EPR in Resmed S8 Vantage Autoset Mode????

[pivot]

I just started on Apap this past monday, as a trial to set a good pressure for my Cpap machine. I have OSA w/only hypopneas. I had requested a C-flex machine, they sent me S8 Vantage in Autoset mode. Is EPR on in Autoset, how do I check?? I feel like I cannot catch my breath when falling asleep? I thought I read some posts that it was not possible in Autoset mode. I want info before I call my DME.

[Paul B]

EPR only works in CPAP mode, not in Autoset mode.

[GoofyUT]

Are you using AutoSet or CPAP mode?

If in AutoSet, what is your minimum pressure set at?

If in CPAP, what is the pressure set at? Are you using the Ramp function?

Sometimes, folks with low starting ramp pressures, or minimum AutoSet pressures such as 4.0 cmh2o will feel air-starved. Fixing that has nothing to do with EPR, which simply makes it easier to exhale against a reduced presssure. In most of these cases, simply increasing the mkinimum pressure will completely eliminate that feelking of being air-starved.

So, relax, and let us know what those pressures I asked for are, so that we can help you.

Chuck

[pivot]

I am getting a new machine on Monday. The machine I have now was in Autoset mode starting at 5.0 don't know the max, and then would go to 12 at some points. I could not fall asleep so I would check the data on the screen. I have hypopneas only so with a level of 12 I could hardly catch my breath. I have only lasted about 2 hours a night on the mask (Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows). I wonder if there is a better machine for detecting Hypopneas??? Anyways, everyone has been such a help, I cannot thank you enough!

[2curious]

While I am no expert at this (have only been at it 3 weeks), I am still trying to find a mask I can wear. I have already tried AT LEAST 8 different masks to date. They are either too tight, too loose (leak too much), irritate my nose too much, or are just entirely too uncomfortable.

With that said, I have used the Swift (and Comfort Lite II with Nasal Pillows), small nose cone (Comfort Lite II with Simple Cusion), and face masks (Mirage Activa).

I should point out that there is a SIGNIFICANT difference in the perceived air flow between the nasal pillows and masks which cover the nose. If the pressure from a Swift is too strong, you might at least consider trying a mask which goes over the nose.

Good luck!

2Curious

[pivot]

That is a really good point!! I will call my DME tomorrow and see if they can bring me a new nasal mask to see if it will feel better.

[DreamStalker]

pivot -

Glad to hear you were able to get your DME to send you your initial request for the RemStar auto w/ c-flex.

As Chuck alluded to ... are you having trouble inhaling or exhaling?

The c-flex will make it easier to exhale but if your having trouble inhaling you may need to adjust your pressure up a bit ... once you provide some more of the details Chuck mentioned ... there are some really great folks here that can help you to get set up and on your way.

Good luck!

- roberto

[pivot]

I was really having problems with the exhale. I originally thought I had something wrong with me when I would fall asleep, notice shallow breathing, and feeling like could not breathe or catch my breath. Well, that was how I was feeling on the S8 Vantage in Autoset Mode. I felt like the air was so strong I could not exhale. It was that scary feeling again.

[GoofyUT]

With all due respect, beginning xPAP therapy IS a frightening experience. NO ONE is used to sleeping with a mask, as high pressure air is blown at you. EVERYONE feels a little (or a lot) freaked out when we started.

I started with an F&P CPAP blowing at 10cmh2o and there were lots of times when I was nearly hyperventilating because I felt as if I couldn't catch my breath. Within two weeks though, I didn't notice the pressure AT ALL, and often had to open my mouth to see that there actually WAS pressured air being blown into me. BTW, the F&P has NO expiratory relief, but it IS very quiet.

So, I'd still advise you to try to relax and try to get used to a whole new world of sensations. People DO adjust.

Having said that, some people find expiratory relief to be a blessing. In this regard, Respironics machines with C-Flex offer very effective relief on exhaling, in both CPAP and APAP modes. ResMed's EPR is close to the actions of a Bi-level PAP, but is NOT available in AutoSet mode. I use a Remstar with C-flex set to 2 in Auto mode (AFLEX) and I think the world of it!

I would tell you that your minimum pressure of 5cmh2o is low enough that MANY would complain of being air-starved. So, i would DEFINITELY explore with your sleep doc increasing your minimum pressure.

You asked about machines that are particularly adept at dealing with hypops. REsMed machines have the deserved reputation of being VERY aggressive at both scoring and treating hypopneas, almost to a fault. Folks who use S8 Elites and Vantages often get very high hypopnea scores. Resprionics on the other hand, may in fact, slightly underscore and treat hypopneas.

In terms of switching machines at this early stage, consider what the impact will be on your overall adjustment to the xPAP experience by switching now, and having to adjust all over again to a new set of experiences with a new machine. Its sort of like starting from go again.

But, as I posted in another thread comparing the Remstar Auto with the S8 Vanatge, people DO do different on different manufacturer's machines and algorithms, and you may in fact, be better suited to a RemStar, or a Puritan-Bennett.

But above all else, RELAX. Its a huge adjustment, but after getting over the initial hump, xPAP has proven to be SO useful to so many of us in allowing us to regain our former lives, and it will for you too.

Above all else, come here often cause there are TONS of amazing folks here who have gone through it all, and are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and experiences in the aim of helping others.

Cheers!!!

Chuck

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, resmed, C-FLEX, CPAP, Hypopnea, auto, APAP

[pivot]

Thanks for taking the time to write a lengthy and informative e-mail. Yes, this whole thing is quite overwhelming and Ihope to be able to adjust to Cpap and the reap the benefits that I have read about on this board. I will call my DME tomorrow to see which machine they are sending me. This is a trial to see what pressure will be good for me. My split night study did not go well, I could not sleep and the technician only got up to 6 and I still had an RDI of 15. I just want to get this thing going and get the right machines and masks for me.
Thanks again Chuck.

[GoofyUT]

You WILL get the right equipment, and you WILL get adjusted, and we'll all be right here to help whenever you need it!

C