I am about to replace my 5 yr old Auto machine and am wondering what to buy next.
What I am looking for in order of decreasing importance
a/ Comes with humidifier, size of tank not important as I change the water every day.
b/ Can record sleep data. I already have an Old Encore Pro program and don't want to spend too much money buying software to read the sleep data. The program must be able to run on Windows 7
c/ Provider information is available so I can change my settings
c/ Is very quiet. This is very important to my partner!
d/ Not essential but it would be nice if it could run off 12 V DC during power outages. Been there, done that
Got any ideas? Is there one that stands out of the pack ?
John
What is the best Auto CPAP machine
What is the best Auto CPAP machine
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greatunclebill
- Posts: 1503
- Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2012 7:48 pm
- Location: L.A. (lower alabama)
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
resmed s-9 autoset or pr system one automatic both do what you want to do. software and clinician books are generally available if you ask on the forum. alot of people have these 2. both are quiet. both have humidifier and i'm sure both can run on 12v. if you're paying out of pocket, system one is much cheaper, not because it's better, but because of resmed pricing policies. don't get the brand new system one 60 series just yet as software is not available at this time.
_________________
| Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: myAir, OSCAR. cms-50D+. airsense 10 auto & (2009) remstar plus m series backups |
First diagnosed 1990
please don't ask me to try nasal. i'm a full face person.
the avatar is Rocco, my Lhasa Apso. Number one "Bama fan. 18 championships and counting.
Life member VFW Post 4328 Alabama
MSgt USAF (E-7) medic Retired 1968-1990
please don't ask me to try nasal. i'm a full face person.
the avatar is Rocco, my Lhasa Apso. Number one "Bama fan. 18 championships and counting.
Life member VFW Post 4328 Alabama
MSgt USAF (E-7) medic Retired 1968-1990
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
Actually we do have software available now that works with the new PR System One 60 series APAP (comes with a heated hose). EncoreBasic will work just fine with this new machine.greatunclebill wrote:don't get the brand new system one 60 series just yet as software is not available at this time.
Anyone wanting more information just send me a note if you want to discuss it further. There is no cost. It does offer wave form and the other data that Encore Pro offers without the bloat of Pro.
Sort of like EncoreViewer but with more options and won't be made for public sale though because pressures can be altered via EncoreBasic.
Jedimark is working on making SleepyHead compatible with the new 60 series machines.
Just a matter of time but EncoreBasic works now.
Right now the APAP is the only Respironics machine with the new heated hose humidification system but the other models will be phased in. $650 for it all. Not backwards compatible with the other PR S1 stuff though. Here is link. I know of one other forum member who now has this machine. Just got it a couple of weeks ago. When they come out with BiPAP Auto 60 series I will likely be wanting one.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/pr-sy ... -tube.html
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/ |
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
Hello John - I'll let you guess which one I like. Compare the prices on our Host's website. Does and has all you need for half the price of the big boys, plus a three year warranty. Just sayin'........
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
Hi,
No matter which machine, some will love it and others hate it! I'd decide on characteristics (eg APAP vs cpap, humidifier, price, etc). Read reviews but maintain some healthy skepticism. A machine that's the cat's meow for one can be very sub-optimal for another. If there were one "best", there wouldn't be such a variety of machines.
Good luck!
Mindy
No matter which machine, some will love it and others hate it! I'd decide on characteristics (eg APAP vs cpap, humidifier, price, etc). Read reviews but maintain some healthy skepticism. A machine that's the cat's meow for one can be very sub-optimal for another. If there were one "best", there wouldn't be such a variety of machines.
Good luck!
Mindy
_________________
| Mask: Swift™ FX Bella Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgears |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Pressure 7-11. Padacheek |
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
--- Author unknown
--- Author unknown
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
Both the Resmed S9 AutoSet and the PR System One APAP are fine machines. On your list of priorities you have:
On-line prices for the PR System One APAP (withOUT the heated hose) are quite a bit cheaper than on-line prices for the S9. That may be a consideration if this is an OOP purchase.
Finally, it's important to realize that the Auto algorithms of the S9 and System One do differ. They are both fine machines with auto algorithms that have been thoroughly tested. And both machines can provide top-notch therapy to a patient. But, while the algorithms are not the same, it's impossible to say one is somehow better than the other. It's rather like debating whether Coke or Pepsi tastes better: It all depends on who you ask. And rather like Coke vs. Pepsi, some folks have very, very strong preferences, but for the most part, most people can't really tell enough of a difference to for it to matter.
Still there are some real differences in the algorithms and for a small minority of patients, the subjective way the two machines feel will make a difference in their comfort while using the machines.
Both machines will respond to snoring, flow limitations, and clusters of OAs and Hs by increasing the pressure. Both machines will attempt to determine whether a given apnea is a clear airway apnea or an obstructive apnea. Both machines will lower the pressure back down after the algorithm is satisfied that your breathing is now stable.
The S9 algorithm tends to respond to events by rapidly increasing pressure and then, once it is happy with the shape of the wave flow, it immediately starts to slowly decrease the pressure back down. And it will keep decreasing the pressure until the machine detects snoring, flow limitations, OAs, or Hs. If more events occur, the machine once again will rapidly increase the pressure. This gives the S9's pressure curve a characteristic "wave" appearance where the fronts of the waves are steep and the back sides of the waves are much more gently sloped.
The System One algorithm is slower to respond to events and is slower to start decreasing the pressure back down once it is happy with your breathing. The System One also uses a "hunt-and-peck" algorithm for determining the optimal pressure: About every ten minutes or so, the System One will increase the pressure by 2cm over something like a two minute period while checking for improvements in the wave flow pattern. If improvements are found, the baseline pressure is reset to the pressure that gave the optimal wave flow. If no improvements are found, the pressure is then dropped back to the baseline setting over the course of a minute or so. And the machine waits for about 5-6 more minutes before starting the new hunt-and-peck cycle. To decrease the pressure, the System One does a reverse "hunt-and-peck": It temporarily decreases the pressure slightly looking for any deterioration in the shape of the wave flow. If it sees any deterioration, no matter how minor, it bumps the pressure back up to the current setting. But if no deterioration is seen, then the baseline pressure setting is reset at the lower level. And the machine then waits for about 5-6 minutes before testing whether the pressure can be decreased again. The "hunt-and-peck" algorithm used on the Respironics machines gives the pressure curve a characteristic saw tooth appearance.
The net result of both algorithms is that the machine can gracefully respond to a need for a modest increase in pressure and hence improve patient comfort by reducing the overall pressure needed to splint the airway open. Both machines have some problems providing high quality therapy if the minimum pressure setting is way, way below what the person needs. (Hence running the machine wide open with a pressure range of 4--20cm usually does not improve patient comfort.)
But each has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of therapy:
The S9 can respond very quickly to a nasty cluster of events (in an effort to "bust the cluster up" as it's often put around here). And that quick response to events is a real strength of the S9 algorithm. But it can be very slow to lower the pressure back down. And if the min pressure is set far too low, it can lower the pressure back down to a pressure level that is clearly not high enough, which can then trigger another cluster of events. The fact that the S9 increases pressure only in response to snoring, flow limitations, OAs, and Hs also means that it always waits until something happens to increase the pressure and it always tries to lower the pressure all the way back down the minimum pressure setting.
The System One is much slower to respond to clusters of events. Judging from the pressure curves I've seen it appears that the System One will raise the pressure in 1-2 cm increments once a minute in response to snoring, flow limitations, OAs, and Hs. And then it waits to see if things clear up before it increases the pressure again by a 1--2 cm increase. So that can make it less effective at "busting up" clusters of events. But the System One is less likely to lower the pressure too much after the events are over. And theoretically that "hunt-and-peck" algorithm proactively raises the pressure before the flow wave deteriorates to the point of where snoring, flow limitations, OAs, and Hs can take place. In other words, the "hunt-and-peck" algorithm is supposed to help the machine figure out the appropriate pressure level even in the absence of event clusters.
As for comfort? Again there are strengths and weaknesses of both algorithms:
The S9's rapid pressure increases disturb some folks and wakes them up. Those rapid pressure increases can also trigger leaks. But except for when the machine is actively increasing the pressure in response to clear events (including snores and flow limitations as well as OAs and Hs), the machine is running at a stable or slowly decreasing pressure. And if the min pressure is pretty much set to what you need for at least 50%-60% of the night, you'll have nice long periods where the pressure is not changing at all.
The System One's pressure increases are not dramatically fast. And that means they are less likely to wake you up. And they're less likely to trigger a leak. But that hunt-and-peck algorithm is constantly kicking in. And so every 10 minutes or so there is a pressure increase. And that's enough to bother some people. But that hunt-and-peck algorithm is also going to help keep the machine from decreasing the pressure below a therapeutic level when the min pressure setting is set too low: Once the pressure is suboptimal, the subtle differences in the wave flow combined with the hunt-and-peck algorithm will prevent the machine from further decreasing the pressure much of the time.
Overall, there is some evidence that the System One's algorithm provides less overall variation in pressure and a quicker return to the baseline pressure after a series of "events" and attempts to locate a meaningful baseline pressure through the hunt-and-peck algorithm. The S9's algorithm provides a quicker response to clusters of events, a gentler decrease in pressure going back down to baseline, and a stronger effort to use the min pressure setting as the target baseline pressure.
Finally, Robert McCoy and Ryan Diesem have written a scholarly paper that discusses the Resmed and Respironics auto algorithms, along with auto algorithms from several other manufacturers. The paper is a bit dated: The machines being looked at are the Resmed S8 and the Repironics M-Series. This generation of machine was not capable of distinguishing between CAs and OAs. But the two companies overall choices in the design of their auto algorithm have not changed and so the stuff in the paper about how and when pressure is increased and decreased pretty much applies to the current S9 AutoSet and the PR System One Auto. The link to this paper is given below.
Link to A Bench Comparison of Five Auto-Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure Devices, Response to Apnea, Hypopnea and Flow Limitation, by Robert McCoy BS RRT FAARC, Ryan Diesem BA, Valley Inspired Products Inc. (December 1, 2008)
both machines will easily satisfy everything on your list, with one small caveat: PR has recently come out with a PR System One 60 series APAP with a heated hose. There have been reports that this machine's SD card cannot be read by the Encore Viewer 2.0 program and SleepyHead. I believe that EncoreBasic (a newer version of Encore Viewer) will read the Series 60 care, but I'm not sure. I also believe that JediMark is aware of the SleepyHead problem and my guess is that SH will eventually read the Series 60 data just fine. So if a heated hose is a priority, the S9 might be better.What I am looking for in order of decreasing importance
a/ Comes with humidifier, size of tank not important as I change the water every day.
b/ Can record sleep data. I already have an Old Encore Pro program and don't want to spend too much money buying software to read the sleep data. The program must be able to run on Windows 7
c/ Provider information is available so I can change my settings
c/ Is very quiet. This is very important to my partner!
d/ Not essential but it would be nice if it could run off 12 V DC during power outages. Been there, done that
On-line prices for the PR System One APAP (withOUT the heated hose) are quite a bit cheaper than on-line prices for the S9. That may be a consideration if this is an OOP purchase.
Finally, it's important to realize that the Auto algorithms of the S9 and System One do differ. They are both fine machines with auto algorithms that have been thoroughly tested. And both machines can provide top-notch therapy to a patient. But, while the algorithms are not the same, it's impossible to say one is somehow better than the other. It's rather like debating whether Coke or Pepsi tastes better: It all depends on who you ask. And rather like Coke vs. Pepsi, some folks have very, very strong preferences, but for the most part, most people can't really tell enough of a difference to for it to matter.
Still there are some real differences in the algorithms and for a small minority of patients, the subjective way the two machines feel will make a difference in their comfort while using the machines.
Both machines will respond to snoring, flow limitations, and clusters of OAs and Hs by increasing the pressure. Both machines will attempt to determine whether a given apnea is a clear airway apnea or an obstructive apnea. Both machines will lower the pressure back down after the algorithm is satisfied that your breathing is now stable.
The S9 algorithm tends to respond to events by rapidly increasing pressure and then, once it is happy with the shape of the wave flow, it immediately starts to slowly decrease the pressure back down. And it will keep decreasing the pressure until the machine detects snoring, flow limitations, OAs, or Hs. If more events occur, the machine once again will rapidly increase the pressure. This gives the S9's pressure curve a characteristic "wave" appearance where the fronts of the waves are steep and the back sides of the waves are much more gently sloped.
The System One algorithm is slower to respond to events and is slower to start decreasing the pressure back down once it is happy with your breathing. The System One also uses a "hunt-and-peck" algorithm for determining the optimal pressure: About every ten minutes or so, the System One will increase the pressure by 2cm over something like a two minute period while checking for improvements in the wave flow pattern. If improvements are found, the baseline pressure is reset to the pressure that gave the optimal wave flow. If no improvements are found, the pressure is then dropped back to the baseline setting over the course of a minute or so. And the machine waits for about 5-6 more minutes before starting the new hunt-and-peck cycle. To decrease the pressure, the System One does a reverse "hunt-and-peck": It temporarily decreases the pressure slightly looking for any deterioration in the shape of the wave flow. If it sees any deterioration, no matter how minor, it bumps the pressure back up to the current setting. But if no deterioration is seen, then the baseline pressure setting is reset at the lower level. And the machine then waits for about 5-6 minutes before testing whether the pressure can be decreased again. The "hunt-and-peck" algorithm used on the Respironics machines gives the pressure curve a characteristic saw tooth appearance.
The net result of both algorithms is that the machine can gracefully respond to a need for a modest increase in pressure and hence improve patient comfort by reducing the overall pressure needed to splint the airway open. Both machines have some problems providing high quality therapy if the minimum pressure setting is way, way below what the person needs. (Hence running the machine wide open with a pressure range of 4--20cm usually does not improve patient comfort.)
But each has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of therapy:
The S9 can respond very quickly to a nasty cluster of events (in an effort to "bust the cluster up" as it's often put around here). And that quick response to events is a real strength of the S9 algorithm. But it can be very slow to lower the pressure back down. And if the min pressure is set far too low, it can lower the pressure back down to a pressure level that is clearly not high enough, which can then trigger another cluster of events. The fact that the S9 increases pressure only in response to snoring, flow limitations, OAs, and Hs also means that it always waits until something happens to increase the pressure and it always tries to lower the pressure all the way back down the minimum pressure setting.
The System One is much slower to respond to clusters of events. Judging from the pressure curves I've seen it appears that the System One will raise the pressure in 1-2 cm increments once a minute in response to snoring, flow limitations, OAs, and Hs. And then it waits to see if things clear up before it increases the pressure again by a 1--2 cm increase. So that can make it less effective at "busting up" clusters of events. But the System One is less likely to lower the pressure too much after the events are over. And theoretically that "hunt-and-peck" algorithm proactively raises the pressure before the flow wave deteriorates to the point of where snoring, flow limitations, OAs, and Hs can take place. In other words, the "hunt-and-peck" algorithm is supposed to help the machine figure out the appropriate pressure level even in the absence of event clusters.
As for comfort? Again there are strengths and weaknesses of both algorithms:
The S9's rapid pressure increases disturb some folks and wakes them up. Those rapid pressure increases can also trigger leaks. But except for when the machine is actively increasing the pressure in response to clear events (including snores and flow limitations as well as OAs and Hs), the machine is running at a stable or slowly decreasing pressure. And if the min pressure is pretty much set to what you need for at least 50%-60% of the night, you'll have nice long periods where the pressure is not changing at all.
The System One's pressure increases are not dramatically fast. And that means they are less likely to wake you up. And they're less likely to trigger a leak. But that hunt-and-peck algorithm is constantly kicking in. And so every 10 minutes or so there is a pressure increase. And that's enough to bother some people. But that hunt-and-peck algorithm is also going to help keep the machine from decreasing the pressure below a therapeutic level when the min pressure setting is set too low: Once the pressure is suboptimal, the subtle differences in the wave flow combined with the hunt-and-peck algorithm will prevent the machine from further decreasing the pressure much of the time.
Overall, there is some evidence that the System One's algorithm provides less overall variation in pressure and a quicker return to the baseline pressure after a series of "events" and attempts to locate a meaningful baseline pressure through the hunt-and-peck algorithm. The S9's algorithm provides a quicker response to clusters of events, a gentler decrease in pressure going back down to baseline, and a stronger effort to use the min pressure setting as the target baseline pressure.
Finally, Robert McCoy and Ryan Diesem have written a scholarly paper that discusses the Resmed and Respironics auto algorithms, along with auto algorithms from several other manufacturers. The paper is a bit dated: The machines being looked at are the Resmed S8 and the Repironics M-Series. This generation of machine was not capable of distinguishing between CAs and OAs. But the two companies overall choices in the design of their auto algorithm have not changed and so the stuff in the paper about how and when pressure is increased and decreased pretty much applies to the current S9 AutoSet and the PR System One Auto. The link to this paper is given below.
Link to A Bench Comparison of Five Auto-Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure Devices, Response to Apnea, Hypopnea and Flow Limitation, by Robert McCoy BS RRT FAARC, Ryan Diesem BA, Valley Inspired Products Inc. (December 1, 2008)
_________________
| Machine: DreamStation BiPAP® Auto Machine |
| Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: PR System DreamStation and Humidifier. Max IPAP = 9, Min EPAP=4, Rise time setting = 3, minPS = 3, maxPS=5 |
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
It's definite. EncoreBasic will work with the new 60 series machines as well as older machines so it is backwards compatible. I know M series machine users who are using EncoreBasic.robysue wrote: PR has recently come out with a PR System One 60 series APAP with a heated hose. There have been reports that this machine's SD card cannot be read by the Encore Viewer 2.0 program and SleepyHead. I believe that EncoreBasic (a newer version of Encore Viewer) will read the Series 60 care, but I'm not sure. I also believe that JediMark is aware of the SleepyHead problem and my guess is that SH will eventually read the Series 60 data just fine. So if a heated hose is a priority, the S9 might be better.
There is no advantage to using the new Encore Pro 2.8 (needed for the 60 series machines) over Encore Basic. Encore Basic gives waveform.
So there is definitely working software right now for the new 60 series machines and Jedimark is indeed working on getting SleepyHead compatible with the new model.
The new PR S1 Auto cpap with heated hose and humidifier (all one package) is about $650 at cpap.com.
Those of us using the prior PR S1 models are out of luck..to use the heated hose we need a new blower and a new humidifier..old and new won't mix.
_________________
| Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
| Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/ |
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.
-
chunkyfrog
- Posts: 34545
- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
- Location: Nowhere special--this year in particular.
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
There are third party heated hoses--Aussie Hose is one.
They are said to work with most machines--if not all.
They are said to work with most machines--if not all.
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her |
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
Yes, I've used the Aussie heated hose -- loved it!chunkyfrog wrote:There are third party heated hoses--Aussie Hose is one.
They are said to work with most machines--if not all.
I had trouble with Respironics M series auto algorithm. If I set top pressure too high, I would get clusters of apneas. If too low, AHI would be too high. Only way I could deal with that machine was to run it in cpap mode. Sandman auto was great for me. Algorithm was very different and APAP mode worked really well. Intellipap was very disappointing for me (and yes, I know plenty of folks disagee with me on that). It would take 3-5 minutes for machine to pace to my breathing rate And to me it seemed very noisy. S9 is very quiet and for me works better than Respironics but not quite as well as Sandman. These are purely subjective, non-scientific observations!
Mindy
_________________
| Mask: Swift™ FX Bella Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgears |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Pressure 7-11. Padacheek |
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
--- Author unknown
--- Author unknown
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
I have used a Respironics "tank" auto cpap for the past 6+ years, but I now have a Resmed S9 Autoset and it is better for me and way quieter, and I love the heated hose. Purely, IMHO.
_________________
| Mask: SleepWeaver Elan™ Soft Cloth Nasal CPAP Mask - Starter Kit |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: It's not about how many breaths you take; it's about the moments that take your breath away! |
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine,......... I MADE A CHOICE
Well I made a choice, its the PR System One series 60 https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/pr-sy ... -tube.html. I was beginning to make a detailed comparison when I had a rain out and my bed partner started snarling at me. So the heated hose suddenly became very attractive to me. I liked the fact that a 12 V cord is in the works so I can run it off 12V when I have to. I have been in enough regional power outs to make this an attractive feature. From the correspondence in this thread, I understand that EncoreBasic can read the data and there is a distinct possibility that Sleepyhead will also be able to.
So I ordered it but then found a big delay because they wanted to have a copy of my original sleep test to prove that I needed it. I had that sleep test in 07 but finally managed to find a copy of it buried in my storage unit. The moral of this adventure is to hang onto your original test results if you want an insurer to pay for a replacement.
My next trick is to find a provider manual so I can set it myself but I strongly suspect the unlock sequence is the the same as the other System One's and I know how to unlock that one.
So many thanks to the users who contributed to this thread.
I am looking forward to using it.
John
So I ordered it but then found a big delay because they wanted to have a copy of my original sleep test to prove that I needed it. I had that sleep test in 07 but finally managed to find a copy of it buried in my storage unit. The moral of this adventure is to hang onto your original test results if you want an insurer to pay for a replacement.
My next trick is to find a provider manual so I can set it myself but I strongly suspect the unlock sequence is the the same as the other System One's and I know how to unlock that one.
So many thanks to the users who contributed to this thread.
I am looking forward to using it.
John
_________________
| Machine | Mask | Humidifier | ||
| | | ||
| Additional Comments: Getting tired of feeling exhausted so often during the day and having to nap | ||||
Coming back to learn some more
-
NightMonkey
- Posts: 801
- Joined: Sat Jan 15, 2011 2:43 pm
- Location: Three seats, orchestra right
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine,......... I MADE A CHOICE
JohnMudie wrote:I had a rain out and my bed partner started snarling at me.
That must have been one hell of a rainout.
Or were the two of you sleeping in the tub again?
NightMonkey
Blow my oropharynx!
the hairy, hairy gent who ran amok in Kent
Blow my oropharynx!
the hairy, hairy gent who ran amok in Kent
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine
Robysue, that overview was just outstanding. I've been wanting to find out what the differences are in ResMed's and Respironics's cpap machine algorithms and you served it up in plain English. Below is an excerpt from your post and a picture of my pressure graph last night (from my ResMed S9 AutoSet) that reflects the 'characteristic "wave" appearance' you discussed.
robysue wrote: ". . . the Auto algorithms of the S9 and System One do differ. They are both fine machines with auto algorithms that have been thoroughly tested. And both machines can provide top-notch therapy to a patient. But, while the algorithms are not the same, it's impossible to say one is somehow better than the other. It's rather like debating whether Coke or Pepsi tastes better: It all depends on who you ask. And rather like Coke vs. Pepsi, some folks have very, very strong preferences, but for the most part, most people can't really tell enough of a difference to for it to matter.
"Still there are some real differences in the algorithms and for a small minority of patients, the subjective way the two machines feel will make a difference in their comfort while using the machines.
"Both machines will respond to snoring, flow limitations, and clusters of OAs and Hs by increasing the pressure. Both machines will attempt to determine whether a given apnea is a clear airway apnea or an obstructive apnea. Both machines will lower the pressure back down after the algorithm is satisfied that your breathing is now stable.
"The S9 algorithm tends to respond to events by rapidly increasing pressure and then, once it is happy with the shape of the wave flow, it immediately starts to slowly decrease the pressure back down. And it will keep decreasing the pressure until the machine detects snoring, flow limitations, OAs, or Hs. If more events occur, the machine once again will rapidly increase the pressure. This gives the S9's pressure curve a characteristic "wave" appearance where the fronts of the waves are steep and the back sides of the waves are much more gently sloped.
"The System One algorithm is slower to respond to events and is slower to start decreasing the pressure back down once it is happy with your breathing. The System One also uses a "hunt-and-peck" algorithm for determining the optimal pressure: About every ten minutes or so, the System One will increase the pressure by 2cm over something like a two minute period while checking for improvements in the wave flow pattern. If improvements are found, the baseline pressure is reset to the pressure that gave the optimal wave flow. If no improvements are found, the pressure is then dropped back to the baseline setting over the course of a minute or so. And the machine waits for about 5-6 more minutes before starting the new hunt-and-peck cycle. To decrease the pressure, the System One does a reverse "hunt-and-peck": It temporarily decreases the pressure slightly looking for any deterioration in the shape of the wave flow. If it sees any deterioration, no matter how minor, it bumps the pressure back up to the current setting. But if no deterioration is seen, then the baseline pressure setting is reset at the lower level. And the machine then waits for about 5-6 minutes before testing whether the pressure can be decreased again. The "hunt-and-peck" algorithm used on the Respironics machines gives the pressure curve a characteristic saw tooth appearance.
"The net result of both algorithms is that the machine can gracefully respond to a need for a modest increase in pressure and hence improve patient comfort by reducing the overall pressure needed to splint the airway open. Both machines have some problems providing high quality therapy if the minimum pressure setting is way, way below what the person needs. (Hence running the machine wide open with a pressure range of 4--20cm usually does not improve patient comfort.) . . .
"Link to A Bench Comparison of Five Auto-Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure Devices, Response to Apnea, Hypopnea and Flow Limitation, by Robert McCoy BS RRT FAARC, Ryan Diesem BA, Valley Inspired Products Inc. (December 1, 2008)"
_________________
| Mask: DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: AirCurve 10 ASV (37043), Software:ResScan 5.7.0.9477, SleepyHead V1.00BETA2, Oximeter:CMS-50i |
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine .......IT ARRIVED
Yes, the PR 60 System https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/pr-sy ... -tube.html is here and I love it. It is SO QUIET I (and my partner) love it. I can hardly hear it running. And the heated hose is warm and no rain outs since I started using it.
One of the things I overlooked was that I like to use a bacteria filter https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -pack.html. I like using a bacteria filter as I take immunosuppressive medications (kidney transplant) and have had one bout of pneumonia and don't want to do pneumonia again! The heated hose uses an electrical connection to get power from the main unit to the hose. A bacteria filter between the unit and the hose prevents the electricity from getting to the hose. But I put the bacteria filter between the hose and the mask and it seems to work OK.
What surprised me in the purchasing process was that Medicare seems to need a lot of paper work.
I was asked for
a/ The original sleep apnea study taken some six years ago which proved I had sleep apnea
b/ A Dr's report before the original sleep study referring me for a sleep study
c/ My original machine's make and serial Number
d/ The name of the organization wich sold me the original machine . In my case it was BillMyInsurance, may they rest in peace.
Luckily I could find these papers. Moral of the story. Keep your paperwork or you will have to wrestle with institutions to get copies.
The DME threatened me with unpleasant consequences if I didn't use the machine for at least 4 hrs a night for the first 90 days. They want me to send the data card in to them for verification. As I have insomnia and sometimes can't sleep through the night, this may be interesting.
Next I found that none of my software, an Original Encore Pro, SleepyHead and EncoreBasic, would read the data on the SD card from the machine so I am now off on a search for software.
But its progress and I love the new machine, especially its quietness.
Thank you, you American Taxpayer, for your contributions to Medicare which paid for this machine.
John
One of the things I overlooked was that I like to use a bacteria filter https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -pack.html. I like using a bacteria filter as I take immunosuppressive medications (kidney transplant) and have had one bout of pneumonia and don't want to do pneumonia again! The heated hose uses an electrical connection to get power from the main unit to the hose. A bacteria filter between the unit and the hose prevents the electricity from getting to the hose. But I put the bacteria filter between the hose and the mask and it seems to work OK.
What surprised me in the purchasing process was that Medicare seems to need a lot of paper work.
I was asked for
a/ The original sleep apnea study taken some six years ago which proved I had sleep apnea
b/ A Dr's report before the original sleep study referring me for a sleep study
c/ My original machine's make and serial Number
d/ The name of the organization wich sold me the original machine . In my case it was BillMyInsurance, may they rest in peace.
Luckily I could find these papers. Moral of the story. Keep your paperwork or you will have to wrestle with institutions to get copies.
The DME threatened me with unpleasant consequences if I didn't use the machine for at least 4 hrs a night for the first 90 days. They want me to send the data card in to them for verification. As I have insomnia and sometimes can't sleep through the night, this may be interesting.
Next I found that none of my software, an Original Encore Pro, SleepyHead and EncoreBasic, would read the data on the SD card from the machine so I am now off on a search for software.
But its progress and I love the new machine, especially its quietness.
Thank you, you American Taxpayer, for your contributions to Medicare which paid for this machine.
John
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| Machine | Mask | Humidifier | ||
| | | ||
| Additional Comments: Getting tired of feeling exhausted so often during the day and having to nap | ||||
Coming back to learn some more
Re: What is the best Auto CPAP machine .......IT ARRIVED
The machine doesn't know you're asleep. The hours count even if you're lying in bed awake, or sitting up reading, watching TV, driving a car with DC power supply, or whatever.JohnMudie wrote:The DME threatened me with unpleasant consequences if I didn't use the machine for at least 4 hrs a night for the first 90 days. They want me to send the data card in to them for verification. As I have insomnia and sometimes can't sleep through the night, this may be interesting.
It does have to be hooked up to a breathing person. You can't just turn it on and let the air blow.
I think it's something like 4 hours a night for 70% of the nights in any 30 day period, not every night, but don't take my word for it.
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| Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Also SleepyHead, PRS1 Auto, Respironics Auto M series, Legacy Auto, and Legacy Plus |
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If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check for yourself.
Useful Links.
Click here for information on the most common alternative to CPAP.
If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check for yourself.
Useful Links.