Query: AirCurve & hypops

AFAIK, the ResMed AS10 only reports hypops and computes AHI - it seems to not respond otherwise. Is that correct? What I would like to know is does the AirCurve 10 VAuto do anything else that would result in lessening hypops? I have found in the past several months my primary events are a mix of a few obstructive with an occasional RERA and CA but with many hypops (well above 50% of events). Is there any realistic expectation an AirCurve 10 VAuto would provide any benefit?

JimW159 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:13 am

he ResMed AS10 only reports hypops and computes AHI - it seems to not respond otherwise. Is that correct?

Where or how did you come up with that assumption?

The auto adjusting algorithm uses a complex system of various warning signs and events that slip past the defenses in determining how and why it responds at all and hyponeas that slip past the defenses are included in that algorithm for helping it decide what to do.

Now using the bilevel and with the aid of PS...and using more IPAP...the hyponeas might be more quickly addressed than when using regular auto adjusting pressures.
The general rule of thumb...EPAP for OAs and IPAP for hyponeas but there's more than one way to get more IPAP besides just PS and sometimes more PS is not advisable anyway.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:31 am

JimW159 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:13 am

The ResMed AS10 only reports hypops and computes AHI - it seems to not respond otherwise. Is that correct?

Where or how did you come up with that assumption?

I'm not certain. I vaguely recall reading something to that effect - more likely it came from looking at SH wave forms and not seeing anything consistent like the FOT accompanying OAs. It also seemed so based on the reading of the clinical manual and not finding anything specifically related other than hypops not being included in computing AHI during periods of high leak.

JimW159 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:13 am

AFAIK, the ResMed AS10 only reports hypops and computes AHI - it seems to not respond otherwise. Is that correct?

No, that is not correct.

JimW159 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 10, 2018 10:55 am

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:31 am

JimW159 wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:13 am

The ResMed AS10 only reports hypops and computes AHI - it seems to not respond otherwise. Is that correct?

Where or how did you come up with that assumption?

I'm not certain. I vaguely recall reading something to that effect - more likely it came from looking at SH wave forms and not seeing anything consistent like the FOT accompanying OAs. It also seemed so based on the reading of the clinical manual and not finding anything specifically related other than hypops not being included in computing AHI during periods of high leak.

FOT would be a waste of time during a hypo, because the only function of FOT is to determine whether your airway is open or blocked, if there's still airflow, then the airway is obviously not blocked.

Hypos are the H in AHI. Of course they're counted.

The higher the leaks are, the harder it is for the machine to tell what's going on, which is why you end up getting UAs flagged instead of OA or CA during excessively large leaks.

The potential advantage of the VAuto, I believe, would be that you can adjust the trigger to be more sensitive, so it can help you with a breath if your airway is starting to close up... plus, of course, higher available pressure support than the autoset can offer.

For what it's worth, here's the best documentation I've come across:

OA/hypopnea response

Increases pressure based on current pressure every 10 s of apnea: increment max 3 when pressure is 4. Increment drops linearly down to 0.5 when pressure is 20. S8: no increase above 10.

So, while it says "apnea" that's the response for both apneas and hypopneas.

I can't think of one disadvantage to using an AirCurve 10 VAuto except price and availability. That's the only thing ever keeping me from getting one.

I repeat...if you get that one in Orlando for $425...and you hate it...I would gladly give you your money back for it.

If Pugsy doesn't, I will.