Got new ResMed VPAP AdaptSV unit and mask ...

[JohnBFisher]

Well, I'm officially impressed. I enjoyed talking with my new respiratory technician. I had been very pleased with the sleep lab, so decided to try the DME side of their business. That was definitely the correct choice. They will work with my doctor to work through any issues with the insurance. They wanted to get the unit in my hands without any further delay.

He patiently aswered my questions. And trust me, I had a ton of them. He had me walk through the setup a couple times. Sure I know basically how to do it, but there are always quirks with each new system.

They also are willing to work through a few mask choices (without charging the patient) until the patient gets one that works well for them. So, I decided to try the Respironics Comfort Gel full face mask. He helped me adjust my existing ResMed Quattro full face mask. I will try the Comfort Gel for a while to see how well that does. No matter what I did, I never seemed to be able to get the Quattro adjusted correctly. So, we will see. Between the two I should be in better shape.

Now, I have some questions which you good folks can help. I will also research this

1. Hose Cover - I assume a "zip up" hose cover would be the best choice. I noted something about those in an earlier post. Anyone have a brand and location where I could purchase it?

2. Data Management - If I read it correctly, the VPAP AdaptSV uses a serial cable and the ResScan software. I assume any Serial to USB adapter should work (as long as it provides a serial port to use). Is that correct?

If I read the ResMed website correctly, the ResScan software can read it with a ResScan USB adapter, which I assume provides the Serial connection the machine and USB interface to my laptop.

As you can imagine, access to the data is not an option for me. Though I will have the system up and running tonight, the key is to get the software and interface to monitor the machine and my progress on it.

3. Air Filters - Since https://www.cpap.com does not carry these machines, do the disposable file filters for the VPAPIII fit this unit? I found the following at CPAP.com:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/filter ... iiist.html

Due to smells hotel rooms, I tend to replace these filters any time I travel.

4. Clinician's Manual - Could someone provide me with a pointer to the clinician manual for this unit?


My overall first impresstions:

Overall, I am impressed with the unit. The hose to detect the pressure is a bit of a nuisance, but I can get used to it. And a cover over it (and the clips) will help avoid any problems.

Refilling the humidifier is more of a hassle than I would like to see. Especially connecting the hose to the humidifier chamber each time. I have coordination problems that can make that frustrating. I know that practice makes perfect, but really I don't need extra practice at patience! That is one thing that Respironics does right.

Not having the transformer brick is a nice thing. That is something that Respironics could do better.

The constant cooling breeze - unless the power is completely turned off - is a downside. But it does include a power on/off switch on the back, not just the "standby" switch on top.

It is bigger than my REMstar BiPAP Auto M Series unit. But It's not a lot larger than the Respironics REMstar BiPAP AutoSV unit.

The carrying case is quite good. I am very impressed with it. Lots of padding and pockets. It's big, but so is the machine.

Anyway, thanks for listening to me ramble.

[rested gal]

Congrats on getting your new machine, John. Sounds like your doctor and DME are doing a good job for you. And you've sure been doing a GREAT job researching things for yourself.

Please check your PMs.

[Irene P.]

I have the zip up hose cover. It's made by Resmed, and it fits the Resmed hose perfectly. (It is a little longer than other brands.) This cover is very easy to put on and take off the hose because of the zipper. It works well for me. I have no rainout at all. I'm not sure, but I probably got it through Resmed.

[nosbig17]

As far as I know every machine has a user's and a clinician's manual packed with it when it leaves the factory. Did someone remove your clinition's manual before the machine was turned over to you? Why not ask the DME to hand over the clinician's manual, they most likely have a pile of them!

[dsm]

John,

Have added some comments in blue inside your post - DSM

Well, I'm officially impressed. I enjoyed talking with my new respiratory technician. I had been very pleased with the sleep lab, so decided to try the DME side of their business. That was definitely the correct choice. They will work with my doctor to work through any issues with the insurance. They wanted to get the unit in my hands without any further delay.

He patiently aswered my questions. And trust me, I had a ton of them. He had me walk through the setup a couple times. Sure I know basically how to do it, but there are always quirks with each new system.

They also are willing to work through a few mask choices (without charging the patient) until the patient gets one that works well for them. So, I decided to try the Respironics Comfort Gel full face mask. He helped me adjust my existing ResMed Quattro full face mask. I will try the Comfort Gel for a while to see how well that does. No matter what I did, I never seemed to be able to get the Quattro adjusted correctly. So, we will see. Between the two I should be in better shape.

Now, I have some questions which you good folks can help. I will also research this

1. Hose Cover - I assume a "zip up" hose cover would be the best choice. I noted something about those in an earlier post. Anyone have a brand and location where I could purchase it?

2. Data Management - If I read it correctly, the VPAP AdaptSV uses a serial cable and the ResScan software. I assume any Serial to USB adapter should work (as long as it provides a serial port to use). Is that correct?

If I read the ResMed website correctly, the ResScan software can read it with a ResScan USB adapter, which I assume provides the Serial connection the machine and USB interface to my laptop.

DSM: I haven't seen this type of cable for the S7 shaped machines but am guessing it is possible - just be doubly sure.

As you can imagine, access to the data is not an option for me. Though I will have the system up and running tonight, the key is to get the software and interface to monitor the machine and my progress on it.

3. Air Filters - Since https://www.cpap.com does not carry these machines, do the disposable file filters for the VPAPIII fit this unit? I found the following at CPAP.com:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/filter ... iiist.html

DSM: Am satisfied these are the same (I have a Vpap III as well as the Vpap AdaptSV)

Due to smells hotel rooms, I tend to replace these filters any time I travel.

4. Clinician's Manual - Could someone provide me with a pointer to the clinician manual for this unit?


My overall first impresstions:

Overall, I am impressed with the unit. The hose to detect the pressure is a bit of a nuisance, but I can get used to it. And a cover over it (and the clips) will help avoid any problems.

DSM: I have a fleecy cover over my Vpap AdaptSV hose - works fine.

Refilling the humidifier is more of a hassle than I would like to see. Especially connecting the hose to the humidifier chamber each time. I have coordination problems that can make that frustrating. I know that practice makes perfect, but really I don't need extra practice at patience! That is one thing that Respironics does right.

DSM: I use the little funnel from my Respironics machine (am sure they or similar are easy to get) & hold the chamber up while filling through the hose outlet nozzel. The chamber has water level marks to help you figure out when there is enough water in it. I also tend to rest the chamber on the bed or table while doing this filling from a distilled bottle of water.

Not having the transformer brick is a nice thing. That is something that Respironics could do better.

The constant cooling breeze - unless the power is completely turned off - is a downside. But it does include a power on/off switch on the back, not just the "standby" switch on top.

DSM: The constant breeze is there to ensure no moisture builds up in the very expensive sophisticated blower, that otherwise might do harm.

It is bigger than my REMstar BiPAP Auto M Series unit. But It's not a lot larger than the Respironics REMstar BiPAP AutoSV unit.

The carrying case is quite good. I am very impressed with it. Lots of padding and pockets. It's big, but so is the machine.

Anyway, thanks for listening to me ramble.

DSM: Happy Vpapping - it is a very effective machine but has a lot less adjustments available than the Bipap AutoSV.

[JohnBFisher]

I have the zip up hose cover. It's made by Resmed, and it fits the Resmed hose perfectly. ...

Thank you! Knowing that it is a ResMed cover is all I needed. You would be amazed at what I can find and how fast I can find it. I found a couple dealers that carry it. The ResMed hose cover part number is 33963. Thank you!

[JohnBFisher]

As far as I know every machine has a user's and a clinician's manual packed with it when it leaves the factory. Did someone remove your clinition's manual before the machine was turned over to you? Why not ask the DME to hand over the clinician's manual, they most likely have a pile of them!

I am fairly certain they have a contractual obligation to remove it. Though he might have given it to me, I do not want to put anyone else into that situation. And I am very, very pleased with my doctor, my sleep lab, and this DME. I don't want to jeapordize those relationships. So, I did not ask him for it. And it's not what I want to or will tinker with it (and it has fewer settings than the Respironics BiPAP AutoSV). That's okay. I just want to know how to enable data on the LCD display, not just via the ResScan serial connection.

[JohnBFisher]

... DSM: I haven't seen this type of cable for the S7 shaped machines but am guessing it is possible - just be doubly sure. ...

Oh, trust me. Before I plug anything into my computers I spend a LOT of time making certain things are correct. I'll look around to try to track down the part number.

... DSM: Am satisfied these are the same (I have a Vpap III as well as the Vpap AdaptSV) ...

Thanks. It was hard to tell from the web page. When I order other items, I will also order those.

... DSM: I have a fleecy cover over my Vpap AdaptSV hose - works fine. ...

Thanks. I just noted a CPAP.com review of the SnuggleHose versus the ResMed cover. I also would prefer the fleece cover.

... DSM: I use the little funnel from my Respironics machine (am sure they or similar are easy to get) & hold the chamber up while filling through the hose outlet nozzel. The chamber has water level marks to help you figure out when there is enough water in it. I also tend to rest the chamber on the bed or table while doing this filling from a distilled bottle of water. ...

I had already seen the fill lines. As I noted, I drove my poor RT nuts with all the questions. I had wondered if a funnel might help. Thanks for confirming it.

... DSM: The constant breeze is there to ensure no moisture builds up in the very expensive sophisticated blower, that otherwise might do harm. ...

Ah! Fascinating. I assumed it was to cool the electronics. You make an excellent point. I will probably leave it on whenever I use the humidifier.

... DSM: Happy Vpapping - it is a very effective machine but has a lot less adjustments available than the Bipap AutoSV. ...

Thank you! I don't mind if it has fewer adjustments. I just want it to make a difference.

dsm, Thank you for your experience and insights. As I note, though there are some items that might be improved, I am fairly impressed (and looking forward to getting used to sleeping with the unit).

[JohnBFisher]

Congrats on getting your new machine, John. ...

As always, you are ... well, I wanted to say "Johnny on the spot", but that wouldn't be right, would it! ... so, I'll settle for "at the right place at the right time with the right information". Of course, you just happen to be there. Right! You work very hard at helping others, and I know I sure appreciate the information you provide.

So, a heartfelt "Thanks!"

[cflame1]

if you want a nice fleece cover... ask padacheek to make you one... her's are great! Multiple thickness and very soft.

[JohnBFisher]

Well, it's official! I'm in love with the new unit. Though I did not sleep a long time for most everyone else, five hours was a LOT of sleep for me! And I want to go back asleep. Unfortunately, work and chores still need to be done.

While I did not sleep as long as I would like last night, the sleep I got felt better than it has in a long, long time. Now to retrain my body to fall asleep without fear. Constant central apneas as I fall asleep led me to dread sleep. Though my RT and other folks noted it can be hard to adjust to an ASV unit, the fact it helps me maintain my breathing as I fall asleep is amazingly reassuring.

So, I wanted to thank everyone for the information and experience that you have shared with me. It is making this journey that much easier and more rewarding.

Now to puzzle out how to track down the software, connect the null modem cable and read the data ...

[Muse-Inc]

Thanks for sharing John...inspiring! I'm sure others will find it so too.

[frogman]

John, glad to here you are having success with the new machine. I need to read up on how the ASV is different and what types of conditions it targets. Also, please post how the Comfort Gel works out for you. I have tried to adjust my Quattro with less pressure, but it seems the only way I can stop the leaks is to adjust it so tight that it almost hurts; good thing the nerve endings become de-sensitized quickly.

frogman

[timbalionguy]

I hope you like your new machine. Keep us posted on how your therapy goes. After Respironics latest trick with machine pricing, I am hesitant to buy anything from them, should it turn out I need one of these beasts.

[JohnBFisher]

... Thanks for sharing John...inspiring! I'm sure others will find it so too. ...

Thanks. That's the idea. For example, secret agent gal was wondering how long it takes to get things settled down. I would hate to tell her I am still working on it, some 18 years later. But truthfully, this is about the journey. We get to rest along the way, but stuff keeps changing.

But how we act and react makes all the difference in the world.

... I need to read up on how the ASV is different and what types of conditions it targets. ...

Essentially, they address issues with central sleep apnea, Complex Sleep Apnea (or mixed sleep apnea), and Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (due to congestive heart failure). Fortunately, I do not have to deal with the latter issue. However, I do have a progressive neurological condition (Sporadic OPCA) that tends to lead to dyscontrol of both sleep and respiration. (It impacts the cerebellum and brainstem where many autonomic nervous system controls are centered).

This machine helps encourage a regular pattern of breathing. And that can make all the difference in the world. I'm thinking more clearly today than I have in months.

Interestingly, I find the ResMed machine better suited to my issue than the Respironics machine. The ResMed machine keeps track of my ventilation and adjusts on a breath by breath basis to help me attain that ventilation. In other words, if I start to breathe shallowly, it increases the rpessure to increase my air intake. If I stop breathing, it increased the pressure more to further increase my air intake. The Respironics machine takes more of a "follow the leader" approach. It notes my breathing pattern and keeps that going smoothly. I personally found that more disruptive than the ResMed algorithm. But trust me, I would use the Respironics if it was my only choice.

... Also, please post how the Comfort Gel works out for you. I have tried to adjust my Quattro with less pressure, but it seems the only way I can stop the leaks is to adjust it so tight that it almost hurts; good thing the nerve endings become de-sensitized quickly. ...

I decided to use the Quattro for the next few days until I adjust to the machine. Two things at once decreased my sleep more than I would like.

As you note, I also have problems with major leaks on the Quattro. My nasal sinuses are easily pinched off (and it makes it very hard to breathe through my nose) with either mask if I tighten them down too much. Nasal pillows worked best when I could use them. But with this machine it is not an option. The machine can REALLY increase the pressure ... upto 25cm H2O if I am not breathing. And at those pressures along with how this machine measures the pressure, nasal pillows are not an option.

Oh, well. Major apneas have dropped to zilch. One problem down. Now to deal with the mask. Then to tackle problems falling asleep (really just retrain myself that it is okay to do so). Then to address the segmented sleep. One step at a time...