journey2009 wrote:My son has ALS and has been advised he needs a ventilator. Can anyone tell me what the difference is in the Bipap ST and the trilogy 100? The trilogy is so much more expensive and I understand the only difference is that the trilogy will accomodate a Track.. he said he would NOT allow them to do a track.. so would the bipap st be just as good??? All of this is so confusing not to mention expensive.. just trying to find the least expensive most effective way to go. Thanks in advance for any info you might provide.
I am so sorry to hear about your situation. We happen to have a member where who has a Trilogy unit. Look for posts from Madalot. She had a neuro-degenerative disorder (a muscular dystrophy issue, if I remember correctly).
Though I am certain others, much more qualified than me will answer, I will give your question a shot.
The difference between the two units can be summarized in one word: Ventilator.
While the BiPAP S/T can keep the airway open. And it can often push fairly high pressures, there are some major differences.
First, the BiPAP S/T often is not sensitive enough when the breathing is fairly shallow to recognize the change in inspiration to expiration. Thus, the BiPAP S/T won't shift pressures. A ventilator will be able to notice the difference.
Second, the BiPAP S/T is not design to run at the same pressures as a ventilator. It will not fully support breathing. I have a unit that is known as an Adaptive Servo Ventilator (ASV) that is not even a ventilator. If my breathing becomes more compromised (less patient triggered breathing), I will probably need to move to a ventilator as well - for similar reasons.
Some numbers for that ... Both units have the same maximum IPAP (inhalation Positive Airway Pressure) of 30cm H2O. But the Trilogy also recognizes the amount of air that you breathe. It will be certain you get enough intake, not just let the pressure sit there without the actual inspiration.
Third, the Trilogy should be rented on a monthly basis ... to include the cost of a respiratory technician (RT). Dealing with a ventilator to be certain your son continues to breathe will be an ongoing challenge. Having an RT in the picture will help.
I hope that helps and I hope you are able to find the support here which you and your son need. Please always feel free to ask questions - or just vent. We might not be able to do much, but we will be happy to share the tips and tricks we've learned to live with this type of respiratory device.
Best wishes!