How to Change the EPR Settings on My VPAP

A variable positive airway pressure machine, also known as a VPAP, provides respiratory assistance for multiple breathing diagnoses. Breathing problems that require a VPAP machine include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, sleep apnea and congestive heart failure. VPAP owners may struggle with the functions of the machine. The EPR setting, technically the expiratory pressure relief, offers users the option to change the continuous flow of air.The EPR function contains four settings.

Instructions

• 1

  Check the VPAP to ensure a function key exists labeled "ramp." The physician or clinician who authorized the VPAP machine initially needed to provide this option. The ramp option contains the EPR level function.

• 2

  Press the (-) option under the ramp setting. Press the down pointing arrow option until EPR level appears on the screen. Press the (-) option to accept.

• 3

  Press the down or up arrow to select the setting you want. Four settings exist including off, mild comfort (1 cm of water), medium comfort (2 cm of water) or maximum comfort (3 cm of water). Press the (-) option to select the comfort level.

• 4

  Experiment with different settings to find the setting that fits your needs. The VPAP machine suspends operation on a temporary basis if your sleeping pattern is disrupted or if the machine detects a problem.