhaling. Went to the md 2 weeks ago and he is talking of trying bilevel next. Hope I don't have to go that route. But if so, I need advice as to whether to try to get the Respironics auto, the Resmed or what seems to be the better bilevel for most of you. I have been on an auto (Remstar) for quite some time now and had no trouble for awhile. He gave me stronger nose spray to try. So far, I can't really see any improvement.

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks!

[dsm]

If they ask you to take a Bipap (Respironics) insist you get to try it for at least 2 nights first.

Withoug more detail on your mask type, your CMS required etc:, you may find there is difficulty with the IPAP to EPAP flipping too early.

If you do try a Respironics Bipap (it won't take long for you to know if it is a problem) whatever the outcome, pls get back with all the details of your set up.

I am gathering as much info as I can to take to Respironics on this issue.

Good luck.

DSM

[Moogy]

I don't think there is any reason for you to dread trying a bilevel. For many of us, they are more comfortable than straight CPAP, especially if you can get an automatic bilevel with biflex. The Respironics AutoBiPAP is an excellent unit, and you can get software to monitor your own therapy.

The only issue I have is the price, but my insurance paid for most of it. My 20% copay seems a minor investment when I look at the great improvements in my health and my level of alertness.

The "too fast switching" inhale/exhale issue that DSM mentions has NEVER been a problem for me. I rarely even notice the switch, it is so smooth. Maybe that is the biflex working.

Moogy

[rested gal]

The "too fast switching" inhale/exhale issue that DSM mentions has NEVER been a problem for me. I rarely even notice the switch, it is so smooth.

I agree with you, Moogy. After I played with the settings a bit and got them to suit me, I never had that problem in the 4 bi-level machines I've used:

Respironics BiPAP Pro
Respironics BiPAP Pro 2
ResMed VPAP III
ResMed VPAP III ST

[Guest]

I think DSM said to *try it first*. Isn't that a common sense approach

Because there are so many variables (CMS, type of mask) it is quite probable that some set-ups will work for an individual & some wont.

I subscribe to the try-it-first approach

[elliejose]

I am using Swift mask and pressure set now on auto 14 - 20. Have tried changing settings around a bit and these seem to give the lowest AHI. I use Humidaire stand alone heated humidifier. When I find a
Now my pressure seems to run a bit higher than when I first went on auto.
My 90% usually runs 17-20. Don't know what the change is.. it is pollen season, I haven't gained any weight, in fact have lost a few pounds. I use the Remstar Auto/C-flex. Have tried both with and without c-flex. But just am having problems again. I did talk to the DME yesterday and found that my insurance should pay for bipap even tho only been a little over a year since I got cpap. From them I will rent for 10 months and pay 20% (or at least that was the way it was with cpap,) then machine is mine.

Wish that I could rent from them to see if it helps and then buy from cpap.com which would be cheaper for me and insurance co. But I don't guess that would be quite right.

I am ready to find a solution. I was off work today but felt too tired and sleepy to do much of anything.

Any suggestions appreciated.