A friend of mine without insurance will be purchasing a machine. Insurance was lost just prior to the second night of the sleep study, therefore, he will need to self titrate. My thoughts were that he purchase an auto machine. Then I read about individuals who have BIPAPs because their therapy is at very high pressures. At what pressure do most individuals go from APAP to BIPAP? Just trying to think of the worst case scenario since the titration study has not has not been done.
APAP versus BIPAP
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• Page 1 of 1
Apaps tend to be thought of as good up to about 20 CMS. Bost Bilevels will go to 25 or even 30 CMS.
The real issue though is trying to keep the mask from leaking/squeaking as one moves about during sleep. At 15 CMS it starts to become a small challenge for many people & by 20 CMS is a big one. Some peoples face shape helps seal the mask but others aren't so lucky. Some people have to strap the mask on so tight it leaves strap marks on their face & neck.
Bilevels have that advantage of dropping back to a much lower pressure while the sleeper exhales & that drop minimizes the mask problems. I believe few people can use a nasal prongs mask at pressures over about 20. But I recall some people here saying they have done it ok.
Most modern CPAP and AUTO machines will also drop their motor speed when the machine senses pressures in the hose that exceed the current CMS setting of the cpap machine but this is no where near as pronounced nor as effective as Bilevels when they lower the pressure for exhaling.
DSM
The real issue though is trying to keep the mask from leaking/squeaking as one moves about during sleep. At 15 CMS it starts to become a small challenge for many people & by 20 CMS is a big one. Some peoples face shape helps seal the mask but others aren't so lucky. Some people have to strap the mask on so tight it leaves strap marks on their face & neck.
Bilevels have that advantage of dropping back to a much lower pressure while the sleeper exhales & that drop minimizes the mask problems. I believe few people can use a nasal prongs mask at pressures over about 20. But I recall some people here saying they have done it ok.
Most modern CPAP and AUTO machines will also drop their motor speed when the machine senses pressures in the hose that exceed the current CMS setting of the cpap machine but this is no where near as pronounced nor as effective as Bilevels when they lower the pressure for exhaling.
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
2 posts
• Page 1 of 1