Resperonics Bipap AVAPS quesions

[Bonnie]

My friend was diagnosed with severe OSA and was given a Bipap AVAPs machine. I was with him when the DME came to the house last week and explained the basics to him. (I really had to hold it in when she went into the daily cleaning regiment ) I had questions but didn't really get the answers I needed to be able to help him get started with his therapy. She was able to tell me a little about this machine, it has the bipap function of two pressures one for inhale and one for exhale. In addition she said it has ventilatory support meaning it if the machine detects him not breathing it will breathe for him up to ten breaths per minute. When I questioned what his sleep study showed that required this type of machine she was not sure but thought it had something to do with his COPD. He has a request in for a copy of the sleep study report but we're dealing with the VA and it might take quite a while to get it. After about 4 days/nights using the machine I downloaded his smart card data just to see what was going on. Unfortunately the report was not your typical info, leaks, AHI, pressure, etc. The graphs were totally Greek to me. I can post a graph if someone is able to interpret it. This machine needs Encore Viewer software which he will order but I'm wondering if anyone here is familiar with this machine and it's data and would be able to explain some things to me. I did find out that when he sends the card in for review the doctor will be able to make changes in his settings via the card and the changes will take place when he inserts the card into the machine. I found that interesting. It would have been so easy for me to get him going in the right direction if he didn't have this complicated machine. I want him to succeed. So far he is adapting well, uses a Mirage Quattro with no issues and is determined to do whatever is necessary to end his zombie like existence.

I looked at this machine on Cpap.com and apparently it is a very new machine, no reviews on it. I will do some Internet research, also. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions I would be ever so grateful.
Thanks!

[dsm]

Bonnie,

If you can get a copy to me (dsm @ internetage.com) I'll happily look at the data &
make comments.

Cheers

DSM

PS the unique feature of this machine is that it can be set to deliver an assured volume to the user. That means that if the users tidal flow is below a dialed in target volume, the machine will edge the pressure up slowly or down slowly, until the target is again being met (I believe the AVAPS changes the Ipap pressure by approx 1 CM per minute).

The machine is indeed for COPD patients.

Cheers

DSM

[Bonnie]

Thank you, I'll send it to you tonight after work. I noticed the chart alluded to "volume" and "tidal flow" and 2 others but I didn't know what they meant. I thought that volume was probably the pressure representing the amount of air he's receiving on intake but was not sure. Is it because I was using Encore Pro and this machine needs Encore Viewer that I possibly didn't get all the data that is on his card? We read our data so we can see where we are in treatment but in this case I have no idea if his events are being treated. I'm really looking forward to your interpretation, maybe then I'll start to understand what's going on. I did tell him that how how feels is something you won't find on the charts

[ibis58]

I have the same problem with what data is available. I have a Respironics BIPAP ST (the grey model). I have Encore Viewer and Encore Pro. I posted asking why my data was different then what other pepole are seeing. You can search for my post on EncoreViewer data question. I called Respironics and they said that the BIPAP ST machine does not supply the same data as other Respironics machines. I'm missing AHI data and some other data.

I may be wrong but I would call Respironics and ask them what data your unit supplies.

[Bonnie]

Thanks, Ibis...I guess I from years of reading my data I like to know what my AHI & leaks are. That's how one can tweak settings to get optimum therapy. If I had relied on sending in and waiting for results each time I would be way behind in where I am now. I'm hoping that when I learn more about the data results from this machine I'll better understand how his therapy is progressing. Geesh, I thought all my research and studying days were over, I guess I was wrong.

[dsm]

I have the same problem with what data is available. I have a Respironics BIPAP ST (the grey model). I have Encore Viewer and Encore Pro. I posted asking why my data was different then what other pepole are seeing. You can search for my post on EncoreViewer data question. I called Respironics and they said that the BIPAP ST machine does not supply the same data as other Respironics machines. I'm missing AHI data and some other data.

I may be wrong but I would call Respironics and ask them what data your unit supplies.

Ibis,

The data off a Bipap S/T is limited - there is only an average AHI & no blow-by-blow detail of AI & HI.

In the early days (mid 2000s) when data viewing was becoming popular on home machines, it was really only the
Auto Cpaps that had the detailed data we are now used to. The Autos used that data to adjust the pressure whereas
Bilevels had no need. When data was added to bilevels it was initially only things like Respiritory Rate, tidal volume,
minute ventilation, and leak etc:, The Bipap S/T is still based on an earlier (but highly reliable ) design.

The latest (circa 2006 & 2007) Bipap Auto & Bipap Auto SV all record quite detailed data including AI + HI & thus AHI.
Even the SV models from both manufacturers have only got really detailed in the most recent 'Enhanced' models.

Cheers

DSM

[kynurse]

I am a Nurse case manager and I have a patient who has been told she needs this but has not been told why. She is upset and concerned as a resp therapist told her he had never seen this used for a sleep apnea patient only ALS who needed vent support. My question is 1) why would she need this vs. regular bipap/cpap and 2) This is really expensive, her copay is going to be over $100 per month and she lives on a fixed income. Are there any alternatives she can discuss with her doctor? Thanks

kynurse

[Bonnie]

kynurse,
My friend has COPD and I'm thinking that's why he was given this machine. BTW what is ALS?

[NBMILLER]

I know what I have learned about this machine the past two days (mother with COPD) The most important is not to allow any leaks if possible due to the machine cant give proper volume. Also this machine is better than regular bi-pap because too much pressure lungs are ready for will over inflat the lungs causing a higher risk for a dropped lung or a punctured lung. The avaps messures exact amount of pressure per breath with out giving too much or too little (causing further damage)