Respironics Bipap S/T Gray Model - COPD Set Up Question?

[bowiefan]

What would be good initial settings for setting up a Respironics Bipap S/T Older gray model to blow off CO2 for someone with mild COPD until a Respiratory Therapist can tweek the settings? It is my understanding that IPAP should be set to 10 and EPAP should be set to 4. Are the flex setting and rise time of any importance for CO2 blow off? Thanks for your replies.

[Jack_Russell_Fan]

I have COPD and use a Bi-level machine.

It is my understanding that the minimum pressure support for someone with COPD should be around 9.

For example my current settings are an IPAP of 15.5 and an EPAP of 6.5.

Tom

[Sleeprider]

The titration protocol for ST machines to treat obstructive and restrictive pulmonary conditions is not much different from other bilevels. It involves a starting pressure of 8/4 (IPAP/EPAP) and PS of +4, observation for obstructive apnea, and increase of both IPAP/EPAP until obstructive apnea are resolved, then increase of pressure support (IPAP) until other events or issues (hypoventilation, hypopnea, periodic breathing etc) are resolved. http://incenter.medical.philips.com/docl...%3d9792335

This same reference cites titration protocols for AVAPS (average volume assured pressure support), which may be necessary to ensure adequate tidal volume in obstructive/restrictive patients. AVAPS is an automatic mode, and if your machine is capable of that mode, is like titrating with an auto CPAP. Read the titration guideline and try starting from the same approach used by the clinics. Using patient feedback and machine data, you should be able to dial things in in a few days.