A-Flex or C-Flex?

[socalmonkey]

I understand the difference is subtle. But help me decide if I want A-Flex or C-Flex?

I thought I understood the difference, but now I'm not sure. Both provide exhalation relief, but C-Flex may spike back up faster? A-Flex is a smoother more natural response?

Either way, I want an an Auto-M series so I can have the flexibility of operating in the APAP or straight CPAP mode. Do I have that right?

Thanks

[DBoone]

Either way, I want an an Auto-M series so I can have the flexibility of operating in the APAP or straight CPAP mode. Do I have that right?

If you're going to pick up a Respironics unit that would be the best one. As far as C-flex or A-flex is concerned all I can tell you is that I've used C-flex for the last two years. I just picked up my own Auto-M machine about a month ago and didn't like A-flex when I tried it. But everyone has their own preferences. Try them both and see which one you prefer.

[Gerald]

Purchase the "M" series Auto with AFLEX.

The AFLEX machine can run in either "AFLEX Mode"....OR...."CFLEX Mode". These "modes" are simply different computer programs that react differently with your personal breathing pattern.

If you have the AFLEX model, you can try them both....and figure out which is most comfortable for you.

Because my first machine was purchased before AFLEX came out, I started out with CFLEX......and I find AFLEX annoying. My back-up / travel machine is an AFLEX unit.....but I run it in CFLEX mode....simply because that's the mode I prefer. Other people prever AFLEX.

The difference in cost between the "only CFLEX" model....and the AFLEX model......is a twenty-dollar bill or so....minimal bucks. Spend the extra few dollars so that YOU can make the choice.

Gerald

[socalmonkey]

Purchase the "M" series Auto with AFLEX.

The AFLEX machine can run in either "AFLEX Mode"....OR...."CFLEX Mode". These "modes" are simply different computer programs that react differently with your personal breathing pattern.

If you have the AFLEX model, you can try them both....and figure out which is most comfortable for you.

Because my first machine was purchased before AFLEX came out, I started out with CFLEX......and I find AFLEX annoying. My back-up / travel machine is an AFLEX unit.....but I run it in CFLEX mode....simply because that's the mode I prefer. Other people prever AFLEX.

Thank you very much. That was what I was unclear on. A-Flex will do both. And C-Flex came out first. Now I get. A-Flex is the way to go!

[Georgio]

Two votes here for A-Flex. (Me & Mom.)

[Pneumonym]

New to the game, I was prescribed the A flex but discovered that it was set for C after learning how to crack the silly code. No explanations given by anyone. I don't know if this was a mistake but I'm not bothered to change the setting at the moment. The physical act of breathing on the hose, at pressures up to 10 cm at least, doesn't seem to be an issue. I will ask the sleep doc when I see him next tho' - his answer will tell me how much he knows about the technology and how well he can explain such things. I do notice the anticipatory pressure changes, maybe I don't know yet what I'm missing by not being on A. Right now I'll be satisfied to keep the blow-hole fully open in REM, every night.

[RipVW]

It really comes down to personal comfort preference--I definitely prefer AFLEX. The M Series Auto w/AFLEX gives you the option to run in either CFLEX or ALFEX mode, I think it is wise to have that option so you can try both and see which feels more natural.

[TSSleepy]

Yep, get an A-Flex machine and you can try both. C-Flex reduces the flow during exhale, to make the transition from inhale to exhale smoother. A-Flex does that too, but also tries to anticipate by reducing the flow a little at the end of your inhale. Some people feel like A-Flex causes them to "stack breaths" or rush their breathing.

Both settings are just trying to "round" the edges of your change from inhale to exhale, so that it feels less jarring and more natural.

Here's a post that explains them both a little: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=39935&p=349391#p349391.

[LinkC]

I don't know if this was a mistake

Nah! DME's are professionals. They would NEVER make a programming mistake like that...

[ozij]

Both the -Flex options (A-Flex and C-Flex) can be unpleasant for some people and cause breath stacking.

O.

[socalmonkey]

Well thanks all. I am going for the A-Flex, if I can ever get through my battle with the DME. See my other post for detail. Thanks for all the help on A-Flex!

[jdm2857]

The easiest way to get the machine you want from a DME is to get your physician to write a script that specifies that machine. If "Respironics M Series Auto with A-flex" is on your script, the DME must comply.

[socalmonkey]

The easiest way to get the machine you want from a DME is to get your physician to write a script that specifies that machine. If "Respironics M Series Auto with A-flex" is on your script, the DME must comply.

Yeah, that's the common problem I see others have had. But they told me "no problem" with the A-Flex machine... the script isn't the issue. It's the sleep study. Funny, how they try and find ways to make this so difficult.