Frequently Asked Questions

 

What does the A-Flex name represent?
This new flex technology is only active in Auto-CPAP mode. Therefore, the combination of our clinically proven auto algorithm and flex technology yields the name A-Flex.

What is A-Flex?
A-Flex is a new technology that completely mimics patient’s flow by providing inspiratory comfort and expiratory relief. With our advanced Digital Auto-Trak Sensitivity, we can distinguish between inhalation and exhalation. During exhalation, A-Flex provides variable expiratory pressure relief that is the same as our clinically proven C-Flex technology. During inhalation, A-Flex also provides inspiratory comfort that varies with the patient’s pressure level. The result is maximum comfort with the most natural therapy provided during the entire breathing cycle.

How will effective therapy be maintained?
A-Flex comfort is teamed with our clinically proven auto algorithm with Digital Auto-Trak technology, which works proactively to ensure that therapeutic pressure is always delivered.

Is therapeutic pressure provided on a breath-by-breath basis throughout the night?
Yes. It is auto therapy. If the patient’s therapeutic pressure needs change throughout the night, the pressure delivered will change as determined by the auto technology.

Will A-Flex cause an increase in AHI?
No. Clinical data concludes that patients using REMstar Auto with A-Flex displayed equivalent AHIs as other correctly titrated traditional CPAP patients.

What are the therapy modalities of the REMstar Auto M Series with A-Flex?
This device provides five modalities of treatment: CPAP; CPAP with C-Flex; Auto CPAP; Auto CPAP with C-Flex; and Auto CPAP with A-Flex.

What do the A-Flex settings affect?
Like C-Flex, a change in the amount of pressure relief is provided only at the beginning of exhalation.

How is A-Flex different from C-Flex?
C-Flex comfort is achieved with expiratory relief. A-Flex comfort is achieved with expiratory relief combined with inspiratory comfort. The pressure cycle mirrors a sinusoidal breathing pattern found with normal breathing patterns and, as a result, feels most natural.

How is A-Flex different from C-Flex and Bi-Flex?
All three are comfort technologies. A-Flex is a hybrid of C-Flex and Bi-Flex. Like C-Flex, A-FLex delivers pressure relief during exhalation. Like Bi-flex, A-Flex will also soften the transition as the patient moves from inspiration to expiration.

So isn’t this Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure?
No. Bi-level systems, including Respironics’ BiPAP devices, deliver a bi-level therapy modality with a set inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure achieved on each breath. A-Flex is a comfort technology only delivered by REMstar Auto with A-Flex, coded as an E0601 or CPAP device. With the REMstar Auto with A-Flex, there is no way to set an IPAP or EPAP pressure or fixed delta.

Does A-Flex change the Auto Algorithm? Its proactive logic? Its reactive logic?
No. A-Flex is simply a comfort feature built upon the intelligence of the existing REMstar Auto algorithm. The algorithm itself is no different.

On which pressure do I set the patient?
The device should be set as with any other auto device.

What is the HCPCS (billing) code for REMstar Auto with A-Flex?
The REMstar Auto with A-Flex device is coded the same as all traditional CPAP devices – E0601. All CPAPs, regardless of features, are coded as E0601. This includes traditional CPAP devices, CPAP with C-Flex and Auto CPAP.

What is FDA 510K intended use?
Intended Use/Indications for Use
The Respironics REMstar Auto M Series with A-Flex CPAP System delivers positive airway pressure therapy for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in spontaneously breathing patients weighing more than 30kg.

Environment of Use/Patient Population
For use in the home or hospital/institutional environment.

Which Encore Pro software version supports REMstar Auto with A-Flex?
Encore Pro version 1.8i or higher. Customers may download the upgrade at my.respironics.com or order a CD, PN 1009583.

What is the System One Standard?
System One represents Respironics' new standard of care delivered by a system that is designed together to provide optimal performance. Our first system features the OptiLife mask and our new REMstar Auto M Series with A-Flex. With A-Flex and OptiLife, performance is all about optimum comfort and compliance.

The System One solution does not stop with products. It is backed by the most respected account services, product support, promise programs and business solutions to help patients and customers achieve clinical and business success.

The A-Flex and OptiLife combination represents the first System One approach. In the future, additional systems will be released that employ this standard of being designed together to optimize benefits.

How are the REMstar Auto with A-Flex and OptiLife mask designed to work together?
The low-profile, comfortable design of the OptiLife mask is engineered to get the most out of A-Flex. Our combination of auto-tracking flow algorithms and OptiLife mask geometries are "tuned" to provide comfortable breathing.

Will A-Flex work with other masks?
Yes. A mask is often the most important factor in patient acceptance and clinicians (and patients) should determine the best one for each patient’s treatment. It is noteworthy that internal clinical studies show that users reported feeling more comfort benefits of A-Flex when combined with the OptiLife mask than with other Respironics masks or competitor masks.