First night using VCOM

[Nightynite]

Since I can’t return mine cause I bought it somewhere where their policy is no returns. It now sits in my shop and holds a few 1/16 drill bits. Those little bits are hard to pick up off the table , but the V-com keeps them standing vertical and easy to grab.

[Lucky7]

"I'd say not reliable at all since the computer in your machine is not calibrated for the obstruction. How reliable is the APAP software going to dynamically adjust things based on not really knowing what is going on at the mask end of the system?"

I'd like to point out that the pressure drop for every mask out there is different. Is anyone worried about how their APAP software reacts?

[JoeP]

Its not perfect, but most APAP machines have settings to adjust for general mask type as well as hose diameter. So it is obvious that the developers have some compensation in the algorithms for these. Adding a significant partial obstruction is an additional item that isn't in the code. Maybe if VCOM is actually as useful as the inventor writes in his paper, then the various manufacturers of machines could add a flag for VCOM use in the software. Or simply add an option for IPAP < EPAP and remove the need for it altogether.

[Nightynite]

The inventor has a video which includes talk about the v-com. He said he is working on an algorithm that will replace the plastic v-com. But he really doesn’t elaborate on how he is going to implement this algorithm.

[CPAPfriend]

"RE: First night using VCOM

Since I can’t return mine cause I bought it somewhere where their policy is no returns. It now sits in my shop and holds a few 1/16 drill bits. Those little bits are hard to pick up off the table , but the V-com keeps them standing vertical and easy to grab."

I laughed more at this than I should have 


Any chance you can the link the video where they talk about they talk about the vcom?

[Nightynite]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpSV3aTkzGw


This is where the inventor briefly talks about the algorithm to replace Vcom.

[JoeP]

That was an interesting video. I do think that an algorithm to implement without the plastic bit is mostly reverse EPR, which I think most APAP machines could do.
They also state that the VCOM is only a comfort device and Dr. Noah explains that he makes NO therapeutic claims (yet) as to the effectiveness of treatment. (Around 9:45 mark in).

[eok361]

i'm just an end user, but i don't see why this device/accessory would be met with such disdain. the inventor does not hide the fact that it is more or less a comfort device, which may indeed have benefits that extend beyond current CPAP treatment principles.

he does have anecdotal trials (not conclusive at all), but also did reach out to various pioneers in the field and other people who have worked in the field for decades. 

the input he received from them (that--of course--he presents) was positive. 

it appears that it could be construed as "snake oil", but if that's so, it's a lot of work for a $30.00 device that would never reach a massive customer base. it's not like the most elaborate snake oil that i know of in the last decade (MQA). that at least had the potential to reach millions of end users, plus the added scheme of having the users--and providers--pay licensing fees and create specific hardware. 

he does mention that he is working (in conjunction with manufacturers) on an algorithm that could be incorporated into machines. i'm curious to see where this goes. 

i didn't read the following article, but it is linked in the video. i don't know how more illuminating it is.

https://sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-treatme...e-mistake/

[Kathy14225]

When I first got the vcom it really made my night more comfortable. I stopped using when I went to the heated tube so couldn't put it at the machine end of the tube. Went back to it with it at the mask end and not comfortable at all, not enough pressure. Maybe I grew use to being on CPAP because it was early on and I've heard it called "the training wheels for CPAP users". Also in the description it says it's really for aerophagia? Not sure if it helps with that.

[Crimson Nape]

OK, I purchased one of these to see what benefits it may provide.  Based on the manufacturer's literature, this device acts to increase the EPAP pressure to 2.2cm over your IPAP pressure.  Based off of this, I set my VAuto to the CPAP mode for a fair testing at a static pressure, with the EPR off and tested it for 5 days.  Here is my experience.

1. Prior and Current Pressure Settings:
   • 9.0/45.0 PS=5 Avg Reported: 9.2/14.2
     
2. V-Com Pressure Settings:
   • 9cm - No EPR
     
3. Results - (Previous and current data results are in parentheses for comparison)
   • Tidal Volume: 320ml (530ml)
     
   • Minute Vent: 5.06L/min  (8.1L/min)
     
   • Flow Limit: 95%: .18 (0)  -  99.5%: .38 (.02)  - V-Com displayed a very active flow limit graph (Basically nonexistent before/after V-Com)
     
   • Insp and Exp Time: Nearly identical
     

Thoughts:
Since I'm not used to having to force an exhale, the V-Com was uncomfortable to use.  The only benefit that I can think of is if someone is experiencing CAs. This device may be an inexpensive way to see if they are due to CO₂ washout.  

Someone else may have different results.  Please don't use my results as the gospel, but rather a point of comparison to your experience, if you choose to try the V-Com

- Red