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Questions about the Use of a Trelegy Machine
Hello Everyone, Pt diagnosed with COPD and congestive heart failure this time last year. Has been readmitted 1/19/18 to 1/31/18 out for about 2 weeks and admitted again for 4 days for shortness of breath and slight fever. Went to the PCP Tues. for follow-up and there was talk of placing her on a triolgy machine. She currently uses an oxygen cannula during the day and a Bipap at night.
My questions are;
1)...Is this almost the same as a Bipap?
2)...How is it different?
3)...Do they prescribe this for end stage COPD?
4)...Does the use of a Triolgy machine mean permanent use?
5)...What are the pros and cons of use?
6)...How do patients feel about use it?
7)...Any questions to ask the pulmonary Dr next Friday?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
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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.
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3 ReactionsHi @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?”
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2 ReactionsI 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
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1 ReactionI 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
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2 ReactionsSorry took so long to write in.Been in hos.with ankle surgery.Trilogy sounds like portable bipap with battery.useing mask seems ok ,but putting tube in me by someone other than nurse or doctormames me nervous,i ve been on ve tillator 5times.All at hospital.Infuture i most likely will need a trilogy,close toend stage now but right now bipap helps alot and can use during days..
Thank you for the information. I need to check this out. I've had a portable O2 concentrator since 2011 - OXUS Plus by drive and having a 3+ hour battery allows for freedom from the cord (the other cord that is:) ) . The Trilogy machine sounds very interesting and as my COPD progress I may need to switch over. When I see my Pulmonary Dr I will ask him about it and his opinion. I let everyone know what he says and what I discover. I'm also interested if Medicare covers the cost or a percentage.,