BIPAP machine stops blowing when I stop breathing

[Willec49]

I am trying to acclimate to my new BIPAP machine. The problem is that when I stop breathing in my sleep, the machine stops blowing. Then when I try to inhale, there is nothing there - no air- as I am sealed into the mask. This scares me and I wake up numerous times, just defeating the whole purpose of this kind of therapy. I just had my inhalation pressure reduced from a 12 to an 8 which is what they successfully used on me during my recent sleep study. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Gideon]

First make sure smartstart and stop are off. That is the only thing that will stop Flow to/ from your machine
Your daily charts will show us for sure.

I use two parts to titration, clinics and studies only use my first part.

1. Establish low numbers via titration

2. Change settings for comfort which is subjective and numberless.

I think you need more min pressure, increase min pressure by 2.

[Willec49]

Thank you for your reply.

Smartstart is off. I don't see a "stop" in my clinical menu.

I don't know what "titration" for establishing low number refers to.

I raised the inhalation pressure from 8 to 10 with exhalation still at 4. I started at 12 which was too high for me to start. Will see how the 10 works.

What are "settings for comfort" ? I don't see that. It is on Easy Breathe.

ALSO: I tried to download and join OSCAR. It looks like there is a charge for this service via insurance, etc.? Can you enlighten me on how this works?

Thanks again.

[pholynyk]

There is no charge for downloading OSCAR, nor for using it. There is a link to the download page in the black menu bar at the top of each ApneaBoard page.

There are Wiki pages to help you learn how to use OSCAR, and many members here who are happy to answer any questions you have... and you almost certainly will. Don't hesitate to ask.

[Gideon]

Titration is the term for methodically finding your optimum therapeutic pressure, you are there. Based on your description setting min pressure to 10 was solely for comfort.

Having exhale set at 4 on an AirSense machine makes no sense when your min pressure is 7 or higher. Cannot happen.

Do post your daily charts so we can see what is going on.

[Willec49]

When I go through the process to open an account. I am asked for my date of birth and social security number. Then I come to a page saying:
"As a reminder, you need to pay your first month's premium for coverage to take effect. Otherwise your enrollment may be cancelled.." It asks me to add a bank account.

I used the link on top of the page you mentioned.
Thank you.

[Jeff8356]

I used the link on top of the page you mentioned.

I'm not exactly sure what link you clicked on, but OSCAR is free.  There is no charge whatsoever, and no requirement for your SS# or to join anything.
 The link is in the black banner at the top of the page.  Or the direct link here: https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/

If you are still getting requests to enter personal info or payment then you may need to check your computer (or browser) for a virus or trojan.
Try a different browser and see if you get the same results.

[Willec49]

Thank you!
I was finally able to get to the right place and got in. I submitted my profile, downloaded the SIM card from my BIPAP machine and it looks like I'm good to go.
I really appreciate your response.

[Willec49]

        Thank you for explaining what "Titration" is. 

I will be trying the maximum (not minimum) pressure of 10 tonight. 

I don't have the Res Med Air Sense 10. I have the Res Med Air Curve 10 - a BIPAP which separates the inhalation and exhalation pressure levels.

The 4 for exhalation is the maximum (not minimum) pressure. Do you think that's too low?

Oh yes, Also, I increased the "Trigger" from Medium to High to trigger inhalation pressure to respond more quickly when I resume breathing. Do you think that was a good idea? I saw it suggested on one of these list serves. 

I will post my data here.

Thank you.

---

   

[Jeff8356]

Willec49,

An hours worth of data is not really enough to make and kind of decision.  You may not have even been asleep during that short period.  Try getting a full night worth of data and post your daily graph.

Also, have a look at this wiki page for organizing your charts: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ganization
Some graphs are much more useful than others and will help other users when offering you advice.