First Time Poster, need advice for new machine!

[kbjames]

Hi All,
 
I'm a first time poster and have been using a machine for 9 years, Respironics BiPap System One that has been recalled. I'm trying to get a replacement unit and would greatly appreciate your advice. My journey began 10 years ago where after 2 failed attempts with CPAP and standard BiPaP, I finally found a doctor who was able to recommend my current machine, an ASV BiPAP which has been nothing short of a god-send for my severe apnea.
 
My first question is, I've attached a screenshot of my current machine and would like to confirm it is in fact an ASV machine.  (I lost track of the contact info for the Dr who prescribed it to me and only vaguely recall this from our convos.)
 
Which brings me to now.  I've been working with a different doctor and we've progressed to the point where I have a Rx for an Auto BiPaP, not a ASV version.  I'm not convinced this will work for me (based on the several failed attempts from 10 years ago) but then again, perhaps todays machines are better and a standard BIPAP Auto would be sufficient?
 
My 2nd question is, assuming my current machine is an ASV, would an Auto BiPAP work going forward or should I insist on another ASV unit?  I'm currently looking at the ResMed AirCurve 10 series as a replacement, which appears to have 3 options, standard BiPAP, Auto, and ASV.
 
My last question is, if I bought one outright (cause I have crap insurance) how difficult would it be to configure the ASV unit?  I already spoke to a medical equipment supplier regarding my current Rx and he indicated he wouldn't be able to program the ASV unit if I bought one, just the Auto BiPAP.
 
Thank you in advance for your help!
 
kbjames

[SarcasticDave94]

It looks to be an Auto SV, Philips Respironics speak for ASV.

I've had the one I'll mention, ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV. There may be some of the newer 11 series as well, but I'd consider 10 series first.

Did you, or do you, have need of specialized timing setting? If not, the ResMed ASV will be perfect. It will treat all Apnea.

Setup is about as easy as you'll find.

[kbjames]

Thanks for the reply Dave.

I've never changed the settings for as long as I've had it.  The setup, or at least my experience with it, was golden right out of the gate.  And given the first few tries before that failed so awfully, it never even occurred to me to try to tweak it, and to be frank my mindset was "if its not broke, don't fix it". So no, I don't know if it has a special timing setting.

And that's probably also why I never realized until 6 months ago that it had even been recalled, it always worked like a champ. But now I know and I'm trying to get a replacement before this one stops working as I can't sleep without it, but the seemingly simple process of finding a replacement has been very painful so far.

P.S.  Do you know what the functional differences between the Auto and ASV for the resmed 10 aircurve series are?  I've been trying to educate myself on it, but I'm not quite there.

Thank you again!

kbjames

[SarcasticDave94]

Your question is on the ResMed ASV machine, and the difference between modes ASV and ASV Auto?

If so, one thing is different. ASV Auto makes EPAP a 2 pressure (as bookends) dynamic range. ASV mode is static EPAP.

[kbjames]

I was able to find the original doc who prescribed my Respironics machine 9 years ago.  If I request my medical records would it have the settings on there from what she recommended 9 years ago?  Trying to reach out, but tough to get ahold of.

Thanks for your help!

kbjames

[SarcasticDave94]

Does the Respironics have a display to help with settings? If not, don't worry about settings too much. If you're getting a ResMed ASV, besides comfort items like humidity and heated hose, there's mode, EPAP, and PS. Voila it's now set up.

In the case you don't have old settings to try to plug in, ask for default.

Example, I was issued the ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV in 2017. I had to redo the settings, and did so in 2 minutes. Then I edited every so many days until it worked great.

[kbjames]

Hi Dave,

The settings my other doc pulled off my current machine a couple of months ago are:

IPAP Max: 24
EPAP Min: 15
PS Min: 6
PS Max: 6

I had assumed these auto adjusted to adapt to me over the years and changed values, but perhaps not?  In general do these look right?

Thanks again for your help!

P.S.  I've never configured or viewed the settings on my machine before, so pardon my hesitancy/fear in spending big $$$$ for a factory setting replacement for something I've never tried.

[SarcasticDave94]

I'd say, no, the machines don't Auto titrate. Background, I've used an ASV, and I was fine with a moderate EPAP range and a PS range.

Here's what I'd used on it:

ASV Auto mode
EPAP 7-12
PS 3-15
gives IPAP 10-27 by adding EPAP to PS

To set this ResMed, I can give you the steps to do it. I've not broken mine when I had it. No attempt to be condescending, but this machine is easier to set than the old VCR time.

I don't have specific stats, but most here in Apnea Board set their machines.

The ResMed ASV will give you a choice of 3 modes, CPAP is static single pressure (you'd not use this), ASV is a static EPAP, PS range of minimum 5 between Min and Max, then ASV Auto adds a range to EPAP.

To be seen, but you'll probably be able to start less than 15 on EPAP, adding comfort.

You can also use the free program OSCAR to see your charts in detail every day if you like. This will be your gauge set to navigate the therapy.