06-04-2015, 02:56 PM
RE: Advice on APAP settings
Depending on the machine (I am not versed in all the available models) but my 550 and 560 and earlier machines have what is called FLEX. It can be set to CFLEX or AFLEX. It provides some pressure relief on exhale, and this helps new mask wearers a chance to acclimate to the treatment (aka, become compliant ).
And yes, FLEX works with CPAP as well as APAP.
You can enable FLEX without changing pressure - it may let you know whether its the inhale or exhale pressure that bothers you.
The advanced FLEX machines have a few other capabilities, like reducing pressure just before inhalation, after inhalation, so that as your body changes mode the machine waits for you to get mid-cycle (if I understand the literature right). Personally, these features never seem to sync up with my body ...guess I am an erratic breather... so they don't work for me today. But its worth looking into if you struggle with keeping the mask on.
And yes, FLEX works with CPAP as well as APAP.
You can enable FLEX without changing pressure - it may let you know whether its the inhale or exhale pressure that bothers you.
The advanced FLEX machines have a few other capabilities, like reducing pressure just before inhalation, after inhalation, so that as your body changes mode the machine waits for you to get mid-cycle (if I understand the literature right). Personally, these features never seem to sync up with my body ...guess I am an erratic breather... so they don't work for me today. But its worth looking into if you struggle with keeping the mask on.
