Best BiPAP....UK member

I am a UK resident looking to buy a new BiPAP machine. Now that Philips have assigned the term to their Bi-level machines, what do we call the former type.
Is there a best BiPAP? Which are capable of delivering Oxygen? Which are capable of a higher inspirational pressure as I need more than 25cm²?

ResMed = BiLevel
Phillips = BiPap

You should have no problem using an adaptor to introduce an oxygen bleed into your setup. But the standard bilevel machines can’t deliver pressures over 25. You can get to 30 with a bilevel ASV machine (adaptive servo-ventilation).

But I’m curious: why aren’t you getting this information from your doctor?

The Resmed Airsense 10 and Aircurve 10 offer a heated hose with an O2 injection port built in.
This is the best solution I have found.
Been using O2 with my PAP for 10 tears.
I also require a humidifier and heated hose.

Thanks for all your help, but there used to be a BiPAP type of machine before bi-levels came around: what do we now call them?

Miss Emerita wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 01, 2021 9:28 pm

But I’m curious: why aren’t you getting this information from your doctor?

He's unhelpful (copy correspondence is available).

I should like to submit a recent Respironics Encore chart from the Bilevel machine I have so you can see how I draw the conclusions I do and see what you think.

Your choices for machines that will go past 25 are extremely limited. A few years back the common 30 max for bilevels was replaced with 25 except in special needs machines. I think the bilevel used for COPD might go to 30 but I would have to look to make sure.

Will you be getting the new machine through NHS or private insurance or self pay?
What is your diagnosis?
What is the model you are using now?

The 2 "best" manufacturers for bilevel machines are going to be Respironics and ResMed. A couple of the outliers make bilevels but nothing that I would want to try.

Respironics still call their bilevel machines...BiPap...that's their trademark name. Now there are several different "BiPaps" that do bilevel and fit special needs so not all "bipaps" are created equal.

ResMed has called their bilevel machines different names in the past but right now they all start with AirCurve 10 and then the special model name.....Like AirCurve 10 ASV or AirCurve 10 VAuto or AirCurve 10 whatever.

Hi Jahbulon,

Two things: in the UK, usually patients whose condition requires pressures above 25 cm and/ or requires oxygen are under hospital care – and not the run-of-the-mill sleep-medicine department but the department called something like Chest Medicine or Lung Function.

And while both of the main equipment suppliers in the UK – Philips Respironics UK in Chichester and ResMed UK in Abingdon do sell directly to 'private' patients – they do require a prescription (or 'scrip') to do so. One that specifies which kind of machine is appropriate.

And it has to be current. If you are already a patient of some years (and I assume from your post that you are), then a scrip from several years ago won't do.

If your doctor is 'unhelpful' – meaning he or she won't meet your wishes – then you may need to find another doctor. The NHS website has details of how to get a second opinion.