[Equipment] Noob questions about ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto

[nightshift]

Hi!  First, I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed to the wealth of tools and knowledge that is available here.  It's stunning what this community has put together.

I just started therapy a week ago with a prescription of 12 cmH2O.  My DME gave me a used ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto on loan for a trial.  (Thanks to this board for providing me the know-how to see the hours of previous use!)  It's set to a CPAP of 12, ramp time of 20 min with start pressure 5, and full time EPR of 3.  I've started gathering data in sleepyhead but I want to give it a go with these settings for a while. I'll post screenshots and ask for input later, once I've settled in.  I seem to be adapting okay - I definitely feel more rested already.  I do have a few questions, though.

1. I've looked at the clinician manual but I'm still not sure what exactly the VAuto function would do if it were in use.  If I understand things correctly, my current settings on CPAP 12 with full time EPR 3 are essentially IPAP 12 and EPAP 9 whereas putting it on VAuto would give the machine dynamic control over those IPAP and EPAP values.  What could I expect in practice?  If you have one of these machines, do you use VAuto or do you set all the values manually based on your sleepyhead data?

2. I have seasonal hayfever.  Should I ask for the hypoallergenic filters?  Would they make the machine more noisy for my partner?

3.  I believe that after a month of compliance my DME will set me up with a permanent machine.  Which model should I go after?  Stick with the ResMed AirCurve Vauto or is there a better ResMed machine?  

Thanks in advance for any input.

[OpalRose]

Hi nightshift,
If you post a couple days of data here, someone will be able to advise. Follow the links in my signature line.
There are many AirCurve users here, so I'm sure someone can help.

[Sleeprider]

It's set to a CPAP of 12, ramp time of 20 min with start pressure 5, and full time EPR of 3.  I've started gathering data in sleepyhead but I want to give it a go with these settings for a while. I'll post screenshots and ask for input later, once I've settled in.  I seem to be adapting okay - I definitely feel more rested already.  I do have a few questions, though.

1. I've looked at the clinician manual but I'm still not sure what exactly the VAuto function would do if it were in use.  If I understand things correctly, my current settings on CPAP 12 with full time EPR 3 are essentially IPAP 12 and EPAP 9 whereas putting it on VAuto would give the machine dynamic control over those IPAP and EPAP values.  What could I expect in practice?  If you have one of these machines, do you use VAuto or do you set all the values manually based on your sleepyhead data?

2. I have seasonal hayfever.  Should I ask for the hypoallergenic filters?  Would they make the machine more noisy for my partner?

3.  I believe that after a month of compliance my DME will set me up with a permanent machine.  Which model should I go after?  Stick with the ResMed AirCurve Vauto or is there a better ResMed machine?  

Thanks in advance for any input.

The Vauto in CPAP mode does indeed provide EPR and your pressure settings are 12/9 (IPAP/EPAP) with a ramp from 5.  If you wanted to try the automatic mode, your settings would be:
Mode Vauto
EPAP min 9.0
PS 3.0
IPAP max 12.

That would provided the same fixed pressure you are getting now.  If you want to try auto-adjusting pressure, the the following settings may be tried:
Mode: Vauto
EPAP min: 8.0
PS 3.0
IPAP max 14

With more data feedback we could assess the effectiveness of those settings and suggest changes in pressures or pressure support.  You seem to have a good understanding of the function of the machine and your settings, and it's encouraging that you are feeling better with the therapy.

I'm not a big fan of the hypoallergenic filters, but they are available, and as long as you use OEM filters, the pressure drop should not affect machine performance. We have seen some off-brand filters cause the machines to behave differently and record events that were not present with standard filters.

With pressure support at 3, the settings you are using with the Aircurve 10 Vauto can be duplicated with an Airsense 10 Autoset. If you find higher pressure support is useful, then the Autoset is limited to providing EPR at 3. The Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset or Autoset for Her is most likely what you will get for a permanent machine unless you have a need for something with more pressure support. Do try the variable pressure so you can decide if a fixed pressure machine like the Resmed Elite CPAP is accptable based on your current trial, or if you prefer variable pressure as you will experience in Vauto mode.

[Hojo]

I tried a hypoallergenic filter and it wouldn't let enough air into the machine, almost did me it, NEVER will I try one again.

[Fats Drywaller]

I tried a hypoallergenic filter and it wouldn't let enough air into the machine, almost did me it, NEVER will I try one again.

There's an option in the A10 clinical settings to tell the machine that an antibacterial (AB) filter is installed. Is it a good idea to set that when using the HA filter also, because of the increased air resistance?

[JesseLee]

As for the Vauto, i think it is the most flexible in features and does everything any machine can do except for backup rates. Unless you have complex, mixed, or central apnea issues, you have the top of the line machine in my opinion.

If you have further complications as stated above, the S/T and ASV machines are the choice, but that is strictly informational. I'm not implying you need those machines.

[gwc2795]

nightshift

Welcome to the forum. I am looking forward to seeing some of your charts. My wife is on a VAUTO in the auto mode and she is doing so much better than untreated.
Again welcome to the forum.

[nightshift]

Thanks very much for everyone's input. I'll post a sleepyhead screenshot when I get home tonight, as I'm at work right now. (Shift work stinks!)

[jaswilliams]

I tried a hypoallergenic filter and it wouldn't let enough air into the machine, almost did me it, NEVER will I try one again.

There's an option in the A10 clinical settings to tell the machine that an antibacterial (AB) filter is installed.  Is it a good idea to set that when using the HA filter also, because of the increased air resistance?

Fats really not a good idea and nothing like the effect Hojo was getting the hyperventilation was stunning.

[JesseLee]

I tried a hypoallergenic filter and it wouldn't let enough air into the machine, almost did me it, NEVER will I try one again.

There's an option in the A10 clinical settings to tell the machine that an antibacterial (AB) filter is installed.  Is it a good idea to set that when using the HA filter also, because of the increased air resistance?

Fats really not a good idea and nothing like the effect Hojo was getting the hyperventilation was stunning.

Not trying to hijack the thread but thanks y'all. I was considering the HA filters myself, i will now shelve that idea. Thanks again.

Just as a side note, the reason i was considering the HA filters was inspired by the performance i noticed in my vacuum cleaner selection. I used to get the $49 hoover at the supermarket every couple of years but i noticed breathing issues after i vacuumed. So i spent 300 bucks on a commercial shark vacuum with the fancy filters and seals and it made a world of difference. Sorry for the side track.