A-flex machine and information

[mcejsul]

Hello all,
Had my review of my split sleep study. The study recommended another study with the mask on from the outset. It recommended a pressure of 16, which was also on my last machine, so I decided to go with that instead of sleepingover again.
I asked a question about the benefits of an A-Flex machine, so he recommended I get one of those(I was just asking a question). Anyway, any recommendations on the best a-flex machine that I am able to get software and readings for?
Any expectation I should have with an a-flex versus a c-flex? He is putting the pressure on the a-flex at 14-20.
I am going for a full face mast this time, I was thinking the mirage quattro. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Mike

[GumbyCT]

Anyway, any recommendations on the best a-flex machine that I am able to get software and readings for?

There is only one maker of the Aflex machine so that will limit your choices. It is a good machine. At your pressure you may want to just ask about a bipap also to see if you can get a trial.

I am going for a full face mast this time

Is there a piece missing here?

[rested gal]

Hello all,
Had my review of my split sleep study. The study recommended another study with the mask on from the outset. It recommended a pressure of 16, which was also on my last machine, so I decided to go with that instead of sleepingover again.
I asked a question about the benefits of an A-Flex machine, so he recommended I get one of those(I was just asking a question). Anyway, any recommendations on the best a-flex machine that I am able to get software and readings for?
Any expectation I should have with an a-flex versus a c-flex? He is putting the pressure on the a-flex at 14-20.
I am going for a full face mast this time, I was thinking the mirage quattro. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Mike

I'm guessing what you really were asking (or meant to ask) your doctor about were the benefits of an autopap (APAP) vs a cpap (CPAP) machine.

"A-Flex" and "C-Flex" are not types of machines. They are the trademark names of exhalation comfort features available on some Respironics (now Philips Respironics) machines. The Philips Respironics System One Auto has both features (A-Flex and C-Flex) in it, for dropping the pressure some when breathing out. The A-Flex feature is available only when using the machine in "auto" (autotitrating) mode.

"A-Flex" works just like "C-Flex" and additionally smooths out the transition when the machine starts moving up again (which happens before the exhalation is completely finished) to the regular pressure. C-Flex (available in auto or cpap mode) can feel, to some people, like an abrupt bump when the pressure comes back in before breathing out has finished. A-Flex feels smoother to many, and still gives the same exhalation pressure relief of C-Flex.

Given that a pressure of 16 was what you were using on your previous CPAP machine, a range of 14 - 20 sounds reasonable to set for an APAP. You can choose what type and level of exhalation relief you want. A-Flex at "1" will give you a little bit of pressure reduction when you start to breathe out. A-Flex "2" reduces it more, and "3" gives the most pressure reduction. Same applies to "C-Flex." Neither of those "flex" features drop the pressure an exact number of cms. A-Flex (or C-Flex) set at "3" does not give a 3 cm reduction in pressure.

The amount of drop in pressure given by Respironics (Philips Respironics)'s "flex" features varies, depending on what level of "flex" setting you choose (1, 2, or 3) AND with how forceful or light your natural exhalation is. When you breathe out forcefully, flex will drop the pressure down farther than when you breathe out lightly.

ResMed's "EPR" (their trademark expiratory pressure reduction feature) for dropping pressure when breathing out using some of their APAP or CPAP machines does drop the pressure an exact number of cms. EPR 1 = a drop of 1 cm in pressure when you exhale. EPR 2 = a 2 cm drop. EPR 3 = a full 3 cm drop.

[jamiswolf]

Hi mcejsul,
I think RestedGal summed it up nicely for you.

I'd just like to add that at those relatively high pressures, some people have difficulty with leaks using a FF mask. If you've been on cpap awhile, don't change masks if you have one that works.
Jamis

[archangle]

If you already have an S9 AutoSet machine, I don't think there's any particular reason to change to a PRS1 (Philips Respironics System One) machine just to get Aflex. The S9 has its own version of exhale relief.

I think that for most people, turning off the FLEX/EPR is worth trying once you get used to the pressure. Exhaust relief is MOSTLY a comfort thing until you get used to it. I find the changing pressure makes the mask wiggle around leak more. However, some people find it helps with gas or other problems.

Do you have any particular problems you're trying to fix?

I think the only CPAP machine with Aflex is the PRS1 Auto. Great machine, but not really any better than the S9 AutoSet you already have.