Was my husband prescribed a BiPaP device for sleep apnea?

This question was asked in Concord, Massachusetts on 02/28/2013.
My husband was diagnosed with Complex sleep apnea in January and it was recommended that he use an ASV device. This past Tuesday he started using ResMed VPAP Adapt, S9 Series. This does not appear to be an ASV device. We can hear the air continuously flowing in. Is this a BiPaP device? Also, it periodically makes a very loud, freight train noise. My husband says he feels a rush of air pressure coming into his mask and has to stand up and lift mask? Is this normal? Because of this irritating noise and increase in air pressure into mask, he has only been able to use mask for an hour or so each night. Are there are any ASV devices on the market? if so, what are their names and the vendors that manufacture them? Thank you.

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Doctors Answers (5)

Daron Scherr, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 4/5/2013 1

I recommend Respironics.

Ramie A. Tritt, M.D., FRCSC
Answered on: 3/4/2013 8

Without looking at the study one cannot tell if your husband should be on an ASV or not. Typically for Central Sleep Apnea, an SV or ST is indicated. The Resmed VPAP Adapt SV IS an adapto servo machine. As for the "freight train" sound, it sounds like your husband is getting water or condensation in the tubing. He could try decreasing the humidity, not filling the water chamber quite as full, and placing the tubing under the blankets with him to alleviate the noise.

Courtney Whitney, DO
Answered on: 3/4/2013 8

A Resmed VPAP Adapt is a ASV unit. Different manufacturers use different terminology. ASV is actually BiPAP ASV so he has both actually. ASV units automatically adjust all night long to treat all breathing disturbances as they occur. So yes, his machine is probably blowing harder at certain times during the night. The freight train noise is a leak. The higher the pressure goes on the machine, the more the mask has a chance to leak. He may need to tighten his straps on his mask or explore other mask options. I would highly suggest working with a clinical specialist to make sure he has a proper fit for his mask. Respironics makes the only other BiPAP ASV on the market. Resmed and Respironics both make very good ASV units. His issue is really with his mask seal I believe. He should visit with his sleep physician to do a download of the unit and determine if his pressure needs may be different too.

SomnoDiagnostics, Inc.
Answered on: 3/4/2013 8

Based on the information you've provided my response is: The S9 adapt is an ASV device specifically designed for Central and Complex Sleep Apnea which includes Cheyne Stokes respirations. To my knowledge, only 2 companies manufacture such a device. If it is making noise, you should go back to your equipment provider, because that specific device is the quietest on the market. Hopefully your husband was set up and instructed by a Respiratory Therapist and the Respiratory Therapist at your equipment provider should be able to help. For more information you may call Resmed.

J. Douglas Hudson, MD, DABSM
Answered on: 3/4/2013 8

There is another ASV device (Respironics BiPAP Auto SV) on the market but the ResMed device is very good, maybe the best. You should have continuous air flow to treat the obstructive events and more intermittent flow to treat the central apneas. It sounds as though the pressure settings may be too high. I would have them checked by your sleep doctor or Durable Medical Equipment company. A trial and error for the settings is not uncommon with these units.