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Questions about the Use of a Trilogy Machine

Posted by Errol, Alumni Mentor @duvie, Mar 2, 2018

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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arwen49 | @arwen49 | Oct 6, 2023
In reply to @operatorco3 "I have been using the Trilogy machine for 2 years now thanks to my sleep study..." + (show)
@operatorco3

I have been using the Trilogy machine for 2 years now thanks to my sleep study doctor. She is not a pulmonologist but unlike my doctor and pulmonologist she was able to get the necessary test needed for the insurance to ok this Godsend of a machine. After the first night of using it I woke up refreshed, with energy and I actually dreamed. I hadn't done that in I don't know how long. I use a oxygenator with the machine. I am only 60 years old but was told that due to my condition I was now retired. Unfortunately my pulmonologist wants to remove me from this machine and put me on a bi-pap instead. He thinks I would do better with a non-invasive machine. I have no clue what non-invasive means. The only thing I can find is that this machine actually regulates itself to my breathing patterns whereas a bi-pap doesn't? Is this correct? If so, I have no idea why my doctor thinks this would be better and more beneficial for me.

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A c pap forces you to breathe a timed and pressured way. Mine was to much so I would start swallowing the rest causing awful belly aches. They are able to read your machine so it must be telling them something. If you get a bi pap your lucky. It’s hard to qualify for one. I had a chance to test one for two nights I am 74 it was so much calmer. If you see if you can try one out and see. It lets you breathe normally. It makes a big difference.

REPLY
1 reply
kathleenshank68 | @kathleenshank68 | Oct 6, 2023

I have end stage COPD, and retain CO2, and sleep apnea. Since I have been on the Trilogy, I have only been hospitalized 1 time, 2 weeks ago, before the Trilogy I averaged hospitalization every other month. I cannot imagine living without it. If I get tired in the afternoon, I take a nap, and put on my Trilogy. For me it has been a life saver. I have been on it for 19 months. My Pulmonary Dr. Has literally saved my life. I had 3 sleep studies, prior to the Trilogy, and the C pap, nor the B pap, did not accomplish what the Trilogy did.

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kathleenshank68 | @kathleenshank68 | Oct 8, 2023
In reply to @copdwontbeatme "I was put on the Trilogy recently after using a CPAP for years. I was recently..." + (show)
@copdwontbeatme

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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Totally agree with your comment. I had 3 sleep studies, and the final study result was the Trilogy, I have never had a problem with it. The only hospital stay in 2 years, the hospital Did Not have a Trilogy, and my Pulmonary Dr. Had it brought to the hospital!! They had CPap, & Bpap, I tried the Bpap, and hated it. Just did not feel secure enough for pulling the CO2, and the sleep apnea….that was me, Not my Dr.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 21, 2023
In reply to @arwen49 "A c pap forces you to breathe a timed and pressured way. Mine was to much..." + (show)
@arwen49

A c pap forces you to breathe a timed and pressured way. Mine was to much so I would start swallowing the rest causing awful belly aches. They are able to read your machine so it must be telling them something. If you get a bi pap your lucky. It’s hard to qualify for one. I had a chance to test one for two nights I am 74 it was so much calmer. If you see if you can try one out and see. It lets you breathe normally. It makes a big difference.

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@arwen49, are you now using a Trilogy machine or CPAP?

REPLY
copdbarb | @copdbarb | Nov 16, 2023
In reply to @brucerhowell "I started using a trillogy machine about two weeks ago passively with a mask as I..." + (show)
@brucerhowell

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

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That is something I have wondered about also. I have a Trilogy machine, hardly ever use it as I do not understand just what you asked here. Also, when wearing it (mask) I do not feel any type of "gentle pull" of carbon dioxide as I was first told would be the case. I'm confused as to keeping it or not. I see my Dr. this month to discuss it. Trying to find information.

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