Questions about the Use of a Trilogy Machine

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?”

@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.

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

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

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?

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.

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

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.

Welcome to Connect, @bowens. Thank you for sharing your insights on the Trilogy Machine as you accompany your sister in her final hours. Are you in a hospice setting or at home with her?

Wow