better machine for centrals?

katcw · Post by **katcw** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 5:02 am

If one's primary diagnosis is hypopneas and centrals, are there some machines that are better at treating those conditions and other machines better for treating obstructive SA? Seems like many people on this board have obstructive SA, but my issues are centrals and hypops

katcw · Post by **katcw** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:22 am

bump -- *someone* must have some ideas about this...

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:36 am

Sometimes there aren't many replies early in the morning...

Do you have a copy of your sleep study report? Were you diagnosed with Central Sleep Apnea in the study?

An "ASV" (adaptive-servo ventilator) is probably the most effective for treating primary Central Sleep Apnea, but unless that's really the sleep disorder you have, an ASV wouldn't necessarily be the right machine to use. Also can be a more uncomfortable machine to use if it's not really what you need.

katcw · Post by **katcw** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:39 am

I don't have the full report, but I was told that I mostly had hypopneas and centrals. The data from Encore Viewer substantiates that, if I'm reading it correctly. Thanks.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:45 am

Which machine are you using now? Your profile shows M Series BiPap. M Series machines and Encore Viewer 1.0 do not show centrals. M series machines and Encore Viewer or Pro 2.0 wont show centrals because the machine doesn't flag them. At best they are called NR non responsive and that isn't nearly as definitive as CA on the newer machines.
Are you using a different machine?

katcw · Post by **katcw** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 11:15 am

No, I'm using that machine. I guess I got my data mixed up. My old laptop (that has Encore Viewer 1.xxx on it) is in the shop, so I was speaking from memory. My main computer uses Linux / Ubuntu, so that sofware doesn't work on it.

The issue I have is that I sometimes forget to breathe, or breathe really shallowly for while, and then take a huge breath to catch up. I do it a little in the daytime, and I'm told more at night. So I'm trying to get suggestions of machines that are particularly good for people with this condition.

Thanks!

Mr Bill · Post by **Mr Bill** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 11:51 am

katcw wrote:No, I'm using that machine. I guess I got my data mixed up. My old laptop (that has Encore Viewer 1.xxx on it) is in the shop, so I was speaking from memory. My main computer uses Linux / Ubuntu, so that sofware doesn't work on it.

The issue I have is that I sometimes forget to breathe, or breathe really shallowly for while, and then take a huge breath to catch up. I do it a little in the daytime, and I'm told more at night. So I'm trying to get suggestions of machines that are particularly good for people with this condition.

Thanks!

I do this and with progressively greater frequency the more tired I let myself become. The Respironics BiPAP Auto Advanced does a great job of smoothing out the breathing.

BanjoPaterson · Post by **BanjoPaterson** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 4:35 pm

I run Linux/Ubuntu as well for both my machines, but run windows XP in VirtualBox (use licence from my old laptop, so no new licence fees to MS at least) to run the ResMed s/w as it won't run in Wine. Not happy with the compromise, but them's the breaks.

katcw · Post by **katcw** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 5:15 pm

Mr Bill,

Heavens to Murgatroid -- that machine costs $5,800 at cpap.com!! That is way out of my league and my insurance coverage. But it sure sounds like a great machine. Thanks for the suggestion.

Mr Bill · Post by **Mr Bill** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 9:13 pm

katcw wrote:Mr Bill,

Heavens to Murgatroid -- that machine costs $5,800 at cpap.com!! That is way out of my league and my insurance coverage. But it sure sounds like a great machine. Thanks for the suggestion.

My DME is charging the insurance company $8750. My insurance company is "renting" it. Supposedly because I may not stay with the program. Like I could have a life without it. I end up paying $121/month for it.

Mr Bill · Post by **Mr Bill** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 9:16 pm

That said, if you really have predominately centrals in your sleep report; I would think you need an ASV from either vendor. I was told nothing else can deal properly with centrals and your insurance should cover it if you can prove via sleep study that CPAP and BIPAP cannot treat the centrals.

montana user · Post by **montana user** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:01 am

Ive used the auto SV in the lab for centrals and have had good luck. Like someone mentioned we have to prove that CPAP and Bi-level do not work. This can be done easily in one night if the sleep tech isnt lazy. Alot of insurances will rent the machine for a few months, make sure you like it and its working then will buy it.

katcw · Post by **katcw** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:03 am

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm certainly going to look into it. I think my primary care doc will do what is needed, and I have a great DME (yes, there are a few out there). OTOH, I've never had a meeting with "my" sleep doc.

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