Adjusting to new BiPAP because of more night breathing problems

December 7, 2011

Hi,

I have been using the Respironics Bipap S for almost 16 years. I only needed

spontaneous settings during that time. Lately I've been having issues while

sleeping and my doctor and I decided that I need a spontaneous BiPAP with a

backup rate now. I am getting a Resmed VPAP ST model number 26110 tomorrow and I

need all my BiPAP comrades to step up to the plate and help me, please!

So here's the deal: my settings have been roughly 19/14 or 15. My EPAP setting

is high because at lower pressures I aspirate the saliva that pools in the back

of my throat. Because the setting is so high, sometimes I find it difficult to

exhale enough, especially if I am in a different bed that is harder such as a

hotel, because my back arches more with my scoliosis and I usually turn the

exhalation pressure down a little bit. So I've always adjusted my pressures

according to my position and comfort.

The bad news is this new BiPAP has to be set by a respiratory therapist and then

locked. I know the clinical manager of my respiratory company and she

understands my situation. However, she cannot tell me how to adjust this new

machine. She dropped a few hints about going on YouTube, etc. online to find

out. After spending a long time on the Internet I am appealing to you. Does

anyone have a BiPAP such as this one and do you know how to adjust pressures? A

lot of the protocols with BiPAP use does not fit our SMA protocols. If anyone

knows the answer please respond as soon as possible. I've been having trouble

sleeping the past few days because my old BiPAP is wearing out and I also

believe that my breathing is a little weaker so this BiPAP that I am using now

might not be sensing when I take a breath. I was told that the new BiPAP is much

more sensitive to picking up a breath. A few times when I was first falling

asleep for the past few months I jumped

up and felt disoriented like I forgot to breathe. It was very scary. !hank you

all for your help.

Regards,

Patti

Regards,

Patti

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