CPAP vs BiPAP training?

PocketDragonFriend · Post by **PocketDragonFriend** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:27 pm

How much different is the BiPAP from the CPAP strictly as a user? I don't mean in the way that the work but in what "training" I need to use the BiPAP.

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:18 pm

The biggest difference that I found is that there is a lot more settings, combinations of different things that may or may not help.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:59 pm

You don't need any more training for a bi-level (Bi-PAP) than you do for a CPAP - UNLESS - you intend to play around w/your settings yourself and in that case you do need additional training but I seriously doubt you will get that from your DME supplier NOR your doctor.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 10:28 pm

Having used both types, I came up with a rule-of-thumb that worked quite well. But, the big point about bilevels is that the pressure difference creates a high level of comfort typically it is set to 3 cms difference but can be as low as 2 of even as high as 5 CMS difference. My advice is seek advice if going to 5 or higher cms difference between ehale pressure and inhale pressure.

My rule was take your cpap titration (say 12 cms) then set epap 2 below that and ipap 1 above. That being a simple rule, does seem to work well.

Of late I am finding i can increase my ipap even higher (by 1 or2 cms) andas long as i keep my 3 CMS gap, it works well.

Good luck

dsm

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:46 am

Put on mask - begin breathing - training complete - Congrats.

johnsack · Post by **johnsack** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 7:19 am

Being a newer user to both Cpap and Bipap I can offer the following.......... as far as training myself goes. I was doing great on the Cpap but have had some problems on the Bipap. My biggest challenge is getting used to the change between pressures. I was set with a pressure of 20I and 14E, a change of 6! I found that getting used to the 20 when on Cpap was no big deal but with the drop to 14, upon inhale the switch to 20 with each breath about blew the mask off of my face. I found it much harder to maintain a seal with the constant switching. Using the Mirage Ultra (which has a inflatable kind of ring that makes the seal) you would really feel the change.

I am still fighting with it but found that placing the pressures closer together in the beginning, and adding 1/2 of a step every 3-4 days allowed me to get closer to the 20-14 my MD wants me on. I am not sure if I will get there or not but taking it slow seems to be working best. Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:13 am

Well, I was only recently switched to a bi-level. USING it is absolutely no different than USING a straight CPAP or an autoPAP. HOWEVER, there are a LOT more settings to my bi-level than I understand well enough at this point to tinker with (at least until AFTER I see my sleep doctor for the follow up).

Maybe it is just this new Resmed VPAP Auto w/the EasyBreathe technology, but I rather doubt it.

For instance in addition to the IPAP and EPAP settings there is:

Pressure Support: 10 Maximum, 0 Minimum
Trigger Sensitivity: High, Medium, Low
Cycle Sensitivity: Low, Medium, High
Exhalation: Slow, Medium, Fast
Ti Minimum: Maxium 4, Minimum 0.1
Ti Maximum: Maximum 4, Minimum 0.1

Along w/the usual options of mode, Ramp time, Settling Time, Mask Selection, Reminders, Leak Alert, SmartStop, etc., etc., etc.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:19 am

same rules applies,

-eliminate leaks
-eliminate apnea
-eliminate hypopnea
-and if you can eliminate snores
-sleep longer

PocketDragonFriend · Post by **PocketDragonFriend** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:06 pm

I'm with you GumbyCT.

I'm switching from CPAP to BiPAP and fighting with the DME.

They say I need to come in for training. I say I canNOT take any more time out of work. Drop off the darn machine and let me get to work.

I KNOW they have shut down every possible option so what's the big deal. My CPAP is currently at 20 (up from 18) and my BiPAP settings are to be 22/18 so not a huge difference in pressure.

I don't need a new mask or supplies, just the BiPAP machine. Don't even need humidifier, hose, case or power supply!

Aggravating. Must be nice to think we all can just leave work.

Oh, and if the machine takes so much "training", why can you buy them on-line? Idiots.

CPAP vs BiPAP training?

CPAP vs BiPAP training?

Thanks for the replies.