[Treatment] How to adjust from CPAP to VPAP

[ron137]

My wife was just switched from a CPAP (after four years and new sleep study) to a ResMed S9 VPAP S. Her current pressure was 13# and now it is set for 15-20. She is have a very hard time adjusting to it the pressure seems too great and she has not used it for the first two nights. Today the Dr changed it to 13-17.

Any ideas?
Thanks for any help!

[zonk]

I've no experience with the machine but from reading what people say, its not surprising your wife having hard time adjusting
It take some time to adjust and will get better, good thing the doctor is looking after her

[vsheline]

My wife was just switched from a CPAP (after four years and new sleep study) to a ResMed S9 VPAP S. Her current pressure was 13# and now it is set for 15-20. She is have a very hard time adjusting to it the pressure seems too great and she has not used it for the first two nights. Today the Dr changed it to 13-17.

Hi ron137, welcome to the forum!

In "15-20" or "13-17" the first number is called EPAP (exhalation pressure).

The second number is called IPAP (inhalation number).

The difference between EPAP and IPAP is known as Pressure Support.

I suggest she return the VPAP S machine and request the doctor to change the prescription to be appropriate for a VPAP Auto machine, by prescribing a range for EPAP. For example:

Min EPAP = 11 (or higher, doctor selected)
Max IPAP = 20
PS = 4 or 5 (doctor selected)

Or, if her previous machine was a Philips Respironics machine (and she liked it), then the Philips Respironics System One BiPAP Auto with Heated Tube is also a very fine machine, with a few features which the ResMed VPAP machines do not have (such as Bi-Flex and slowly self-adjusting Pressure Support).

VPAP Auto or BiPAP Auto machines would self-adjust as needed, delivering only as much pressure as needed and only when it is needed, allowing her average pressure to be as low as possible while still delivering effective therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Also, if she takes action to make sure she stays off her back while sleeping, she likely would not need anywhere near an EPAP of 15. And if she were to roll onto her back while asleep, the VPAP Auto would self-adjust and would probably handle it fine.

Take care,
--- Vaughn

[ron137]

My wife was just switched from a CPAP (after four years and new sleep study) to a ResMed S9 VPAP S. Her current pressure was 13# and now it is set for 15-20. She is have a very hard time adjusting to it the pressure seems too great and she has not used it for the first two nights. Today the Dr changed it to 13-17.

Hi ron137, welcome to the forum!

In "15-20" or "13-17" the first number is called EPAP (exhalation pressure).

The second number is called IPAP (inhalation number).

The difference between EPAP and IPAP is known as Pressure Support.

I suggest she return the VPAP S machine and request the doctor to change the prescription to be appropriate for a VPAP Auto machine, by prescribing a range for EPAP. For example:

Min EPAP = 11 (or higher, doctor selected)
Max IPAP = 20
PS = 4 or 5 (doctor selected)

Or, if her previous machine was a Philips Respironics machine (and she liked it), then the Philips Respironics System One BiPAP Auto with Heated Tube is also a very fine machine, with a few features which the ResMed VPAP machines do not have (such as Bi-Flex and slowly self-adjusting Pressure Support).

VPAP Auto or BiPAP Auto machines would self-adjust as needed, delivering only as much pressure as needed and only when it is needed, allowing her average pressure to be as low as possible while still delivering effective therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Also, if she takes action to make sure she stays off her back while sleeping, she likely would not need anywhere near an EPAP of 15. And if she were to roll onto her back while asleep, the VPAP Auto would self-adjust and would probably handle it fine.

Take care,
--- Vaughn

[Sleepster]

My wife was just switched from a CPAP (after four years and new sleep study) to a ResMed S9 VPAP S.

What was the reason for the change in machines?

[Galactus]

Just so you know Vaughn has a good point indeed. I was on straight cpap at 18 and based on his suggestions I got a PRS1 760 BiPap auto the results are quite pleasing, that auto does the trick indeed.

[bwexler]

+1 I would not want any machine not capable of self adjusting, or not providing full data.