Auto Bi-Pap Vs. Auto C-Pap

[Allenhiq]

Hello,

I posted a very long version of my questions at viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52680&p=486714#p486714 and as a result I did not get enough replies.

I realized I need to be more concise. So, here are my questions:

1- Is a Bi-pap Auto Device superior to a CPAP Auto device? They tell me that it is much easier to breathe with an Auto Bi-Pap than an Auto C-Pap. Also, it generally works better and addresses more medical conditions (e.g. central apneas) etc... If that is true, how come many people are using Auto CPap and not Auto Bi-Pap?

2- If Auto Bi-Pap is superior to Auto CPAP, do any of you have a brand preference (in other words: do you prefer Resmed "VPAP" VS. Respironix "Bi-PAP") based on personal experience?

3- For mouth breathers, do you have a preference for a chin strap VS. a full face mask? and why?

Thank You,

Allen

[who]

1- BiPAP costs more but can make it easier to tolerate high pressure (15cm+). It isn't so much about "superiority" as it is about having a documented need for it, a doctor that will write the prescription for it, and insurance that will pay for it.
2- Both brands have good machines; personal preferences vary.
3- Chin straps work for some, not others. Full-face is often a good solution. Some nasal-mask users put tape over their mouths.

[jweeks]

Allen,

CPAP uses a constant pressure that is the same for inhale and exhale.

An Auto machine is the same, but it can vary the pressure level over time to give you more pressure when you are having events.

An A-FLEX machine is an auto machine that can back the exhale pressure down by up to 3 CM of pressure. A C-FLEX is a CPAP that does the same thing, backs the exhale pressure down by up to 3 CM to make it easier to exhale.

A BiPAP machine is like the A-FLEX or C-FLEX, but it can do more than a 3 CM pressure difference between inhale and exhale. Some folks need that because they have a really high pressure and it is too hard to exhale, while others need this because of more tricky conditions such as central and/or complex apnea.

There are more advanced machines than BiPAP. For example, you can find ST and servo technology machines as well as clinical grade respirators.

The trick to this is to get a correct diagnosis, get a proper titration, and then get the machine that is right for your treatment plan. Getting a really good but incorrect machine can mess you up rather than helping you, as can a correct machine that is mis-adjusted.

-john-