Questions about the Use of a Trelegy Machine

My sister has been on the trilogy for almost two years now, as I'm writing this she is her last few hours of life. Her doctor have given her 6 months to live on at least 4 occasions. First started about 6 years ago. This machine has helped to keep her around far longer than anyone could have guessed. She is on 30lpm @90%. She has had to be on the trilogy or an airvo (which she use so she could eat). We have found this to be a wonderful machine. What we found when we were trying to get one is that they are very difficult to get for every day home use. You have to get them through a medical phacilialty. Nursing home, hospice or hospital. It is very much like a ventalor but is NON-invasive.

Thanks for the insight and recommendation. Greatly appreciated. Breathe easy!

I was put on the Trilogy recently after using a CPAP for years. I was recently diagnosed with COPD with CO2 retention. I almost passed into the afterlife after having kidney failure and septic shock. After two hospital stays in 2 months I started using the Trilogy. I found it easy to adjust to vs. CPAP. Because it most resembles your normal breathing pattern. The machine eliminates the CO2 build up by venting thru the upper mask. I also use oxygen hooked to it at night. I this machine will keep me alive and out of the hospital. That is worth the cost alone. It is pricey but I was able to get multiple cost breaks. I highly recommend it and advocate for its use. Every pulmonary dr. Has praised its technology.

Hi @sulaha143 I personally do not use the machine but from what I have understood in my research is that it works similar to a bipap machine. You can find some information on how bipap machines work in the study that I mentioned in my previous post.
Here's a link to that study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7697242

Also due to the research from @duvie as you can see above, the Trilogy machine has various benefits:
- It's portable
- Has the ability to be calibrated more exact than a bipap machine
- Adjust to your breathing
The full post containing this information is at this link, also note the post below it for more information: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-use-of-a-triolgy-machine/?pg=1#comment-95147

As for you, what information have you found? Also, you mentioned you have flare up way to often, how often are they?

Thank you for replying to me, @johnbuckler . As I am seeing it, I guess it is similar to a BiPap. Still researching it.

I’ve never herd of this Machine I use my Cpap 10-12 Hours a day! Thanks I see my Dr on Tuesday!

@ethanmcconkey , I was just told today that the Pulm. Dr. wants me to try the trilogy machine to help blow off my carbon dioxide in my severe COPD/ ILD Respiratory Bronchiolitis. We are pretty much maxed out on medications and nebulizer meds. I never heard of this machine and am doing some research on it. I have seen CPap and Bipap machines, but this is new to me. Is this new machine a lot better than those? It is more beneficial or does it just depend on your diagnosis? I am already on O2 24-7 and have "flare ups" way too often now. Also have several different other problems such as an ASD, and PH. Thank you for any information you may give me.

Hi @brucerhowell. Welcome to Connect!

I don’t use the a breathing device myself, but I understand that the air exchange of the Trilogy machine works on a similar principle as BiPAP technology. The machines are equipped with an exhalation device or non rebreather valve that gets rid of the carbon dioxide. This study shows that that some CO2 rebreathing may occur, the amount depends on the exhalation aid used with the machine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7697242
Bruce, this sounds like it would be a good question to talk to your pulmonary specialist about and make sure the device fits and works properly for you.

I’d be interested in hearing the experiences of @dawn_giacabazi @duvie and @waterboy about minimizing the rebreathing of carbon dioxide with the Triology or BiPAB machines.

Bruce, you also mentioned problems with the mask. Can you explain further? Is it uncomfortable?”

I started using a trillogy machine about two weeks ago passively with a mask as I have End Stage COPD being clusticforbic (sp) I have problem with the mask at time. But my question is this if this helps you breathe and helps reduce your trapped carbon dioxide from your lungs don't you just reinhale it the next breath you take. Where does the expelled carbon dioxide go if your wearing your mask like you should

I have been on 24 hr oxygen and bi pap at night. After numerous wild ambulance rides to the hospital in the last few months, my pulmonologist is now planning me on the trilogy next week. I have co2 retention with my copd which goes over 100 and shifts down breathing, heart and kidneys. I will let you all know after I get fitted next week