A couple of months ago I started on a Respironics BiPAP S/T. It was great. I needed the "T" mode since I seemed to be having non-obstructive apnea events. And it really helped. At first the beeping woke me up and, after a moment of regaining some clarity, I would eventually hit the silence button, resume breathing, and go back to sleep. After a few nights I would immediately respond to the beeping and take a breath. The beeping would stop. A couple of more days and I seemed to be responding to the breath pulse that the machine gives.
Then the machine went kaput. Some sort of power alarm. I tried unplugging and plugging it back in. It was intermittent. Worked sometimes and other times just kept beeping at me. I took it in and got a replacement.
The replacement works but differently. It seems to "fight me". Sometimes if break my pattern of breathing it will start doing the opposite, that is, doing the IPAP thing when I and trying to exhale and doing the EPAP pressure when I amd inhaling. (Did I get that right?) This, then, really stirs me up and then I have trouble getting to sleep. It just ain't the same.
Now it seems that the BiFLEX does not work when in the S/T mode and that seems to be true with this machine. Was it always like that? Or have there been other models?
I noticed that there is a model number (the second one at the bottom of the tag) which I'm guessing defines the different revisions of the device. I'm just guessing here about that.
Anyway, I wanted to know if anyone has suggestions as to what could be wrong. I've played with the rise time setting. All the other settings are known, that is, I know what they were on my first machine. But it just works like a different machine. I was so happy with the first one but I am not happy with this one.
Someone please help me!
Edro
Respironics BiPAP S/T -- fighting with breathing..
15 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Edro,
Is your machine the same model as this one ?
http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/bip ... index.html
If so I would like to try a few suggestions & gather some info from you.
Cheers
DSM
Is your machine the same model as this one ?
http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/bip ... index.html
If so I would like to try a few suggestions & gather some info from you.
Cheers
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
That's the one.
Yep. That's the one. I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks!
Edro
Edro
Edro,
Re the Biflex - that only works on Bipap S mode (not S/T)
To get started let me ask you some basic questions ..
1) Are you able to (confident enough to) set your own settings ?
2) What IPAP/EPAP settings are you using now
3) What type & model of mask
4) What BPM (Backup Breathing Rate) is set
5) What Ipap time (in mins) setting
6) What rise time setting
Then
a) What is the biggest issue you have ?
is it
1) While breathing in (Ipap) the machine flips to Epap too early ?
2) While breathing out (Epap) the machine flips to Ipap too early ?
3) Some other complication ?
Cheers
DSM
Re the Biflex - that only works on Bipap S mode (not S/T)
To get started let me ask you some basic questions ..
1) Are you able to (confident enough to) set your own settings ?
2) What IPAP/EPAP settings are you using now
3) What type & model of mask
4) What BPM (Backup Breathing Rate) is set
5) What Ipap time (in mins) setting
6) What rise time setting
Then
a) What is the biggest issue you have ?
is it
1) While breathing in (Ipap) the machine flips to Epap too early ?
2) While breathing out (Epap) the machine flips to Ipap too early ?
3) Some other complication ?
Cheers
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
-
Guest
Re: Respironics BiPAP S/T -- fighting with breathing..
Is the replacement machine identical to the original? If so, and you're now having difficulties with it when you didn't before, it is most likely your replacement machine is not set up exactly the same way as your original machine. Do you know what each of the settings was on the machine that went kaput?edro wrote:A couple of months ago I started on a Respironics BiPAP S/T. It was great.
Then the machine went kaput. Some sort of power alarm. I tried unplugging and plugging it back in. It was intermittent. Worked sometimes and other times just kept beeping at me. I took it in and got a replacement.
The replacement works but differently.
Respironics BiPAP S/T -- Settings
Great set of questions!
> Re the Biflex - that only works on Bipap S mode (not S/T)
It took weeks for the therapists to figure this out and let me know about it. I guess they're not too familiar with the S/T model.
> 1) Are you able to (confident enough to) set your own settings ?
Yes.
> 2) What IPAP/EPAP settings are you using now
4/8 seems to work for me. I do have a question about it but will save it for later.
> 3) What type & model of mask
Respironics ComfortGel.
> 4) What BPM (Backup Breathing Rate) is set
I've tried several. Started with 5, then up to 12, then 7. It is 9 now.
> 5) What Ipap time (in mins) setting
Not sure what this is. There is a setting "INSP" which is set to 1.7 seconds. I think it is the "pulse" IPAP that it gives when I fall below the BPM.
Ramp is 0:25
Apnea 20 seconds
Patient 60 seconds
> 6) What rise time setting
Have tried every one (1-6) to see what it does. It is now on 6.
> a) What is the biggest issue you have ? is it
> 1) While breathing in (Ipap) the machine flips to Epap too early ?
> 2) While breathing out (Epap) the machine flips to Ipap too early ?
> 3) Some other complication ?
Other, I think. Here's a description: I'm trying to go to sleep. I'm breathing. (So far so good.) I do one of the following:
Swallow, yawn, sniff, anything else that disrupts the breathing pattern.
After any of these, the machine begins to "fight" with me, that is, give me the IPAP pressure when I'm trying to exhale and then the EPAP pressure when I'm trying to inhale. It takes several "fighting" breaths before the machine gets in sync with me again. The first machine did not do this for the 2 months that I had it.
> Is the replacement machine identical to the original?
As far as I know. On the top it says "BiPAP S/T" just like the old one.
On the bottom is a sticker that says:
Model: BiPAP S/T North America
Model: 1012885
..and then the serial #.
I was wondering if the second model number indicates something like a revision of the same model, that is, might there be several actual models of the model generally called BiPAP S/T.
> If so, and you're now having difficulties with it when you didn't before, it is most likely your replacement machine is not set up exactly the same way as your original machine.
That's what I hope, that it is just a matter of settings. But other than I/P/BPM, the therapist doesn't know what settings it had.
> Do you know what each of the settings was on the machine that went kaput?
I'm a retired engineer. I should have known better than to NOT capture the original settings.
DSM, I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about this!
It's so frustrating to do something unconsciously such as swallow and then have my breathing all messed up. It's like someone is choking me, or at least it makes my breathing difficult enough to stir me up / wake me up / irritate me.
Edro
> Re the Biflex - that only works on Bipap S mode (not S/T)
It took weeks for the therapists to figure this out and let me know about it. I guess they're not too familiar with the S/T model.
> 1) Are you able to (confident enough to) set your own settings ?
Yes.
> 2) What IPAP/EPAP settings are you using now
4/8 seems to work for me. I do have a question about it but will save it for later.
> 3) What type & model of mask
Respironics ComfortGel.
> 4) What BPM (Backup Breathing Rate) is set
I've tried several. Started with 5, then up to 12, then 7. It is 9 now.
> 5) What Ipap time (in mins) setting
Not sure what this is. There is a setting "INSP" which is set to 1.7 seconds. I think it is the "pulse" IPAP that it gives when I fall below the BPM.
Ramp is 0:25
Apnea 20 seconds
Patient 60 seconds
> 6) What rise time setting
Have tried every one (1-6) to see what it does. It is now on 6.
> a) What is the biggest issue you have ? is it
> 1) While breathing in (Ipap) the machine flips to Epap too early ?
> 2) While breathing out (Epap) the machine flips to Ipap too early ?
> 3) Some other complication ?
Other, I think. Here's a description: I'm trying to go to sleep. I'm breathing. (So far so good.) I do one of the following:
Swallow, yawn, sniff, anything else that disrupts the breathing pattern.
After any of these, the machine begins to "fight" with me, that is, give me the IPAP pressure when I'm trying to exhale and then the EPAP pressure when I'm trying to inhale. It takes several "fighting" breaths before the machine gets in sync with me again. The first machine did not do this for the 2 months that I had it.
> Is the replacement machine identical to the original?
As far as I know. On the top it says "BiPAP S/T" just like the old one.
On the bottom is a sticker that says:
Model: BiPAP S/T North America
Model: 1012885
..and then the serial #.
I was wondering if the second model number indicates something like a revision of the same model, that is, might there be several actual models of the model generally called BiPAP S/T.
> If so, and you're now having difficulties with it when you didn't before, it is most likely your replacement machine is not set up exactly the same way as your original machine.
That's what I hope, that it is just a matter of settings. But other than I/P/BPM, the therapist doesn't know what settings it had.
> Do you know what each of the settings was on the machine that went kaput?
I'm a retired engineer. I should have known better than to NOT capture the original settings.
DSM, I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about this!
It's so frustrating to do something unconsciously such as swallow and then have my breathing all messed up. It's like someone is choking me, or at least it makes my breathing difficult enough to stir me up / wake me up / irritate me.
Edro
-
Guest
Re: Respironics BiPAP S/T -- Settings
Don't beat yourself up about it. Hindsight is always 20/20! Too bad your therapist didn't note the settings on the original machine. You would think that would be standard procedure. I can almost forgive him for not knowing Biflex doesn't work in S/T mode (even though it is his job to know), but it is inexcusable he didn't do the very basic task of keeping a record of your settings.edro wrote:other than I/P/BPM, the therapist doesn't know what settings it had.
I'm a retired engineer. I should have known better than to NOT capture the original settings.
Hopefully someone out there reading this thread will have an idea which settings to change to eliminate this problem so you can have the same results you had with your first machine. Good luck!
Re: Respironics BiPAP S/T -- Settings
[quote="edro"]Great set of questions!
> Re the Biflex - that only works on Bipap S mode (not S/T)
It took weeks for the therapists to figure this out and let me know about it. I guess they're not too familiar with the S/T model.
> 1) Are you able to (confident enough to) set your own settings ?
Yes.
> 2) What IPAP/EPAP settings are you using now
4/8 seems to work for me. I do have a question about it but will save it for later.
> 3) What type & model of mask
Respironics ComfortGel.
> 4) What BPM (Backup Breathing Rate) is set
I've tried several. Started with 5, then up to 12, then 7. It is 9 now.
> 5) What Ipap time (in mins) setting
Not sure what this is. There is a setting "INSP" which is set to 1.7 seconds. I think it is the "pulse" IPAP that it gives when I fall below the BPM.
Ramp is 0:25
Apnea 20 seconds
Patient 60 seconds
> 6) What rise time setting
Have tried every one (1-6) to see what it does. It is now on 6.
> a) What is the biggest issue you have ? is it
> 1) While breathing in (Ipap) the machine flips to Epap too early ?
> 2) While breathing out (Epap) the machine flips to Ipap too early ?
> 3) Some other complication ?
Other, I think. Here's a description: I'm trying to go to sleep. I'm breathing. (So far so good.) I do one of the following:
Swallow, yawn, sniff, anything else that disrupts the breathing pattern.
After any of these, the machine begins to "fight" with me, that is, give me the IPAP pressure when I'm trying to exhale and then the EPAP pressure when I'm trying to inhale. It takes several "fighting" breaths before the machine gets in sync with me again. The first machine did not do this for the 2 months that I had it.
> Is the replacement machine identical to the original?
As far as I know. On the top it says "BiPAP S/T" just like the old one.
On the bottom is a sticker that says:
Model: BiPAP S/T North America
Model: 1012885
..and then the serial #.
I was wondering if the second model number indicates something like a revision of the same model, that is, might there be several actual models of the model generally called BiPAP S/T.
> If so, and you're now having difficulties with it when you didn't before, it is most likely your replacement machine is not set up exactly the same way as your original machine.
That's what I hope, that it is just a matter of settings. But other than I/P/BPM, the therapist doesn't know what settings it had.
> Do you know what each of the settings was on the machine that went kaput?
I'm a retired engineer. I should have known better than to NOT capture the original settings.
DSM, I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about this!
It's so frustrating to do something unconsciously such as swallow and then have my breathing all messed up. It's like someone is choking me, or at least it makes my breathing difficult enough to stir me up / wake me up / irritate me.
Edro
> Re the Biflex - that only works on Bipap S mode (not S/T)
It took weeks for the therapists to figure this out and let me know about it. I guess they're not too familiar with the S/T model.
> 1) Are you able to (confident enough to) set your own settings ?
Yes.
> 2) What IPAP/EPAP settings are you using now
4/8 seems to work for me. I do have a question about it but will save it for later.
> 3) What type & model of mask
Respironics ComfortGel.
> 4) What BPM (Backup Breathing Rate) is set
I've tried several. Started with 5, then up to 12, then 7. It is 9 now.
> 5) What Ipap time (in mins) setting
Not sure what this is. There is a setting "INSP" which is set to 1.7 seconds. I think it is the "pulse" IPAP that it gives when I fall below the BPM.
Ramp is 0:25
Apnea 20 seconds
Patient 60 seconds
> 6) What rise time setting
Have tried every one (1-6) to see what it does. It is now on 6.
> a) What is the biggest issue you have ? is it
> 1) While breathing in (Ipap) the machine flips to Epap too early ?
> 2) While breathing out (Epap) the machine flips to Ipap too early ?
> 3) Some other complication ?
Other, I think. Here's a description: I'm trying to go to sleep. I'm breathing. (So far so good.) I do one of the following:
Swallow, yawn, sniff, anything else that disrupts the breathing pattern.
After any of these, the machine begins to "fight" with me, that is, give me the IPAP pressure when I'm trying to exhale and then the EPAP pressure when I'm trying to inhale. It takes several "fighting" breaths before the machine gets in sync with me again. The first machine did not do this for the 2 months that I had it.
> Is the replacement machine identical to the original?
As far as I know. On the top it says "BiPAP S/T" just like the old one.
On the bottom is a sticker that says:
Model: BiPAP S/T North America
Model: 1012885
..and then the serial #.
I was wondering if the second model number indicates something like a revision of the same model, that is, might there be several actual models of the model generally called BiPAP S/T.
> If so, and you're now having difficulties with it when you didn't before, it is most likely your replacement machine is not set up exactly the same way as your original machine.
That's what I hope, that it is just a matter of settings. But other than I/P/BPM, the therapist doesn't know what settings it had.
> Do you know what each of the settings was on the machine that went kaput?
I'm a retired engineer. I should have known better than to NOT capture the original settings.
DSM, I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about this!
It's so frustrating to do something unconsciously such as swallow and then have my breathing all messed up. It's like someone is choking me, or at least it makes my breathing difficult enough to stir me up / wake me up / irritate me.
Edro
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
History & challenges
Thank you for the history. After years of (childhood) hating history, I now find that I like almost all sorts of history and especially anything even remotely technical. I knew about the first S/T model respirators somehow in my research. Large-ish hospital "non-invasive" respirators, also used in ambulances that had the space for one. But I never actually saw one. Probably a photo on the internet somewhere. I found a scanned copy of the user manual for it on the internet. Anyway...
INSP can go from .5 to 3.0 "S" which I assume to be seconds. That's how it appears, not as x:xx but in decimal form. Mine was 1.7S.
I do like the pressure settings. Sometimes I think that I should "tweak" them up a little, but I want to get things back to the way they were first.
As for breathing probs., well, yes. I seem to have "central" apnea which may go along with my severe neuropathy (nerve damage) problem. But the 1st machine was "gentle' and stayed in sync. This one is "rough" and does not stay in sync.
I did try the "S" mode and I do really like the BiFLEX feature. It's great. But I have to be in the S/T mode to ensure that I really breath at night.
INSP can go from .5 to 3.0 "S" which I assume to be seconds. That's how it appears, not as x:xx but in decimal form. Mine was 1.7S.
I do like the pressure settings. Sometimes I think that I should "tweak" them up a little, but I want to get things back to the way they were first.
As for breathing probs., well, yes. I seem to have "central" apnea which may go along with my severe neuropathy (nerve damage) problem. But the 1st machine was "gentle' and stayed in sync. This one is "rough" and does not stay in sync.
I did try the "S" mode and I do really like the BiFLEX feature. It's great. But I have to be in the S/T mode to ensure that I really breath at night.
-
Guest
Re: Respironics BiPAP S/T -- Settings
I think dsm meant to write seconds. Not minutes.dsm wrote:My 1st question relates to the INSP setting. This can be set to a max of 3 minutes 3.00 - can you reconfirm *exactly* what the number is as what you have mentioned can't be correct. But as an experiment, note down your current # then set it to 3.00 (max) & report back what effect that has.
Re the secs vs mins - Yes I wasn't thinking when I wrote that. MY excuse is the hours we are putting in at work to implement a new mainframe. The current project has been underway for 4 years & the 1st warehouse went live last week-end - my boss (bless her) came to work at 6pm on Friday & left at 8pm Sunday. My hours were not quite that savage but I was up at 3am this morning to monitor file flows through part of our new system.
Anyway, It is secs, - anyone who can breathe in for even half of 3 mins sure has some great lungs
Thanks for setting that straight.
DSM
Anyway, It is secs, - anyone who can breathe in for even half of 3 mins sure has some great lungs
Thanks for setting that straight.
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
Followup on the fighting with BiPAP breathing
The only setting that I changed was the INSP. The range is .05 to 3.00 seconds. It had been set on 1.7. I tried 3.00 to see what it would be like and it was worse. So I tried it on .05 and it did not "fight" with me.
I was surprised because I thought that this setting only had to to with the "pulse' breath that the machine gave me if I didn't keep up with the set BPM.
I have been slowly increasing the INSP time becasue although it stopped "fighting" me, it no longer seems to restart my breathing with I don't keep up with BPM. I am getting more alarms, the 60 second without a breath alarm. The INSP pulse is supposed to kick in after 20 seconds of no breathing.
So the account really isn't finished, but I seem to be on the right track.
Thank you DSM, guest, and others for your help.
Edro
I was surprised because I thought that this setting only had to to with the "pulse' breath that the machine gave me if I didn't keep up with the set BPM.
I have been slowly increasing the INSP time becasue although it stopped "fighting" me, it no longer seems to restart my breathing with I don't keep up with BPM. I am getting more alarms, the 60 second without a breath alarm. The INSP pulse is supposed to kick in after 20 seconds of no breathing.
So the account really isn't finished, but I seem to be on the right track.
Thank you DSM, guest, and others for your help.
Edro
Edro,
On the advice of another member here I set up both my VPAP III S & Bipap S/T as follows
Ipap=14, Epap=10 (max gap 4 cms, preferred=3). Max Insp = 2.00
rise time=3 & bpm=12.
Also I have lots of nasal congestion - suspected culprit is a flare up of GERD...
I tried the machine but it would flip long before I could take a full breath through my nose - so I used a nasal spray to ensure max nasal airflow then tested this config again.
Both machines seemed fine - no early flipping. So without doubt (& as I long suspected, I tend to be impacted by restricted airflow through my nose. Combine that with a UMFF mask & some machines have an effort delivering a good pattern.
I am going to do what I can re the GERD - I am already on GERD medication but I suspect putting on 11 lbs over winter (here) may be contributing to a GERD flare up.
I don't know if this info will help you but it does tell me that airflow is very important to the sensing circuitry of these S/T machines.
Cheers
DSM
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap
On the advice of another member here I set up both my VPAP III S & Bipap S/T as follows
Ipap=14, Epap=10 (max gap 4 cms, preferred=3). Max Insp = 2.00
rise time=3 & bpm=12.
Also I have lots of nasal congestion - suspected culprit is a flare up of GERD...
I tried the machine but it would flip long before I could take a full breath through my nose - so I used a nasal spray to ensure max nasal airflow then tested this config again.
Both machines seemed fine - no early flipping. So without doubt (& as I long suspected, I tend to be impacted by restricted airflow through my nose. Combine that with a UMFF mask & some machines have an effort delivering a good pattern.
I am going to do what I can re the GERD - I am already on GERD medication but I suspect putting on 11 lbs over winter (here) may be contributing to a GERD flare up.
I don't know if this info will help you but it does tell me that airflow is very important to the sensing circuitry of these S/T machines.
Cheers
DSM
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap
Last edited by dsm on Sun Aug 06, 2006 7:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
-
Guest
I don't know if this is any help, but when they titrate you in the lab with a back-up rate (s/t mode) then they start with the BPM setting a few notches below your normal breathing rate. Then they adjust it to correct your central events. (Say the BPM is 16...if your breathing rate falls to 15 then the machine will go from IPAP pressure to EPAP pressure quicker to cause you to breath at the set rate.) So if the rate is set to high the machine will try to make you breath when it doesn't need to, at wich point you would be "fighting the machine".
It sounded to me when i read your post like your BPM wasn't set the same on the new one.
It sounded to me when i read your post like your BPM wasn't set the same on the new one.
15 posts
• Page 1 of 1