sleep apnea treatment Archives

Posted on 13th June 2025 13th June 2025 by Gregory — Leave a comment

Guide to AirCurve 11 Models

A Guide on ResMed AirCurve 11 BiPAP models: S vs. VAuto vs. ASV

Welcome to CPAPeuropa.com! If your doctor has prescribed a ResMed AirCurve 11 BiLevel device, you’re looking at some of the most advanced technology available for sleep apnea therapy. But with different models like the AirCurve 11 S, AirCurve 11 VAuto, and AirCurve 11 ASV, it’s important to understand their specific functions to ensure you get the device that perfectly matches your prescription and needs. This guide will help clarify the differences.

What is BiLevel Therapy and the AirCurve 11 Series?

Unlike standard CPAP machines that deliver a single continuous pressure, BiLevel (often called BiPAP) machines deliver two distinct pressure levels:

IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure): A higher pressure when you inhale.
EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure): A lower pressure when you exhale.

This dual-pressure system can make breathing feel more comfortable and natural, especially for users requiring higher pressures or those with specific respiratory conditions. The AirCurve 11 series builds on ResMed’s legacy with enhanced digital health features, user-friendly design, and sophisticated therapy algorithms.

Let’s Compare the AirCurve 11 Models:

1. ResMed AirCurve 11 S (BiLevel Device)

Product Link: ResMed AirCurve 11 S
How it Works: The AirCurve 11 S operates in a Spontaneous (S) mode. This means the device senses your natural breathing rhythm. It delivers the higher IPAP when you begin to inhale and switches to the lower EPAP when you start to exhale. All breaths are triggered by your own effort. The IPAP and EPAP levels are fixed according to your prescription.
Who is it For?
- Patients who can reliably initiate every breath but find it difficult to exhale against the high, constant pressure of a standard CPAP machine.
- Individuals requiring higher overall pressure settings for their Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) where BiLevel therapy offers greater comfort.
- Some patients with conditions like certain forms of COPD or neuromuscular disorders who need pressure support but have a consistent respiratory drive.
Key Differentiating Features:
- Delivers fixed IPAP and EPAP pressures.
- Relies entirely on the patient’s spontaneous breathing effort to cycle between pressures.
- Ideal for providing comfortable BiLevel support when a backup breath rate is not required.

2. ResMed AirCurve 11 VAuto (BiLevel Device)

Product Link: ResMed AirCurve 11 VAuto
How it Works: The AirCurve 11 VAuto is an auto-adjusting BiLevel device. It utilizes ResMed’s proven AutoSet™ algorithm. It automatically adjusts the Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) to keep your airway open. It then provides a consistent level of Pressure Support (the difference between IPAP and EPAP) or can automatically adjust IPAP to meet your needs based on the algorithm. It also features Vsync technology to manage leaks effectively.
Who is it For?
- Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who benefit from BiLevel therapy and require or prefer automatic pressure adjustments throughout the night.
- Individuals whose pressure needs may vary (e.g., due to sleep stage, body position, or mask leak).
- Those seeking the comfort of BiLevel therapy combined with the intelligent titration of an auto-adjusting device.
Key Differentiating Features:
- Auto-adjusting EPAP and IPAP (VAuto mode): Responds to apneas, hypopneas, and flow limitations.
- Fixed Pressure Support option: Can maintain a consistent difference between IPAP and EPAP if needed.
- Vsync leak management: Synchronizes with patient breathing even with significant mask leak.

3. ResMed AirCurve 11 ASV (PaceWave™ BiLevel Device)

Product Link: ResMed AirCurve 11 ASV PaceWave
How it Works: The AirCurve 11 ASV is the most sophisticated device in this lineup, utilizing ResMed’s Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) with PaceWave™ technology. It continuously monitors your breathing on a breath-by-breath basis. It targets your recent minute ventilation (the amount of air you breathe in a minute) and automatically adjusts pressure support to stabilize your breathing and maintain this target. If you stop breathing or your breathing becomes too shallow, it provides precisely calculated pressure support to normalize your breathing pattern. It can also provide a backup breath rate.
Who is it For?
- Specifically designed for more complex sleep-disordered breathing conditions such as:
  - Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), including treatment-emergent CSA or CSA related to certain medications.
  - Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSA) – where central apneas emerge or persist after OSA is treated with CPAP or standard BiLevel.
  - Periodic breathing patterns like Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR), often associated with congestive heart failure or stroke.
  - Opioid-induced central apneas (under medical supervision).
Key Differentiating Features:
- PaceWave™ ASV Algorithm: Intelligently adapts to the patient’s changing needs throughout the night to stabilize ventilation.
- Treats Complex Breathing Patterns: Specifically engineered for conditions beyond standard OSA.
- Highly Responsive: Provides rapid adjustments to pressure support.
- Mandatory Backup Rate: Ensures breathing support even if the patient’s own respiratory effort diminishes significantly.

Shared Features Across the AirCurve 11 Platform:

All AirCurve 11 models benefit from ResMed’s latest platform advancements, including:

myAir™ App Integration: Access to daily sleep scores, coaching, and educational resources.
Personal Therapy Assistant: Provides voice-guided setup and troubleshooting through the myAir app.
Care Check-In: Allows users to answer simple questions that can be shared with their healthcare provider.
Integrated Heated Humidifier: ClimateLineAir™ heated tube compatibility for optimal temperature and humidity control.
Quiet Easy-Breathe Motor: Ensures a peaceful sleeping environment.
Intuitive Touchscreen: Easy-to-navigate menus and settings.
Over-the-Air Software Updates: Keeps your device up-to-date with the latest features and improvements (where available and supported).

Making the Right Choice – The Importance of Your Prescription:

The most critical factor in selecting an AirCurve 11 BiLevel device is your doctor’s prescription. Your sleep specialist will diagnose your specific condition and prescribe the appropriate mode (S, VAuto, or ASV) and pressure settings.

If your prescription is for BiLevel S, the AirCurve 11 S is your device.
If your prescription indicates a need for auto-adjusting BiLevel for OSA, the AirCurve 11 VAuto is likely the appropriate choice.
If you have been diagnosed with Central Sleep Apnea, Complex Sleep Apnea, or Cheyne-Stokes Respiration, your doctor will almost certainly prescribe an ASV device like the AirCurve 11 ASV.

Need Further Assistance?

At CPAPeuropa.com, we are dedicated to ensuring you get the right therapy equipment. If you have your prescription and are still unsure which AirCurve 11 model is the best fit, or if you have any questions about their features:

Consult the detailed product pages linked above for comprehensive specifications.
Contact our expert customer support team. We are here to help you understand your options and make an informed decision based on your prescription.

Explore the advanced ResMed AirCurve 11 BiLevel devices on CPAPeuropa.com and take a significant step towards better, more comfortable sleep!

Posted on 24th October 2024 4th December 2024 by Gregory — Leave a comment

Apple Watch’s Sleep Apnea Feature: A Guide to Understanding the Alert

Apple Watch now offers a groundbreaking feature: sleep apnea detection. But what does an alert mean, and what steps should you take?

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea disrupts breathing during sleep when throat muscles relax excessively, causing the airway to collapse. This often leads to loud snoring, frequently unnoticed by the individual.

The condition is linked to serious health issues, including:

Cardiovascular problems: High blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Cognitive decline: Increased risk of dementia.
Daytime impairment: Excessive sleepiness, fatigue, and increased risk of accidents.

Apple Watch Detection

Available on Apple Watch Series 10 and some older models with a software update, the feature uses the watch’s accelerometer to sense wrist movements, indicating breathing patterns. If the watch detects frequent breathing interruptions over 30 days, it notifies the user.

Is it Accurate?

While Apple’s testing showed high accuracy, particularly for severe sleep apnea, it’s important to remember that:

The feature is opt-in: You must activate it for it to work.
It may not detect all cases: Mild to moderate apnea might be missed.
Orthosomnia: Over-reliance on sleep data can lead to anxiety and unhealthy behaviors.

What to Do if You Receive an Alert

If your Apple Watch alerts you to potential sleep apnea, it’s crucial to:

Consult a healthcare professional: Discuss the alert and any symptoms with your doctor or a sleep specialist.
Consider a sleep study: A formal sleep study can provide a definitive diagnosis and assess the severity of your condition.

What Are the Treatment Options?

If diagnosed with sleep apnea, treatment options include:

CPAP therapy: The gold standard, CPAP machines deliver continuous air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep.
Lifestyle changes: Weight loss and improved sleep hygiene can be beneficial, especially for mild cases.
Oral appliances: Devices worn during sleep to help maintain an open airway.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct anatomical issues contributing to sleep apnea.

CPAP Therapy and CPAPeuropa

For individuals seeking sleep apnea treatment, CPAPeuropa offers a wide range of CPAP equipment, including the AirSense 11 CPAP machine with express shipping Europe. The AirSense 11 is a user-friendly and effective CPAP device that can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health for those with sleep apnea.

Remember: Early detection and treatment of sleep apnea are vital for protecting your health and well-being. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

SHOP THE NEWST CPAP MACHINES HERE

A Closer Look at the AirSense 11 CPAP

CPAP therapy is often the first line of treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a constant stream of air pressure,

keeping your airway open throughout the night.

One leading CPAP machine is the ResMed AirSense 11. It offers a range of features designed to improve comfort and compliance:

User-friendly interface: An intuitive touchscreen makes it easy to navigate settings and track your sleep data.
Quiet operation: Advanced humidification and quiet operation minimize noise disruption for you and your partner.
Integrated humidifier: Helps prevent dryness and congestion.
AutoRamp technology: Gently increases air pressure as you fall asleep, making it easier to adjust to therapy.
Connectivity: Connects to the myAir app, allowing you to monitor your progress and receive personalized support.

CPAPeuropa is a trusted provider of CPAP equipment, offering a wide selection of masks, machines, and accessories to meet your individual needs. With express shipping to Ireland, France, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Belguim, Netherlands, and the rest of Europe.

Get the equipment you need quickly and conveniently!

Benefits of Choosing Us:

Extensive product range: Find the perfect CPAP machine, mask, and accessories to fit your therapy needs.
Competitive pricing: Get high-quality CPAP equipment at affordable prices.
Expert advice: Our team of sleep experts can help you choose the right equipment and provide ongoing support.
Fast and reliable shipping: Enjoy express shipping to everywhere in Europe and the rest of the world.

Take Control of Your Sleep Apnea

If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or have received an alert from your Apple Watch, don’t ignore it. Take action to protect your health and improve your quality of life. Contact CPAPeuropa today to learn more about our products and services and find the best solutions for your sleep apnea needs.

Apple introduced the sleep apnea detection feature in September 2024 with the release of watchOS 11. It was initially available on Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 models, with support extended to the Series 10 upon its launch.

While Apple Watches offer a promising tool for sleep apnea detection, it’s important to understand their capabilities and limitations:

The watch uses its built-in accelerometer to track subtle wrist movements that may indicate breathing disturbances during sleep. This data is analyzed over 30 days, and the watch notifies the user if it detects patterns suggestive of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

Apple’s clinical studies indicate the watch has a good sensitivity for detecting severe sleep apnea, correctly identifying it around 89% of the time. However, it’s less sensitive for moderate cases, with a detection rate of about 43%.

The watch has a high specificity, meaning it rarely gives false positives. In Apple’s study, it correctly identified individuals without sleep apnea 100% of the time.

It’s important to note that the watch cannot definitively diagnose sleep apnea. It serves as a screening tool to identify potential cases, prompting users to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional.

Overall, Apple Watches can be a valuable tool for raising awareness of potential sleep apnea, especially for individuals who may not be aware of their symptoms or have limited access to sleep studies. However, they should not be considered a replacement for a formal diagnosis by a sleep specialist.

Posted on 1st June 2020 8th June 2020 by Gregory — Leave a comment

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation In Sleep Apnea Treatment

Adaptive servo ventilation explained - blog post cpapeuropa

What is Adaptive Servo-Ventilation?

If you have sleep apnea, you might have heard about adaptive servo-ventilation. What is adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), though? And how is it used to treat sleep apnea? Today we will answer these question and dive further into the topic of ASV and its implementation in sleep apnea therapy.

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) is a type of non-invasive ventilation used to treat patients with central sleep apnea. ASV is also used to treat patients with mixed and complex sleep apnea as well as Cheyne-Stokes. As a central sleep apnea treatment method, ASV dates back to 1998, when it was introduced as a method to treat the condition while continuously monitoring the patient’s breathing pattern.

Sleep apnea is one of the most debilitating modern day sleep disorders. ASV has been widely utilized in treating patients with the central type.

The main pros of adaptive servo-ventilation

Adaptive Servo-Ventilation comes with several pros when applied in the treatment of central sleep apnea. In addition, an ASV device is especially beneficial to patients with complex sleep apneа mainly because of its capability to deliver variable flow upon demand. ASV sleep apnea machines are also used to treat obstructive sleep apneas as well.

Compared to standard PAP devices, ASV machines auto adjust to respond to the sleeper’s changing breathing patterns in the events of central sleep apneas. This helps patients to breathe easier throughout the night and ensure that they are getting an adequate supply of oxygen during therapy.

ASV Device Example:

ResMed Aircurve 10 ASV with Heated Humidifier

Cons of adaptive servo-ventilation

ASV therapy may not be the most suitable choice of treatment for some patients with symptomatic heart failure. That’s why adaptive servo-ventilation therapy must always be prescribed after proper testing and diagnosis of the particular type of sleep apnea and patient.

ASV treatment is not recommended for patients with the following health conditions:

Chronic hypoventilation;
Moderate to severe chronic COPD;
Restrictive thoracic disease;
Neuromuscular disease;
Chronically elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2);
Arterial blood gas greater than 45 mm Hg.

CPAPs with ASV Modes

Adaptive servo-ventilation is a form of positive airway pressure therapy (PAP). The method automatically adjusts the delivery of air pressure to the patient according to how many pauses in the breathing are detected during sleep.

Sleep apnea devices (CPAP and BiPAP) with ASV modes rely on complex computer algorithms to adjust the pressure throughout the therapy cycle. In that regard, adaptive servo-ventilation “starts” the patient’s breathing only when required. These sleep apnea devices use the same accessories (tubes, masks) as standard non-ASV units.

What differentiates ASV in central sleep apnea treatment–as compared to standard OSA treatment–is its ability to quickly stabilize the breathing pattern and control arterial blood gases. ASV treatment is also more efficient at reducing patient discomfort caused by BiLevel sleep apnea therapy, while delivering the same personalized ventilation.

CPAP and BiPAP Treatment vs ASV

Along with adaptive servo-ventilation, there are two other widely used treatments for sleep apnea: CPAP and BiPAP therapy. These are the most often prescribed treatments for OSA, because they work and actually help the sleep apnea suffer to not only better their nighttime sleep but also completely eliminate the symptoms and improve their general health.

CPAP provides a single continuous pressure therapy while BiPAP provides two separate pressures upon inhalation and exhalation. ASV auto adjustment the pressure setting, and there is no pre-set number of pressures used in addressing central sleep apnea.

CPAP treatment is usually the first treatment prescribed for sleep apnea, then BiPAP. ASV may be considered next if the other treatments don’t prove as effective as usual.

It is of the utmost importance to consult a doctor if you suffer from sleep apnea and require treatment! The decision whether to put you on CPAP, BiPAP or ASV treatment is entirely up to your doctor and proper diagnosis.

Tag: sleep apnea treatment