OutaSync wrote:-SWS wrote: Also, a machine BPM setting that is not right for your spontaneous breath rate can cause that out-of-sync problem as well.
Sometimes it's just a matter of getting used to the machine's cycling, however...
... If my back-up (BPM) is set to just below my average, it's too fast for when I'm awake and it pushes me to breathe when I'm not done exhaling. ...
BTW, my sleep Dr. had no idea how to set up my machine.
OutaSync, you and -SWS hit the nail on the head. There are several reasons it can be a struggle to synchronize with an ASV. I found that it took about two or three months before my breathing became more regular using my ASV machine. You will adjust to it. But you are absolutely correct, these machines can be very frustrating initially.
By the way, it is an Adaptive Servo-Ventilator; not "automatic". Though the machine is adaptive, the algorithm follows a three minute window to determine what is normal for your breathing. If it predicts your current breathing rate will not fall within that "norm", then the adaptive part of the algorithm kicks in and the higher pressure is used. Why do this? It helps increase the oxygen content in the blood to break the undershoot/overshoot cycle that leads to central sleep apneas (or periodic breathing).
Though Calist trashes these machines, it has been a Godsend for me. My health was failing quickly without it. NOTHING else worked. CPAP, BiPAP, even oxygen did not make any difference. Without it, I ended up with uncontrolled high blood pressure (regardless of medication). That and Ibuprofen use led to kidney damage. Now, with my ASV unit my blood pressure is stable and so is the kidney damage. Not better, but not getting worse. I had more than one doctor tell me that I could not be having problems with central apneas because it is quite rare. It would just take proper titration. Yeah, right! Without ASV, I know my outlook was bleak. I was in very bad shape. But the increased sleep has made a huge difference in my life.
Bons, I am glad to see that the Klonopin helped keep you asleep well enough to last through the night. Another medication that can help induce increased sleepiness, without significantly interfering with the sleep cycle is Remeron. It is an off-label use of it, since it is an anti-depressant, which has a side effect of increased sleepiness.
By the way, you will find that when the ASV unit ramps up the pressure, it increases the tendency for the mask to leak. Though the Respironics systems are not as sensitive to leaks as the Resmed unit, it can still be a big issue. Essentially any seal tends to fail when the pressure changes dramatically. As a result, I need to change my mask more frequently than I did when I used a BiPAP unit.
Also, you asked about the software. From the Respironics website it appears you need Encore Pro software, a Smartcard reader and a Smartcard. Though I have a Resmed ASV unit, you might try the same approach I did. I contacted both my doctor and DME. Because I was actively interested in managing my therapy, I asked for a copy of the software and the interface cable. Resmed provided an old, but workable copy and a cable. Respironics might do the same. In my case the doctor and DME felt it would allow me to proactively request help if there are issues.
You can find the part numbers at:
http://bit.ly/chkLMn
The Respironics page for the BiPAP autoSV Advanced is:
http://www.healthcare.philips.com/main/ ... efault.wpd
Hope all that helps.
