F&P Sensawake feature - - Review

[TangledHose]

Over the last several years I have been using a Fisher & Paykel Icon Premo machine that did not include their SensAwake technology - - I recently upgraded to their Icon Auto that includes SensAwake. The feature is basically an algorithm that supposedly uses changing breathing patterns to determine that you are arousing from deeper sleep to an awake state and will automatically reduce the pressure so that it is easier to fall back into a deeper sleep, at which time the pressure would go back to normal when the machine senses you are back in a deeper sleep pattern. I suppose this feature would be more useful when using the machine in CPAP mode, but with the newer APAP versions it is also available in APAP. I have noticed that in APAP the SensAwake pressure will not go below the minimum pressure set for APAP, so in my view the SensAwake feature is redundant when using the machine in APAP. I have also noticed that when I analyze my data in the InfoSmart software that there are many times when I know for sure I am awake, but the SensAwake feature has not detected my awake state - - I have marked times from my clock to view in the software that I know I was "Awake" - - there are also times that I wake up, wait a few minutes then turn the machine off for a bathroom break, and I can see from the graphs where I have turned off the machine, but the software algorithm has not detected my awake state before the machine has been turned off. So I am not trying to bash F&P (I do like other features of the machine) but I am not convinced that the SensAwake algorithm does it's stated job correctly. Since I have noticed that the SensAwake feature is not all that accurate, I have simply turned that feature off while using the machine in the Auto mode, and I can't really say there is much of a difference in the resulting data or therapy quality with it off since in Auto mode if you're in an awakened state the auto feature would normally revert to the lower set pressure anyway because you would be breathing normally.

Well, I think I have gotten a little wordy here so I'll wrap this up - - I am just basically saying that the SensAwake feature is not all that accurate and if you are using an F&P Icon machine I would continue to use the SensAwake feature only if you are on CPAP, when you are using APAP the feature is just redundant and not very useful. I think it's basically their funky version of the other brands exhale relief systems like CFLEX or EPR - - and SensAwake is not at all useful in APAP mode.

Just my two cents worth meant for the knowledge base on this board.

BTW - there are many other features of the Icon series that make this a good machine, I like it's portability for travel, and the humidifier system is second to none, also a nice small footprint on bedside table. Compared to my old RemStar (2005 vintage) machine it is a giant leap forward, and the Thermosmart heated hose is terrific - - I never have any rainout problems at all -- I will never go back to a system without a heated hose, in my mind it's a must have feature on a modern-day PAP machine.

[newsnore]

That's interesting. Maybe it explains why when I was using my old F&P HC254 in APAP mode that the Sensor Awake system never seemed to work. Thanks for the enlightenment.

[jencat824]

Wow, this just shows each of us have different needs. I just went on a rant on another thread regarding the ICON.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=88196&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

If it works for you, sorry if I was rude, but these are my experiences & thoughts.
Jen

[TangledHose]

Wow, this just shows each of us have different needs. I just went on a rant on another thread regarding the ICON.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=88196&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

If it works for you, sorry if I was rude, but these are my experiences & thoughts.
Jen

Hey Jen no sweat......that's what these forums are all about - sharing information. I like my Auto Icon for what it is, and the best part was the price. I think it's crappy that they don't make a free version of their InfoSmart software for the user/patient, but I think there is so much liability to worry about from the manufacturer's standpoint that they only want "trained personnel" making changes to pressure settings, etc. I personally don't agree with that approach - - I think every machine should come with free data software to help patients be more aware and involved in their own treatment, so having to purchase the software at $85 is a huge drawback. On the positive side - - my unit came with the hardshell backpack and since the Icon has the power converter and humidifier built right into the machine it makes for a very compact APAP and humidifier combination that is a breeze to travel with. Their humidifier combined with the Thermosmart heated hose really works well and may be one of the best humidifiers out there.

With all that being said - - I think if I had the money I'd go acquire either the ResMed S9 Autoset or the competing Remstar machine for home use and relegate my Auto Icon to my primary airplane-trip travel machine.......it's just that I got the Icon Auto for less than half the price of the S9 Autoset/H5i and in terms of it's APAP performance and function I think it is very competitive. But, as we both agree, the software availability is a real problem with the Icon line for those of us that are interested in full data reporting features.

[Guest]

I think that "sensawake" has woken me up. I have awoken twice in one night with the sensation of a possible sudden drop in pressure, say "a stumble." I raised the minimum a notch and that sensation did not re-occur. The idea of lowering the pressure is not really logical. Once you are used to the pressure you are used to it; the feature adds an un-necessary and possibly false maneuver. AS you say, in an automatic pressure machine it is essentially redundant anyway.

[Dirty Martini]

I have a F&P Auto Icon with SenseAwake as well. It was not set up by me DME. After waking up a couple of times during high pressure with air blowing out my mouth, I got intrigued with SenseAwake and set it up myself. Ultimately I decided to turn it off. Generally speaking I have pretty low pressure needs to begin with (my average pressure is around 5, but my high pressure can go to 13 pretty easily). But what I found is somewhat higher AHI with SenseAwake and my pressure seemed to be behind my needs. I'd have an event and then the pressure would go up......I was having more OAs. So I turned it off. Yes sometimes during high pressure times it still wakes me up....but that doesn't happen often enough for me to what don't go back to compromising the best of my therapy.

[Joshkins]

TangledHose, I have to agree with you on this one. I purchased the Icon Auto from cpap.com during the 20% off promotion because I thought it would be easier to travel with. I tried it out for a few nights and fell in love with the heated hose so much that I ordered the heated tubing upgrade kit for my PRS1. A friend of mine is using my Icon Auto right now until she can get her own. Didn't have much time to play around with the Sensawake because I'm still being monitored for compliance with the modem on the PRS1. Thanks for the heads up on it and will check it out more in April when I will be released from cpap house arrest.