Which Bipap is not a timed cycle

How do you know by reading the description of the different machines which bipap will force in to inhale or to exhale? I've read that some bipaps will do this and it does not feel natural. Would I have to go with a VPAP if I wanted the natural feel and if so, does insurance cover VPAP if prescribed by a doctor since they are a lot more? Thanks for the help.

Most modern Bilevels have settings to smooth the cycling between exhale & inhale.

Good machines include :-
Respironics Bipap Auto (BiFlex), Respironics BipapSV, Resmed Vpap Auto with EasyBreathe (these all supply detailed nightly data)

(I can't recall if Sandman (Puritan Bennett) do a Sandman Bilevel - hope fully someone else can comment)

DSM

stepbill wrote:How do you know by reading the description of the different machines which bipap will force in to inhale or to exhale? I've read that some bipaps will do this and it does not feel natural. Would I have to go with a VPAP if I wanted the natural feel and if so, does insurance cover VPAP if prescribed by a doctor since they are a lot more? Thanks for the help.

I think any machine that describes a "rise time" would have a timed cycle. That would include all bilevels. I am not sure about the SV but think the ST has a "programmable rise time" (timed cycle) which I think is what you are referring to. If set wrong it will feel forced or out of sync. Tho I have felt my auto cpap w/cflex was forcing me out of cycle many times.

Go with the Aflex for the most natural feeling.
My bipap auto feels natural to me. Much could depend on how it's setup.

Bill, it sounds like what you're looking for is bilevel machine that:

1. has no timed backup rate
or
2. can be used in just "spontaneous" mode by not turning on "timed" (the machines with S/T at the end of their name.)

I'd pick one of these -- all of which record full data:

Bilevels that can be used just as a bilevel or as "autotitrating bilevel" which varies the inhale/exhale pressures as needed while still delivering "bilevel" treatment:
Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex M series
Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex (the older pre-M series model, larger than the M series.)
ResMed VPAP Auto (and the VPAP Auto 25 if a person needs more than pressure of 20 for inhaling.)

Bilevels that have no autotitration capability:
Respironics BiPAP Pro 2 (older pre-M series machine -- there is no "M" series Pro 2 bipap.)
ResMed S8 VPAP S (and "ST", which can be used in just "spontaneous" mode.)
ResMed S7 VPAP III (and "III S/T" and "III S/T A", both of which can be used in just "spontaneous" mode. S7 are the older models - larger than the S8.)

HI,
I'm new and just reading up on products. Google the VPAP III ST - looks like it is the ONLY VPAP in the series (from ResMed anyway) that has the full S/T capabilities.
Correct me if I"m wrong- any veterans out there!

crossfit junkie wrote:HI,
I'm new and just reading up on products. Google the VPAP III ST - looks like it is the ONLY VPAP in the series (from ResMed anyway) that has the full S/T capabilities.
Correct me if I"m wrong- any veterans out there!

Of the older models (bigger S7 shape) yes the Vpap III S/T & STA are the Timed models. The STA model has additional audible alarms & is mainly used in hospitals / clinics.

There is now I believe an S8 version of an ST bilevel (see link below & look for VPAP ST vs VPAP III ST)
http://www.resmed.com/en-us/products/de ... u=products

The new S8 based VPAP ST link
http://www.resmed.com/en-us/products/fl ... u=products

DSM

In looking at the Resmed range I see they list both these models
- S8 Autoset II &
- S8 Autoset Vantage

Both appear to be promoted as 'premium' & both seem to have the same features. Does anyone know for certain
if the one listed as the S8 Autoset II is actually the newest & better model ??? (seems to include 'EasyBreathe')

Tks

DSM

dsm wrote:In looking at the Resmed range I see they list both these models
- S8 Autoset II &
- S8 Autoset Vantage

Both appear to be promoted as 'premium' & both seem to have the same features. Does anyone know for certain
if the one listed as the S8 Autoset II is actually the newest & better model ??? (seems to include 'EasyBreathe')

Tks

DSM

These are Auto C-PAPs, NOT BI-PAPS. Yes, the Autoset II is the newest and better model. I used the S8 Autoset Vantage for about a month. It does not have EasyBreathe and I believe it's louder (although it is relatively quiet).

Bluebonnet_Gal wrote:

dsm wrote:In looking at the Resmed range I see they list both these models
- S8 Autoset II &
- S8 Autoset Vantage

Both appear to be promoted as 'premium' & both seem to have the same features. Does anyone know for certain
if the one listed as the S8 Autoset II is actually the newest & better model ??? (seems to include 'EasyBreathe')

Tks

DSM

These are Auto C-PAPs, NOT BI-PAPS. Yes, the Autoset II is the newest and better model. I used the S8 Autoset Vantage for about a month. It does not have EasyBreathe and I believe it's louder (although it is relatively quiet).

Thanks Bluebonnet - was just curious as I would have thought they stopped listing the older model.

I have a vantage myself.

tks

DSM

As far as I know, any brand of bilevels that have timed capability (the "T" tacked on at the end of the name, like "S/T" or "ST A" can be used as plain bilevel by simply using them in "spontaneous" mode (follows your breathing.)

If you simply don't turn on the timed mode (thus, don't set a timed back-up rate) they will operate just like any plain bilevel machine, I think. The VPAP III ST/A I messed around with for a couple of weeks just for the heck of it, could be set for plain bilevel mode. I used it for a week with various timed back up rates (which I didn't need and found very annoying) and also used it for a few days in just plain bilevel mode.

Just to add to Rested Gals comment, there is one brand (Puritan Bennett) that instead of calling their timed Bilevel 'T' mode, called it A/C mode.

The A/C being Assist Control mode.

And as RG says, they can all be run in CPAP, Bilevel S, & Bilevel T modes - and can usually also support ST combined mode. That is where there is both a timed (backup rate) that kicks in if the S mode doesn't get triggered within the time set by the 'backup' rate.

DSM

the new resmed 'auto bpap' is the newest in the line for resmed but it can be converted to cpap or spontaneous bpap - so the name can be a little misleading.

none of resmeds bpaps (or vpaps - bipap is trademarked by respironics - hence the need for "v" pap so as to not infringe) have any easy breath function. a change in the rise time (up) can make a difference for some. all of resmeds topline products are now in the same S8 body and use the one integral humidifier.

the ability to set a rate - a breathing rate - is what moves a system from the "respiratory assist category" to the ventilator category and is why they cost so much more. to qualify for a bi level ( no bpap or vpap!) system with a back up rate usually requires alot more diagnosis than osa.

try the respironics comfortlite 2 system - with direct nasal seals (not pillows) if your pressures are below 12 or 14 and for hi pressure i think the resmed activa is tops - it sticks itself to your face.

good luck!!