High Altitude and Auto CPAP?

[MartinG]

Does anyone have any experience of using Auto CPAP at high altitudes (2400 metres plus)? The Respironics blurb says that it should be ok, and I'll talk to my GP, but it would be interesting to hear from someone who has done it.

Martin

[Sparticus]

Does anyone have any experience of using Auto CPAP at high altitudes (2400 metres plus)? The Respironics blurb says that it should be ok, and I'll talk to my GP, but it would be interesting to hear from someone who has done it.

Martin

Havent done it but I cant see there being a problem unless your thinking of visitng Everest Base Camp. Then the problem will be as breathing normaly but less oxygen. Im sure there are some on here who have been as high as your sugesting

[ElleCee]

MartinG,
When and where are you going?
What machine have you got?

Lorraine

[MartinG]

Hi Lorraine

Ecuador, Cloud Forest etc., above 2700 metres (we are told). Not for some months, but a factor in choosing whether to replace my REMStar Auto M BiPAP before I go.

Martin

[Sparticus]

CPAP Machine Performance and Altitude

Study rationale and objective: Sleep-disordered breathing is commonly treated with nasally applied continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Typically, pressures are titrated to pneumatically splint the airway to prevent its collapse in response to negative inspiratory pressure. This investigation was prompted by several patient complaints of sleep-related breathing difficulty associated with travel to high altitudes. CPAP devices create pressure with fan-generated airflow; therefore, CPAP performance should behave according to collective fan laws.
Measurements and results: In the present study, we examined the effect of simulated altitude change on four commercially available CPAP machines. Machines were tested using anatomic airway mannequins in an altitude chamber. We made three simulated ascents to 12,000 feet with machines set at 5, 10, and 12 cm H[SIZE=2]2O sea level pressure equivalents. We measured pressure using water manometers at 2,000-foot increments during ascent and descent. Mask pressures varied systematically with changing altitude in three machines. One machine, equipped with a pressure regulation feature, maintained pressure within 1 mm H2O at all pressure and altitude combinations. [/SIZE]
Conclusions: Altitude significantly alters delivered pressure according to predictions made by the fan laws, unless a unit has pressure-compensating features. Clinicians should consider this factor when CPAP is prescribed for patients who live or travel to places located at significantly higher or lower elevations than the titration site.

[ElleCee]

Hi Martin,
I am going to Peru and Equador in June and visiting Machu Puchu etc so will be at same heights as you.
I have been reading up on my machine and it does have altitude adjustment so I am hoping it will be of benefit. I will read it all again tomorrow (it's 3.15am now) and will get back to you with what it says.
I did have a Resmed S8 Escape 2 which, after checking with the manufacturers, would not have worked and I have only recently got this new apap.
The only problems I am now facing is not having electricity at night in the Amazon and not being sure if I can use it on the plane, but I think I have decided that a weeks non compliance is better than a months worth.
I am presuming it will not be a problem on the boat in the Galapagos even though it is a very small boat.
I'll get back to you tomorrow afternoon with more details of my machine, for the life of me I cannot remember even what make it is!
Good night for now
Lorraine

[ElleCee]

Hi Sparticus,

Does it say which machine was the one that did work well?

Cheers
Lorraine

[Sparticus]

Hi Sparticus,

Does it say which machine was the one that did work well?

Cheers
Lorraine

No it didnt but will keep looking for an article about this subject as its handy to know

[Sparticus]

Found

Not sure if this will help but heres how to set an S8 for altitude

http://www.ehow.com/how_6944716_do-adjustment-resmed-s8-cpap_.html

[ElleCee]

My new machine is a ICON Auto CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier and SensAwake
It has automatic altitude adjustment so no need to do anything yourself which in my case is very handy cos I am not at all techy minded!
The altitude goes up a lot higher than it did on the Resmed Escape which, according to the manufacturers , would have burnt out at that altitude so would not have been any use at all.

Hope that helps
Lorraine

[MartinG]

Now back from a great trip round the World, including the time spent at high altitudes in Ecuador. The ResMed Auto M did a great job and maintained pressure well, so my sleep was limited more by time-zone changes than the altitude. I don't use a humidifier (and it would not have been practical to take one anyway - with the 7Kg limit on cabin baggage).

I did find that, on our first night in Quito, My mouth and nose were very dry and uncomfortable on waking but this improved over the next couple of days at altitude. On the last stage of the journey we returned to Quito after a week at sea level and I found the same dryness happened again.

My Auto M is now 4.5 years old and has traveled 3 times round the World. It has been a great investment, helping me enjoy my travel and make the most of precious holiday time as well as having maintained the quality of my life at home.

Martin