My new BiPap Auto

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Sat Oct 14, 2006 1:16 pm

Yesterday I got my brand new BiPap Auto. I was using up to that time a Synchrony ST (non-grey) model originally due to prescribed pressures.

There were some differences between the machines.

Weight/Size

The Syncrhony was not only heavy, but also larger. The "non-attached" humidifier also added to the size and the extra host between the machine and the humidifier made it look like I was doing some sort of experiment.

Display

The Syncrhony has a much larger display and it is back lit. Not the easiest to read when you have a mask on and glasses off, but pretty not bad.

The new BiPap Auto has a much smaller LED display that has no backlight. Much much harder to see even without the mask and glasses on.

Programming

The Synchrony was a no-manual needed type program. When running, you could use the UP/Down buttons and find a Parameters setting which then let you set the machine in a fairly straight forward way. Ipap Epap etc.. was very easy to figure out.

The BiPap Auto however has two programming modes. The user mode which you do from standby mode and the hidden (Provider) settings which requires you to press keys while applying power.

There are several different base settings in the Provider mode, for Bi-Flex on Bi-Flex off etc.. After I learned how to get there, the programming was fairly straight forward.

There is still one setting that has eluded me and that is a setting called "Nights". Not sure what it does as I can't find reference to it yet.

Humidifier

This works a bit different since it is integrated rather than a separate component. On the old one, you hit the button for on/off and changed the dial to change its heat level.

On the new one, you hit the Heat button when the unit is running and it turns on and off. How to set the level took me a while. The instructions for that are a one liner in the Humidity manual. You need to press and hold the heat button until it starts showing a number which can then be moved up and down.

I currently have it set to 3 which seems lighter than the older unit.

How it is working

There is a noticible difference between the two machines when running. First sound.. The Bi-Pap Auto is quieter.

When the ST started up, there was a small pause and then a blast of air. It took a bit of time for the unit to figure out the sync in breathing but it was not bad. If the seal of the mask was good, I had no problems with breathing even with high pressures.

The Bi-Pap Auto is a lot quieter. Starts off with a pause as well but does not blast me the same way (I have ramp off). It seams that the pressures are less which will eventually let me loosen the mask a bit making it more comfortable.

Last night was not a good night due to numerous thunderstorms. No heavy rain but it was pretty noisy last night.

Will see as I use it more.

I did BTW have a new smell most of the time. This morning I really cleaned out the tank and hoses and the washable filter. I think that will be gone tonight.

History

The ST had the ability to see what you were running while it was running. Which again was hard to view with a mask on and glasses off. When you turned off the unit, that info was gone. You could still see number of hours etc.. but to get any real history, you needed to wire it to a computer and then run the software. No smart card.

The Bi-Pap Auto has a smart card. I've got a smart card reader coming along with the software so I will soon be able to "See" some idea of how I'm doing. Hopefully by next week.

Moogy · Post by **Moogy** » Sat Oct 14, 2006 4:56 pm

Thanks for sharing your observations, and congrats on your new unit!

I THINK the "Nights" setting records the number of nights or sessions that you have used the machine, but I have never tried to alter that setting.

I do wish Respironics would put a back-light on the LED. I started keeping a small flashlight next to the unit in case I needed to check it during the night.

Moogy

preemiern · Post by **preemiern** » Sat Oct 14, 2006 5:32 pm

Hi Krevlin--Congrats on obtaining a great machine!!
The nights is just the number of sessions the machine has been used--nothing to change or erase there...

Krelvin · Post by **Krelvin** » Sat Oct 14, 2006 5:51 pm

Thanks for the answer on Nights.

Makes sense why it was set to 0

I was a bit surprised about no backlit LED, especially after my previous unit from them had it. But, I think once I get the software and start reading the recorded data I won't need to refer to it much.

cwsanfor · Post by **cwsanfor** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 8:34 am

Does anyone know the current software version on the BiPAP? Or the revision history?

TIA.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 8:55 am

cwsanfor, I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but if I unplug - plug my BiPAP Auto in, 5.4 is a number that appears very briefly after the string of 8's.

cwsanfor · Post by **cwsanfor** » Sun Oct 22, 2006 4:24 pm

cwsanfor, I'm not sure if this is what you mean, but if I unplug - plug my BiPAP Auto in, 5.4 is a number that appears very briefly after the string of 8's.

Thanks, that was indeed what I wanted. I believe you got yours less than a year ago, so I guess that means we're both reasonably current. I don't know what I would have done about my revision being older, except fret, but now I don't even need to do that.

Machine	Mask