Low expiratory pressure

[Jrileye]

Hi again, I think in the end I'm going to need an APAP, Bipap, or Bilevel machine. Since I didn't qualify for Medicare (criteria too benign), I'll need something on the less pricey end as I'll be buying it. Could anyone explain the difference between the threee typesand suggest some less expensive machines(

Thanks,

Jim

[Pugsy]

Bilevel just means two distinct pressures...one for inhale and one for exhale.
There are MANY different model bilevel machines designed for special needs. Which one you might need depends on your needs.

BiPap is just the trademark model name for Respironics bilevel capable machines.

APAP is considered a single pressure machine that will auto adjust the single pressure....note that depending on brand and model and use of any exhale relief you can make it function like a limited bilevel machine.

Bilevel machines offer a larger difference (called pressure support) between exhale and inhale than you can get with single pressure machines using any available exhale relief.

[Dog Slobber]

CPAP as well as referring to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, it is also often used to describe a type of machine. A Constant pressure machine.

APAP means Auto-adjusting. Basically the machine will increase or decrease your pressure based on your needs at the time.

Bilevel (basically the same as BiPap) BiPap is a trademark of Phillips Respironics for their BiLevel machines. BiLevel machines basically have the ability to vary the difference between inhale pressure and exhale pressure. Virtually all modern CPAPs are limited BiLevel machines but can only reduce the exhale pressure by about 3 cm. Bilevel can vary the difference between inhale and exhale much greater. They can be either Fixed pressure or Auto-adjusting.

Consider buying second hand. There is a member here named LSAT who sells low-hour devices at good prices.

[Pugsy]

We can't really recommend anything until we know what you need in terms of exhale relief and why you are talking about bilevel.

[Goofproof]

Question: What do you mean by Low expiratory pressure, and what data confirms that? What make and model do you now use, (listed on bottom of machine), and the pressure, ramp settings (if turned on), software like "Oscar", the mask you use...

Posting data from "Oscar" would be helpful also, guessing gives less informed ideas. Jim

[zonker]

Hi again, I think in the end I'm going to need an APAP, Bipap, or Bilevel machine.

hello, jim. before heading off to by a different machine, why not let us help you get the best out of your apap? any machine that a person uses will, for the most part, need some adjustment. that way you can know your getting the best therapy.

if you were to download the free program, oscar, you could post some charts for the more knowledgeable here to give you some advice.

it's a bit complicated to do but in the end you'll be doing yourself a tremendous favor.

good luck, sir!