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'''A-Flex''' is a Philips-Respironics brand-specific term for CPAP [[Exhalation pressure relief]].

According to the Philips-Respironics website:  "''A-Flex is designed to work with our clinically proven auto CPAP algorithm to improve comfort even more by matching pressure delivery to the patient’s entire breathing cycle. Like [[C-Flex]], A-Flex provides flow-based pressure relief at the beginning of exhalation. Like [[Bi-Flex]], A-Flex softens the pressure transition from inhalation to exhalation to provide additional comfort in an auto-CPAP mode. The pressure profile mirrors the patient’s breathing, and with the auto algorithm intelligence, it will respond to the patient’s therapeutic need throughout the sleep session.''" [http://aflex.respironics.com/ [1]]


'''A-Flex (C-Flex+) Comfort Feature'''
The device consists of a special comfort feature called A-Flex if Auto-CPAP therapy is enabled (or C-Flex+ if CPAP therapy is enabled). When A-Flex (C-Flex+) is enabled, it enhances patient comfort in three ways:<br />
1) by smoothing the transition between the end of inhalation and the beginning of exhalation, <br />
2) by providing significant pressure relief during the beginning of exhalation, and <br />
3) by reaching an end exhalation pressure of no more than 2 cm H2O below the high point of inspiration.<br />
In the diagram, the dashed line represents CPAP pressure in comparison to the bold line representing A-Flex (C-Flex+). A-Flex (C-Flex+) levels of 1, 2, or 3 progressively reflect increased pressure relief during the beginning of exhalation.<br />
With A-Flex (C-Flex+), the level of pressure relief at the beginning of exhalation is determined by the A-Flex (C-Flex+) setting and the amount of patient flow in any one breath.
Note: The patient also has access to this setting, if A-Flex (C-Flex+) is enabled.<br />
Note: A-Flex (C-Flex+) transitions from no A-Flex (C-Flex+) at 4.0 cm H2O to full A-Flex (C-Flex+) at 6 cm H2O. A-Flex (C-Flex+) is top limited at 20.0 cm H2O pressure.<br />
[[File:A-Flex or C-Flex+ graphic 1.PNG|A-Flex or C-Flex+]] 
[[File:A-Flex Pressure Profile.PNG|A-Flex Pressure Profile]]
[[File:C-Flex+ Pressure Profile 1.PNG|C-Flex+ Pressure Profile]]<br />



[[Category:CPAP technology]]

[[Category:APAP]]