Is having Back up Rate Capability worth it when looking to get a BIPAP or is an Auto BIPAP sufficient?

I am starting to have more centrals and while my overall apnea is still considered moderate, I have been looking at getting a BIPAP. The prices sure go up with that feature and has to be taken into consideration. Had a long talk with Mark on Secondwind...he explained a lot of the BIPAP terminology to me.

I have so many hypopneas along with a few apneas. Usually my rate is under 5, but my restorative sleep is far from what I wish it was! Just so tired of being tired when I am doing all I am supposed to.

Are they true centrals (confirmed by eeg) or centrals being reported by an autopap? People report that apap records centrals caused by pressure changes, and some who experience that do better with a tighter range, and lower or no "epr" or "flex".

If you are having a lot of RERA events that can be just as disruptive to good sleep as apneas - just means you are rousing faster than when they go all the way to becoming an apnea, and RERAs now count towards SDB Severity for most insurance providers.

Barbz, what has your provider or physician advised about this issue you are having?

My last sleep study showed centrals for the first time. My script is for BIPAP only. I also had RERAs along with my forever present hypopneas. Getting a backup capable unit was my idea.

I ended up going with a standard BIPAP. Good questions here, lots of thinking and talking with local hose head with years of experience. Since I do my own monitoring, I went with the DeVilbiss BIPAP. I have used them before. It has always been my backup unit. I have the official software as well as Sleepyhead for reviewing.

My present doc, an ENT+ sleep certified, actually thanked me for being active in my care. He knows that I know how. I always let him know what I am doing and the results afterward. Was just so happy to find a doc who acknowledged the extent my sinuses affected my CPAP!

Thanks for responding...Barb

Barb, there is not a thing wrong with a PAP user that is well informed and pro-active in their own care regimen! Keep up the positive outlook!