Bipap machine

The doctor is changing me from CPAP to Bipap. Are there any tricks to making the transition, or is it an easy change? Also does anyone have a recommendation as to the brand of bipap machine? I was looking at the Respironics Dreamstation.

Thanks.

I have a ResMed Bipap machine. Since it is the only machine I have had, hard to say if there is a better or worse than others thing. Probably not many folks have experience with many multiple machines. The Bipap I have can function in Apap and Cpap modes as well. Just a setting. A prescription for a Bipap may result when the needed prescribed pressure to keep your airway open is HIGH and the exhale phase is at a lower pressure to enable easier exhaling. One advantage of a Resmed machine is that while it has the little computer card, it also has an internal modem that sends to a cell tower each day which allows the monitor of therapy. It gives you hours or use, AHI, mask seal and mask on/off. While stand alone software can get you a LOT more information, these are the essential elements which can help you decide on how to best manage your own therapy. If you don't use something like this, you will not know if AHI is down to an acceptable level or if your mask seal is adequate. In case you use the Respironics machine, I would suggest using a software program on your comuter and downloading the recorded data off your machine and looking at the results for feedback. As far as any other advantages, pretty sure most machines will do the same functional things but again, this is just a guess.

I would think most people who use CPAP compliantly to be able to switch pretty easily from CPAP to BiPAP. Some people find BiPAP more comfortable, when you inhale the pressure will be higher when you exhale the pressure will be lower.

Thank you so much for your replies.

I just have one comment about the information available from the Dreamstation. I find it to be pretty useless. It tells you how long you have used the machine, your AHI and whether the mask leaks. If you look at my information, you would think I am doing great. But I'm not! I sleep very poorly, I don't think the machine helps, and I generally wake up feel exhausted. I don't think my doctors even know what to do, but it is very frustrating. My fitibt gives much better information, tho I know it's not completely accurate - it tells how long I've slept, how often I am "restless", and how many minutes I've been awake during the night. It's much closer to reality.