OK, I have been reading every post because they are very insightful but I haven't been able to figure out the difference between the CPAP acronyms.

CPAP-Continuious Positive Airway Pressure
IPAP- Inhale Positive Airway Pressure ???
XPAP-?
BiPAP-?

I am sure there are others but I cannot remimber what they were.  Thanks in advance.

Kevin


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Machine: Respironics Series M Auto CPAP with C-Flex and heated humidifier
Mask: Ultra Mirage Full Face

CPAP -  Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
APAP or AutoPAP or AutoCPAP  -  Automatic Positive Airway Pressure
VPAP -  Variable Positive Airway Pressure
BiPAP - Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure

xPAP -  whatever (wildcard)  Positive Airway Pressure

xPAP = equals any type of PAP (positive airway pressure) device: CPAP, autoPAP, bi-level (Bi-PAP is Respironics' proprietary term for a bi-level) and the SVs (I forget what the S of SV is, the V is ventilation).

Bi-PAP or bi-level refers to the fact that a specific pressure can be set for exhalation and another specific pressure set for inhalation.

You have the right idea for IPAP. It refers to the inhalation pressure setting. And, of course, you are right on about CPAP.

C-Flex and A-Flex are Respironics' properitary terms for some expiration pressure relief, EPR is Remed's proprietary term for 1 cm to 3 cms of expiration pressure relief according to the setting chosen. Respironics doesn't clarify just how much relief each of their -Flex settings provides.

Those are all "I" can think of right now.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

But wouldn't that make it really confusing?  Wouldn't that make my machine a CPAP, APAP becuase it is set 10-14cmH2O, VPAP, BiPAP and an XPAP?  Or is it just a way to seperate which settings are more important or comfortable for the user?  Thanks again.


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Machine: Respironics Series M Auto CPAP with C-Flex and heated humidifier
Mask: Ultra Mirage Full Face

VPAP and BiPAP are registered trademarks for what is essentially the same sort of machine.

It gets even better; I have an autoPAP with a name plate that says that it is an "M Series REMstar BiPAP", but it is not really what is normally considered to be a BiPAP.

Say what, BeardedOne???? You sure it doesn't say Bi-Flex? Heck, even if it says Bi-Flex it would have to be a Bi-PAP! Yer, right. That IS cornfusing as all get out. You're sure it isn't a bi-level set to CPAP mode?

No, Jonesy, what you have is an auto PAP with a set pressure range of 10 cms to 14 cms which simply means that it can provide ANY pressure at ANY point in your breathing cycle between 10 cms and 14 cms that it determines you need.

A bi-level has two settings, one setting specifically for inhalation (IPAP) and one setting specifically for exhalation (EPAP). When you inhale it responds w/the set IPAP pressure and when you exhale it responds by dropping to the set EPAP pressure almost instantaneously.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

jones0169,

To confuse you more, APAP can also stand for Auto-titrating Positive Airway Pressure (same machine though).  To help clarify, APAPs change the pressure required to open your airway moment to moment.  In your case, that pressure can be anywhere from 10 - 14 cmH2O depending on your needs. BiPAPs only have two pressures, an inhalation pressure and an exhalation pressure.

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Thank you, Vicki, actually I think that clarifies things better rather than confusing them.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Vicki wrote:

jones0169,

To confuse you more, APAP can also stand for Auto-titrating Positive Airway Pressure (same machine though).  To help clarify, APAPs change the pressure required to open your airway moment to moment.  In your case, that pressure can be anywhere from 10 - 14 cmH2O depending on your needs. BiPAPs only have two pressures, an inhalation pressure and an exhalation pressure.

Vicki

Unless it's an *Auto* BiPAP (bi-level)  

Giggle. Not that we want to confuse anyone! I've got an auto bi-level and I'm not EVEN going to try to explain or define that one!!!


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

My doctor is making noises about having me go through another overnight sleep study (I just had one in Sept.) because I am so tired.  I would rather use an Auto-PAP at home to find out what the pressures need to be. Do you suppose he's never heard of that??? So when he asks me this time what I want him to write on my new prescription, do I want him to say APAP, Auto-PAP or have him prescribe a specific machine like the ResMed Auto Vantage?  He never got back to me after he received the data from the Elite I borrowed for a week so I will be calling him for an appointment soon.  I didn't call sooner because I was starting to perk up a bit after my recent vacation and the sunnier days but I seem to be regressing again.
Grandma


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ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11

Just tell him one EXPENSIVE in-lab evaluation 6 months ago was enough for awhile and if he won't script an in-home titration with a loaner fully data capable autoPAP you will find a doctor who will. And the loan should be for at least two weeks.

And while you are at it request a copy of the downloaded data from that Elite if you didn't keep a copy AND a copy of the full scored data summary report and his dictated results from your in-lab study(ies). You have a legal right to them under HIPAA if you are in the USA. Be diplomatic but firm and determined. YOU are paying HIM, therefore YOU are his employER asking for his, the employEE's, assistance and advice. But you are NOT bound to follow what he suggests. YOU are the one who endures the benefits or the consequences of any test, procedure or treatment so it is YOUR final decision what to do or not do.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

CrohnieToo that is an excellent point! The patient is the employer! Back when I worked on a Med-Surg unit when I first introduced myself to a new patient I would tell them just about what you said, Doctors and Nurses's were no more than educated machanics, instead of bring their car in to be repaired they were bringing in their bodies. But the principle was the same, they were the boss they hired us to work on them! I can't tell you how much flack I used to get from my  co-workers, other nurses and even on occasion,Doctors, for telling  my patients that!

You are right Crohnie, I do not need another study this soon. I know I have OSA and I do have a copy of the report because I asked for one.  I definitely plan to get a copy of the data from the Elite and ask for a copy of a summary report.  I hand wrote down the data for each day so I want to see if it matches what's on the data they took from the machine.  I have started requesting or making copies of every prescription I get also because the dr. tends to want to "send it over to the sleep lab" but I insist on carrying it myself. In fact, I have a folder of all my paperwork that I take with me to every appointment. I do not think that the doctor will give me any trouble. It's the RT and the DME I can't work with.  I have been in touch with another DME and hope to deal with them if the current one gives me any problems about borrowing the machine for titration.  At least it gives me some leverage. Keep reminding me about how I am the employer.  I do get intimidated at times because I get emotional.  And, let's face it, I am tired and sometimes cannot think clearly, especially under pressure.  It takes time for me to get my ducks in a row.
Thanks for support, White Beard and Crohnie.
Grandma


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ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11

Grandma wrote:

My doctor is making noises about having me go through another overnight sleep study (I just had one in Sept.) because I am so tired.  I would rather use an Auto-PAP at home to find out what the pressures need to be. Do you suppose he's never heard of that??? So when he asks me this time what I want him to write on my new prescription, do I want him to say APAP, Auto-PAP or have him prescribe a specific machine like the ResMed Auto Vantage?  He never got back to me after he received the data from the Elite I borrowed for a week so I will be calling him for an appointment soon.  I didn't call sooner because I was starting to perk up a bit after my recent vacation and the sunnier days but I seem to be regressing again.
Grandma

I too have been rescheduled for an additional titration.  My last was 8/2007.  I did get an answer from the Dr. as to why.  At home will not tell him what types of apneas I am having or if there is something else wrong with me.  My insurance is not complaining and I would rather get the answer sooner than later.