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+--- Thread: [Equipment] Traveling to low or high altitudes? (/Thread-Equipment-Traveling-to-low-or-high-altitudes)
Traveling to low or high altitudes? - Laura1520 - 08-06-2021
Dr. recommended an ASV setting of EPAP 5/0/5. I have not yet received the device.
My question is: once I get the device and the Dr. adjust it to me, can I use it if I travel to places with much lower or higher altitude? For example, if I camp high in the mountain with lower air pressure, should I use it or not? Same question is I go to places with atmospheric pressure higher than where the device was adjusted.
Thanks!
RE: Traveling to low or high altitudes? - SarcasticDave94 - 08-06-2021
Welcome to Apnea Board,
The ASV has been issued for ones that get bad cases of CA in higher altitudes, so I think it's gotcha covered. I used an ASV as my last machine, specifically ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV. I suggest you bug your doc and mention this full name as your desired machine choice. Note that the Philips Respironics has the foamgate ongoing, and besides the ResMed ASV is the better choice for most CA patients.
RE: Traveling to low or high altitudes? - Gideon - 08-07-2021
5/0/5
I think he is saying basic settings for a PR ASV
EPAP=5
PS=0-5
Which sounds like bad settings to me
ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV
EPAP=5
PS=3-15
The range is needed to treat central Apnea.
RE: Traveling to low or high altitudes? - LindanHotAir - 08-07-2021
The machine has a sensor that determines altitude (air density) so it compensates for altitude. It also senses temperature and humidity, and it senses differential pressure (pressure drop) across a restriction. With these measurements it can compute mass air flow so it can deliver the appropriate therapy over a wide range of altitudes. Most habitable areas in the US will be between sea level and 8500 feet. Pressurization on commercial flights is within that range.
RE: Traveling to low or high altitudes? - Laura1520 - 08-07-2021
Thanks for this reply, it makes things clear I can use the machine in any altitude without the need to adjust it myself.
RE: Traveling to low or high altitudes? - SarcasticDave94 - 08-07-2021
As long as you have therapy optimized for home use, which can be done yourself. Then you'll be fine with altitude change. Yes the machine compensates for altitude automatically. And yes there will be an Auto mode, but this Auto mode still needs configured specific to your needs.
And it appears doc is giving odd pressure choices. I know my first pulmonary doc and RT knew nothing about ASV setup. I took it on myself to titration for myself. Self advocating is required.