Question: S9 Vpap Auto vs S9 Autoset

[bemused]

Seeing RT Friday to go over titration results and get my 'loaner', they told me I am scripted for a bilevel, so I already asked for a s9 vpap auto, we'll see what they offer. I am expecting a lot of tweaking to find my optimum settings. Titration tech said I had very different settings on side than on my back. (RDI:109, AHI:84 on my PSG). Presumably that is why doc is starting me on a bilevel, or maybe I need high pressure. Guess I'll find out Friday.

Anyway, my question for anyone with experience of both machines: Am I correct that s9 vpap auto has all the same functionality as the s9 autoset plus ipap and epap settings, or are they really very different machines?I checked the resmed site but couldn't find a side by side comparison. I'm guessing the vpap auto could also function as a straight (albeit pricey) cpap if needed? I get a 50% insurance contribution, but only one shot to get the right machine.

Thanks.

[Pugsy]

Yes, you have it correct. Works like the Autoset but with additional features.
Yes, it will also work in plain straight cpap mode and be a high priced straight cpap machine.

[fiberfan]

I'm guessing the vpap auto could also function as a straight (albeit pricey) cpap if needed? I get a 50% insurance contribution, but only one shot to get the right machine.

The S9 VPAP Auto will work as a straight cpap, a bi-level and an auto adjusting bi-level. When set as an auto adjusting bi-level, the machine has min epap, max ipap and pressure support settings. Pressure support is a set difference between epap and ipap. The machine will start with epap at the min epap setting and ipap and min epap + pressure support. The machine will respond to apenas hyponeas and flow limitations by increasing both epap and ipap.

The machine also has min and max inspiration time settings (ti min and ti max), trigger and cycle sensitivity settings. The first 2 set a min and max time the machine will spend at ipap, trigger sensitivity controls how the machine switches from epap to ipap, cycle sensitivity the switch from ipap to epap. Having all 4 settings right for my breathing makes the switch between epap and ipap match my breathing nicely. While you are at the dme, if the switch between epap and ipap is either too soon or too abrupt, ask the person setting up the machine if adjusting other settings will help. There is also an easy breathe setting that isn't described well in the clinician manual.

I switched to a bi-level machine last spring when an increase in asthma severity made breathing out against the pressure was as tiring as the RERAs the cpap was prescribed to treat (I only have OSA when sleeping on my back and back problems mean I wake up hurting if I sleep on my back very long so I spent just over an hour on my back in my diagnostic study).

If you would like me to email the clinician manual to you, pm me your email address. The file size is between 7 and 8 mg.

[bemused]

Thanks for responses. Although it now appears it may be a VPAP ADAPT. That seems to have even fewer options than the VPAP AUTO? I'll pose the question in a new thread.