As I had quoted in a previous post:
Conditions Frequently Treated with Bilevel Devices &/or NPPV
Now, physicians typically use bilevel therapy to treat a broad range of conditions, including some conditions that require 24-hour ventilatory support.
o Respiratory muscle dysfunction (CO2 >45 mm Hg)
o previous poliomyelitis
o muscular dystrophies
o myopathies
o Neurological disorders (CO2 >45 mm Hg)
o neuropathies
o bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis
o spinal cord injury
o brainstem lesions
o primary alveolar hypoventilation
o Chest wall deformity (CO2 >45 mm Hg)
o scoliosis
o thoracoplasty
o Upper airway disorders
o severe OSA
o obesity hypoventilation
o Lung disease (CO2 >52 mm Hg)
o COPD
o cystic fibrosis
o bronchiectasis
o Acute respiratory failure (CO2 >52 mm Hg)
o hypercapnic respiratory failure
o hypoxemic respiratory failure
Bilevel therapy is not typically prescribed for OSA patients; however, OSA patients who require high treatment pressures, OSA patients that can not tolerate exhaling against the set pressure of CPAP or OSA patients that have another respiratory condition like underlying lung disease (COPD) may be candidates for bilevel therapy.
Yes the favorite is the Auto. But there is a reason for a BIPAP. (actually a number of them) If you have an underlying condition (such as one of the ones listed above) don't insist on an Auto.
Again, if the only reason that you are getting BIPAP is for COMFORT, the Auto with Cflex (if your pressure is low enough < 20) Would more than likely serve you better. Some folks can get very adamant about which machine to ask for, but there ARE other factors. I would hope that the suggestion of "Get a Remstar Auto with Cflex" will be tempered with, "as long as you don't have any underlying condition" and "if you were only prescribed BIPAP (BILEVEL) for comfort, you might want to try an Auto with Cflex".
Stock answers without qualifications can be dangerous.
