Dx'd today...??'s about BiPap #'s

Fromaginator · Post by **Fromaginator** » Tue May 23, 2006 7:38 pm

Wow - I didn't realize there were so many nuanced things to consider - I'm glad I found this board...

After 16 weeks and 2 seperate studies - docs concluded that I have moderately severe obstructive apnea - mostly hypnopeas...had some central issues with a pressure they tried at some point....

Here are my questions for those who have used BiPap:

1. I've been titrated as 22/16. Which seems to me to be an extremely high number - but they wouldn't go as far as 23/17, because that's where I had the "central" problems.

What is considered a "high" pressure for BiPap? Are the numbers comparable to Cpap - as in - with an "average" Cpap being titrated between 10 and 12 - does 22 mean I'm 10 points about "average" on the uptake in terms of the strength of the pressure?

2. Any recommendations on a machine/manufacturer that offers heat/humidity/ramping AND is portable for someone who travels? I go back and forth to Europe every few years, might be making a move there permanently in the next 2 years, so size is a potential concern for me.

Thanks to any and all for your responses!

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Tue May 23, 2006 9:12 pm

I'd sure consider the BiPAP-auto if I were you. You may not need your high titrated pressure all night long. The auto is no more expensive than other good BiPAP's and might make things more comfortable for you, make it easier to get to sleep, and help keep you out of the "central" zone.

As for size, if you were travelling weekly, then you might want something smaller, but for the BiPAP-auto is only four or five pounds so is not very inconvenient for occasional travel. I'd recommend going for the best performing machine instead of lightest weight.

Regards,
Bill

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed May 24, 2006 4:09 am

NightHawkeye wrote:I'd sure consider the BiPAP-auto if I were you.

I agree with NightHawkeye absolutely, and for all the reasons he mentioned. The Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 24, 2006 9:28 pm

How does an auto-pap work, exactly? From the little I've read about it, it self-adjusts per a pre-set algorithm based on how your breathing evolves through the night?

Is there a down side to that? As in - would there be a way to know if I'm reaching my titrated pressure? Would there be a scenario where it would "under" pressurize?

Thanks again for the responses.

I have an appt to purchase my machine tomorrow - I just want to walk in to the DME "armed" with info - at $1000 + per unit, I can see where it might get to be a bit like trying to sell used cars to people.....I don't want to walk home with a "lemon"

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Wed May 24, 2006 9:49 pm

Guest wrote:I have an appt to purchase my machine tomorrow - I just want to walk in to the DME "armed" with info - at $1000 + per unit, I can see where it might get to be a bit like trying to sell used cars to people.....I don't want to walk home with a "lemon"

Ding! Ding! Ding!

IT IS JUST LIKE SELLING USED CARS - ONLY WORSE!

I'm sorry, guest. I couldn't contain myself. Read my post on apnea sufferer's rights. This story has lots of variations - none good - for someone unprepared to deal with their DME. Read my post on Apnea Sufferer's Bill-of-Rights. That may help you out a little.

Otherwise, I'd recommend an APAP with software monitoring capability. That means one of three machines: Remstar-auto, PB420E, or ResMed S8 Vantage. If you get one of those, you will be in great shape (unless you've been prescribed a BiPAP, then go for the BiPAP-auto). Remember an APAP can always be used in CPAP mode.

Don't let your DME talk you out of one of these. Don't believe anything they say unless they are ready to hand over one of these machines. There is a reason many folks here call them evil. .

Regards,
Bill

PS Edited to correct S8 to Vantage

Sleepy Dog Lover · Post by **Sleepy Dog Lover** » Wed May 24, 2006 10:44 pm

Also, check out the prices on cpap.com, print them out, and take them with you to the DME. Some people have found that buying a lesser machine from the DME ends up being more money than buying one outright from cpap.com. Good Luck!

Mask