app1nag - Therapy Assistance Thread

[app1nag]

I just got back on therapy after many years. My sleep doc ordered a RESMED Aircurve AUTO but the DME delivered a model S which I believe is BIpap.  I didn't realize it was the wrong machine when the therapist delivered it, so I tried it for a few minutes. He came back a few days later with an Airsense AUTO. The Airsense was set up with EPR enabled, but I felt that exhaling was much more comfortable with the Aircurve model S/BIpap machine. Is the Aircurve Easy-Breathe waveform technology that different from the EPR technology in the Airsense?

Thank You !

[ramblingasian]

It depends on how your machine was set up. EPR only provides up to 3 levels of relief, while BiPAP can be set up for significantly more.

[zonk]

A10 AutoSet deliver ONE pressure, if EPR enabled, pressure drop at exhale by whatever level is selected (1, 2, 3)

Bilevel deliver TWO pressures, IPAP and EPAP
Pressure support is the difference between IPAP and EPAP can be set 4 or higher

EPR is not exactly like pressure support, it can be suspended when an apnea is detected

I would do a trail and see if helps ... set the Autoset on CPAP mode, so pressure remain constant all night (except Ramp time) and not fluctuate during the night as on AutoSet mode

[archangle]

Both the AirCurve Auto and Model S are bilevel. (BiPAP is Philips Respironics' trademark for bilevel)

Anything that says "AirSense" is not a bilevel.

If the prescription is for a bilevel, you need to get them to replace it. It's not legal for them to dispense a CPAP if the prescription calls for a bilevel.

However, be sure the doc did indeed prescribe a bilevel, and didn't just writ AirCurve instead of AirSense.

Do you have a copy of your prescription? If so, post a copy of what it says, including the pressure settings.

The AirSense will not be able to do all that the AirCurve can do. The difference can be important, especially to someone who has trouble exhaling. A bilevel machine can provide much more help for exhaling than a "CPAP" machine.

[trish6hundred]

Hi app1nag,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more responses to your post.

[vsheline]

However, be sure the doc did indeed prescribe a bilevel, and didn't just write AirCurve instead of AirSense.

On the other hand, the AirCurve 10 Auto is ResMed's optimal machine for Obstructve Sleep Apnea, with more features than the AirSense 10 AutoSet or AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her.

But if the DME double checks and finds the doctor meant the AirSense 10 AutoSet after all, I wouldn't accept it and would ask the doctor to change the prescription to the AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her model, which is the same price and has both the regular AutoSet therapy mode plus the more gentle AutoSet For Her therapy mode. Two machines in one. Increases the machine's value.

I think many men would prefer the For Her therapy mode if they were able to try it. If necessary I would change to a new DME supplier or wait for it to be ordered.

[app1nag]

A10 AutoSet deliver ONE pressure, if EPR enabled, pressure drop at exhale by whatever level is selected (1, 2, 3)

Bilevel deliver TWO pressures, IPAP and EPAP
Pressure support is the difference between IPAP and EPAP can be set 4 or higher

EPR is not exactly like pressure support, it can be suspended when an apnea is detected

I would do a trail and see if helps ... set the Autoset on CPAP mode, so pressure remain constant all night (except Ramp time) and not fluctuate during the night as on AutoSet mode

What would a trial of that type determine?

thanks !

---

Hi app1nag,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more responses to your post.

Thanks !!!

---

Both the AirCurve Auto and Model S are bilevel. (BiPAP is Philips Respironics' trademark for bilevel)

Anything that says "AirSense" is not a bilevel.

If the prescription is for a bilevel, you need to get them to replace it. It's not legal for them to dispense a CPAP if the prescription calls for a bilevel.

However, be sure the doc did indeed prescribe a bilevel, and didn't just writ AirCurve instead of AirSense.

Do you have a copy of your prescription? If so, post a copy of what it says, including the pressure settings.

The AirSense will not be able to do all that the AirCurve can do. The difference can be important, especially to someone who has trouble exhaling. A bilevel machine can provide much more help for exhaling than a "CPAP" machine.

I have a copy of the order which states Aircurve Auto 10-20

[bwexler]

As stated Aircurve is a BiLevel machine, but a setting of 10-20 would suggest an Auto CPAP machine. There is confusion in the prescription.
I would want to look at all the details of the sleep study used to determine the prescription. Then I would insist the doc correct the prescription to support the sleep study diagnosis.

[app1nag]

As stated Aircurve is a BiLevel machine, but a setting of 10-20 would suggest an Auto CPAP machine. There is confusion in the prescription.
I would want to look at all the details of the sleep study used to determine the prescription. Then I would insist the doc correct the prescription to support the sleep study diagnosis.

From ResMed: The AirCurve 10 VAuto is an auto-adjusting bilevel device that uses the comfort of both the AutoSet™ algorithm and Easy-Breathe waveform in its VAuto algorithm to treat obstructive sleep apnea patients who can benefit from greater pressure support.

[app1nag]

I know I should be concerned about leaks but I am still getting <2 AHI each night. Is the AHI index still accurate despite a high rate of leakage? I've been on therapy less than a week and will be making adjustments as I progress with the device. I believe leaks are coming from opening my mouth and not a poorly fitted mask. As a hypothetical, if my mouth stays open all night yet my AHI is still <2, does that mean therapy is still working, or is the AHI a false reading because of the high leakage?

thanks !