Cutting off inhale breath

[Goldchair]

I recently started a DreamStation ST and it's not been a good experience so far. I was using a Resmed AirCurve 10 Vauto, but I was still getting to many Central apneas so my doctor switched me to the ST. I have only been using the new machine for 5 days, but feel like I'm not sleeping at all. Also noticed that every 4 or 5 breaths in, it feels like the machine cuts off in the middle of inhaling. Not sure what to do. My respiratory therapist has only given out 3 ST machines to patience, so I'm not sure how much he can help.
Any suggestions?

Mode;ST
IPAP: 19.0
EPAP: 9.0
BPM: 12
Ti: 1.0

Thank you

[Gideon]

Welcome to the Apnea Board.

Please download OSCAR and post some daily charts, and redacted copies of your sleep study. If you can include screenshots from bot your VAuto and ST including 2-minute views of centrals from both machines. We do better with data.

Guesses:
The BPM setting is off. The BPM setting should be set a bit slower than your breathing rate so your breathing rate is about 14?
Your Ti setting is off.

Look at the organize link in my signature to include the important charts.

[Goldchair]

The BPM is set at 12 and the Ti is set at 1.0. I believe they are both on if they are set at a number. You're going to have to excuse my ignorance, I'm pretty new to this whole thing?

[SarcasticDave94]

I think by "off" bonjour means the settings aren't right for you to get good results. Can you get OSCAR and post what a night's therapy looks like? See his or my signature for the chart organization directions.

[Sleeprider]

The most likely problem is too short of a time of inspiration setting. Your IPAP is set to 1.0, and iti likely you may need somewhere from 1.5 to 1.8 depending on normal inspiration times for you. In addition, you mght benefit from a change in Rise Time. It would help if you let us know all the settings you are currently using.

Also, you moved to the the Philips ST from Aircurve 10 Vauto as a result of central apnea. These are most likely treatment emergent CA events, and they are much better treated with the Aircurve 10 ASV. I am 100% certain you are using the wrong machine to correct the central apnea from bilevel therapy. I don't need a chart to see this. Please read manufacturer recommendations for the use of the ST vs ASV machines. The ST is for obstructive or obesity related hypoventilation, while ASV treats central and complex apnea. You need a different machine. For some reason doctors and insurance companies chronically prescribe ST when ASV is the clear and obvious choice. This is correctable only by getting the right machine, and you need to fight for it.

[SarcasticDave94]

I agree with Sleeprider. I'm assuming insurance dictates the ST fail to get to ASV. Time to practice complaining about ST failures you're experiencing. Note the problems it's causing so you can tell Dr. Duck ST ain't helping.

[Goldchair]

Thank you to everyone. I did email my doctor this morning to tell him about the issues. I even asked if the ASV would be a better treatment option, but I'm sure they will say I have to spend 90 days on this one as I had to to with the first one. The funny thing is I felt better when I was using the Vauto. Since I started to use the ST, I feel absolutely horrible.

[SarcasticDave94]

I'd suggest complain to the doc all the time till he or she gets sick of hearing from you. They might do the write up that ST is a fail sooner than 90 days. Write down the complaints for the doc if you think it may help. Squeak as loud and as often as you can.

[Gideon]

Sleeprider went directly to where I was heading. Including the ASV vs the ST.
The ST and ASV are the same class of machine meaning is you doctor justified one he justified the other and I too don't understand the doctors prescribing the wrong machine. I do assume that you do not have any breathing issues other than apnea.

[Goldchair]

No other issues that I know of.