Hlpe! going crazy with new Respironic Bipap AutoSV Advanced

[saltwatertaffy]

Previous to this machine I used a nice plain ole CPAP with a Swift LT for 3 years. I was happy. Then I was retested twice and found to have many "centrals" in addition to OSA. I was given the Bipap Auto SV Advanced. I'm not happy anymore. How long does it take to get used to this machine? The initial and continuing pressure seems so great that it blows my cheeks out and makes it impossible to establish a regular breathing pattern or fall asleep for that matter. Are there masks particular to this machine, ie. only FF masks? It's bloody loud. It took my husband a long time to get use to the minimal noise of the previous PAP. Finally, I've gotten little or no help from Apria who say they've only seen two other machines like this one and seem as bemused with it as I am. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you.

[BrianinTN]

I started on this machine as well about two and a half weeks ago. I'm assuming you're on the older model (not the new System One version)? It is a bit louder, so there's not much I can say about that. Personally I kind of like the noise, but I also sleep with a fan on, so I'm weird like that.

As for getting used to it, it would help to know what the settings are for your ASV versus your old CPAP. My CPAP (and later my BiPAP) were both at rather high settings, whereas my ASV starts at a very low pressure -- so for me, the ASV is actually much more comfortable. Also, did your DME turn the ramp setting on? If it feels like it's blowing you away as you're trying to get to sleep, that would be the first thing I'd check. A 20 minute ramp up period can make all the difference in the world in terms of comfort.

[Kiralynx]

I absolutely love my ASV! In fact, I think it's one of the reasons I adapted to xPap therapy as fast as I did.

It would be helpful to know what your pressures are... that can make a difference.

Oh, and I use mine with nasal pillows with no hassle.

[JohnBFisher]

... I was given the Bipap Auto SV Advanced. I'm not happy anymore. How long does it take to get used to this machine? The initial and continuing pressure seems so great that it blows my cheeks out and makes it impossible to establish a regular breathing pattern or fall asleep for that matter. Are there masks particular to this machine, ie. only FF masks? ...

It does take time to adjust. I found that with the ASV a full face mask was the only option. When it ramps up the pressure there was NO way my mouth could keep a seal. I use the Quattro FX Full Face Mask (FFM). The plain, old Quattro FFM works well also.

... It's bloody loud. It took my husband a long time to get use to the minimal noise of the previous PAP. ...

There should be the ability to set a ramp on the machine, so the pressure starts at a lower setting. That will make it quieter ... but it will be louder as you stop breathing. When you do, it assumes you need pressure support to help sustain your breathing. That helps break the cycle that causes ongoing central apneas.

... Finally, I've gotten little or no help from Apria who say they've only seen two other machines like this one and seem as bemused with it as I am. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you.

You might want to INSIST they talk with the manufacturer to get some advice. Even if they don't understand they *should* have access to the manufacturer, which can also help.

And of course, several of us here try to help others ... so ask away!

[saltwatertaffy]

Thank you BrianinTn, Kiralynx and John B Fisher for taking the time to reply to my message. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't know my pressures. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to machines and have assumed that the DMEs have set the pressures according to my sleep doc's orders. I guess I'd better make an effort to educate myself in these matters. I assume my pressure gets very high because after awhile it feels like I'm trying to sleep in a full force hurricane. Hence I wear a full face mask. I wish I could continue to wear my nasal pillows but I think they'd be blown off my face as the night goes on.

I need to resolve some of these issues and get comfortable with the ASV ASAP because in 2 months I'm going to have bi-lateral knee replacement.

[Janknitz]

I wish I could continue to wear my nasal pillows but I think they'd be blown off my face as the night goes on.

It's worth trying your nasal pillows one night, or perhaps for a nap. They might work, and that will be more comfortable for you.

[Mr Bill]

Thank you BrianinTn, Kiralynx and John B Fisher for taking the time to reply to my message. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't know my pressures. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to machines and have assumed that the DMEs have set the pressures according to my sleep doc's orders. I guess I'd better make an effort to educate myself in these matters. I assume my pressure gets very high because after awhile it feels like I'm trying to sleep in a full force hurricane. Hence I wear a full face mask. I wish I could continue to wear my nasal pillows but I think they'd be blown off my face as the night goes on.

I need to resolve some of these issues and get comfortable with the ASV ASAP because in 2 months I'm going to have bi-lateral knee replacement.

I have the same unit and I learned this from Pugsy. Hold down the ">" and "silence" button simultaneously for about 10 seconds or until your machine beeps twice. You can now use the "<" and ">" to scroll through your setting to see how your machine is set up. Don't change any numbers, just write them down. The setting label will usually be in the lower left and the value in the upper right. The writing is very small. After a minute or so of inactivity the menu will revert to normal.

If you are a very quick, retentive reader, the machine flashes all the settings briefly at the bottom of the screen on power up. But its too quick for me to remember them all.

[Kiralynx]

Thank you BrianinTn, Kiralynx and John B Fisher for taking the time to reply to my message. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't know my pressures. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to machines and have assumed that the DMEs have set the pressures according to my sleep doc's orders. I guess I'd better make an effort to educate myself in these matters. I assume my pressure gets very high because after awhile it feels like I'm trying to sleep in a full force hurricane. Hence I wear a full face mask. I wish I could continue to wear my nasal pillows but I think they'd be blown off my face as the night goes on.

I need to resolve some of these issues and get comfortable with the ASV ASAP because in 2 months I'm going to have bi-lateral knee replacement.

Well, without this Forum, I'd've been just as lacking in knowledge. Ignorance is caused by a lack of information. You can solve that by asking questions. Stupidity -- which you show NO sign of -- is an inability or unwillingness to cure ignorance.

Remember what is said about ASSUME. Makes an equine out of U and ME.

I use a Comfortlite 2 (with direct seal pillows), a Headrest with pillows, and lately I've been trying to use the Swift FX, also with pillows. So it's possible to use pillows with this machine.

You've now learned how to find out what your pressures are, so get that noted down, and then report back!

It turned out that for me, the DME had set my EPAP too high and my struggle to breathe out was triggering centrals. Once we corrected the EPAP, all was well!