Auto Bipap Settings

snugglebunny · Post by **snugglebunny** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 10:40 am

I recently got changed from a CPAP machine to a BIPAP machine. The doctor prescribed it be set at 8 EPAP & 11 IPAP. I got an auto adjusting Bipap and wonder if I need to set it at these numbers when I run it on auto?

msheda · Post by **msheda** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:31 pm

you can, but you sort of defeat the Auto part of it... didn't it come set for you ?

snugglebunny · Post by **snugglebunny** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:27 pm

The doctor prescribed straight BIPAP at 8 EPAP & 11 IPAP. I switched the setting over to Auto.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 1:37 pm

snugglebunny wrote:The doctor prescribed straight BIPAP at 8 EPAP & 11 IPAP. I switched the setting over to Auto.

Then that's where I'd set it and see what the stats look like. It's best to at least start out with what your prescription dictates before experimenting. Do you have the software and cardreader to download the data?
If you don't have the Encore Pro or Encore Viewer software, you would NOT have a good reason to be changing your settings.

Den

snugglebunny · Post by **snugglebunny** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 3:53 pm

No, I don't have the software but I bring my card to my DME provider monthly & they print the info for me. My LED screen has been reading below .5 for the past two weeks (one week on straight BIPAP & one week on auto BIPAP). The only reason I wanted to change to auto was because my chest was sore from breathing against the high pressure.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 3:58 pm

It's YOUR therapy......

My reasoning is that if your pressures are set too low, they can't respond fast enough to events. Unless you have some other respiratory conditions, the pressures of 8 & 11 aren't all that high for Bi-PAP pressures.

Den

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:10 pm

I agree with Den. At least start out with your prescribed settings.

There are plenty of things you can try out while using the machine in bipap mode. For example, try out the various Bi-flex settings, or the other type of setting called "Rise Comfort." Can't use both those at the same time -- it's "either/or." Or set both of them to "off" if you like it better without either one. Personally, I like using Bi-flex much better than "Rise Comfort."

Den's right that it's better for a person to have the software to see what's going on if they plan to change their settings.

For your particular Respironics machine, you can buy the EncoreViewer software, available at online cpap supply stores. I think cpap.com will price match if you find the software cheaper at another store.

If you want to save money on buying the necessary card reader, here's the least expensive place (a Hong Kong store called "two-factor") I've seen to get the correct reader:
http://www.two-factor.com/shop/index.php?productID=115

snugglebunny wrote:The doctor prescribed straight BIPAP at 8 EPAP & 11 IPAP.

If it were me, and I decided to switch to auto-titrating bilevel mode (again, I wouldn't change to that without having the software to see data results) I'd probably try these settings:

Max IPAP 20
Min EPAP 8
Max Press Sup 8
BiFlex 3
AutoRampTime 0:00
Mask Alert Off
Auto off Off
Split Night time Off
Show AHI/Leak On
Patient Reminder Off

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