Anybody use Bipap ST?

[jrwill228]

Being told if APAP doesn't work they are going to try Bipap ST.  Anyone got any model/manufacturer names I can look up?

[justMongo]

The ResMed AirCurve 10 ST is one such machine.
It has a timed backup rate for switching from EPAP to IPAP.
http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/sup...10-st.html

The thing about "T" mode bilevel machines is they are usually not the best for controlling Central or Mixed Apnea.
Since the "Gold Standard" machine, the ASV, is very expensive, most insurance companies make people try the "T" mode bilevel machines first.

As an FYI: BiPAP is a trademark of Phillips-Respironics for a bilevel machine. The generic term is bilevel.
ResMed calls their bilevel machines AirCurve (for the 10 series) and VPAP for earlier generation machines.

[DeepBreathing]

http://www.philips.com.au/healthcare/pro...ventilator

http://www.philips.com.au/healthcare/pro...eamstation (Scroll down to "device configuration")

http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/pro...10-st.html

http://www.devilbisshc.com/products/cpap...level_st1/

[ajack]

Do you mean just S, if you needed Timed back up, I think they would start you on that?

If you need the ST, see if you can push to the ST-A with VAPS tech. As well as the ST, it has volume assured pressure support. You may not fully need it, but it's nice to have and will get volume and timed breath control.

From what I've been reading, a ST can treat basic centrals with the timed backup. It won't treat periodic breathing, cheyne stokes type things, which is where the ASV shines. The ST-A/VAPS are said to be good for hypoventilation and basic centrals.

[Sleeprider]

The value of a S/T machine really depends on what problems you are trying to solve. If you have complex apnea with centrals, just save everyone some time and aggravation and ask for the ASV. The S/T models are best for people with restrictive lung conditions and hypoventilation not related to central apnea. What is the issue you are having with APAP?

[Sleeprider]

To add to my response, please read these references that discuss the appropriate uses of the machine and recommended protocols for pressure titration. Compare the recommended applications for ST to SV or ASV. If the applicability of the machine being prescribed does not match the problem you are trying to solve, you need to have a discussion with your doctor to get a therapy that is BEST for YOUR conditions.

http://incenter.medical.philips.com/docl...%3d9792335

https://www.resmed.com/us/dam/documents/...lo_eng.pdf

[jrwill228]

Yep, its centrals with few OSA's.

Spoke to MD but its the insurance thats the PIA....

They say must fail trail on APAP, then go to Bipap s/t, then ASV....

[justMongo]

Typical of insurance companies.