"Bi-Pap" VS. Resmed S9 Autosed ("A-PAP")

[Allenhiq]

Hello,

I am newbie and I like to start with thanking whoever helped put this forum together and everyone who participates.

I have a Resmed S8 Auto and am generally very happy with it.

My dad has sleep apnea also and this question I am asking is for him.
After his most recent sleep study it was determined that his pressure is 9.0 (it used to be 7.0 a few years ago,but he could never use his old CPAP machine with no humidifier ).

His has Medical/Medicare (I believe) and the insurance company just sent him a new Philips/Respironics CPAP with C-FLEX.

He hates it and could not use it for more than one night .

I know the main problem. He woke up with an extremely dry throat and a dry humidifier. I am pretty sure he had his mouth open for a long time. My understanding is that the solution is either a full face mask or a chin strap (depending on how open his nasal passage is).

But he also does not like the way his machine operates when he exhales and wants to change it. I have not played with his machine, but his DME provider confirmed that it has C-Flex and "it must be on".

I tired his machine for a couple of minutes, and I also noticed that it is harder to exhale with his machine in comparison with my S8 Auto which has EPR (supposed to be the "equivalent" feature but feels very different).

So I made 5 calls and the result is they want to first have him try a full face mask with his current machine and if he could not get compliant they would upgrade his machine to a "Bi-PAP" machine (that is all I know, no model number or any details).

Based on what I read here, Bi-PAP is a trade name for Philips/Respironics Bi-Level machine which is available in fixed and "auto" flavors. I also understand that a Bi-Level machine needs more constant monitoring as they have an IPAP and an EPAP setting.

I also learned that "Bilevel machines or auto bilevels are prescribed when the patient can’t tolerate a standard CPAP or APAP machine, needs a very high pressure, has central apneas, needs extra exhalation relief, has UARS or flow limitations not corrected by CPAP or APAP, or has other medical conditions such as some heart or respiratory conditions."

My dad's pressure (9.0) is not very high. He has coronary artery disease and has two stents in his heart. but it was not the Dr. who recommended "Bi-PAP". It was the DME. and I take anything a DME tells me with a grain of salt.

It seems to me that at one point in time, a Bi-Level machine was more advanced and comfortable than a straight CPAP. But today's modern Auto CPAP machines seem to have come a long way, for comfort and for quality of care provided.

I believe I did my homework and I understand all the basics. But I can't figure out the details and there is no replacement for experience. That is where I need your help.

Here are my questions:

1- Is a Bi-Level Auto Device superior to a CPAP Auto (more specifically Resmed S9 Autoset)? and would I do my dad a disservice if I push the insurance system for a Resmed S9 Autoset vs. a "Bi-PAP"?

2- If Bi-Level Auto is superior to CPAP Auto, do any of you have a brand preference (in other words: do you prefer Resmed "VPAP" VS. Respironix "Bi-PAP") based on personal experience?

3- Is there another Forum for Bi-PAP users who might give me better answers to these questions?

4- assuming my dad can breathe well through his nostrils, do you have a preference for a chin strap VS. a full face mask? and why?

Thanks,

Allen

[Allenhiq]

Clarification: By DME, I mean the Durable Medical Equipment Supplier.

Allen

[cflame1]

1- Is a Bi-Level Auto Device superior to a CPAP Auto (more specifically Resmed S9 Autoset)? and would I do my dad a disservice if I push the insurance system for a Resmed S9 Autoset vs. a "Bi-PAP"?

2- If Bi-Level Auto is superior to CPAP Auto, do any of you have a brand preference (in other words: do you prefer Resmed "VPAP" VS. Respironix "Bi-PAP") based on personal experience?

3- Is there another Forum for Bi-PAP users who might give me better answers to these questions?

4- assuming my dad can breathe well through his nostrils, do you have a preference for a chin strap VS. a full face mask? and why?

1. In my opinion, a bipap is better than an APAP as it has more flexibility.

2. Everybody's going to give you a different answer on this question. Different people are comfortable with each one.

3. No... there are bipap users here

4. full face mask or hybrid style mask is what I prefer, as you can still open your lips on a chin strap and they don't work for everybody.