CFlex + and EPR - what is the difference

[stephennic]

Hi,
I noticed the philips has c flex+ settings and the resmeds has EPR settings what's the difference and how do they work?
Thanks
Cheers
Steve.

[Crimson Nape]

I can speak for Resmed only.

Resmed's EPR will reduce the inhale pressure setting (IPAP) by the value indicated for exhaling (EPAP). The value setting can range from 0 to 3. Each value represents the amount of reduction in cmH₂O pressure (Set Pressure-EPR). The lowest possible pressure is 4cmH₂O. This means that regardless of the EPR value, no exhale pressure can be below 4cmH₂O.

Examples:

1. A pressure range of 7-9cmH₂O and an EPR of 3, the exhale pressure range would be 4-6cmH₂O.
   
2. Using the same EPR (3) and a pressure range 4-7cmH₂O would provide an exhale pressure of 4cmH₂O.
   

I hope this what you are looking for.

[RedSkip]

I can speak for Resmed only.

Resmed's EPR will reduce the inhale pressure setting (IPAP) by the value indicated for exhaling (EPAP). The value setting can range from 0 to 3. Each value represents the amount of reduction in cmH₂O pressure (Set Pressure-EPR). The lowest possible pressure is 4cmH₂O. This means that regardless of the EPR value, no exhale pressure can be below 4cmH₂O.

Examples:

1. A pressure range of 7-9cmH₂O and an EPR of 3, the exhale pressure range would be 4-6cmH₂O.
   
2. Using the same EPR (3) and a pressure range 4-7cmH₂O would provide an exhale pressure of 4cmH₂O.
   

I hope this what you are looking for.

Crimson Nape et al,

Do you know how long it takes for the EPR to "kick in" on the ResMed units? I find when I first put the unit on, it's difficult to exhale, however as time progresses it gets easier. I'm curious if the computer needs to determine the exhale patterns, and so there is a delay in when the EPR starts...

Skip

[Crimson Nape]

The EPR is instantaneous. You are describing your body adapting to the pressure increase. Others,as well as myself, have reported waking up and thinking the CPAP isn't working because we're no longer able to detect the pressure.

[PaulaO2]

One works by detecting the start or end of the inhale. The other works by detecting the start or end of the exhale. I can't remember which does which.

Some people feel that the xFlex is breathing for them, predicting their next breath and they don't like it. It feels forced. On the other hand, not many people notice the change of EPR other than it is easier to breathe out.

Both drop/increase from 1 to 3 cmH2O.

It all comes down to algorithm and rhythm.

And aliens.

[RedSkip]

The EPR is instantaneous. You are describing your body adapting to the pressure increase. Others,as well as myself, have reported waking up and thinking the CPAP isn't working because we're no longer able to detect the pressure.

Crimson,

Interesting you mention waking up and thinking it's not working/on. I've had that same experience...makes sense my body is being conditioned within the first few minutes.

Appreciate the feedback.

Skip

[OpalRose]

Interesting thread comparing AFlex to EPR. Even though you are asking about CFlex...I'm not exactly sure how that works compared to AFlex.

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...#pid145923

[cands]

The EPR is instantaneous. You are describing your body adapting to the pressure increase. Others,as well as myself, have reported waking up and thinking the CPAP isn't working because we're no longer able to detect the pressure.

Thanks for sharing this. I am 7 weeks in with pressure range from 11 to 17. I have just started experiencing this. It is rather nice!

[PaulaO2]

All the xFlex are essentially the same, just different because of the machine they are on. C-Flex is on the CPAP machines, A-Flex is on the APAP machines and B-Flex is on the BiPAP machines.

Oh, and the wiki 'splains the differences.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ion_Relief

[OpalRose]

EPR (ResMed machines) drops exhale pressure by corresponding number:
EPR 3 = 3cm drop in pressure
EPR 2 = 2cm drop
EPR 1 = 1cm drop.

AFlex/CFlex (Respironics machines) works a little differently.
A-Flex of 1, 2 and 3 all have a max of 2cm of straight pressure drop but have different amounts of additional Flow-based pressure drop.

There is a difference on when it gives the pressure relief when using the different settings.

This thread which vsheline gives a fairly good explanation of how it works.
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...#pid145923

I personally have never received more than 1.5cm pressure relief regardless of the setting I use, and SleepyHead confirms this. It is based on flow and how hard a person exhales. I believe I'm a shallow breather.