New Auto BiPap...help

[mesaboog]

I just received my new Resp. Bipap Auto in the mail today and am looking for some advice on settings. I am changing(upgrading) from a Bipap Pro 2. My success with the standard BiPap mode has been good. My pressure is 8/12 and my AHI hovers around 4. However, when you really analyze the Encore Pro data, you see that most of my APnea events are occurring in the 1/2 hour just after I turn the machine on and am settling in, or in the 1/2 hour just after my usual 1X bathroom break around 4-5am. With these event data removed, I am sure my AHI would be a lot lower.

Here's my question...based upon good success in straight Bipap mode, does it even make sense to try the Auto? I also have never even tried the BiFlex feature of my old Pro 2 in the 360 hours I logged on that machine.

If I were to try out the Auto mode, what settings would be recommended based upon my rx of 8/12? Also, can anyone help me better understand the Max PS setting?

FYI, as far as masks, I alternate between the Swift and CL2.

Thanks in advance for the assistance starting out on this new machine.

[Moogy]

I just received my new Resp. Bipap Auto in the mail today and am looking for some advice on settings. I am changing(upgrading) from a Bipap Pro 2. My success with the standard BiPap mode has been good. My pressure is 8/12 and my AHI hovers around 4. However, when you really analyze the Encore Pro data, you see that most of my APnea events are occurring in the 1/2 hour just after I turn the machine on and am settling in, or in the 1/2 hour just after my usual 1X bathroom break around 4-5am. With these event data removed, I am sure my AHI would be a lot lower.

Here's my question...based upon good success in straight Bipap mode, does it even make sense to try the Auto? I also have never even tried the BiFlex feature of my old Pro 2 in the 360 hours I logged on that machine.

If I were to try out the Auto mode, what settings would be recommended based upon my rx of 8/12? Also, can anyone help me better understand the Max PS setting?

FYI, as far as masks, I alternate between the Swift and CL2.

Thanks in advance for the assistance starting out on this new machine.

Some comments (non-medical) from another Auto BIPAP users.

First, have you been using a ramp on your old machine? I had to reduce my ramp time to 5 minutes, because I was having apneas while the pressure was ramping up just after I fell asleep.

Next, YES, I think you will want to try the Auto feature! It has many advantages for most users.

It is important to understand the "pressure support" setting. This is the maximum difference between your IPAP and your EPAP. The range allowed is 2 cm difference to 8 cm difference. I keep mine on 7-8, but since you are accustomed to a 4cm difference in your inhale and exhale, you might want to stick with that at first. The machine will measure your needs for inhale and exhale separately and adjust them separately, BUT it will stick with the max. difference in pressures that you have set.

Suggested beginning settings, based on your prior machine settings:

Mode AbFLE (Auto BiFLEX)
EPAP 8
IPAP 10 (your old pressure -2)
Max IPAP 14 (your old pressure +2)
Pressure Support (PS) 4
Begin Ramp at 6.0 or higher
Ramp time About the length of time it takes you to fall asleep

My opinion only. Others might have other suggestions.

Moogy

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[oldgearhead]

does it even make sense to try the Auto?

No it makes no sense what-so-ever. So, why don't you send it to me..

[mesaboog]

haha, OK, it's in the mail...just send me $1200. (I knew I was asking for it with that question).

Moogy, I have never used the ramp feature. Since the pressure of 12 isn't all that high, I welcome it as IPAP much lower makes me feel like I can't get enough air.

I am going to try those settings tonight and see how it goes. Thanks for your help so much.

[mesaboog]

Moogy, what biflex level do you recommend to start?

[Paul B]

Moogy,

What does Pressure Support (PS 4) mean?

[Moogy]

Moogy, what biflex level do you recommend to start?

I have always used 3, but since you never used it with your prior machine, you might like a lower setting.

Moogy

[Moogy]

Moogy,

What does Pressure Support (PS 4) mean?

Pressure Support (PS) is the maximum difference between IPAP and your EPAP. The Respironics Auto BIPAP monitors pressure needs for IPAP and EPAP separately, and this setting keeps the two pressures from getting too close or too far apart for comfort and/or for treatment. This setting is only available on an auto bilevel machine.

The users manual doesn't really explain PS, my DME didn't bother resetting it from the default...I finally figured out what it was about when I read the Clinicians Manual. The Respironics Algorithm demo for DMEs (which was available online for about 5 minutes before Respironics asked that it be pulled off ) explained it really well.

Moogy