Ventilator FAQ
Ventilator is a kind of ventilator that can replace, control or change the normal physiological breathing of people, increase pulmonary ventilation, improve respiratory function and reduce breathing A device that saves power consumption and saves the heart’s reserve capacity.
Generally suitable for the following symptoms:
(1) Acute respiratory failure caused by various reasons, including respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
(2) Acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory failure.
(3) Severe acute pulmonary edema and status asthmaticus.
(4) Intraoperative and postoperative ventilation support in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.
(5) For patients with respiratory insufficiency, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, neck and tracheal surgery are usually supported by high-frequency ventilation.
In the process of purchasing and using, there are often many questions that need to be consulted. Here are some common questions about ventilators that I have specially sorted out for your reference;
(1) How do I choose a ventilator?
It depends on the specific situation of the patient: if it is only a patient with sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) and the lung function is normal, choose a single-level ventilator (CPAP), which can be used after wearing the machine. . If the patient feels difficulty in exhalation (suffocation) and unbearable when using the CPAP ventilator, it is recommended to use an automatic ventilator (Auto CPAP). The fully automatic ventilator is comfortable to wear, easy to operate, and can also record patient data during sleep. It is the most popular model among the current users; for patients with pulmonary insufficiency, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD), restrictive Lung diseases, etc., be sure to choose a bi-level ventilator (BiPAP).
(2) Which is better: Respironics ventilator, ResMed ventilator or Fisher & Paykel ventilator?
These three brands of ventilators are all world-class brands, and their global sales have always been among the best. The design features of their products are different: for example, bi-level ventilators, Respironics ventilators are more automated, The automatic synchronization conversion requires no settings and is easy to operate. The portable memory card makes the tracking service more convenient; the ResMed ventilator has more comprehensive functions, and the minimum and maximum inspiratory time can be set. patients with functional insufficiency. And Fisher & Paykel’s heating and humidifying design is unique in the world, with the best humidification effect.
(3) What are the advantages of the fully automatic ventilator compared with the ordinary CPAP ventilator?
OSA (snoring) patients require different treatment pressures for different body positions and different sleep stages (deep or light sleep) during sleep. The fully automatic ventilator (AutoCPAP) can automatically provide the required treatment pressure according to the needs of the patient, so it is about 25%-35% lower on average than the treatment pressure provided by the ordinary CPAP ventilator, and can achieve the best treatment with the smallest treatment pressure. Therefore, the comfort is better, and it is more in line with the treatment principle of “on demand”. The automatic ventilator (AutoCPAP) has a high degree of automation and is easy to operate, and is currently the most used machine.
(4) Is bilevel ventilator the best ventilator?
It should be “as needed” according to the specific situation, for patients with poor lung function, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) or restrictive lung disease and OSA (snoring) patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, it must be Choose a bilevel ventilator. However, for most OSA (snoring) patients, due to normal lung function, there is no abnormal breathing cycle, insufficient tidal volume, etc., CPAP ventilator (including automatic ventilator) can fully satisfy the treatment. What works best for you is the best.
(5) How much difference is there between imported masks and domestic masks?
The sealing and comfort of the mask are the most important factors to ensure the therapeutic effect. The materials used in imported masks are all made of silicone containing polysilicon material, which is soft, oil-resistant, Good tissue affinity, good comfort, and strong sealing. The structure and design of the bracket can be disassembled, which is convenient for cleaning and disinfection. The headbands are all made of breathable materials, with moderate elasticity and long clinical use time. The domestic mask is generally made of latex material, and its production process, comfort, sealing and use effect are obviously different from those of imported masks.
(6) Do I need a heated humidifier when buying a ventilator?
Yes, the ventilator must be paired with a heated humidifier. The airflow after heating and humidification can not only reduce the side effects caused by nasal dryness, such as nasal congestion and bleeding, but also reduce the resistance in the nasal cavity, effectively ensure the stability of the pressure in the mask, and greatly improve the treatment of wearing the machine. Effectiveness and compliance, which are critical for patients on long-term machine-wearing therapy.
(7) What is the S/T mode of the bi-level ventilator?
ST mode is a trigger/time control mode. If the machine does not trigger spontaneous breathing within the set breathing cycle time, the machine will provide a machine-controlled breath (also known as a backup frequency). For the vast majority of snoring patients, since the lung function is normal, this function is of little significance. For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or restrictive lung disease, due to abnormal breathing cycle, ST mode can ensure the patient’s breathing cycle and tidal volume, this function is very important.
(8) Does the pressure of the ventilator I use need to be adjusted?
If your weight has changed and you are using a mono-level or bi-level ventilator, you will need to re-change the treatment pressure. If it is an automatic ventilator (Auto), no adjustment is required, because the automatic ventilator can automatically adjust the treatment pressure level
(9) What is the voltage of the ventilator?
The voltage of the ventilator is generally 110v-240v, which can be directly connected to the domestic power supply after purchase.
(10) What parts does the ventilator consist of?
The ventilator is mainly divided into three parts: main unit, heating humidifier, nasal mask (mask or nasal mask). Or buy the main unit and accessories separately.
(11) What is the difference between ResMed ventilator S8 and S9?
The ResMed S9 is the latest model produced by the manufacturer. Compared with the S8, there is no essential difference in function, but the appearance has been greatly changed. The design of the water box and the power supply are also made better handling. S8 can only change the output air pressure according to the patient’s inspiratory pressure, while the output air pressure of S9 takes into account the patient’s inspiratory pressure and also changes the output air pressure according to different types of nasal masks, which is more intelligent.
(12) Do I need to use a ventilator every day?
Yes, like wearing glasses. Use it every time you sleep, if you stop using the ventilator, the apnea will still occur. However, as the treatment time increases, the tension of the patient’s pharyngeal muscles will recover some functions, and the pharyngeal caliber that is blocked and narrow will be improved. Even if the machine is stopped for a few days, the snoring will be significantly smaller than before.
(13) Can I still use a ventilator after I have a cold?
There are two cases here: one is a simple cold, which can still be used after taking cold medicine, nasal furosemia solution and nasal instillation. The other is combined with upper respiratory tract infection, it needs to be stopped for a few days and can be used after the inflammation subsides.
(14) Can using a ventilator change my daytime sleepiness?
That’s for sure. Because it solves your apnea and improves blood oxygen saturation, it can make you enter a good deep sleep state and greatly improve your sleep quality. This effect can be significantly improved after using the ventilator for one night.
(15) Apnea can cause other complications, but I don’t find any other abnormality in my inspection, so I don’t need to wear a ventilator?
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), be sure to treat it as soon as possible. Medical research has shown that the risk factors for heart, brain and kidney disease due to apnea syndrome increase by 60%. Many high blood pressure that is difficult to control with medication is caused by unresolved snoring.
