Respironics WhisperFlow User Manual

WhisperFlow

CPAP System - Variable & Fixed

®

User’s Manual

8-100335-00 Rev E

Copyright © 2008 Respironics, Inc. and its affiliates.
All rights reserved.

This work is protected under Title 17 of the United States copyright code and is
the sole property of Respironics. No part of this document may be copied or
otherwise reproduced, or stored in any electronic information retrieval system,
except as specifically permitted under United States copyright law, without the
prior written consent of Respironics.

Respironics Novametrix, LLC
5 Technology Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492
USA

USA and Canada: 1-800-345-6443 or 724-387-4000
Europe, Africa, Middle East: [phone]
Asia Pacific: [phone]

Authorized Representative:
Respironics Deutschland
Gewerbestrasse 17
D 82211 Herrsching Deutschland
[phone]

Made in USA

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Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

How it works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Setting up the WhisperFlow System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Notes to Figures 2 through 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Operating the WhisperFlow System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Monitoring the patient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Customer Service and Product Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Manufacturer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Year of manufacture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Parts list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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Introduction

The WhisperFlow CPAP System delivers continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP) throughout the breathing cycle. It provides CPAP at preset levels
throughout inspiration and exhalation, independent of the patient's flow rate. The
WhisperFlow System is intended for use on spontaneously breathing patients.

The variable generator WhisperFlow System allows you to vary fractional inspired
oxygen (FIO
delivers FIO

) from 28% to 100%. The fixed generator WhisperFlow System

2

from 28% to 33%, depending on the flow and PEEP valve used.

2

Figure 1. WhisperFlow CPAP System: variable and fixed generators

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The WhisperFlow System may be contraindicated for patients with any of these
conditions:

• Fluid retention

• Pneumothorax

• Decreased cardiac output and gastric distention

• Severe facial injury (noninvasive use)

• Hypotension secondary to hypovolemia.

How it works

The WhisperFlow CPAP System is a precision venturi device that uses an oxygen
supply in conjunction with entrained air to generate an output flow. The
WhisperFlow System uses a 60 psi (412 kPa) oxygen supply, and can generate
flows over 150 L/min. down to 28% fractional inspired oxygen (FIO
WhisperFlow CPAP valves, which are placed within the circuit, are used to
maintain preset positive pressure at flow rates from 10 to 150 L/min.

). The

2

Setting up the WhisperFlow System

WARNING: Do not use the WhisperFlow System without an oxygen analyzer to
alert you to a loss of oxygen wall pressure or other system faults.

WARNING: Always ensure that the PEEP valve is correctly connected to the
patient circuit, and that the exhaust port of the PEEP valve is not attached to
the circuit.

WARNING: The ON/OFF knob controls a continuous valve. Be sure to turn the
knob FULLY counterclockwise, one half turn, for the fully ON position.

WARNING: Place a pressure gauge or pressure monitor in-line, between the
generator outlet and the patient interface by use of an in-line tee. Alternatively,
pressure can be monitored by attaching pressure monitoring tubing to the
mask port.

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CAUTION: To avoid damage to the WhisperFlow System by entraining particles
into the device, always install a filter on the fresh gas intake port.

CAUTION: The WhisperFlow System, as with similar systems from other manu­facturers, does not include a non-rebreathing valve for use with tracheal tubes.
If the oxygen supply fails while the patient’s tracheal tube is connected to the
system, the patient will rebreathe the gas in the supply tubing and may be
asphyxiated.

1. Select a sealing face mask or endotracheal (ET) tube as the patient
connection. Ensure that the mask fits comfortably, seals the bridge of the
nose, and fully covers the nose and mouth.

2. Choose the PEEP valve. (See the parts list for a complete list of available PEEP
valve sizes and part numbers.)

3. Assemble the circuit according to Figures 2 through 6, depending on the
mask, oxygen analyzer, pressure gauge or monitor, and humidifier you are
using. As you assemble the circuit, please note:

• Use a pressure relief valve to protect the patient's lungs from trauma in the

event that the PEEP valve becomes occluded. Select a PEEP valve at least
5 cmH

• To ensure accurate measurement of the FIO

O higher than the expiratory PEEP valve.

2

2

delivered to the patient, use
an inline oxygen analyzer upstream of the patient connection and
humidification device (if used).

• To assist in detecting adequate flow from the generator, place a pressure
gauge, 0-30cmH

O, or pressure monitor, in-line between the generator

2

outlet and the patient interface, or attach a pressure monitor line to the
patient mask. Should the registered pressure decrease significantly during
patient inhalation, then the flow to the patient needs to be increased.

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• The WhisperFlow System can deliver a minimum FIO2 of 28-29% to the
patient. However, the longer the tube lengths used, the higher the
minimum FIO

. (Longer tubing increases the resistance of the patient

2

circuit, allowing the generator to entrain less air.)

• The WhisperFlow System's location upstream of the patient and the high
flows it produces make contamination and resulting cross-infection highly
unlikely. However, if cross contamination is a concern, attach a 22-mm
OD/ID filter to the output port of the generator.

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