M Series BIPAP Auto with BiFlex? Is it an APAP or BiPAP

[Guest]

So a friend of mine is getting his very xPAP machine. And thanks to all the great advice you all gave me, I was able to help him over some of his hurdles. He was titirated at 22. So the APAP he wanted is out. However his DME suggested that most of the BiPAPs were also APAPS now.

So my friend told his DME that he wanted a M Series BIPAP Auto with BiFlex. So my question is: is this an APAP or a BiPAP?

The DME also told him that they were "tightening up the regulations" and were no longer allowed to sell the smart card readers to patients. Sounds like more DME BS... any thoughts on that?

[Favabean]

Danggit. I always forget to log in...

Btw, the first line should read "his very FIRST xPAP"

[Perchancetodream]

An M seriesAuto BiPAP with Biflex is an auto titrating bilevel machine: there is a separate setting for inhale and exhale pressures. Using the auto feature allows the machine to constantly monitor your breathing and adjust both levels to your needs.

There is a discussion on the value of bilevel machines for all cpap users in a different thread on this forum. viewtopic/t26896/BILEVEL-PAP-Therapy-Pe ... urdle.html

You may want to check it out, but with a pressure of 22, it seems your friend would be an ideal BiPAP patient.

As for the DME's claim, I would question it. Respironics just put out a new software, Encore Viewer, specifically for users. It requires a data capable machine with smart card and reader. If they don't sell it (and even if they do) you may want to check on line for the Infineer card reader. cpap.com, our host sells them, I think. I don't know if Two-Factor.com in Hong Kong still sells them, but they used to, for quite a discounted price.

Susan

[rested gal]

So my friend told his DME that he wanted a M Series BIPAP Auto with BiFlex. So my question is: is this an APAP or a BiPAP?

The Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-flex is a bilevel machine. A bipap. It is billed under the HCPS code for "bilevel." The billing code for an autopap is the same as for a plain "cpap."

The BiPAP Auto happens to be able to auto-titrate while operating as a bilevel, if you set it for "auto bilevel." But first, foremost, and always...it is a bilevel (bipap) machine. Not an autopap (APAP.)

It can't be used as just an autopap.

"BiPAP", btw, is Respironics trademark name for their bilevel machines.

Other manufacturers have other names for their bilevel machines...like VPAP for resmed's.

Respironics was the first to develop a bilevel machine, and their name for it (BiPAP) stuck. People often use the word "bipap" for any maker's bilevel machines. Kind'a like generically calling any brand of tissue "kleenex" or any brand of lip balm "chapstick."

[xyz]

> is this an APAP or a BiPAP?

Yes!

It's effectively an apap in the sense that it can be set with high and low values to roam between. But it's definitely a bipap. I have one and initially it was set up simply as a bipap (two fixed numbers). Recently it was set to auto. I find that 50% of the time I am at lower numbers than my sleep study indicated. And occasionally, as needed, it's higher than the sleep study. It works well.

I purchased a card reader and the software bundle from cpap.com. They price matched ... can't think of who ... for $155. Also be sure to get an extra card (price match for $10). Depending on his insurance, he should get some additional disposable extra-fine filters. (Unless they're provided by his DME.)

Be sure to get the bipap model that supports the card. I recommend the integrated M series humidifier. That's model DS700HS. Hmmm, 22 is pretty high. Before you buy have the seller assure you that it goes that high.