BiPAP or CPAP

[I_will_never_sleep_again]

Thanks to the people on this forum for all their help. I am finally getting used to CPAP. I lowered my pressure from 16 to 14 in order to adjust. I sleep approx. 6 hrs lately. I would like 8, but I am coming along just like you all said I would.
My question is: My Dr. gave me a prescription for a BiPAP machine since I was having so much trouble. Since then I have accepted and I am adapting to the CPAP machine. Should I go ahead and get the BiPap or tell then never mind I will keep what I have.
I am wondering if I should go ahead and get one since it is an option right now.
Any thoughts?

[justMongo]

A Bilevel machine gives more flexibility in lowering pressure on exhale.
In my personal opinion this is a case of: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

BTW -- what are they doing about your a-fib? Are they using something like a beta blocker (metoprolol succinate) to control the a-fib?
Are you on a blood thinner?

[Sleeprider]

A bilevel machine is extremely comfortable to use. By dropping pressure at each exhale and providing needed pressure on inhale, it seems natural and easy. Gone is the feeling of pressure during exhale. For me, a bilevel does not so much lower AHI as compared to CPAP, but it definitely reduced RERA (respirator event related arousals) to an extent that my sleep is now more refreshing.

[surferdude2]

I use an APAP now but my next one will be a BPAP. I want to know what I'm missing, if anything. I've gotten used to the APAP but that doesn't mean I'm in love with it.

[DariaVader]

bipap machine can function as an apap, but an apap cannot function as a bipap. I would go for the Bipap.

[justMongo]

The OP is on fixed level CPAP. Likely they would give him a fixed level Bilevel.
No mention of auto of any form in the OP.

[DariaVader]

hummm - at his pressure i think i would campaign for the auto! If he'd had an auto in the first place there might not be an issue, but bipap is the way to go at that high. My son needs high pressures like that and is getting a bilevel titration in january simply because the level of pressure to keep his airway open maxes out the apap. I may also do a bilevel titration, as my pressures go quite high during rem and the pressure is difficult to tolerate sometimes. I keep my EPR at the max of 3 and easily imagine increasing that for comfort.

[I_will_never_sleep_again]

A Bilevel machine gives more flexibility in lowering pressure on exhale.
In my personal opinion this is a case of: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

BTW -- what are they doing about your a-fib? Are they using something like a beta blocker (metoprolol succinate) to control the a-fib?
Are you on a blood thinner?

They haven't done anything about the a-fib. They suggested a beta blocker, but Dr. said he wouldn't like me on blood thinners if I don't have to. I have had about 2 episodes a year for 4 years.
I truly believe the Cpap treatment, and stopping alcohol will cure the A-fib. It always happens in the middle of the night. Probably cause I was starving for oxygen.

[I_will_never_sleep_again]

hummm - at his pressure i think i would campaign for the auto! If he'd had an auto in the first place there might not be an issue, but bipap is the way to go at that high. My son needs high pressures like that and is getting a bilevel titration in january simply because the level of pressure to keep his airway open maxes out the apap. I may also do a bilevel titration, as my pressures go quite high during rem and the pressure is difficult to tolerate sometimes. I keep my EPR at the max of 3 and easily imagine increasing that for comfort.

The prescription said pressure 8/16. I haven't heard from supplier yet, my insurance may require more time with first machine.

[PaytonA]

If you decide to go for the bilevel (I would), I would definitely push for the bilevel auto. Just like with straight CPAP and auto CPAP there is not much difference in price between the straight bilevel and the auto bilevel.

Best Regards,

PaytonA