Who is using the Bipap Auto SV and what are your thoughts?

[Bearcat42]

My machine has started acting up recently so I called the VA and they set me up an appointment to come in and possibly pick up a new machine. I asked if they are now using the Bipap Auto Sv, which they are, so I am curious if those of you out there using this new machine are happy with it and the new features built into it.

[Kiralynx]

I can't speak for how the Bipap ASV compares to other machines because it's the only one I've used.

That said, I found it remarkably easy to adjust to, once we got my pressures figured out. (Standard procedure is to set EPAP = to MinIPAP and then have a MaxIpap, with the IPAP adjusting between its minimum and maximum pressures as needed.) I needed an EPAP set below the MinIPAP. Once that was done, I've had no trouble with my Bipap.

Of course, other people may require different settings.

[dsm]

Bearcat42

I think they are a terrific machine & whilst they have so many settings, they are just great when setup in a way suitable for the condition you have.

If you can get one go for it

Cheers

DSM

[rjjayrt]

If your on Bipap why are you wanting to switch to ASV

[Bearcat42]

If your on Bipap why are you wanting to switch to ASV

Well, i response to your question, I am currently using a auto Bipap w/bi-flex. Apparently, according to the VA, they have been having a rash of problems with them so I am looking to upgrade if I can. Isnt the Bipap auto SV the newest model that Respironics came out with last fall? I ask that because Kiralynx made mention that she has always used that model. Am I thinking of something different?

[rjjayrt]

I believe your thinking of something different. The Bipap Auto SV is used mainly for people with mixed or complex sleep apnea. Its a very expensive machine compared to Bipaps and Cpaps.

[timbalionguy]

The SV (SV or ASV is an acronym for 'Adaptive Servo Ventilator') machines are specifically designed for treatment of central apnea, mixed apnea, Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSAS), Cheynes-Stokes respiration (periodic breathing) and other similar conditions. That said, the new Respironics BiPAP AV Advanced can act as a CPAP, an APAP or a BiPAP, all modes with or without ASV. It is essentially a 'universal' machine, and there are few SDB conditions it cannot treat well. If you can talk your doc into a prescription for one (especially without a new PSG), more power to you. Everyone that has one of these machines loves it. These machines have a lot of different 'handles' that can be adjusted, and are complex enough that a lot of sleep technicians and RTs have trouble setting them up. They are also extremely expensive. But if VA is willing to give you one, good for you! OTOH, you might consider a ResMed machine alternative if your doctor does not like Respironics Basic BiPAP machines. The unit I am thinking of is the ResMed VPAP Auto 25. I just got one, and it has made a dramatic difference in my therapy. ResMed also makes an ASV machine, the VPAP Adapt SV. These machines are more targeted to the conditions listed above, and not as 'universal' as the Respironics offering. They also tend to be a 'taskmaster' in 'teaching' you to breathe, but most people find that they really like it once they are used to it.

[rjjayrt]

Everything that was said above is correct but... Most insurances will require the diagnosis of Mixed or Complex sleep apnea and the sleep study that proves it before considering to pay for it. MSRP of the machine is 5500.00. There are online vendors who sell it cheaper, but not a lot. Although universal in nature its far to expensive for insurances to cover for anything other that those previously mentioned conditions.

[Bearcat42]

I appreciate all ofthe information provided. Apparently the VA only contracts with Respironics and while I dont fully understand why they choose to do that I cant complain because they are good about providing me with whatever I need at no cost. I truly count myself lucky in that respect and they do have the Auto SV, so maybe they will look at my prescription and deem it prudent to let me have one. From what I have read this seems to be a good machine but at the same time if my condition does not warrant an advanced machine such as the Auto Sv then I will live with what I have. It is pretty good but it does have its quirks.

[JohnBFisher]

... but at the same time if my condition does not warrant an advanced machine such as the Auto SV then I will live with what I have. It is pretty good but it does have its quirks. ...

It is also possible some of the newer BiPAP Auto machines form Respironics will work better than your current machine. For example, the PR System One series includes at least a couple BiPAP units:

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/respi ... iflex.html

I suspect that the VA will also require a diagnosis of mixed apnea (weighted toward central apnea), central sleep apnea, cheyne-stoke respiration (CSR), or Complex Sleep Apnea (ComplexSA). But you never know. The ASV units are wonderful for what they do. But we've also seen several posts here recently that indicate the PR System One series does a better job than the M Series (at least with humidity and quietness).

Either way, here's hoping you will be able to continue to find your xPAP therapy effective!

[dsm]

The SV (SV or ASV is an acronym for 'Adaptive Servo Ventilator') machines are specifically designed for treatment of central apnea, mixed apnea, Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSAS), Cheynes-Stokes respiration (periodic breathing) and other similar conditions. That said, the new Respironics BiPAP AV Advanced can act as a CPAP, an APAP or a BiPAP, all modes with or without ASV. It is essentially a 'universal' machine, and there are few SDB conditions it cannot treat well. If you can talk your doc into a prescription for one (especially without a new PSG), more power to you. Everyone that has one of these machines loves it. These machines have a lot of different 'handles' that can be adjusted, and are complex enough that a lot of sleep technicians and RTs have trouble setting them up. They are also extremely expensive. But if VA is willing to give you one, good for you! OTOH, you might consider a ResMed machine alternative if your doctor does not like Respironics Basic BiPAP machines. The unit I am thinking of is the ResMed VPAP Auto 25. I just got one, and it has made a dramatic difference in my therapy. ResMed also makes an ASV machine, the VPAP Adapt SV. These machines are more targeted to the conditions listed above, and not as 'universal' as the Respironics offering. They also tend to be a 'taskmaster' in 'teaching' you to breathe, but most people find that they really like it once they are used to it.

Timbalionguy

That is a well worded, concise and meaningful summary. You said so much in such little space - a real 10 pointer

DSM

[dsm]

<snip>
ResMed also makes an ASV machine, the VPAP Adapt SV. These machines are more targeted to the conditions listed above, and not as 'universal' as the Respironics offering. They also tend to be a 'taskmaster' in 'teaching' you to breathe, but most people find that they really like it once they are used to it.

This point is an interesting one to me as have just switched from using a Vpap Adapt SV (used it for close on 5 months) back to a Bipap Auto SV.

I have close on 20 months data from both, mostly the Bipap Auto SV. Having made the comment that I felt the Vpap Adapt SV was teaching me to change the way I breathe, I believe the data I am now getting after switching back to the Bipap Auto SV, reinforces such a change.

I had approx 9 months of Bipap Auto SV data that showed consistently between 12 to 16 or so SV events where pressure went up to 19-20 CMs (20 CMs being my max setting on both brands). Then I used the Vpap Adapt SV for the 5 month spell & now I am back on the Bipap Auto SV the data is tending to show less than 4 or so SV events (pressure now going up to 18 CMs or so).

This needs to be tracked for a few months to see if there was a permanent change to breathing patterns or just a machine brand induced change that reverts back over time.

None the less, the data seems to back up the subjective reactions.

DSM

[ozij]

Bearcat, I wonder if one side of that conversation said BIPAP Auto S/T, and the other heard SV, or vice versa.

A BIPAP auto S/T had the additional option of Timing the machine's switch from inhale exhale. A swith to a Spotaneous / Timed BIPAP machine is far less of a change than a swith to Servo Ventilation. And less expensive as well.

[wacyone]

I have been using the Respironics Bipap Auto SV since August 2009.I was diagnosed with Complex Apnea the reason for the machine.My total cost with the humidifier thru a DME was $7,300.00.Ouch!!Thank goodness for insurance help.With the insurance helping I had to prove total compliance and prove the machine was helping lower my AHI. DSM..you stated that both ResMed and Respironics you used 20cm as top pressure.Did I understand you wrong or did you mean that is high as they go??My settings are EPAP of 14 cm,MinIPAP of 15 cm and MaxIPAP of 30 cm.I feel a whole lot better since I started therapy.Blood pressure has dropped and NO MORE SLEEPY seasons through out the day.

WES

[OutaSync]

My settings are EPAP of 14 cm,MinIPAP of 15 cm and MaxIPAP of 30 cm.
WES

Wes,

Do you ever see your max go up to 30, or does it mostly skip along the bottom at 14-17?

Just curious.

Bev