DreamStation Auto CPAP with Humidifier - Philips

Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine

The Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto is an AutoPAP machine that delivers auto-adjusting CPAP therapy in conjunction with a CPAP mask. The DreamStation Auto monitors breathing patterns for signals of airflow obstruction and pauses. The DreamStation Auto then increases or decreases the delivered pressure to meet the exact CPAP needs moment to moment. The DreamStation Auto is a feature-rich machine with a variety of configurable settings such as ramp and expiratory release that smooth out the nightly transition to sleep therapy and let you breathe comfortably breath after breath all night long.

An optional DreamStation heated humidifier and heated tube hook to the back of the machine, augmenting the footprint just slightly. The DreamStation delivers a daily summary of your overnight sleep events both on-screen and through the DreamMapper phone app via Bluetooth connectivity. Features such as Check Mask, Performance Check, and Remote Access let you verify that everything is working correctly so that you feel confident you are attaining your therapy goals.

Features

• Slim, modern aesthetic
• Expiratory pressure release and flow smoothing for increased comfort
• Gentle pressure ramp at therapy start
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Optional integrated heated humidification

Attractive AutoPAP device for the digital age

With its bright white case and less than three-pound weight, the sleek DreamStation Auto looks right at home next to your bed. A front-facing screen with a vibrant color display lets you navigate the user interface either while lying down or while sitting up. The graphical menu feels like a simple smartphone app, intuitive and visual. An ambient light sensor dims or brightens the screen at the appropriate time. When the DreamStation humidifier is in use, a top-mounted tubing outlet with a 360-degree swivel supports smooth movement. The DreamStation comes with a carry bag and is small enough and light enough to make travel simple.

Customizable for continuous, comfortable, effective therapy

The DreamStation Auto monitors your every breath and adjusts the amount of CPAP pressure up and down to deliver the best level of pressure throughout your sleep therapy. This auto-adjusting mode of CPAP therapy by itself helps many people sleep better with CPAP. The DreamStation Auto contains numerous other settings to help you rest well with CPAP in place.

The Ramp and SmartRamp settings on the DreamStation Auto delay the rise to peak pressure levels while you settle into bed. With Ramp, the device can be set to increase the pressure gradually over a set period. When enabled, SmartRamp waits and watches for your first breath and then turns on the pressure. The built-in OptiStart algorithm knows where to start your pressure delivery each night to adequately support those first few drowsy breaths.

The Flex setting reduces airway pressure as you exhale and allows for up to three levels of pressure drop. Flow shaping smooths out the flow changes as the pressure returns to baseline during inspiration, eliminating jarring bursts.

The DreamStation heated humidifier is optional, but when in use, it snaps into the back of the DreamStation for an integrated fit. A preheat setting warms the water chamber up for 30 minutes before therapy. When used with the DreamStation heated tubing, adaptive humidification automatically adjusts the temperature and humidity to reduce condensation regardless of room temperature.

Onboard monitoring inspires confidence

Each morning the machine displays an on-screen summary of the effectiveness of your overnight therapy. Bluetooth connectivity comes standard with the DreamStation Auto, allowing the device to deliver information to you via the DreamMapper app. With DreamMapper, you can track your progress and view your sleep trends. DreamMapper also provides education, encouragement, and troubleshooting tips. Advanced event detection logs data to an included SD card for retrieval by your care teams. A built-in Performance Check helps you resolve many issues at home independently or through technical support assistance.

The DreamStation Auto works with any standard CPAP mask but pairs fabulously well with Philips Respironics masks that have System One resistance control numbers. The System One software adjusts flow delivery to match the known leak profiles of masks in the System One family. The “Check Mask Fit” selection measures leak with any mask you choose and flags you if your mask needs additional adjusting.

Set-Up & Maintenance

• Place the DreamStation Auto on a sturdy surface within easy reach of the power outlet.
• Place the machine below head height to prevent it from falling over onto the user.
• Routine maintenance and cleaning are essential contributors to successful sleep therapy and satisfaction with the device.
• Distilled water should be used with humidifiers both to reduce bacterial growth and to prevent mineral deposits in the equipment.

Filter maintenance

• The required blue pollen filter should be cleaned at least every two weeks and replaced every six months.
• The ultra-fine disposable filter is an optional second filter.
  • The ultra-fine filter is not washable
  • The ultra-fine filter should be replaced every 30 days.

Cleaning recommendations

• Daily: humidifier, tubing, and any adaptors
• Weekly: device exterior
• Bi-weekly: blue pollen filter

Device cleaning

Note: the device itself must NEVER be submerged in water

• Unplug the machine.
• Dampen a cloth with warm soapy water.
• Wipe the exterior and chamber housing.
• Allow to air dry.

Part cleaning (including the humidifier’s water tank*)

• Hand wash in warm water with a mild dish soap.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Air dry only and away from direct sunlight.
• Hang the tubing with both ends pointing toward the ground while drying.

* In addition to daily cleaning as described above, the water tank can be washed in the top shelf of the dishwasher up to once a week.

FAQ

What tubing can be used with the DreamStation?
The DreamStation can be used with the Philips Respironics 22mm,15 mm, or 12 mm tubing. There is a place on the DreamStation to enter which size tubing is in use. The heated tubing only comes in 15mm. When the heated 15mm tubing is in use, the DreamStation will automatically detect it and prevent the user from changing the tubing setting on the screen.

Can I take the DreamStation on an airplane?
Yes. It is FAA approved for use during a flight. The humidifier should be removed and not used during air travel. You will also need a power supply. The DreamStation comes with a carry bag. CPAP devices are medical equipment and do not count against your carry on limits during air travel. It is not advisable to check your sleep therapy equipment with luggage as it may be damaged.

Can the DreamStation Auto do regular fixed level CPAP therapy?
Sure. The DreamStation Auto can be set to a fixed level CPAP mode and deliver a constant pressure throughout the therapy. The Ramp and Flex settings are still available in fixed CPAP mode.

Final CPAPMan Comments

The DreamStation Auto is Philips Respironics’ flagship auto-adjusting CPAP machine. It has an attractive, unobtrusive design, so it blends in well in the bedroom and is compact enough for hassle-free transport when traveling. The DreamStation features all the comfort settings a modern CPAP user should expect. Bluetooth connectivity is handy, and the on-screen menu has a well-designed graphical interface that anyone with a smartphone will be quick to grasp. The DreamStation does not come standard with a humidifier, but if you do choose the model with the humidifier, go ahead and get the heated tubing too so you can tap into all the features the DreamStation offers. Whether you are new to auto CPAP or need to replace an aging CPAP or auto PAP machine, the DreamStation from CPAPman is worth a try!