Just "upgraded" to a new Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex. Love it!! It has made my prescribed 20cm a joy. What a difference. I was told my settings were set to run between 8 and 25cm. This things feels like <6cm all the time - inhaling and exhaling. I'm starting to wonder if it was set up correctly. Is this too good to be true?
When I enter the programming mode, the display reads "AUFLE". I'm assuming this indicates Auto Flex. The other setting choices within the setuup are BIPAP, AUPAP, and think BIFLE and CFLE. Is AUFLE the setting for full use of the machine (Auto, BiPap, BiFlex)?
How can I tell if I'm truly getting the full benefits of ths machine?
Thanks.
Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex - too good to be true?
Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex - too good to be true?
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Mask: ResMed AirTouch™ F20 Mask with Headgear + 2 Replacement Cushions Bundle |
| Additional Comments: 100% compliant since 2006. ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto with Airtouch F20 mask. |
-
NightHawkeye
- Posts: 2431
- Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:55 am
- Location: Iowa - The Hawkeye State
Re: Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex - too good to be tru
The machine is running the way it was set up. If 8 cm is the low setting then while you're awake the machine is most likely gonna sit at the low end which is 8 cm EPAP, with IPAP automatically adjusted 2 cm higher, or in your case 10 cm. That's why the pressure seems so low. The machine's only running 10/8 while you're awake. I imagine the pressure goes higher while you're sleeping as your apnea begins to kick in.BigEd wrote:This things feels like <6cm all the time - inhaling and exhaling. I'm starting to wonder if it was set up correctly. Is this too good to be true?
The machine has only four modes it can be adjusted for:BigEd wrote:When I enter the programming mode, the display reads "AUFLE". I'm assuming this indicates Auto Flex. The other setting choices within the setuup are BIPAP, AUPAP, and think BIFLE and CFLE. Is AUFLE the setting for full use of the machine (Auto, BiPap, BiFlex)?
- Auto-BiPAP
- Auto-BiPAP with Bi-flex
- BiPAP
- BiPAP with Bi-flex
Additionally, the BiPAP mode allows the machine to be used as a CPAP when IPAP=EPAP setting.
Get the Encore Pro software and monitor your results. That's the best way I know of. Of course, you could do like me and use an oximeter to monitor your oxygen saturations also.BigEd wrote:How can I tell if I'm truly getting the full benefits of ths machine?
Regards,
Bill
Yes!
Right on Bill!!!
GREAT and helpful post!! Thanks.
Chuck
GREAT and helpful post!! Thanks.
Chuck
People are dying every day in Darfur simply for who they are!!! PLEASE HELP THEM!
http://www.savedarfur.org
_______________________________
http://www.savedarfur.org
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Good for you, Ed!! I've been wanting "that machine" ever since it came out, and I don't even need it!! (Straight "10" would do me fine.)
A lot more people who struggle (even on bipap) with high pressure might be able to stick with this kind of treatment if they were prescribed "that machine" right from the get-go. The best of both worlds -- autopap/bipap -- capable of working together at the same time. Very cool.
A lot more people who struggle (even on bipap) with high pressure might be able to stick with this kind of treatment if they were prescribed "that machine" right from the get-go. The best of both worlds -- autopap/bipap -- capable of working together at the same time. Very cool.
Respironics BIPAP AUTO
I had suspected I might have OSA for several years.. All the tiredness,
spont falling asleep at work, etc. But my job entails "waking up" every
hour or two during the night to check on computers where I work. I
just thought that the tiredness was from that, so I never pursued OSA
diagnosis. I started experimention with EWOT (excercise with O2
Therapy) Dug up an O2 concentrator, finger oximeter, etc to get ready.
My doc was aware of this and thought it was a good idea to pursue.
Just for the heck of it, I put on the oximeter (no suppl O2) and
went to sleep. During a "wake up", I glanced at the oximeter
and my saturation was "51".. Holy CRAP! (or CPAP).!!!! It quickly
returned to 97 or so after a couple of breaths. I live alone so nobody
noticed I stopped breathing.
I figured this was the "smoking gun" for OSA. I wrote this up and took
it in to my next scheduled medical checkup. The doc agreed completely!!
I had researched out CPAPs and BIPAPs on the internet before
going to the DOC and it was obvious the Respironics Auto Bipap
stood out. I mentioned this to the DOC. SHe was amazed. I brought
up the "sleep lab study needed?" as the next step?? Doc replied
"hell no" and said I had correctly diagnosed myself with OSA and
my proposed solution of a Bipap Auto was just the ticket. The
sleep lab study would probably be just a waste of money/time
in my case she said.
I figured that
insurance would "require" a sleep lab study, and then steer me to
a cheep "clunker" CPAP, and "require" constant return visits to
establish titration pressures (as My weight changed).. A call to
Insurance pretty much confirmed this. The Doc wrote me a script
and asked me to specify the CPAP/BIPAP.. so it was anobvious choice.
I told the insurance to "stick it" and I was going to buy the whole
thing out of pocket and I didnt like insurance companies "deciding"
on what the best treatment is; that decision should be up to the
patient and their doctor, not the insurance co.
SO I bought the BIPAP AUTO, along with the Encore 1.6i software,
the smart card reader, etc. Measured myself and decided I needed
a large full face mask (I mouth breathe alot).
All I can say is "WOW"
setup, programming, etc was a piece of cake for me (I work
in computers). First thing I did was to take a "BASELINE". The
bipap auto is almost a mini sleep lab in a box.
I set it in manual mode IPAP=EPAP=4 cm. This way the machine
would do little if any "treatment" and just report on what it
monitored.
Took an hour nap with it running and uploaded the results.
I spent 913 seconds (out of 3700 secs total time) in apena,
my calculated AHI was "60.9" !!!!! I think an AHI > 30 is
severe OSA.
The stats and software is amazing. I also downloaded Derek's
"myencore" which looks at the existing encore database and
displays lots more useful info. Good Job Derek!
Next put the machine in "full auto" "ABFLE" (set BiFLEX=1).
Took 6 hours sleep. WOW. Most of the time my IPAP pressure
was around 8-9cm, when rolling over on my back, it makes
the apena "worse" and the machine titrates up to about 15-17 cm
range...and going by to sleeping on side, it then titrates back down.
My AHI improved to 6.4, and then down to 4.5 the next night
(fitted the mask better to stop leaks).
Feel great... like I slept for 100 years.. Havent been this "awake"
and alert for 10 years.. Lots more energy too. Also my "kidneys"
got a chance to "sleep" also, avoiding several bathroom trips.
All my daytime sleepiness is gone.. wow.. feel good now.
I could have dozed off while driving and wrecked before getting this
machine.
If I had done the sleep lab thing, I would probably have a cheep CPAP,
set by them to about 15 cm ALL THE TIME. The BIPAP auto only
titrates to 15 cm when it has to and the total time at 15 is very
short, usually only 30 mins or so, with most of the time being
around 9.
This is my story..
--ghg
spont falling asleep at work, etc. But my job entails "waking up" every
hour or two during the night to check on computers where I work. I
just thought that the tiredness was from that, so I never pursued OSA
diagnosis. I started experimention with EWOT (excercise with O2
Therapy) Dug up an O2 concentrator, finger oximeter, etc to get ready.
My doc was aware of this and thought it was a good idea to pursue.
Just for the heck of it, I put on the oximeter (no suppl O2) and
went to sleep. During a "wake up", I glanced at the oximeter
and my saturation was "51".. Holy CRAP! (or CPAP).!!!! It quickly
returned to 97 or so after a couple of breaths. I live alone so nobody
noticed I stopped breathing.
I figured this was the "smoking gun" for OSA. I wrote this up and took
it in to my next scheduled medical checkup. The doc agreed completely!!
I had researched out CPAPs and BIPAPs on the internet before
going to the DOC and it was obvious the Respironics Auto Bipap
stood out. I mentioned this to the DOC. SHe was amazed. I brought
up the "sleep lab study needed?" as the next step?? Doc replied
"hell no" and said I had correctly diagnosed myself with OSA and
my proposed solution of a Bipap Auto was just the ticket. The
sleep lab study would probably be just a waste of money/time
in my case she said.
I figured that
insurance would "require" a sleep lab study, and then steer me to
a cheep "clunker" CPAP, and "require" constant return visits to
establish titration pressures (as My weight changed).. A call to
Insurance pretty much confirmed this. The Doc wrote me a script
and asked me to specify the CPAP/BIPAP.. so it was anobvious choice.
I told the insurance to "stick it" and I was going to buy the whole
thing out of pocket and I didnt like insurance companies "deciding"
on what the best treatment is; that decision should be up to the
patient and their doctor, not the insurance co.
SO I bought the BIPAP AUTO, along with the Encore 1.6i software,
the smart card reader, etc. Measured myself and decided I needed
a large full face mask (I mouth breathe alot).
All I can say is "WOW"
setup, programming, etc was a piece of cake for me (I work
in computers). First thing I did was to take a "BASELINE". The
bipap auto is almost a mini sleep lab in a box.
I set it in manual mode IPAP=EPAP=4 cm. This way the machine
would do little if any "treatment" and just report on what it
monitored.
Took an hour nap with it running and uploaded the results.
I spent 913 seconds (out of 3700 secs total time) in apena,
my calculated AHI was "60.9" !!!!! I think an AHI > 30 is
severe OSA.
The stats and software is amazing. I also downloaded Derek's
"myencore" which looks at the existing encore database and
displays lots more useful info. Good Job Derek!
Next put the machine in "full auto" "ABFLE" (set BiFLEX=1).
Took 6 hours sleep. WOW. Most of the time my IPAP pressure
was around 8-9cm, when rolling over on my back, it makes
the apena "worse" and the machine titrates up to about 15-17 cm
range...and going by to sleeping on side, it then titrates back down.
My AHI improved to 6.4, and then down to 4.5 the next night
(fitted the mask better to stop leaks).
Feel great... like I slept for 100 years.. Havent been this "awake"
and alert for 10 years.. Lots more energy too. Also my "kidneys"
got a chance to "sleep" also, avoiding several bathroom trips.
All my daytime sleepiness is gone.. wow.. feel good now.
I could have dozed off while driving and wrecked before getting this
machine.
If I had done the sleep lab thing, I would probably have a cheep CPAP,
set by them to about 15 cm ALL THE TIME. The BIPAP auto only
titrates to 15 cm when it has to and the total time at 15 is very
short, usually only 30 mins or so, with most of the time being
around 9.
This is my story..
--ghg
-
NightHawkeye
- Posts: 2431
- Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:55 am
- Location: Iowa - The Hawkeye State
only negative on bipap auto is no LCD backlight
respironics went to the trouble to put the LED lights
in the buttons under firmware control, but no
backlight LCD. I just use a flashlight when I need
to look at it. no biggie.
This is only a minor nit..everything else is a huge winner
on this machine
--ghg
in the buttons under firmware control, but no
backlight LCD. I just use a flashlight when I need
to look at it. no biggie.
This is only a minor nit..everything else is a huge winner
on this machine
--ghg
GHG,
This is a great report. Once again another person highlighting the innovation and effectiveness of a recent model machine.
I don't think I have seen one bad report on the Bipap AUTO. I'd love to look inside one - am guessing it has the same blower as the Remstar AUTO (another very popular & reliable/quiet machine).
Tks for your report.
DSM
This is a great report. Once again another person highlighting the innovation and effectiveness of a recent model machine.
I don't think I have seen one bad report on the Bipap AUTO. I'd love to look inside one - am guessing it has the same blower as the Remstar AUTO (another very popular & reliable/quiet machine).
Tks for your report.
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
I will chime in to say that I also LOVE my Respironics AutoBiPAP. This machine made it easy to get accustomed to treatment. I gradually upped my lower pressure, BTW with my doctors approval (DME set it for 4-20, now I am at 13-20).
I keep experimenting with mask fit and seal, primarily to solve the irritation of occasional leaks that wake me up for a quick adjustment. But the software shows my AHI rarely creeps over 5, which is a great improvement over the 102.5 during my initial sleep study. More important, I feel MUCH better. I survived a chaotic move with many car and uhaul trips, but with no falling asleep at the wheel, and no need for midmorning and afternoon naps. If this move had occurred 6 months earlier, I don't know how I could have handled it.
Moogy
happy AutoBiPAPer
I keep experimenting with mask fit and seal, primarily to solve the irritation of occasional leaks that wake me up for a quick adjustment. But the software shows my AHI rarely creeps over 5, which is a great improvement over the 102.5 during my initial sleep study. More important, I feel MUCH better. I survived a chaotic move with many car and uhaul trips, but with no falling asleep at the wheel, and no need for midmorning and afternoon naps. If this move had occurred 6 months earlier, I don't know how I could have handled it.
Moogy
happy AutoBiPAPer
Moogy
started bipap therapy 3/8/2006
pre-treatment AHI 102.5;
Now on my third auto bipap machine, pressures 16-20.5
started bipap therapy 3/8/2006
pre-treatment AHI 102.5;
Now on my third auto bipap machine, pressures 16-20.5
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Well, I couldn't resist. Bought myself the Respironics BiPAP Auto with BiFlex. I already had the Encore Pro 1.5 software that works with it.
What comfortable treatment!
Having used several bi-levels, I already knew that breathing with this machine would be very comfortable, thanks to the way bi-levels hold the lower EPAP (exhale pressure) all the way through the entire exhalation. I also knew I already like biflex, which adds a bit more drop to the beginning of the EPAP, for icing-on-the-cake additional comfort exhaling.
As much as I liked the easy exhaling with bi-level machines, I've always stuck with autopaps in order to enjoy the varying pressure "as needed". Autopaps have been very comfortable for me to use.
This machine, however, delivers the best of both worlds....the more natural feel of exhaling bi-level style, along with the assurance that the machine can use a range of pressures when needed - autopap style. The benefits of both kinds of machine at the same time.
I set the EPAP for 9 and IPAP for 16..the same range of minimum/maximum pressure I've been using successfully for a couple of years with several autopaps. Biflex set at "3", PS set at "7".
In the month I've been using the BiPAP Auto, I've been getting slightly lower AHI's than I normally got with my autopaps -- usually below 2 with the autopaps; usually below 1.0 with the BiPAP Auto. The BiPAP Auto has even been giving me several nights of 0.0 AHI's. Not that there's anything magic about an ultra low AHI...anything below 5 is fine. But those zeros are kinda' fun to see in the morning.
This data is with my usual mask -- deconstructed "Headrest" (Aura) and with mouth taped:
What comfortable treatment!
Having used several bi-levels, I already knew that breathing with this machine would be very comfortable, thanks to the way bi-levels hold the lower EPAP (exhale pressure) all the way through the entire exhalation. I also knew I already like biflex, which adds a bit more drop to the beginning of the EPAP, for icing-on-the-cake additional comfort exhaling.
As much as I liked the easy exhaling with bi-level machines, I've always stuck with autopaps in order to enjoy the varying pressure "as needed". Autopaps have been very comfortable for me to use.
This machine, however, delivers the best of both worlds....the more natural feel of exhaling bi-level style, along with the assurance that the machine can use a range of pressures when needed - autopap style. The benefits of both kinds of machine at the same time.
I set the EPAP for 9 and IPAP for 16..the same range of minimum/maximum pressure I've been using successfully for a couple of years with several autopaps. Biflex set at "3", PS set at "7".
In the month I've been using the BiPAP Auto, I've been getting slightly lower AHI's than I normally got with my autopaps -- usually below 2 with the autopaps; usually below 1.0 with the BiPAP Auto. The BiPAP Auto has even been giving me several nights of 0.0 AHI's. Not that there's anything magic about an ultra low AHI...anything below 5 is fine. But those zeros are kinda' fun to see in the morning.
This data is with my usual mask -- deconstructed "Headrest" (Aura) and with mouth taped:
auto bipap
you have me beat on initial AHI. mine was 'only' 61. (no sleep lab)
determined by setting IPAP=EPAP=4 AND RUNNING encore pro.
with on auto, my AHI is now 1.9-3 range.
my pressures seem to run 8-10ish for large parts of the night
and it autos up to 14-15 epap 19-20.5 ipap when in real
deep sleep.. more relaxed so more pressure is needed.
I set upper limit to 18 as experiment to see if machine was
titrating too high, and my AHI rose to 7.5. reset max to 21
and AHI practically vanished (1.9 last night). auto bipap
algorithm was right on the money. encore printout shows
max titrated ipap to 20.5 now and not touching 21.
I raised min EPAP to 8. machine would spend lots of time
at 4.5-6 range before osa got real bad..since I had to tighten
down FFM alot like U so it would not 'lift off' in the 18-20
range, the 4-8 pressures didnt push out on the mask
enough and the mask dug in making irritation. raising the
minimim epap to 8 generated more outward pressure on
the mask so I could make it tight enough for 18-20.
Using both respironics and resmed top of the line
full face masks. resmed slightly better headgear
for me. Tonight my PB breeze nasal pillow mask
arrived.. will find out if I can keep my mouth shut
shortly. It tolerates higher pressures much better
than a FFM, since there is only about 1/2 sq in of
area for the pressure to push against compared
to several sq in for the FFM's.
Feel 1000% better now.. litterally a life changing
event. been on mach about 3 weeks now. To get
real good treatment, seems like some of us have
to tell insurance (and sleep labs in my case) to 'stick it'
and buy the best out of pocket. Internet is great.
will post pressure graph this weekend.
thanks for posting your info
--ghg
determined by setting IPAP=EPAP=4 AND RUNNING encore pro.
with on auto, my AHI is now 1.9-3 range.
my pressures seem to run 8-10ish for large parts of the night
and it autos up to 14-15 epap 19-20.5 ipap when in real
deep sleep.. more relaxed so more pressure is needed.
I set upper limit to 18 as experiment to see if machine was
titrating too high, and my AHI rose to 7.5. reset max to 21
and AHI practically vanished (1.9 last night). auto bipap
algorithm was right on the money. encore printout shows
max titrated ipap to 20.5 now and not touching 21.
I raised min EPAP to 8. machine would spend lots of time
at 4.5-6 range before osa got real bad..since I had to tighten
down FFM alot like U so it would not 'lift off' in the 18-20
range, the 4-8 pressures didnt push out on the mask
enough and the mask dug in making irritation. raising the
minimim epap to 8 generated more outward pressure on
the mask so I could make it tight enough for 18-20.
Using both respironics and resmed top of the line
full face masks. resmed slightly better headgear
for me. Tonight my PB breeze nasal pillow mask
arrived.. will find out if I can keep my mouth shut
shortly. It tolerates higher pressures much better
than a FFM, since there is only about 1/2 sq in of
area for the pressure to push against compared
to several sq in for the FFM's.
Feel 1000% better now.. litterally a life changing
event. been on mach about 3 weeks now. To get
real good treatment, seems like some of us have
to tell insurance (and sleep labs in my case) to 'stick it'
and buy the best out of pocket. Internet is great.
will post pressure graph this weekend.
thanks for posting your info
--ghg
-
rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Snoredog, math stuff throws me for a loop. Doesn't the 90% pressure mean "that pressure AND all pressures below THAT pressure"? It doesn't mean just that one highest pressure, I don't think.
So, if you add the 22.4% time I spent at IPAP 12 and the 69.5% time I spent at IPAP 11, that totals 91.9% of the time. I take that to mean IPAP pressures (plural) of 12 AND below 12 took care of me 90% of the time.
EPAP never had to move up off of "9", so, the EPAP 90% being "9" is....what it is...whatever that is.
So, if you add the 22.4% time I spent at IPAP 12 and the 69.5% time I spent at IPAP 11, that totals 91.9% of the time. I take that to mean IPAP pressures (plural) of 12 AND below 12 took care of me 90% of the time.
EPAP never had to move up off of "9", so, the EPAP 90% being "9" is....what it is...whatever that is.
Hold on a second, I gotta take off my socks... well when you do the math that way....rested gal wrote:Snoredog, math stuff throws me for a loop. Doesn't the 90% pressure mean "that pressure AND all pressures below THAT pressure"? It doesn't mean just that one highest pressure, I don't think.
So, if you add the 22.4% time I spent at IPAP 12 and the 69.5% time I spent at IPAP 11, that totals 91.9% of the time. I take that to mean IPAP pressures (plural) of 12 AND below 12 took care of me 90% of the time.
EPAP never had to move up off of "9", so, the EPAP 90% being "9" is....what it is...whatever that is.
you guys have an advantage with nylons...
-
rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee