Dreamstation - CFlex or aflex in auto mode

[stephennic]

Hi all,
I just read that you can use c flex I auto mode on the dreamstation is that correct. Is it better to use aflex or c flex + . What be the most comfortable settings. Do people prefer one over the other. currently trying aflex on 1.
Cheers
Steve

[OpalRose]

Like anything else, the flex settings are something you just have to try. And yes, you can use CFlex in auto mode. I tried CFlex when I first started therapy and didn't care for the feel of it, so switched to AFlex.

Unlike ResMed Machines, Flex settings will drop pressure at the most 1.5 to 2cm. on exhalation.

• C-Flex – Provides pressure relief upon exhalation.
• A-Flex/C-Flex+ – Provides pressure relief taking place at the end of inhalation and at the start of exhalation.

I know it is confusing!

[Ghost1958]

Opal is pretty much dead on with the flex but for one thing.
Flex a c or c+ is as she said flow based

However if set to 3 all of them can, based on flow , drop a full 3 cm at the BEGINNING of exhalation.
None of the flex settings will end exhalation at more than 2 cm lower than the high point of the previous inhalation.

But whats a cmh2o or two here and there amongst friends LOL.

[OpalRose]

Ghost, thank you....I forgot it is flow based.

Over the course of almost 2 years, I have tried all three settings; 1,2 and 3.
And none of them dropped my pressure more than 2cm. The average for me is 1 to 1.5 drop.

I must be a shallow breather.

[icyura10]

And none of them dropped my pressure more than 2cm. The average for me is 1 to 1.5 drop.

It's software problem I tell y'a!!! now where did I put my disassembler???

[Ghost1958]

Ghost, thank you....I forgot it is flow based.

Over the course of almost 2 years, I have tried all three settings; 1,2 and 3.
And none of them dropped my pressure more than 2cm. The average for me is 1 to 1.5 drop.

I must be a shallow breather.

Lol no Opal I doubt it. Flex would never show more than a 2 cm drop on a graph. It will never end the exhale with a drop more that 2cm below the high point of the previous inhale.
But it will at the very start of exhale give a 3 cm drop then come back up during the exhale to END at no more than 2
All dependent on flow of course.
With the Dreamwear mask im trying now, I run Aflex of 2. I can exhale without it ok but using it brings up my min vent and tidal volume.

If I set it on 3 its too much relief at the start of my exhale.

[OpalRose]

Ghost, thank you....I forgot it is flow based.

Over the course of almost 2 years, I have tried all three settings; 1,2 and 3.
And none of them dropped my pressure more than 2cm. The average for me is 1 to 1.5 drop.

I must be a shallow breather.

Lol no Opal I doubt it. Flex would never show more than a 2 cm drop on a graph. It will never end the exhale with a drop more that 2cm below the high point of the previous inhale.
But it will at the very start of exhale give a 3 cm drop then come back up during the exhale to END at no more than 2
All dependent on flow of course.
With the Dreamwear mask im trying now, I run Aflex of 2. I can exhale without it ok but using it brings up my min vent and tidal volume.

If I set it on 3 its too much relief at the start of my exhale.

I think I will have to go back in time and look at my min. Vent and Tidal V. when using the different settings.

Just a recap....I never felt comfortable with a setting of 3. I have used 2 and now 1 with no problems.

[stephennic]

Thanks for everyone ones feedback, when I tried on fixed mode on I had c flex on 2 and in the auto mode (aflex) on 1.
I keep trialing the various settings.
Looks like the dreamstation has 4 settings on CFlex and 4 settings on auto whereas the resmed 10 has only 4 settings on EPR, is that correct.
Cheers
Steve

[Ghost1958]

Pretty sure dream station and resmed have 3 not four settings. Unless you count off as a setting.

[NorthernGuy]

I can confirm, the DreamStation has only 3 settings of AFlex or CFlex+ depending on APAP or CPAP setting. The pressure relief was the same on all settings, it was the timing of the relief that differed.

How is your AHI with AFlex (or CFlex/CFlex+)? I turned it 'OFF' and (after 3 or 4 days to get used to no 'FLEX'), my AHI cut in half and has stayed there (now averages ~2.5). Before turning AFlex off, I had trouble averaging below AHI of 8-9. The AFlex setting did feel easier to breathe, but was hurting my AHI. It didn't matter which FLEX setting - they all hurt my AHI equally - only 'OFF' did the trick.

Just something to think about if you aren't reaching your AHI goals.

(NOT MEDICAL ADVICE - Just my experiences).