New AirCurve 10 VAUTO

Hey all,

Getting a new machine (I have a new one allowed each 5 years) and chose an AirCurve 10 VAUTO instead of a another AirSense 10 Elite (for example). This is "self" managed, not prescribed as my local DME are very abrasive when you don't purchase through them, and prices are typically 2x for the same machine purchased online - i.e. the "best" machine I could get through them would have been an S9, or S10 Elite.

I, in most likelihood, do not need any of the advanced features (at least at this time) but will not get another machine for another 5ish years, don't know what might change in that time, and was within my medical plan budget. I do struggle with exhalation (feeling smothered) so I am hoping to alleviate that last concern. My AHI's do fluctuate so thinking this will provide more options as well.

Any initial thoughts on setting it up, configuration in comparison to my current machine (ResMed S9 Elite). Any technician menu hotkeys etc etc. Initial plan is to emulate what I have now configured, collect data, and then slowly adjust for optimal settings, minimal AHI etc.

GrantT wrote:Getting a new machine (I have a new one allowed each 5 years)

Allowed? Does that mean you expect your insurance to pay for the new machine?

If so, have you talked to your insurance company about what is needed to get them to pay? The BiLevel machine you intend to get has a different HCPCS code than an APAP or CPAP.

HCPCS Codes

CPAP or APAP ---> E0601

BiLevel or BiPAP ---> E0470

All insurance companies (USA) pay strictly by HCPCS codes. Many insurance companies will require a doctor's prescription that specifies BiPAP or BiLevel required. Some insurance companies also require an explanation for the requirement from the doctor.

I would call my insurance company and ask them about HCPCS code E0470.

BTW, what are your pressure setting requirements?

ChicagoGranny wrote:

GrantT wrote:Getting a new machine (I have a new one allowed each 5 years)

Allowed? Does that mean you expect your insurance to pay for the new machine?

Already done/covered. I'm not under the US system as you have described.

Currently my S9 pressure is set from 7-14. I have the pressure relief set to 3 which helps with exhalation. I plan to emulate this on the new machine, and then like said, monitor and adjust. Like mentioned, because the machine was not purchased through the DME, they really have no interest in providing support.

GrantT wrote:Any initial thoughts on setting it up, configuration in comparison to my current machine (ResMed S9 Elite)

GrantT wrote:Currently my S9 pressure is set from 7-14. I have the pressure relief set to 3 which helps with exhalation.

Do you mean you use the ramp starting at 7 and it goes up to 14 over period of time?
The Elite won't auto adjust as in 7 minimum and 14 max...
It only offers a fixed pressure with whatever EPR you select.

Grant...do you have the machine yet?
Do you have the clinical provider manual yet?

Oh...and what mode are you wanting to use with AirCurve? There are 3 modes available.
You have cpap mode which is like your Elite...fixed bilevel or S mode...and auto adjusting bilevel mode.

If you are having problems exhaling with 3 EPR...try PS of 4 (Pressure support which is the difference between inhale and exhale).
Maybe 5...don't go over PS of 6 though without doctors supervision.
To get PS you have to use either fixed S mode or auto adjusting bilevel mode.

When using the Elite and wanting to convert what the Elite is doing into bilevel terms

Setting of 14 on the Elite with EPR of 3 would equal in bilevel settings
EPAP 11
IPAP of 14
with PS of 3

Pugsy wrote:

GrantT wrote:Any initial thoughts on setting it up, configuration in comparison to my current machine (ResMed S9 Elite)

GrantT wrote:Currently my S9 pressure is set from 7-14. I have the pressure relief set to 3 which helps with exhalation.

Do you mean you use the ramp starting at 7 and it goes up to 14 over period of time?
The Elite won't auto adjust as in 7 minimum and 14 max...
It only offers a fixed pressure with whatever EPR you select.

Sorry all, I'm probably creating confusion as I may have my machine names mixed up....my current machine (S9) has a minimum pressure set to 7, and a maximum of 14, and yes, it does auto adjust...so I think it is actually the S9 AutoSet machine. I have the EPR set to 3.

I was told that the ASV Auto mode would work best by the DME for what data they looked at on the S9 and if that didn't work, the BiPap mode was available. Unfortunately, when they wanted $3600 for the machine, I had to tell them that was not possible and could purchase it online for close to 1/2 the price and at that point the service ended.

So...

No, I don't have the machine yet (or the clinical provider manual). That is what I may be looking for - i.e. how to adjust settings.

You do know that the AirCurve 10 VAuto is NOT and ASV bilevel machine.

GrantT wrote:I was told that the ASV Auto mode would work best by the DME for what data they looked at on the S9 and if that didn't work, the BiPap mode was available. Unfortunately, when they wanted $3600 for the machine, I had to tell them that was not possible and could purchase it online for close to 1/2 the price and at that point the service ended.

Why do you need ASV? Do you have a lot of central apneas along with your obstructive apneas? Why did they say that ASV would be best?

If you need ASV then the ResMed equivalent is the AirCurve 10 ASV

You can go here and request any clinical manuals you might need.
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

Now if all you need is a bilevel that works like your AutoSet...the VAuto will work but give you greater than 3 pressure support and will go to 25 IPAP if needed but it doesn't sound like you need that.

I am familiar with both...the VAuto and the ASV and I can help with the settings but need to know a bit more as to why ASV was even mentioned.