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Hi Folks,

I went for another sleep study, I had a very experienced tech. I could not get much information from her, but she did say she was able to "correct" me with Bi-level therapy.

 

I really want to stay with the Redmed S9 series. I am using the S9 elite, while I wait for the sleep study to be "scored". The S9 completely eliminated the OSA events, but I am still having 16 - 19 CSA events a night.

 

My question is which of the S9 Bilevel machines should I ask for ? I keep reading the Resmed site, but I don't really understand the differences in the Bilevel flow generators.

 

One, other really nice thing about the S9, is the sealed water tank for the humidifier. The Respironics machines have ruined several pieces of furniture over the years from leaking water tanks.

-Fred 

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Fred, there is probably not much difference in the BiLevel flow generators by ResMed.  The difference would probably lie in the data it gave you.  Some machines provide only complaince data and some provide more data including (with the S9) AI, AHI, leak, and cental events to list a few.

The manuals are available on www.apneaboard.com and the clinicians manuals might help you make a decision.  You want a fully data capable machine.

I have a S8 VPAP Auto 25 which operates in three modes- CPAP. BiLevel and Auto, but I don't know if a similiar machine is available as an S9. In any case you will want the software for more information about your treatment.  The software part can come later if you feel you want the additional information.  The most important thing is to use the machine!  All night, every night, and naps.  If you have problems discuss them here on the forum so you can work through them and be compliant.  Good luck.  Talk to your doctor about what machine you want and have him write the prescription that way.

bump

Fred - I thought I saw another post where you asked for an explanation of the whole bilevel platform, so I've tried to combine the entire discussion into one [too long] response.  I'll start a little basic since not all the folks reading this will have your experience with CPAP.

 

Let’s start with the difference between CPAP and Bi-Level devices (including autos in both categories).  CPAP machines provide the same basic inhalation and exhalation pressures; however, we offer a feature called EPR (exhalation pressure relief) that lowers the resistance on exhalation by up to 3 cm H20 .  Bilevel devices provide different inhalation and exhalation pressures.  The difference inhalation pressure and exhalation pressure is called pressure support, and this defines the category.   From a practical ‘what does the patient feel’ perspective, with CPAP a patient can receive pressure relief up to 3 cm, while for our bi-level devices we provide pressure support of up to 37 cm.  In either case a device can be set to provide pressure support which is lower than the maximum values cited above.

Within the Bi-Level category, there are two basic devices types:

  • Devices without backup rates (VPAP S, VPAP Auto) can be used to treat sleep apnea or provide ventilatory assistance (pressure support greater than 3 cm).  These devices are generally used when the patient makes an effort to breathe on their own but requires assistance to generate enough volume to achieve healthy blood oxygen levels.  The VPAP S uses fixed pressures (for inhalation and exhalation) over all breaths, while the VPAP Auto can adjust the inhalation and exhalation pressures from breath to breath Both devices are built on our S9 platform and provide a maximum inhalation pressure of 25 cm.
    • Devices with back up rates (VPAP ST ,VPAP III ST, VPAP III STA, Adapt SV, Stellar 100) are often used to treat patients with diminished lung function and who require ventilatory assistance and  they also have the capability to help a patient breathe in the absence of respiratory effort. From a maximum inhalation pressure perspective, the VPAP III ST-A is built on our S7 platform and can achieve inhalation pressures of up to 30 cm, the Stellar has a maximum inhalation pressure of 40 cm, and the VPAP ST has a maximum of 25 cm.  Clinically, the Adapt SV is recommended for patients with central or complex sleep apnea.

Now for the legalese – This post is intended as a general summary of the ResMed products in the bilevel category.  This information should not be used for self diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified sleep specialist.  CPAP and bilevel devices are categorized as type 2 medical devices by the FDA and a physicians prescription is required for these devices in the US.  Many features not discussed in this post, such as therapeutic algorithm and levels of humidification are often used by physicians in the final determination of appropriate therapy.  While we encourage patients to make brand and model selections based upon their own informed decision, the specification of the features and clinical requirements should be made by qualified medical personnel.

 

I hope this is helpful.

 

Gil Ben-Dov

VP Social Media Strategy

Thanks for an excellent expl.nation of Bilevel therapy, Gil

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