Differences between Bi-Level Auto Machines

Hi!

I just got a prescription for an auto bi-level machine. I'm either going to get a Resmed VPAP Auto or a Resprionics BiPAP auto. Is there a difference between both machines?

ramblingasian wrote:Hi!

I just got a prescription for an auto bi-level machine. I'm either going to get a Resmed VPAP Auto or a Resprionics BiPAP auto. Is there a difference between both machines?

I believe there are, but maybe not necessarily all that critical to how the therapy is delivered. I occasionally see someone remark that a VPAP does this and a BiPAP does that, but there aren't all that many people on the forum who have used both brands......and especially with matching generations of the machines. I would suggest going to the different manufacturers' websites and downloading or otherwise looking at the specification sheets from both companies and see if you can compare them. I think some of it has to do with the variations of the settings.
Anyway, maybe someone else will see this thread and respond if they're familiar with BOTH machines.


Den

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No real difference that is a make it or break it feature. I have owned both.
The Respironics 760 (60 series bipap auto) allows for variable pressure support (difference between inhale and exhale) and the ResMed VPAPs have a fixed PS even if the bilevel pressures will auto adjust.
I have never found anything that points to fixed PS or variable PS being a critical issue. I have used both...and the 760 can be set so that it offers fixed PS very easily.

The Respironics machines have a little more "noise" on inhale and the ResMed machines have it upon exhale.
Overall I think the ResMed might be a tiny bit more quiet.
Respironics machines will respond a little slow in general as that is the way the Respironics algorithm works...ResMed responds a little quicker and it might be good and not so good for others.
So there is a fundamental difference in each brand addresses a problem and I haven't seen that one way is any better than the other to be honest. Sort of like taking different roads but they both end up in the same place.

ResMed has it's new bilevel line out now called the AirCurve which replaces the VPAP model line.
From what I have read there have been no changes in how the machine addresses the problem between this new model and the VPAP model. Visually of course different but fundamentally the same working mechanism inside.

So...minor pros and cons with either brand. If paying out of pocket...the Respironics is not quite as costly and you aren't giving up anything really. They both will do a good job.

I think that most people would do well with either brand. I know that I did.
There very well probably are some people who might do better with one brand's way of doing its job over the other but I think those situations are going to be very rare.
Now if we were talking ASV type of bilevels it would be a different discussion but between the PR S1 60 series Bipap Auto and the S9 VPAP Auto or AirCurve 10 Vauto....very minor pros and cons.

BUT....Respironics is coming out with a new model line next month (or that's what rumor control says) and it's designed to compete with the AirCurve.....if I had a choice right now....I would pick the AirCurve 10 VAuto because the 760 is going to be discontinued real soon and I would be what iffing I liked the AirCurve better I know myself too well.

Thanks you too for the responses!

I'm leaning towards the Aircurve as a purchase, but for now, I'm stuck on whatever the DME will rent to me as for the government (Ontario) ADP program to cover me, I actually need a BiPAP titration test results before the government will pay for one for me.

ramblingasian wrote:Thanks you too for the responses!

I'm leaning towards the Aircurve as a purchase, but for now, I'm stuck on whatever the DME will rent to me as for the government (Ontario) ADP program to cover me, I actually need a BiPAP titration test results before the government will pay for one for me.

What kind of pressures are you using with your Autoset?
And, what was the basis for the doctor thinking you needed bi-level therapy?


Den

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Wulfman... wrote: What kind of pressures are you using with your Autoset?
And, what was the basis for the doctor thinking you needed bi-level therapy?

Den, he mentioned it here in this thread.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=107652&p=1026751#p1026751
He has been maxing out the 20 apparently fairly often. I think they are going to try to justify it with the potential for maybe needing more than 20 cm.

The autoset is at 8-20 right now, with my tested median around 14.5 and my tested 95% is around 19.0. The autoset is not actually owned by me - it's being used right now as a loaner because I'm waiting on OHIP (the public health agency in Ontario) to grant me an exemption for a bi-level titration.

My doctor is giving me the option of bi-level due to the combination of me having some symptoms of aerophagia that is made worse through some medication that I need to take. If I can reduce my aerophagia with higher exhalation pressure relief, the doctor is hoping that I will have less symptoms of aerophagia.

EDIT: Pugsy, I've actually lowered my scores slightly. My median is now 14.0 and my 95% is around 17.5. However the sleep doctor thinks that I'll probably be more comfortable with a higher exhalation pressure relief than the EPR of 3 that I currently have.

I think that the higher exhale relief will help a lot with the aerophagia issues and be generally more comfortable too. I experimented with EPR of 3 (cpap mode on my S9 VAuto) and then went to bilevel where I could use 4 cm difference and even 5 cm difference and the change in comfort was remarkable just between 3 and 4 or 5. It doesn't sound like much difference but what I felt was quite noticeable ...and pleasant.
Plus having the ability to go higher just in case it needs to and not blow you up like a puffer fish will be an added benefit. EPR is nice....pressure support higher than the 3 EPR max is even more nice.

I'm definitely hoping that the difference will help!