Re: BiPap or VPAP ? long

[Guest guest]

Hi Bug,

I wasn't in the Ventilation chat, so I can't tell you which machine

the experts said to get. I have found the article Laurie mentioned

very helpful. I am on a VPAP. Like Bi-Paps and C-Paps there are

different types of VPAP. Most stand for Variable Positive Air

Pressure. Those can be used as a c-pap auto-pap (in some models), bi-

pap and bi-pap ST. I use the VPAP II ST-A made by ResMed. The thing

that is different about that type of VPAP is it stands for

Ventilatory Positive Air Pressure. It can still act as all the

different types of machines, but it also has most of the capabilities

that a ventilator has. That is why I use that model, I have to use it

as a vent. It does all my breathing for me all the time. While on it

(which is about 23 hours a day), I don't take any breaths on my own.

The thing I would suggest is to get a sleep study to determine which

type of machine you need. If this isn't an option, I would suggest

carefully going over with your pulmo exactly what you need the

machine to do for you. You will need a perscription to get any type

of pap machine. If you only need a cpap, it would be cheaper to buy a

regular cpap than a VPAP that has the capability to act as all three

machines, or a bi-pap S which has the capability to act as a bi-pap

or a c-pap. It might be better for you to rent a machine at first to

see if it works for you, then if it does you can buy it. Several

DME's will let you rent the machine and then later on buy it. This

may be the cheaper option in the long run because you can always

switch to a different brand or type of a machine without losing too

much money.

If you just need it to keep your airway open, that is what a cpap

does. If you need it to inhale and exhale by your command, that is

what a bi-pap does. If you need it to initiate breaths for you, that

is what a bi-pap ST does. If you need it to totally breathe for you

like a vent, VPAP II ST-A does that.

Auto-paps are c-paps that adjust themselves regulary based on how you

are breathing. They are wonderful because you don't need a lot of re-

titration. The doc sets a pressure range (lik 7 cm's to 15 cm's) and

then based how much help or pressure you need, the machine adjusts to

that pressure. I have never used an auto-pap but I know people who

have and they are very happy with them. So, as you can see, it really

depends on exactly what you need the machine to do for you in order

to choose what machine will work best for you. Like Laurie said, it

is usually better to go with a DME to buy a machine and mask because

they are in your area if you need help fixing it or adjusting it.

As for masks, there are so many different types. Like Laurie I have

tried different ones. I have been on some form of a pap machine for a

really long time (since Junior High) so I have tried a whole bunch of

machines and mask systems. Right now I am using the Mirage Vista, and

for me, it is the best mask I have ever put on my face. It is really

comfy. I can wear sunglasses with it as there is nothing on the

forhead. The BEST part about the Vista mask is that each side of the

headgear connecting to the mask can be adjusted independantly. This

is wonderful because if one side of my face is weaker that day, I can

adjust that side to fit and not adjust the other. Or I can adjust

both. Since I do get facial weakness often on one side or the other,

that makes the Vista my best option. Here is a pic of the Vista.

http://www.resmed.com/1030599206739.html I have tried The Ultra

Mirage, Simplicity, gel masks. I have never tried nasal pillows. Here

is a link so you can look at the different masks ResMed makes.

http://www.resmed.com/1003964750537.html . There are a lot of

different companies besides ResMed that make machines and masks.

There is a website called Sleepnet which has a lot of wonderful

information on it. There are links to companies that sell machines

and masks, a page of resources, a message board and many other

things. They don't know a lot about mito or central apneas, but do

know a lot about obstructive sleep apnea, if that is what you have.

The people on the message boards also know a lot about machines and

mask systems. There are several RT's that roam the boards and help

answer questions. The link is http://www.sleepnet.com

Hope this all helps. Good luck with everything and I hope that

whatever machine you get will help you breathe easier

Keep Smiling,

Nikki

> I'm getting ready to purchase either a BiPap or VPAP machine since

> insurance won't pay for it I guess I'll have to find a way.

> Recently there was a MDA chat about ventilation and I can't

remember

> which type of machine the experts recommended...the transcripts

> aren't up yet. Can anyone help me ? Is there a brand or supplier

> that one of you can recommend that won't kill me financially ?

Also

> do you have a mask that you prefer ?

>

> thanks !

> bug

[Guest guest]

Nikki thank you soooooo much for all of your time in explaining

everything. I am forever greatful. I had the sleep study several

months ago and tried both CPAP and BiPAP. CPAP made me feel like I

was having a heart attack ! I definately need BiPAP or VPAP. My

respiratory muscles get weak by the end of the day and I feel it is

such a struggle to breathe. My pulmonary function tests always show

normal function for the most part but my Pulmonary doc agreed that

BiPap would possibly be beneficial so he ordered it. Unfortunately,

insurance said I don't need it. I have another upcoming appointment

so I thought I could just go ahead and ask for the written RX and

make the purchase myself. I think my life is worth it ! I'm

certain this is putting undue stress on my body and particularly my

heart by not breathing well. It's also gives me a great deal of

anxiety as you well know to not be breathing correctly.

Again, I'm eternally thankful for your time and information

bug

[Guest guest]

Bug,

I am so glad that the info helped. The world of pap machines can be

very confusing, especially at first! I remember being ten years old

and saying " You want me to put THAT on my FACE and SLEEP? Are you

nuts? " heheh My poor pulmo. Once I switched from Cpap to bi-pap a

couple years after that I found it a lot easier to breathe. I am glad

you basically know which kind of machine you need. That makes it a

bit easier. Have they tried doing an at home o2 oximetry ( I don't

think I spelled that right, I always call it a pulse ox) test? It

will show whether or not your o2 levels drop without the machine. I

know several people who needed this to get insurance to approve the

machine, because like you their pulmonary function tests were

all " normal " . Maybe that will help. I have a pulse ox that I wear

every night while asleep or resting during the day. It just clips on

your finger and it is a pretty easy thing to ignore Good luck with

everyting! It is a scary feeling to feel like you are not breathing

correctly. Once I got my machine I did have more energy too, so I

hope the same thing happens for you

Keep Smiling,

Nikki

> Nikki thank you soooooo much for all of your time in explaining

> everything. I am forever greatful. I had the sleep study several

> months ago and tried both CPAP and BiPAP. CPAP made me feel like I

> was having a heart attack ! I definately need BiPAP or VPAP. My

> respiratory muscles get weak by the end of the day and I feel it is

> such a struggle to breathe. My pulmonary function tests always

show

> normal function for the most part but my Pulmonary doc agreed that

> BiPap would possibly be beneficial so he ordered it.

Unfortunately,

> insurance said I don't need it. I have another upcoming

appointment

> so I thought I could just go ahead and ask for the written RX and

> make the purchase myself. I think my life is worth it ! I'm

> certain this is putting undue stress on my body and particularly my

> heart by not breathing well. It's also gives me a great deal of

> anxiety as you well know to not be breathing correctly.

>

> Again, I'm eternally thankful for your time and information

>

> bug

[Guest guest]

The pulse-ox is a good idea to try. Too bad blood gases are such a

pain in the neck to get. I wish that process was easier because it

would show my PC02 which has been notibly low at times. I'll

definately mention the home pulse-ox option to the doc next month.

Thanks again and Happy Easter !

bug