LINKS to message board discussions with "-SWS"

[rested gal]

Clickable links to many discussion topics that a well respected poster nicknamed "-SWS" participated in on the TAS and cpaptalk message boards.

In the summer of 2005 -SWS took a "leave of absence" from the message boards to devote more time to volunteer work in his community. He was very much missed on the boards. He left a legacy of invaluable technical information to all who want to understand the way the more advanced (auto-cpap and bi-level) machines work.

May 2006!! -SWS made time to post again occasionally on the message board. Welcome reading, indeed!

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-SWS once wrote: "Perhaps the biggest fallacy I have seen repeatedly mentioned on these message boards is that when a patient's AutoPAP cannot successfully treat their SDB [sleep disordered breathing] events, then at least their overnight data is going to be accurate. Nothing could really be further from the truth."


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Jun 28, 2006 subject: APNEA -v- HYPOPNEA
viewtopic.php?t=10545

-SWS's responds to GoofyUT's post: "about a month ago, I did try titrating my floor pressure to deal with the hypops, and found that my 95% pressure was increasing every night, my AHI was increasing, and I was feeling TERRIBLE!!!! So, I lowered it back down to 7 and felt better IMMEDIATELY with lower numbers to boot! "

Discussion about possibility of "CSDB" (Complex Sleep Disordered Breathing) and CO2. "What's a boy to do????"
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Oct 10, 2006 subject: Effects of too much pressure
viewtopic.php?t=14225

Discussion of cwsanfor's NR event. "There are a few (very few) PAP users who seem to experience a slight pressure-induced string of apnea/hypopnea events (on a non-sustained or transitional basis) as soon as pressure is applied."
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Jul 06, 2006 subject: Pressures all over the place. Now what do I do?
viewtopic.php?t=10869

"The "NR" category simply acts as a repository for events that did not resolve within three pressure increments above 8 cm (with unlimited increments allowed below 8 cm). For some patients with long-duration central apneas the "NR" category serves as a better-than-fair central apnea indicator.

For other patients with central apneas that are either of short or fleeting duration (i.e. central apneas disappearing in less than that three-pressure-increment time window), that "NR" category's apnea-detection sensitivity score would drop off considerably."

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Jul 22, 2006 subject: Resmed VPAP Adapt SV - for Central Sleep Apnea
viewtopic.php?t=11458

Discussion of ResMed VPAP III ASV. Cheyne-Stokes respiration and Complex Sleep Disordered Breathing (CSDB)

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Jun 17, 2006 subject: Why would pressure increase while I'm sitting up awake?
viewtopic.php?t=10143

Discussion of "settling time" and the way autopaps look at hypopneas.

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Sep 18, 2005 subject: Respironics New BiPAP-Auto machine
viewtopic.php?t=4674

Discussion contains an email comment from -SWS, included with his permission.
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Oct 29, 2005 subject: Respironics Bipap Auto First Night Impression
viewtopic.php?t=5437

Topic started by Titrator. Includes several comments by a "Guest" who is very knowledgeable (imho) regarding how the machine works.
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Jan 11, 2005 subject: Bman: Spirit Overnight Indices
viewtopic.php?t=817

Topic started by -SWS accidentally logged in as "Guest".

Even though that topic starts out talking about the ResMed Spirit autopap, the topic moves quickly into a very thorough discussion about the PB 420E autopap's IFL1 and IFL2 triggers. It's a "many pages topic", so keep turning the pages!

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Dec 14, 2004 subject: Cardiac oscillations Question
viewtopic.php?t=514

Discussion of how the PB 420E Auto identifies some centrals by sensing "cardiac oscillations" (heartbeats through an open airway.)

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Jan 08, 2005 subject: 420e Specification Correction
viewtopic.php?t=754

"In a past post I erroneously said that the 420e's central apnea specificity was on the order of eighty-some percent. I just now reviewed the 420e central apnea specs and here they are:

420e Central Apnea Specificity=100%
420e Central Apnea Sensitivity= 62%"
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Mar 16 2005 subject: Question to SWS Re: 420E
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... php?t=9818

Discussion of when to turn the 420E autopap's IFL1 setting off.
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Apr 10 2005 subject: A question (or two if I can remember) about the PBG 420E
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... hp?t=10265

-SWS and John discuss PB 420E autopap's IFL1 and IFL2 triggers.

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Jun 28 2004 subject: 420e Serial Cable
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... php?t=5067

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Feb 15, 2005 subject: Home Sleep Study Using RemStar Auto???
viewtopic.php?t=135

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Feb 08, 2005 subject: Can APAP eliminate apneas?
viewtopic.php?t=1255

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Jun 07 2005 subject: Hypopneas - need more info
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... hp?t=11178

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Feb 06, 2005 subject: For Rested Gal or Muck Heidi asks: There are different autotitrating CPAP's correct?
viewtopic.php?t=1231

Question: What besides c-flex is the difference between the various models of APAPs. Is it true that certain auto's key in on certain problems, I hope you understand this question.

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Jan 26, 2005 subject: Show me the light...
viewtopic.php?t=1045

-SWS posts link to Dr. Colin Sullivan and Dr. Rappaport discussing whether "AHI" is useful in diagnosing sleep apnea.

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May 23, 2005 subject: PB Good Knight 420E and hypopneas
viewtopic.php?t=2947

Discussion of how the 420E autopap handles hypopneas.

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Nov 05 2004 subject: need to lower my HI
viewtopic.php?t=2947

Discussion of hypopneas and more - 7 page topic

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Feb 02, 2005 subject: Diary of a new hoser
viewtopic.php?t=1177

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Mar 10, 2005 subject: What is the REMStar Auto really doing?
viewtopic.php?t=1800

Derek, -SWS, Wader, and a very intelligent "Fascinated" Guest discuss loonlvr's posted charts. Extremely interesting 5 page topic.

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Mar 18, 2005 subject: What's REMStar Auto Really Doing? - new thread
viewtopic.php?t=1914

Derek posts more of loonlvr's charts.
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Nov 05, 2005 subject: SUCCESS AT LAST-GERD,420E, PRILOSEC AND BENADRYL
viewtopic.php?t=5551

-SWS's thoughts on loonlvr's massive clusters of events and loonlvr's followup post.

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Feb 15, 2005 subject: Home Sleep Study Using RemStar Auto???
viewtopic.php?t=1357

Derek's post. Discussion of split-night therapy with a REMstar Auto. Page 2 branches into discussion of the role of acid reflux disease and VCD (vocal cord dysfunction) in cpap treatment.

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Apr 11, 2005 subject: Topics: UARS obstructions, 420e, etc.
viewtopic.php?t=2327

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Jun 09, 2005 subject: PB420E: data discepancies between SilverLining and export
viewtopic.php?t=3156

ozij, glassgal, and -SWS go a'sleuthing.

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Jun 15, 2005 subject: Detctive story continued: pb discrepancies...
viewtopic.php?t=3253

The three sleuths continue hot on the trail.

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Apr 16, 2005 subject: Medical Rationale for CPAP over APAP?
viewtopic.php?t=2422

Wide-ranging 5 page topic moves into a discussion of pressure induced central apneas.

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Feb 21, 2005 subject: Remstar Auto - Non-responsive events?
viewtopic.php?t=1483

Three page discussion of Remstar Auto flagging "NR" events.

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Apr 25, 2005 subject: AHI Calculation
viewtopic.php?t=2573

Discussion of how the 420E autopap may tally up the AHI
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Apr 25, 2005 subject: Shouldn't the APAP blow if I hold my breath?
viewtopic.php?t=2561

Discussion of how autopaps handle irregular breathing.

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Apr 04, 2005 subject: Pdf's of Respironics Patents
viewtopic.php?t=2200

Link posted by Derek
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Apr 03, 2005 subject: What is going on???
viewtopic.php?t=2176

Discussion of Derek's graph showing events at pressures using a Respironics REMstar Autopap.

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Mar 18, 2005 subject: Questionable advice from Pulmomologist
viewtopic.php?t=1926

-SWS, Wader, Titrator, Mikesus, and others discuss how IPAP and EPAP are arrived at in "BiPAP" titrations

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Feb 19, 2005 subject: "Sleep Doctor" doesn't like autopaps
viewtopic.php?t=1461

-SWS points out that any xpap platform can fail to treat some patients effectively.

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Mar 05, 2005 subject: Finally slept through the whole night....
viewtopic.php?t=1715

-SWS posts text from Respironics describing what the REMstar Auto does to prevent apneas.

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Feb 24, 2005 subject: Possible Liam Experiment?
viewtopic.php?t=1567

A suggestion for Liam to try in order to get acclimated to cpap/autopap.

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Feb 24, 2005 subject: A hypothetical question...
viewtopic.php?t=1548

Posted by Derek: If, after a series of clinical tests, a medical professional informs a patient that he/she has a certain medical condition while knowing that the tests revealed that the patient did not have that condition, but actually had a much lesser but similar condition, thus scaring the daylights out of the patient, would that constitute malpractice?

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Feb 25, 2005 subject: OSA vs. OSH - Clinical diagnosis practices
viewtopic.php?t=1575

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Feb 11, 2005 subject: Shallow breathing on CPAP
viewtopic.php?t=1301

Discussion ranges into "central apneas."

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Feb 02, 2005 subject: What can you do anyway?
viewtopic.php?t=1179

Wide ranging discussion about pros/cons of autopap vs cpap

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Feb 26, 2005 subject: Respironics rep at ASAA
viewtopic.php?t=1606
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Feb 28, 2005 subject: Large Leak but lowest AHI?
viewtopic.php?t=1638

Head position while sleeping and aerophagia

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Apr 04 2004 subject: AutoPAP Exchange / CPAP gas called "Aerophagia" -SWS posts a brief FAQ about aerophagia
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... php?t=2784
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Feb 09, 2006 subject: Do You Use 420E and Heated Hose? With a thoroughness reminiscent of -SWS, a Guest ("Firehorse") discusses problems arising from piggyback connection of heated hose to 420E.
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... php?t=6950
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Apr 26, 2005 subject: Sleep Disorders and Other Underlying Conditions Interesting article on MSN Health & Fitness entitled Sleep Disorders Can Signal Other Troubles:
viewtopic.php?t=2577

http://articles.health.msn.com/id/100098310/

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In May 2006, -SWS cautioned against labeling technical limitations as "bugs" in algorithms; listing reasons for current technical limitations in xpap machines:

Just be aware that many of those problems truly are limitations of today's technology. I'll underscore the crux of today's technical limitations one more time for the non-technical readers who are following:

1) Patient airflow signals are highly complex composite signals that are comprised of many contributing factors

2) Those highly complex composite signals, unfortunately, manifest with great diversity across the human population

3) The SDB events themselves can never be directly measured via the patient airflow signal

4) Rather, each SDB event type must be indirectly derived on a probability basis from that airflow signal

5) Because airflow signals are so complex and diverse across the human population (even more so across the SDB patient population) there are no 100% probability airflow signals.

6) The lack of "100% probability" airflow signals across the SDB patient population is precisely why any given algorithm cannot achieve a 100% compatibility or efficacy rate across the patient population.

So simply being aware of the fact that many of the problems you document have to do with technical limitations versus "bugs" will probably go a long way toward interfacing with manufacturers.

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May 23, 2006 subject: APAP Does Not Work As Good as BiPap? Some discussions about how autopaps might perform in hypothetical situations.
viewtopic.php?t=9397

[LDuyer]

God, I miss that man!

Thanks, Rested Gal



Linda

[rested gal]

You're speaking for many of us, Linda. Absolutely.

[tomjax]

I am not sure why SWS is not posting. Hopefully he can drop back occasionally. He adds greatly to apap and other topics.
Sometimes a poster may get discouraged due to petty responses and simply leave because they do not need the grief.
On another forum, a very helpful poster named Perry, helped very much with the understanding of issues, but finally gave up because his posts somehow seemed to violate the posting rules. After a while he gave up an left. This happened with many others and likely here also.

Some here seem to turn my postings on the dangers of IMPROPER use of sleep aids into personal attacks. My postings are not my personal opinion, but factual data. They include my experience of over 35 years as a pharmacist and knowing the problems people can have.

I m glad RG and a few others have a thick skin and a willingness to help others. I have learned more here in a few months than several years at the other site. An openess to discuss issues prohibited by the moderator is a main reason. PAP users must be able to learn more when the docs and dme cannot always have the time or expertise to assist us.
Let us hope the rantings of a few will not adversly affect the great potential this forum can do.
And dont forget about the Katrina victims. How much have YOU sent for this effort?

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): APAP

[rested gal]

tomjax, you're right about why Perry left the sleepnet forum - the heavy handed censorship of the admin there.

Fortunately that's not the case here.

I was very glad when I saw you, Tom, come over to the openness of this board. You're right about needing a thick skin sometimes. That goes with getting to enjoy a more open forum. Strong opinions mean that strong disagreements will be voiced occasionally whether either opinion arises from an area of professional expertise or from personal experience. Makes for more interesting reading, doesn't it?

-SWS, however, stopped posting solely due to time constraints. His "time out" is due to happy circumstances. His farewell message, which also appeared on the TAS board:

Jun 16, 2005 subject: Bon Voyage!

[Guest]

It takes a bit of time to look through all the postings.

Any easy way for me to look through all these again and again.

Thanks. Read through some of your postings tonight and very appreciative of your very informative knowledge and experience.

Hate to scroll down to bring up the postings I want to read. May be I would reply with a hello each time I read. Ha!

[ozij]

Thanks again, rested gal - great idea to collect -SWS's posts.

O.

[Guest]

Clickable links to many discussion topics that a well respected poster nicknamed "-SWS" participated in on the TAS and cpaptalk message boards.

In the summer of 2005 -SWS took a "leave of absence" from the message boards to devote more time to volunteer work in his community. He is very much missed on the boards. He left a legacy of invaluable technical information to all who want to understand the way the more advanced (auto-cpap and bi-level) machines work.

_____________________________________

-SWS once wrote: "Perhaps the biggest fallacy I have seen repeatedly mentioned on these message boards is that when a patient's AutoPAP cannot successfully treat their SDB [sleep disordered breathing] events, then at least their overnight data is going to be accurate. Nothing could really be further from the truth."

_____________________________________

Jan 11, 2005 subject: Bman: Spirit Overnight Indices

Topic started by -SWS accidentally logged in as "Guest".

Even though that topic starts out talking about the ResMed Spirit autopap, the topic moves quickly into a very thorough discussion about the PB 420E autopap's IFL1 and IFL2 triggers. It's a "many pages topic", so keep turning the pages!

_______________________________________


Mar 16 2005 subject: Question to SWS Re: 420E

Discussion of when to turn the 420E autopap's IFL1 setting off.
________________________________________


Apr 10 2005 subject: A question (or two if I can remember) about the PBG 420E

-SWS and John discuss PB 420E autopap's IFL1 and IFL2 triggers.

_______________________________________

Jun 28 2004 subject: 420e Serial Cable

__________________________________________

Feb 15, 2005 subject: Home Sleep Study Using RemStar Auto???

___________________________________________


Jun 07 2005 subject: Hypopneas - need more info

_______________________________________

Jan 26, 2005 subject: Show me the light...

-SWS posts link to Dr. Colin Sullivan and Dr. Rappaport discussing whether "AHI" is useful in diagnosing sleep apnea.

_____________________________________

May 23, 2005 subject: PB Good Knight 420E and hypopneas

Discussion of how the 420E autopap handles hypopneas.

_____________________________________


Nov 05 2004 subject: need to lower my HI


Discussion of hypopneas and more - 7 page topic

______________________________________

Feb 02, 2005 subject: Diary of a new hoser

_______________________________________


Mar 10, 2005 subject: What is the REMStar Auto really doing?

Derek, -SWS, Wader, and a very intelligent "Fascinated" Guest discuss loonlvr's posted charts. Extremely interesting 5 page topic.

_______________________________________

Mar 18, 2005 subject: What's REMStar Auto Really Doing? - new thread

Derek posts more of loonlvr's charts.
_______________________________________


Apr 11, 2005 subject: Topics: UARS obstructions, 420e, etc.

_______________________________________


Jun 09, 2005 subject: PB420E: data discepancies between SilverLining and export

ozij, glassgal, and -SWS go a'sleuthing.

_______________________________________

Jun 15, 2005 subject: Detctive story continued: pb discrepancies...

The three sleuths continue hot on the trail.

________________________________________

Apr 16, 2005 subject: Medical Rationale for CPAP over APAP?

Wide-ranging 5 page topic moves into a discussion of pressure induced central apneas.

________________________________________

Feb 21, 2005 subject: Remstar Auto - Non-responsive events?

Three page discussion of Remstar Auto flagging "NR" events.

_______________________________________

Apr 25, 2005 subject: AHI Calculation

Discussion of how the 420E autopap may tally up the AHI
_________________________________________

Apr 25, 2005 subject: Shouldn't the APAP blow if I hold my breath?

Discussion of how autopaps handle irregular breathing.

_________________________________________

Apr 04, 2005 subject: Pdf's of Respironics Patents

Link posted by Derek
_________________________________________

Apr 03, 2005 subject: What is going on???

Discussion of Derek's graph showing events at pressures using a Respironics REMstar Autopap.

_________________________________________

Mar 18, 2005 subject: Questionable advice from Pulmomologist

-SWS, Wader, Titrator, Mikesus, and others discuss how IPAP and EPAP are arrived at in "BiPAP" titrations

__________________________________________

Feb 19, 2005 subject: "Sleep Doctor" doesn't like autopaps

-SWS points out that any xpap platform can fail to treat some patients effectively.

_________________________________________

Feb 24, 2005 subject: Possible Liam Experiment?

A suggestion for Liam to try in order to get acclimated to cpap/autopap.

__________________________________________

Feb 24, 2005 subject: A hypothetical question...

Posted by Derek: If, after a series of clinical tests, a medical professional informs a patient that he/she has a certain medical condition while knowing that the tests revealed that the patient did not have that condition, but actually had a much lesser but similar condition, thus scaring the daylights out of the patient, would that constitute malpractice?

___________________________________________

Feb 25, 2005 subject: OSA vs. OSH - Clinical diagnosis practices

____________________________________________

Feb 11, 2005 subject: Shallow breathing on CPAP

Discussion ranges into "central apneas."

___________________________________________

Feb 02, 2005 subject: What can you do anyway?

Wide ranging discussion about pros/cons of autopap vs cpap

____________________________________________

Feb 26, 2005 subject: Respironics rep at ASAA
____________________________________________

Nov 05, 2005 subject: SUCCESS AT LAST-GERD,420E, PRILOSEC AND BENADRYL

-SWS's thoughts on loonlvr's massive clusters of events.
_____________________________________________

[LDuyer]

Sigh!
I sure miss SWS.
Oh where oh where can he be?