Although the Respironics Quantum is called a “Pressure Support Ventilator,” it is more of a glorified BiPap unit than it is a ventilator, providing either a CPAP, BiPAP spontaneous, or BiPAP spontaneous/timed therapy (see below for explanation). Like the Respironics S/T unit , the Quantum is used to assist in maintaining open airways and to provide breathing assistance, and senses breathing effort and delivers inspiratory or expiratory pressure levels prescribed by the physician or respiratory therapist.Front panel indicators include a pressure bargraph display in cm of H20, power on light, yellow patient alert indicator, and red system alarm indicator.Controls can be set for EPAP, IPAP, Risetime, Rate, and % I time.
Although the Quantum will alarm if AC power is suddenly discontinued, it is not possible to power the device using an external battery. Patients who require a BiPap unit with external power backup may substitute the Respironics BiPap S/T, with DC adapter module and external battery, with the Airway Pressure Monitor as a possible accessory if constant pressure readings are required.
Manufacture of the Quantum was discontinued in January 2001, but Respironics has indicated that it will continue service support through February of 2006. Respironics recommends as a substitute either the BiPAP S/T-D series or the Vision for hospital settings, or the BiPAP S/T or Synchrony for the home setting.
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CPAP/EPAP Pressure Range: |
2 – 25 cm H20 |
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IPAP Range: |
2 – 30 cm H20 |
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Pressure Control resolution: |
1 cm H20 |
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Pressure accuracy: |
±0.7 measured at 150 LPM |
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Rate Control Range: |
4 – 40 BPM |
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Breath Rate accuracy: |
1 BPM |
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Flow trigger, inspiration: |
0.25 liters per second |
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Flow trigger, expiration: |
Peak flow x .75 |
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Minimum expiration time: |
500 msec |
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Minimum inspiration time: |
200 msec |
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Maximum inspiration time |
3 seconds |
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Flow limit: |
150 LPM |
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CPAP: |
(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) the unit will deliver the set level of air pressure to help maintain open air passages.It will not provide additional ventilatory support in this mode or respond to changes in the patient’s breathing patterns. |
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Spontaneous: |
In this mode, the device will switch from EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure) to IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure), based on the patient’s expiratory and inspiratory effort.The patient controls the tidal volume by controlling the length of the inspiratory breathing phase. |
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Spontaneous/Timed: |
The device will provide pressure support above the patient’s EPAP, and will insure that the patient receives at least the number of breaths set by the rate control; if the patient fails to take a breath within the prescribed time, the unit will assist them in taking a breath. |
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