(5 out of 5) by stephen, Layton, UT

"If the unit continues to work as well for the later portion of the study, it will replace an infinately more expensive machine.

Experiement to see if the VPAP Auto could mitigate apnea componded by CSA--not necessarily to cure CSA. See if reduction of aggrevating apnea events, that are not CSA, would contribute to enough quality sleep for either or all of: out-door overnight events, as a home back-up unit, or upon possibly for general home use.

Initial results: Expiratory overpressure (if there is such a thing--I'm not a clinition) seemed to aggravate CSA. But the VPAP AutoSet can be adjusted to limit mamimum pressures and inspratory/expiratory pressure differentials. There is also a trigger sensitivity adjustment. I have found that VPAP Auto can be adjusted to detect minute triggers that might otherwise have contributed to a CSA event.

Curious to note that the VPAP Auto user manual mentions that support pressure (differential inspiratory /expiratory amplitude) exceeding 10mm H2O is prohibited by the unit because it IS known to aggrevate CSA. In my case, devide that number by two--and the VPAP Auto facilitated the adjustment.

Of course having a feel for my own profile came about from prior VPAP Auto SV experience, and reports. While the SV places the pressure transducer sense line near the mask, without that, the VPAP Auto must trigger via transducer activated by back-pressure differentials through the tube. However, the VPAP Auto also provides a timming window for its trigger that can be adjusted between the support pressure differential ramp and expiratory settle-out. This allows the tube pressure to baseline prior to detecting the slightest effort to breathe. Cool huh?

The other machine is simply too expensive to not consider this study. I would had to have paid the deductable again any way, so it would all be sixes if the VPAP Auto did not work. However, not only does it seem to be working--but it is working quite well!"