
8Description
In softPAP mode the respiratory flow curve is ana-
lysed continuously to ensure timely recognition of
the transition between inhalation and exhalation.
Before the transition to exhalation the therapy pres-
sure is reduced to make it easier to breathe out.
The size of this pressure reduction can be set in two
stages: “slight” (stage 1) and “normal” (stage 2).
This increases patient comfort. Before the next in-
halation phase, the pressure is raised to the thera-
py figure once again.
If apnoea or valid flow limitations occur while the
patient is sleeping, the softPAP mode is automati-
cally deactivated for the relevant period. If the res-
piratory frequency is too high, the softPAP mode is
also temporarily deactivated. However, the thera-
py pressure remains reduced during this period.
In full face mode the device supports therapy with
a full face mask. The event-related pressure adjust-
ment is modified accordingly.
2.5 Function of SOMNOset
SOMNOset works on the principle of an
electrically powered flow generator delivering an
electronically controlled constant pressure level.
A radial fan draws in ambient air through a filter
and conveys it to the device outlet port. From here
the air flows through the hose system and the mask
to the patient.
An oscillation generator creates a slight sinusoidal
pneumatic oscillation in the air flow produced by
the device.
The airway and oscillation pressure is registered
via the pressure measurement tube in the hose
system.
The current oscillation pressure reading is
compared with an average value and the
preceding values. This evaluation of the oscillation
pressure makes it possible to identify any
significant change in airway resistance and hence
to increase or reduce the therapy pressure via the
flow generator.
The pressure present in the mask is shown in the LC
display. The microprocessor-controlled flow
generator regulates the pressure at the value
determined.
The values determined are recorded. In
Autotitration mode, the recommended therapy
pressure is calculated at the end of the titration
night.
The device also records a respiratory flow signal
that can be output to a PSG system or read off with
the aid of SOMNOsupport. This makes it possible
to identify apnoea, hypopnoea and respiratory
flow limitations.
The exhalation system before the mask prevents
accumulation of CO2-enriched expired air in the
hose system.
To make it easier for the patient to go to sleep, an
automatic Softstart system is incorporated for the
APAP and CPAP modes. When this is switched on,
the pressure is reduced to the Softstart pressure set
by the physician. The therapy pressure then
gradually increases to the set value. The period for
the pressure rise can be set in 5-minute steps
between 0 and 30 minutes. The automatic
Softstart system can be locked out by the
physician.
Auto switch-on can be activated in APAP and
CPAP modes. The device can then be switched on
by breathing into the mask. If there is no pressure
for about 5 seconds (e.g. because the mask is
taken off), the SOMNOset switches off
automatically.
If the power supply is interrupted and then
restored, data recording starts afresh in all modes.
In that case, pressure adjustment and event
evaluation restart in the Autotitration and APAP
modes. In the Pressure Profile and CPAP modes,
titration or therapy are continued in the status that
was active before the interruption. The stored data
remain recorded despite the interruption.