(04-24-2014, 03:13 PM)planger1 Wrote: I plan to ask her for an auto set machine. If she does not go along with that I'll at least hope for an upgrade to an elite. It's only $20.00 more.
(04-24-2014, 03:31 PM)zonk Wrote: Make sure does say 'AutoSet' (not Escape Auto) next to on/off button
S9 AutoSet is about $40 more than S9 Elite but two machines in one
Hi planger1, welcome to the forum!
Yes, with a high prescribed Pressure of 17, you will likely benefit a lot from having an APAP machine so that your Pressure will automatically adjust itself that high only when needed.
You can point out that, unlike the S9 AutoSet, the S9 Escape Auto does not use the new Enhanced AutoSet Algorithm which reliably distinguishes between Central Apnea and Obstructive Apnea and does a better job in adjusting the Pressure. If you go to the ResMed website you would be able to verify for yourself that the S9 Escape Auto does not use the same treatment algorithm as the S9 AutoSet. I think many sleep doctors and DME providers are unaware that the S9 Escape Auto uses the old S8 version treatment algorithm.
If necessary, ask that your doctor add to your written prescription the specific model you want.
But actually, if your prescribed pressure is as high like 17 cm H2O and if you are more sensitive to high pressure than average, a "bi-level" machine may be warranted in order to allow greater comfort. Keep that in mind as the next thing to try if you have problems adapting to treatment with the S9 AutoSet and you find you would like more pressure relief between the inhale pressure (IPAP) and the exhale pressure (EPAP).
ResMed has said their optimal machine for simple Obstructive Sleep Apnea is called the S9 VPAP Auto. The S9 VPAP Auto is an upgraded version of the S9 AutoSet The AutoSet has a feature called Exhale Pressure Relief (EPR) which allows the pressure to be lowered by as much as 3 during exhalation, which tends to reduce respiratory effort and leaking, and most people find it is more comfortable. But especially when the Pressure is as high as 17, some people prefer the Pressure to drop 4 or more during exhalation, and a feature called Pressure Relief on the S9 VPAP Auto can do this; plus the S9 VPAP Auto is a little more adjustable, with settings for how abruptly the machine triggers up to the higher IPAP pressure and how abruptly the machine cycles back to the lower EPAP pressure.
Also ask your doctor for a copy of the written prescription for your own records, and ask for copies of your full sleep reports (including plots of the data). Having a copy of the prescription will enable you to buy supplies online, if desired, and may be required if you will be using your machine on a long airline fight or if traveling outside the country. The sleep reports are important to have for future reference, as there is a wealth of information in there which you will gradually be able to better understand.
Take care,
--- Vaughn
The Advisory Member group provides advice and suggestions to Apnea Board administrators and staff on matters concerning Apnea Board operation and administrative policies. Membership in the Advisory Member group should not be understood as in any way implying medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
