Hi All- I'm new to forum- new to Bipap S/TA machine (Just got it 2 nights ago)
Question about the cycling- The Ipap doesn't seem to be quite long enough- stopping about 1-2 seconds before I've taken a full breath- then the Epap takes over and it too is too short- I find myself having to breath faster than I normally do, and it almsot feels like I'm going to hyperventilate. Is there a setting I can adjust? Or is the machine supposed to automatically adjust to my breathing? I find myself exhaling when the machine is in Ipap, and I fall asleep almost subconsciously worrying about trying to match the pattern of the machine which of course makes falling asleep harder with that subconscious worry going on.
My machine is the Respironics grey model. The mask I'm wearing is doing a number on the bridge of my nose and leaking when I turn my head- been messin with strap but to no avail- I have a longish narrow nose, and we tried a couple of masks during the sleep test but I had to switch over to oracle which worked ok. I'd rather have face mask, but not sure which mask is best- I know it's all subjective, and everyone's different, but for those with larger noses, which masks do you find most comfortable on bridge of nose? My mask is Resmed Mirage
One more quick question- My respiratory therapist wasn't too informative when I went to get the device, and I see folks here talking about chekcing out their apnea info, leak info, oxygen saturation, etc on their machines- How do I do this with my machine? The instructions for the machine don't really tell how to- is it even possible with this machine? My machine has a smart card, not sure if info is on that? If so, How would I view it?
BiPap S/T cycles too quick
BiPap S/T cycles too quick
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Last edited by Nazareth on Sun Jun 17, 2007 1:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Well you have come to the right place.
There are two possibilities for yur problem
1) It just needs some adjustment to the settings
2) You suffer from nasal congestion & don't breath the volume of air through your nose that will match the Bipap S/T's auto-trak air monitoring.
You will already know if you have nasal / sinus problems, if you don't then the chances are it is a config problem.
There are several folk who have or have had Bipap S/T units & can offer helpful advice. I have in my possession a Bipap S/T Gray model (nice machine). I am confident we can help you
So 1st Q is do you have known nasal congestion ?
Cheers
DSM
There are two possibilities for yur problem
1) It just needs some adjustment to the settings
2) You suffer from nasal congestion & don't breath the volume of air through your nose that will match the Bipap S/T's auto-trak air monitoring.
You will already know if you have nasal / sinus problems, if you don't then the chances are it is a config problem.
There are several folk who have or have had Bipap S/T units & can offer helpful advice. I have in my possession a Bipap S/T Gray model (nice machine). I am confident we can help you
So 1st Q is do you have known nasal congestion ?
Cheers
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
Hi DSM- Yes, definately- pretty bad nasal congestions as well as deviated septum- that's why I can't wear nasal masks- my mask is a face mask with no nasal prongs- just regular face mask. I did manage to fall asleep and sleep most of the night after waking up to adjust the mask (Hurting bridge of my nose) but once I got it comfortable, I did fall asleep, but took awhile as it was hard dealing with hte short cycling of air. Of course I'm not sure how I breath when I'm asleep- perhaps my breathign is shorter inhale and exhale then, but it would seem that I'd still get out of rhythm & subconscioiusly struggle with it? If so, that doesn't seem like it would be a good nights sleep?
I notice that sometimes I'll wake up, and the inhale pressure seems to be much lower and not as forceful and I can exhale easier even if machine is on the inhale cycle- not sure if it just seems that way, or if the pressure is lower- I'll even lift the mask to see if it's shooting out air lol- but then again, I'm half out of it when I wake up briefly, so maybe it just seems like less air pressure.
One thing I might mention is that the Epap Ipap timing seems to kinda fluctuate wierdly- one time it will be too short, then then next cycle will be just right on the inhale, but too short on the exhale- the next cycle will be too short for both- it's almost liek the machine is having a hard time deciding what to settle on- there is a 'rise' time setting- I tried all the settings under this- from 1 to 6, but it didn't seem to do much. I just don't really know much abotu htese machines- too many buttons and settings lol.
I'm ordering the oracle oral mask, as I did pretty well with that in sleep study, but the inhale exhale time will still be an issue I think.
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I notice that sometimes I'll wake up, and the inhale pressure seems to be much lower and not as forceful and I can exhale easier even if machine is on the inhale cycle- not sure if it just seems that way, or if the pressure is lower- I'll even lift the mask to see if it's shooting out air lol- but then again, I'm half out of it when I wake up briefly, so maybe it just seems like less air pressure.
One thing I might mention is that the Epap Ipap timing seems to kinda fluctuate wierdly- one time it will be too short, then then next cycle will be just right on the inhale, but too short on the exhale- the next cycle will be too short for both- it's almost liek the machine is having a hard time deciding what to settle on- there is a 'rise' time setting- I tried all the settings under this- from 1 to 6, but it didn't seem to do much. I just don't really know much abotu htese machines- too many buttons and settings lol.
I'm ordering the oracle oral mask, as I did pretty well with that in sleep study, but the inhale exhale time will still be an issue I think.
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Nazareth,
I'm leaning towards the issue being airflow related.
Just to explain why this topic interests me, is because I have
a Bipap Pro 2 (actually 2 of them)
a Bipap Auto
a Bipap S/T Gray Model
Plus have two older Bipaps (Quartet & Original Bipap S/T.
This early fliping happens to me on all the newer machines but not the older ones & after comparing them with 7 other models of BiLevel (PB320, PB330 (S/T), Healthdyne Tranquility BiLevel, Vpap III S & Vpap III S/T plus the 2 older Respironice machines) - none of these do do this early flipping.
In time I concluded that the problem was my own nasal air flow being so restricted, plus my apnea is predominantly from flow limitations & hypopneas - the problem is AFAIK because my nasal airflow is so limited, the Auto-Trak feature can't get a decent pattern going & treats a lot of my breathing as leaks or flow limitations. When it does that it reverts to epap (don't know why - I would have thought the default would be to go to ipap & stay there).
Auto-Trak on the BiLevels appears to be different from Auto-trak on the Autos (in a BiLevel there is no extra algorithm to increase pressure other than the Bipap Auto). The main role of Auto-trak is to detect leaks, to determine when to switch from one level to the other & to work the Bi-Flex feature.
If you can get another BiLevel machine to try it would be very interesting to hear how it behaves.
Just as a further comment, if I mouth breathe - *all* the above Bipaps with Auto-trak work fine. The way they work is very smooth and I can see why those who don't have nasal air flow restrictions would be very happy with them.
Good luck
DSM
I'm leaning towards the issue being airflow related.
Just to explain why this topic interests me, is because I have
a Bipap Pro 2 (actually 2 of them)
a Bipap Auto
a Bipap S/T Gray Model
Plus have two older Bipaps (Quartet & Original Bipap S/T.
This early fliping happens to me on all the newer machines but not the older ones & after comparing them with 7 other models of BiLevel (PB320, PB330 (S/T), Healthdyne Tranquility BiLevel, Vpap III S & Vpap III S/T plus the 2 older Respironice machines) - none of these do do this early flipping.
In time I concluded that the problem was my own nasal air flow being so restricted, plus my apnea is predominantly from flow limitations & hypopneas - the problem is AFAIK because my nasal airflow is so limited, the Auto-Trak feature can't get a decent pattern going & treats a lot of my breathing as leaks or flow limitations. When it does that it reverts to epap (don't know why - I would have thought the default would be to go to ipap & stay there).
Auto-Trak on the BiLevels appears to be different from Auto-trak on the Autos (in a BiLevel there is no extra algorithm to increase pressure other than the Bipap Auto). The main role of Auto-trak is to detect leaks, to determine when to switch from one level to the other & to work the Bi-Flex feature.
If you can get another BiLevel machine to try it would be very interesting to hear how it behaves.
Just as a further comment, if I mouth breathe - *all* the above Bipaps with Auto-trak work fine. The way they work is very smooth and I can see why those who don't have nasal air flow restrictions would be very happy with them.
Good luck
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
You know, that kinda sounds liek it might be the problem- it's almost liek the machine has a hard time trying to decide on a set pattern- either that or my machine is skitzophrenic (sp?)
I've been thinking that a machine with just a steady Ipap/Epap rate would be much preferable- not sure why I need the machine I have, but sure would like to switch to a steady one with S/T backup
I had such a hard tiem getting the machine in the first place, I kinda hate to stir the hornets nest so to speak, and although I got it through Lincare, it was kind of a small shop that didn't even have all the required equiptment, and they really kinda put up a stink about submitting my perscription to Medicare because I was just barely under the requirement for somethign or other, and they and the Doc that wrote perscription wouldn't submit the bill to Medicare until Medicare gave them a 'Variance' which as I only learned 6 months later Medicare doesn't issue lol- It was a long frustrating battle to even get hte machine, and hten to top it all off- Medicare just revised their requirements for Bipap S/T's right before I finally convinced Lincare to just submit the bill & I'd pay for machine if Medicare refused- Ugggh- long battle.
The thing is, My condition is neurological- I just stop breathing cuz brain thinks it's got enough oxy, but it really doesn't- and trying to deal with the constant changing Ipap/Epap causes more subconscious anxiety, and I'm finding that it worsens the condition and I keep waking up gasping for breath worse than before I ever got the machine. Also the back-up pressure for those times doesn't seem to be doing much as I still have the episodes- but I'm thiunking that when I get the Oracle oral mask that the direct pressure into the mouth might help that- the full mask seems to dissipate the back-up pressure too much or something- I dunno- I'm sure I'll get everythign worked out in time- but starting off not knowing much about the dsifferent systems is frustrating- you've been a help- thank you, and I'll talk with Lincare about ordering an auto trak bilevel machine instead- but I spose I'll have to get a perscription first through a Doc.
Are you able to view information like how many apneas, length of sleep before waking & stuff like that with any of S/T machines?
I've been thinking that a machine with just a steady Ipap/Epap rate would be much preferable- not sure why I need the machine I have, but sure would like to switch to a steady one with S/T backup
I had such a hard tiem getting the machine in the first place, I kinda hate to stir the hornets nest so to speak, and although I got it through Lincare, it was kind of a small shop that didn't even have all the required equiptment, and they really kinda put up a stink about submitting my perscription to Medicare because I was just barely under the requirement for somethign or other, and they and the Doc that wrote perscription wouldn't submit the bill to Medicare until Medicare gave them a 'Variance' which as I only learned 6 months later Medicare doesn't issue lol- It was a long frustrating battle to even get hte machine, and hten to top it all off- Medicare just revised their requirements for Bipap S/T's right before I finally convinced Lincare to just submit the bill & I'd pay for machine if Medicare refused- Ugggh- long battle.
The thing is, My condition is neurological- I just stop breathing cuz brain thinks it's got enough oxy, but it really doesn't- and trying to deal with the constant changing Ipap/Epap causes more subconscious anxiety, and I'm finding that it worsens the condition and I keep waking up gasping for breath worse than before I ever got the machine. Also the back-up pressure for those times doesn't seem to be doing much as I still have the episodes- but I'm thiunking that when I get the Oracle oral mask that the direct pressure into the mouth might help that- the full mask seems to dissipate the back-up pressure too much or something- I dunno- I'm sure I'll get everythign worked out in time- but starting off not knowing much about the dsifferent systems is frustrating- you've been a help- thank you, and I'll talk with Lincare about ordering an auto trak bilevel machine instead- but I spose I'll have to get a perscription first through a Doc.
Are you able to view information like how many apneas, length of sleep before waking & stuff like that with any of S/T machines?
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There is a possibility that with tweaking the settings we could improve things but it is a very iffy thing to do. When on S/T you really need a committed RT who understands that machine & how it works & any unusual features it may have.
One other unlucky reality is that the nightly data from many BiLevels (incl the Bipap S/T) is not the type of data you & I would like most.
It will only give minute ventilation (how much air you breathe shown as a graph for the night).
Also it will give the overall AHI but no detail like the Autos do. It does provide leak rate est as well (but the reported leak rate includes the leak rate of the mask you are using so is difficult to make much sense of).
It also reports your breathing rate as a graph.
All the above is great for an RT - we folk like to get graphs on AI, HI, Snoring, plus the above.
I'd like to be more helpful but this is a situation requiring expert advice - I would phone you to discuss some of the set up but am 1000s of miles away on the otherside of the planet. .
Good luck.
DSM
One other unlucky reality is that the nightly data from many BiLevels (incl the Bipap S/T) is not the type of data you & I would like most.
It will only give minute ventilation (how much air you breathe shown as a graph for the night).
Also it will give the overall AHI but no detail like the Autos do. It does provide leak rate est as well (but the reported leak rate includes the leak rate of the mask you are using so is difficult to make much sense of).
It also reports your breathing rate as a graph.
All the above is great for an RT - we folk like to get graphs on AI, HI, Snoring, plus the above.
I'd like to be more helpful but this is a situation requiring expert advice - I would phone you to discuss some of the set up but am 1000s of miles away on the otherside of the planet. .
Good luck.
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Nazareth, assuming your doctor really knew what he was doing when he prescribed a bi-level S/T machine for you, you really need to be letting your doctor and the RT know (tell both of them...over and over and over again, if necessary) about the difficulty you're having with your current machine. I don't think it would be very smart to work on settings with an S/T machine through message board members.Nazareth wrote:The thing is, My condition is neurological- I just stop breathing cuz brain thinks it's got enough oxy, but it really doesn't
When you talk with the doc and the RT, ask them (especially the doctor) if they think the Adapt SV machine might be something to consider for you. If the doctor doesn't know what machine that is, then I'd suggest finding a sleep doctor who has heard of it.
I'm not saying it's what you need. I have no idea what kind of sleep disordered breathing you have or what other health problems you have.
But generally when someone is prescribed an S/T machine, it's likely that their main problem is with central apneas. As you said, "I just stop breathing cuz brain..."
Do ask your doctor about the Adapt SV. And hope he doesn't go, "What?"
viewtopic.php?t=11458
Jul 22, 2006 subject: Resmed VPAP Adapt SV - for Central Sleep Apnea
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Thanks RestedGal- I'll respond more tomorrow- really late/early here and just dropped in quick. I just basically wondered if htere was some easy setting that wasn't technical, that could easily be tweaked- but it doesn't look that way- I know some machines had knobs in the past that controlled stuff like rate- but guess htis one is basically a hands off model for htem ost part. I'll check on that SV model tomorrow- I live in a real rural area, and htere is a good chance My doc won't know what it is- don't really have many choices for Docs around where I am unfortunately, but the Sleep Tech is good and would probably work with me if I showed him some literature on ST machine maybe.
Yeah- I have a mix of apneas- both central and the other kind- but mainly the central - neurological cause apneas. I know I need somethign that will kickstart the breathing part again when it shuts off, and keep monitoring for it
Yeah- I have a mix of apneas- both central and the other kind- but mainly the central - neurological cause apneas. I know I need somethign that will kickstart the breathing part again when it shuts off, and keep monitoring for it
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Bipap ST
1 I had a similar problem when flippings (an excellent term used by DSM) were very fast and the machine was bumping from IPAP to EPAP before my inhalation or exchalation was complete. The sleep tech on duty had hardly any knowledge about this problem and I learnt the next morning that he changed my test from bipap to cpap, although I went for testing only for bipap. Having said that, I would due allowance to the fact, that our knowledge about these amazing machines is not adequate sine most of our sleep tech and doctors are probably not sufficiently exposed to mechanical features of the cpaps or bipaps being so rapidly marketed by the amazing manufacturers.
2 DSM are the test reports of Bipap Auto are exactly the same as given by REspironics Auto with C Flex through Encore Pro Smart cards. I found those details lacking in Bipap with Bflex incorporatedin Bipap St Machine. Is Bipap Auto then better than simple Bipap? Please guide.
2 DSM are the test reports of Bipap Auto are exactly the same as given by REspironics Auto with C Flex through Encore Pro Smart cards. I found those details lacking in Bipap with Bflex incorporatedin Bipap St Machine. Is Bipap Auto then better than simple Bipap? Please guide.
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Nazareth, I just realized that my post sounded like I was chiding you for coming to the board to ask about tweaks for your machine.
As an enthusiastic tweaker myself, a big proponent of "learn all we can about this stuff", and someone who feels that we should take up the reins of our own treatment in every way we are able to do so, I sure wouldn't want to throw cold water on anyone who is struggling to make it work.
What I meant is that message board people who respond to you should think long and hard before offering suggestions to you about changing any of the settings on your machine.
It's one thing to suggest tweaks to the usual machines (cpap, autopap, spontaneous mode bi-level.) That can be an iffy enough thing to do. But when a doctor has prescribed an S/T machine to be used in timed backup mode with specific settings, it's a whole other ballgame for message board responders to offer to help you. Again, that's assuming your diagnosis from the sleep study was correct and that the doctor is correct (which can be a whole other ballgame, too. ) in how he's choosing to treat you.
Anyway, just wanted you to know I applaud your coming to the message board and seeking help. That's a very smart move on your part, imho. Next move I'd take, if I were you, is to pursue whether an Adapt SV machine might be a more comfortable, more effective treatment choice than a bi-level S/T machine.
Good luck and welcome to the board!
As an enthusiastic tweaker myself, a big proponent of "learn all we can about this stuff", and someone who feels that we should take up the reins of our own treatment in every way we are able to do so, I sure wouldn't want to throw cold water on anyone who is struggling to make it work.
What I meant is that message board people who respond to you should think long and hard before offering suggestions to you about changing any of the settings on your machine.
It's one thing to suggest tweaks to the usual machines (cpap, autopap, spontaneous mode bi-level.) That can be an iffy enough thing to do. But when a doctor has prescribed an S/T machine to be used in timed backup mode with specific settings, it's a whole other ballgame for message board responders to offer to help you. Again, that's assuming your diagnosis from the sleep study was correct and that the doctor is correct (which can be a whole other ballgame, too. ) in how he's choosing to treat you.
Anyway, just wanted you to know I applaud your coming to the message board and seeking help. That's a very smart move on your part, imho. Next move I'd take, if I were you, is to pursue whether an Adapt SV machine might be a more comfortable, more effective treatment choice than a bi-level S/T machine.
Good luck and welcome to the board!
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Hi Rested Gal- I didn't take your post that way at all- I appreciate and understand your concern that this S/T machine is quite technical, and not wise to mess with the wrong settings, and I certainly don't want ot mess anythign up on the machine. I was wondering though if there might be a 'rate of inhale/exhale' setting that I wasn't aware of that controlled the time of air instead of the adjusting the pressure itself.
I think I was more relaxed about the machine last night and decided to just say the heck with trying to adjust my breathing to match it. It was still annoying, but I seemed to drop off to sleep better- slept all night- not sure what happens while I'm asleep- Not sure if the body struggles against beathing out when the machine is shooting air out- seems like it would be a struggle, but maybe the breathing just self adjusts without a problem- wish I knew more about all this.
The smart card- what do I do with it? Do I take it to a sleep techinician and have them annylize the results? Would like to know what's going on while I'm sleeping to see if the machine is even helping or not. Seems it should be rocording stuff like Apneas? I'm not sure who needs to read the results? Sleep tech? Doc? What's the normal proceedure for this?
--Javade- I'm in the same perdicament- Not many people in my area apparently know much about the issues- The Lincare store I got my machine from finally kept telling me the reason it took so long was because, and I quote the respiratory therapist as saying "In my twelve years of working here, I've never had to set anyone up with htis type of machine- it's very elite machine, and we need to make sure Medicare is going to approve it before we submit the paper work for it" That's why it took me so long to get the machine- they wanted prior approval from Medicare before they would even order the machine- Like a dummy, I trusted that they needed prior approval from Medicare, and just waited, and waited, and waited- finally after 6 months, I called Medicare (took me two days to finally get through to the right department after being on hold for hours- sent to wrong department etc) and I explained that Lincare said they needed a 'Varience' from them before they would order the machine. Medicare was like "What? A What? We've never heard of a company requesting a Varience, and we don't even require a varience, nor do we issue or require prior approvals- Lincare just needs to submit the paper work, order the machine, and that is that" Arrrgh!!!
I had to call the doctors office, who said "Nope- we won't issue a perscription until we get the varience from Medicare, because Lincare said they won't submit hte paper work until they get the varience"- So I'd call Lincare, tell them what Medicare said, and Luncare wouldn't budge, claiming the Doctor was the one who needed the varience because I was 'just slightly under the reuirements for a BiPap S/T" and they were worried Medicare was going to deny it. Seemd like everyone was just passing the buck and I was getting absolutely nowhere, and didn't even know who to talk to or what to ask. Finally, The Doctors office called, told me they were writing the perscription, and I asked if they got the varience, they said "No- you said Medicare didn't need a varience, so the Doc just said to write hte perscription" I was stunned.
When getting the machine from Lincare, I asked "Are there inline bacteria filters for the machine?" (I need a humidifier with machine so I wondered about bacteria as I'm susceptible to lung infections because of Asthma). The therapist said "Filters? No, this machine doesn't have filters for hose." I get home, open the book for the machine, and lo and behold, there's a big picture of a hose filter in the first few pages.
I talked with hte sleep techician and he asked (before I got hte machine) if I'd received it yet, and I said no and told him that Lincare had said the lincare therapist said she had never dealt with a BiPap S/T machine before, and hte tech looked at me funny and said "Huh? We've had 6 people since January who have needed a BiPap S/T- I find it funny that Lincare hasn't had even one person who needed S/T machine"
Sorry ot ramble- but it gives you an idea what I'm up agaisnt where I live. Been a long very frustrating ordeal, and I don't think the folks at htis particular Lincare shop have too much knowledge in regards to sleep apnea machines. Now I feel like I'm locked into having to deal through them as they are the ones who got the machine- there are a couple of providers in that city, but I'm not sure if I can transfere to them.
I think I was more relaxed about the machine last night and decided to just say the heck with trying to adjust my breathing to match it. It was still annoying, but I seemed to drop off to sleep better- slept all night- not sure what happens while I'm asleep- Not sure if the body struggles against beathing out when the machine is shooting air out- seems like it would be a struggle, but maybe the breathing just self adjusts without a problem- wish I knew more about all this.
The smart card- what do I do with it? Do I take it to a sleep techinician and have them annylize the results? Would like to know what's going on while I'm sleeping to see if the machine is even helping or not. Seems it should be rocording stuff like Apneas? I'm not sure who needs to read the results? Sleep tech? Doc? What's the normal proceedure for this?
--Javade- I'm in the same perdicament- Not many people in my area apparently know much about the issues- The Lincare store I got my machine from finally kept telling me the reason it took so long was because, and I quote the respiratory therapist as saying "In my twelve years of working here, I've never had to set anyone up with htis type of machine- it's very elite machine, and we need to make sure Medicare is going to approve it before we submit the paper work for it" That's why it took me so long to get the machine- they wanted prior approval from Medicare before they would even order the machine- Like a dummy, I trusted that they needed prior approval from Medicare, and just waited, and waited, and waited- finally after 6 months, I called Medicare (took me two days to finally get through to the right department after being on hold for hours- sent to wrong department etc) and I explained that Lincare said they needed a 'Varience' from them before they would order the machine. Medicare was like "What? A What? We've never heard of a company requesting a Varience, and we don't even require a varience, nor do we issue or require prior approvals- Lincare just needs to submit the paper work, order the machine, and that is that" Arrrgh!!!
I had to call the doctors office, who said "Nope- we won't issue a perscription until we get the varience from Medicare, because Lincare said they won't submit hte paper work until they get the varience"- So I'd call Lincare, tell them what Medicare said, and Luncare wouldn't budge, claiming the Doctor was the one who needed the varience because I was 'just slightly under the reuirements for a BiPap S/T" and they were worried Medicare was going to deny it. Seemd like everyone was just passing the buck and I was getting absolutely nowhere, and didn't even know who to talk to or what to ask. Finally, The Doctors office called, told me they were writing the perscription, and I asked if they got the varience, they said "No- you said Medicare didn't need a varience, so the Doc just said to write hte perscription" I was stunned.
When getting the machine from Lincare, I asked "Are there inline bacteria filters for the machine?" (I need a humidifier with machine so I wondered about bacteria as I'm susceptible to lung infections because of Asthma). The therapist said "Filters? No, this machine doesn't have filters for hose." I get home, open the book for the machine, and lo and behold, there's a big picture of a hose filter in the first few pages.
I talked with hte sleep techician and he asked (before I got hte machine) if I'd received it yet, and I said no and told him that Lincare had said the lincare therapist said she had never dealt with a BiPap S/T machine before, and hte tech looked at me funny and said "Huh? We've had 6 people since January who have needed a BiPap S/T- I find it funny that Lincare hasn't had even one person who needed S/T machine"
Sorry ot ramble- but it gives you an idea what I'm up agaisnt where I live. Been a long very frustrating ordeal, and I don't think the folks at htis particular Lincare shop have too much knowledge in regards to sleep apnea machines. Now I feel like I'm locked into having to deal through them as they are the ones who got the machine- there are a couple of providers in that city, but I'm not sure if I can transfere to them.
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christinequilts
- Posts: 489
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 12:06 pm
I'm back from my weekend trip, but I'm trying to catch up on way too many things today, including sleep, to post much now, but I'll try to come back later and see if I can explain some things. I'm a long time BiPAP ST user (3+ years), switched to VPAP Adapt SV 6+ months ago and also on Medicare. I was lucky enough to get a wonderful sleep doc from the beginning, who went out of his way to make sure I would get the best treatment possible, even though it wasn't always easy.
Do you have a copy of your sleep study & titration? If not, I'd request one as it will help us figure out what may be going on. And what are your settings on BiPAP ST- should be something like 13/7, backup rate 10 (IPAP(inhale)/EPAP(exhale), backup rate= # of breaths per minute)
Also, don't give up on your current machine yet- to me, it sounds more like you're getting anxious & 'letting' the machine lead, when you are actually leading it- its a common new BiPAP user problem. It could also be caused by too high of a backup rate, which should be a few breaths per minute (BPM) lower then what you need, or by some other 'comfort settings', but that's not the first thing I would go to personal.
In the mean time, RestedGal has a collection of links to some of my older post on central apneas, otherwise you could do a search of my user name or click on my profile...a vast majority of my post are on centrals & BiPAP ST.
Do you have a copy of your sleep study & titration? If not, I'd request one as it will help us figure out what may be going on. And what are your settings on BiPAP ST- should be something like 13/7, backup rate 10 (IPAP(inhale)/EPAP(exhale), backup rate= # of breaths per minute)
Also, don't give up on your current machine yet- to me, it sounds more like you're getting anxious & 'letting' the machine lead, when you are actually leading it- its a common new BiPAP user problem. It could also be caused by too high of a backup rate, which should be a few breaths per minute (BPM) lower then what you need, or by some other 'comfort settings', but that's not the first thing I would go to personal.
In the mean time, RestedGal has a collection of links to some of my older post on central apneas, otherwise you could do a search of my user name or click on my profile...a vast majority of my post are on centrals & BiPAP ST.
~~~Christine~~~
Dx- Central Sleep Apnea (AHI-65)/CSDB, periodic breathing, severe Alpha Wave Intrusion, & CAP
Dx- Central Sleep Apnea (AHI-65)/CSDB, periodic breathing, severe Alpha Wave Intrusion, & CAP
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
So glad you're back, Christine!
Nazareth, Christine is a lady who can help you the most on here. You can find many of her extremely informative posts at this link:
Links to Central Apnea discussions
viewtopic.php?p=22702
Nazareth, Christine is a lady who can help you the most on here. You can find many of her extremely informative posts at this link:
Links to Central Apnea discussions
viewtopic.php?p=22702
ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
Hi Christine- thanks for the reply.
My numbers are 12/8 with respiratory rate of 14 bpm's, rise of 3, inspiratory time of 1.5- the report goes on to say that at these rates, central events subsided and sustained sleep was achieved.
I'll certainly look through your posts as I'd like to give this machine a good chance- but I'm writing this fresh from a 2 hour nap in which I probably slept only about 45 minutes because of struggling with the breathing- the machine just acts really wierd. the machine breaths are erratic- it Ipaps for about 1.5 seconds, then epaps for about 2 seconds, then 2 seconds Ipap, 2 second Epap, then 4 seconds Ipap, 3 second Epap, back to 1.5 repat this sequence.
If I breath out after the 4 second one, and keep breathing out while the 1.5 second machine inhale takes place, it will go right back to the 4 second machine inhale- but I have to keep breathing out while the machine does it's 1.5 Ipap.
I find I can't really lead the machine because the Ipap stops abruptly and I can't keep breathign in well. It's just forceful enough that they kinda of overtake my natural breathing- I mean, I can keep breathign when the Ipap stops too son, but then I've got to exhale through the next Ipap.
An odd thing happens though- I'll fall asleep, and wake up some times and the machine is not as forceful and hte breathign is pretty easy- I take mask off, come back put maks back on, and it's right back ot the forceful pressures.
I dunnoI find myself giving up and just not even fighting it, and breathign along with the erratic timings, just try to fall asleep like that.
My numbers are 12/8 with respiratory rate of 14 bpm's, rise of 3, inspiratory time of 1.5- the report goes on to say that at these rates, central events subsided and sustained sleep was achieved.
I'll certainly look through your posts as I'd like to give this machine a good chance- but I'm writing this fresh from a 2 hour nap in which I probably slept only about 45 minutes because of struggling with the breathing- the machine just acts really wierd. the machine breaths are erratic- it Ipaps for about 1.5 seconds, then epaps for about 2 seconds, then 2 seconds Ipap, 2 second Epap, then 4 seconds Ipap, 3 second Epap, back to 1.5 repat this sequence.
If I breath out after the 4 second one, and keep breathing out while the 1.5 second machine inhale takes place, it will go right back to the 4 second machine inhale- but I have to keep breathing out while the machine does it's 1.5 Ipap.
I find I can't really lead the machine because the Ipap stops abruptly and I can't keep breathign in well. It's just forceful enough that they kinda of overtake my natural breathing- I mean, I can keep breathign when the Ipap stops too son, but then I've got to exhale through the next Ipap.
An odd thing happens though- I'll fall asleep, and wake up some times and the machine is not as forceful and hte breathign is pretty easy- I take mask off, come back put maks back on, and it's right back ot the forceful pressures.
I dunnoI find myself giving up and just not even fighting it, and breathign along with the erratic timings, just try to fall asleep like that.
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