Turning off Flex on Dreamstation

[Jimronbob]

Hi all, this is my first time on this board. I've been reading about turning off the flex option on my Respironics dreamstation. I've only had it a short while, and I find even with it turned up to 3 when I sleep on my back I end up snoring and waking up. I have been using a ResMed from from about 5 years ago, can't remember the model number for sure, maybe the Res Med 9 ? anyway, it had constant pressure and I never had any trouble. This one seems to fluctuate and the the pressure seems Less on my exhale, which causes me trouble.  anyway long post to say, someone suggested I come here and ask how to turn that off. I am not able to do so on my settings on the machine. Any thoughts, or advice would be appreciated. Thank you

[pholynyk]

You can find brief instructions about how to get to the "Provider's" or "Clinician's" menus for your Dreamstation by clicking the 'CPAP Setup Manuals' link in the black bar at the top of the page and finding your machine in Section 1. Further down in Section 3 you will find instructions on how request (by email) the Clinician's Manual as a pdf file - that will give you complete instructions on all the things you can change, once you learn what's what.

There is a lot of information in our Wiki, also linked at the top of the page.

[Sleeprider]

This brief tutorial should help. https://www.apneaboard.com/dreamstation-...structions

I would think 3 would be the worst choice for a Flex setting for you. A setting of 1 might work, but don't hesitate to turn it off altogether. For the people that don't tolerate Flex it is not a good feature.

[thibaulthib]

From my past experience with a Dreamstation, the exhale pressure relief with Flex is the following:

- CFlex 1: exactly 0.3 cm/H20
- CFlex 2: exactly 0.5 cm/H20
- CFlex 7: exactly 0.7 cm/H20

It is to be noted that CFlex follows exactly the inhale/IPAP pressure pattern, minus the relief.

- AFlex 1: up to 1.5 cm/H20

AFlex mostly follows the inhale/IPAP pressure pattern, except that it is less "sharp" than CFlex when there is a pressure change. It will help smoothen the transition.

[OpalRose]

You can receive up to 2cm pressure relief, but is flow based. 

• C-Flex – Provides pressure relief upon exhalation.
• A-Flex/C-Flex+ – Provides pressure relief taking place at the end of inhalation and at the start of exhalation.

When using a Flex feature, whether you choose 1, 2 or 3 as a setting, you just have to try out the settings to see what "feels" right for you.

I can use AFlex 1 successfully and feel comfortable with it.  A setting of 3 is a disaster for me.  It messes with my breathing.  Everyone is different.  

[Mark Sadler]

Good morning 
I used a Dreamstation for a while. My Dr. wanted me to use flex 3. I found in my case it caused more problems. On exhale it felt like the bottom fell out. (Best I can describe it) I think it caused me more CAs. I ended up staying with flex 1. I never went to backup rate which is the next step. Flex 1 is not like normal breathing. On exhale, you can still feel the bottom fall out instead of a steady lower pressure.

[thibaulthib]

Good morning 
I used a Dreamstation for a while. My Dr. wanted me to use flex 3. I found in my case it caused more problems. On exhale it felt like the bottom fell out. (Best I can describe it) I think it caused me more CAs. I ended up staying with flex 1. I never went to backup rate which is the next step. Flex 1 is not like normal breathing. On exhale, you can still feel the bottom fall out instead of a steady lower pressure.

Yeah according to me, any CFlex 1 2 or 3, or Aflex 1 can be used.

Aflex 2 and 3 should not, it is too disturbing.