Fisher & Paykel 254 auto cpap

[rbtgjns]

I have purchased a Fisher & Paykel 254 auto cpap and have installed the performance maximizer software. I have been using the ResMed s8 autoset II and also have the ResScan software. Both are set in the auto-titration mode. Now I am trying to see which machine suits my needs the best.

First question is has anyone found the Fisher & Paykel definition for apnea as there are propitiatory differences between manufactures as to what is apnea and hyponea during treatment? My question are the two AHI numerical results comparable or just approximations. So far the Fisher & Paykel has recorded low AHI, when contrasted to S8 AutoSet II.

Secondly, I bought the Fisher & Paykel 254 as it has user adjustable pressure setting for the algorithm; ResMed s8 AutoSet II is factory set at 10. Since my sleep studies have repeatedly indicated a 10+ treatment and since I have an auto-titration machine would there be treatment benefit by setting the algorithm above 10?

Thirdly, the sense awake seems to function similarly to the settling/ramp on the S8 AutoSet II---can I assume that as this function is used AHI data input is not recorded while the sense awake is operating (is this 20 minuets?) and thereby the AHI performance numbers are lower for the Fisher & Paykel because of this feature? Can I compare treatment outcome between these two manufactures, without disengaging the sense awake feature?

Observation: when loading the performance maximizer software into my Vista 64 laptop; set the default internet browser to Microsoft as there are 20 pages of trouble shooting problems if you use FireFox as the default browser. Kafka could have taken pleasure here. Reset your default browser to firefox after installing performance maximizer.

[Slinky]

The Resmeds tend to score hypopneas a little more aggressively so it is your AI that you want to compare to the HC 254's AI, not the AHI.

Resmeds DO treat apneas over 10 cms. I can never explain the method but I do get tired of reading that Resmeds don't treat apneas over 10 cms. Someone like dsm or jnk or SWS can explain this better than I.

Its likely your best method of comparison is if there is any difference in how you feel in the morning and thru out the day after using each device.

My understanding is that the algorhytms are proprietary to each manufacturer and you are NOT going to be able to change that. Each manufacturer has their own way of their devices recognizing and responding to "events".

[ozij]

ResMeds S8's do NOT respond to apneas above 10. rbtgjn, is right, this limitation is factory set.
At its default setting, neither will the Fisher & Paykel. However, this setting CAN be changed on the F&P.

ReMeds do treat sleep apnea for people who need pressure above 10 -- they do it by responding to snores and flow limitations. For people who have apneas above 10, but no snore or flow limitations, the ResMed is bad choice.

My understanding is that the algorhytms are proprietary to each manufacturer and you are NOT going to be able to change that. Each manufacturer has their own way of their devices recognizing and responding to "events".

Sorry Slinky, that's inaccurate. Fisher and Paykel, and Sandman too let the user define the maximum pressure at which response to apnea will still take place. These are user controllable options on those machines. This option doed NOT exist on ResMed S8 machines.

rbtgjn, you have some very valid and interesting questions -- I can't answer them. I wonder though if you can answer mine:

How do you feel on the F&P compared to the S8 Autoset II?
Do you have enough data to compare the speed at which each machine raises and drops the pressure?

Thank you.

[Slinky]

Thanks for the clarification, Ozij. I stand corrected. ONE of these days I just MIGHT learn all this stuff and get it straight in my mind. (Just don't hold your breath!!) Live and learn and I continually learn something new from you guys. Problem is it doesn't all stick w/me in its entirety. *sigh*

[Hawthorne]

If you have a F & P 254 or a Sandman, what would you set the "maximum response to apnea pressure" at? What would that pressure be based on?

[ozij]

You set it where you know you need pressure to resolve obstructive apneas, and low enough to avoid pressure induced ones - assuming you get them when the pressure is too high. For the majority of people, 10 is enough.

[Hawthorne]

Thanks again Ozij!

[Nellybliss]

I am impressed that you have the Fisher & Paykel software. I can't talk my med tech company out of it. How did you get it???

[Slinky]

You buy it online. Or if you are feeling mischeivous, ask your sleep doctor to write a script for the software, then present the script to your DME provider. *wicked grin* The software is restricted to by order of a physician.