CPAP vs BIPAP vs Flex

Tired eyes · Post by **Tired eyes** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:07 pm

Hi there:

I'm a relatively newcomer to CPAP. After many fine suggestions on this board, I settled on a nasal air II, with a custom elastic strap I designed and sewed. So far, leakage is minimal, although the sound of the air exiting the nose piece tends to wake me up if I lay on my side as I tend to bring my hands close to my face and block the exit ports.

Anyway, on to the question: I have not been able to sleep longer than 2 hrs. I just simply can't get used to the air flow of a CPAP. I feel bloated, and occasionally wake up in a panic (claustrophobic feeling) like someone is trying to suffocate me. I really feel as though I need a device that stops or at least slows down during the exhalation. it looks as though my Doc will not prescribe a BIPAP, so this means paying for things myself. I really feel this is the solution for me, although I've never had the opportunity to try this type of machine. I've read a little bit about the flex machines, but most of the comments do not seem very favorable.

I'd appreciate hearing some comments on how well the BIPAP machines work. Any recommendations on machines to purchase and sources? Do people sell these used? I'm just wondering without a doctor's prescription if I will even be able to buy one??

Thanks!

Troy, aka Tired eyes.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:13 pm

You need a script for a bi-PAP, APAP & CPAP you can get APAP, to operate legal. Jim

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 11:00 pm

Tired eyes wrote:I've read a little bit about the flex machines, but most of the comments do not seem very favorable.

I'm just wondering without a doctor's prescription if I will even be able to buy one??

I like bipaps very much, and I was pleasantly surprised that an auto with A-Flex feels almost exactly like the easy exhaling I get from a bipap. I'm not sure which threads you've come across, but I'll bet there are more people who love the natural breathing feeling of A-Flex than those who don't.

There will always be some who do better on one type of machine than another, but I sure wouldn't rule out A-flex. It gives me wonderful exhalation relief. Could very well do the same for you. Or not.

In your situation, since you said your doctor won't prescribe bipap for you, you may be pleased to know that if you are willing to buy a machine out of your own pocket, your present "cpap" prescription will buy you an autopap from cpap.com

As long as the prescription has the word "cpap" on it, it's good for an autopap from them, since an autopap is a cpap machine... an autotitrating CPAP machine. If you get that machine, I'd suggest also getting the Encore Viewer software and card reader. You'll be set to monitor your own treatment, downloading the Smart Card to your own computer as often as you like.

Best of all, you can thumb your nose at the doctor who isn't willing (for whatever god-like reason) to help you help yourself do this kind of inherently not-so-comfortable treatment.

Tired eyes · Post by **Tired eyes** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:44 pm

Thank you very much rested gal for the information. One concern I have with the A-flex machines: does it increase the likelihood of additional apnea episodes? I have never used the software before, what kind of information does it give you? I don't necessarily want to become a sleep clinic, just looking to get a good night sleep with a minimum of complication. if I can reduce the "suffocating" feeling, I think this would help a great deal. I'm looking forward to even hours on the machine at this point. So far, I'm more tired than I was not using machine but I'm hopeful.

Thanks for the response! Lot of great info here, and very much appreciate your time.

Troy aka Tired eyes.

tnmom · Post by **tnmom** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 7:34 pm

I can tolerate my bipap a lot easier then the cpap, but my spouse has always had cpap and doesn't like the bipap! personal preference.

deerslayer · Post by **deerslayer** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:11 pm

rested gal wrote:
Best of all, you can thumb your nose at the doctor who isn't willing (for whatever god-like reason) to help you help yourself do this kind of inherently not-so-comfortable treatment.

Snicker

forgot to sign in · Post by **forgot to sign in** » Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:34 pm

My husband couldn't get a bipap prescription from his doctor at first. He told him to try straight cpap and then he'd see. I said "no way" because the insurance will only purchase a machine for us every 4 years and I wasn't sure about the DME taking the rental back if he took possession of the straight cpap machine and figured it'd be a mess. I called the doctor's office back and told them that my husband tried using my auto with c-flex and he could not even tolerate that, so he couldn't possibly use just a straight cpap, but that he could use my bipap. Low and behold the doctor said that since he "failed" regular cpap (which is what the insurance needs to hear for the doctor to justify ordering the bipap) that he would prescribe the bipap for my husband. He got the Respironic Legacy bipap.
Honestly, he could sleep with the auto, but he certainly is more comfortable with the bipap and really the prices are about the same. I say force the issue so your insurance will pay for it. I'm sure you or your company alreadly pay enough in premiums. You shouldn't have to pay for it.

Tired eyes · Post by **Tired eyes** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:01 am

I will see the Doc next Thursday, and will do my best to push the subject. I guess the biggest issue with the doctors is responsibility. Unless there is a "medical" necessity for a bipap, I suspect it could cause them problems. From a personal perspective, anything that encourages compliance is money well spent. This is after all a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. From what I'm reading, even with the right gear, it can take quite a while to adapt. I doubt I will be able to get more than three hours (if that) tonight with my CPAP, but I continue to try and be hopeful. I was more tired today that I have been in quite some time, so it's discouraging. Thanks again for the feedback.

Best,

Tired Eyes

CPAP vs BIPAP vs Flex