Most reliable/durable CPAP/APAPs?

I'm trying to make some decisions from an array of PAP machines - I find myself with access to too many at the moment and something needs to go while I arrive at a final configuration of primary and backup machines. All other factors considered, I'm wondering what is considered to be the most durable/reliable xPAP? What manufacturers provide the best longevity and reliability in the opinion of the members of this discussion board? I welcome your input!

I've been told by two different RT's at two different DME's that the Respironics line is prone to trouble. I don't have one (partially because of their advice) and I have no idea if they knew what they were talking about.

Haven't heard about the others.

Jan in Colo.

I've been told the same thing by 2 different RTs at 2 different DMEs, with the culprit being C-Flex. However, several people I know (not me) are using Respironics machines with C-Flex and have experienced no issues with them. I personally used a PB machine (Companion 314) for 9 years, and have used a ResMed Spirit for the last year or so with no issues. I also have a recently acquired PB320E that I travel with frequently that has had 0 issues. I know that Lin-Doesn't-Care, one of my former DMEs considers the ResMed line of machines to be the most durable. Good luck to you, because they are all good!

ProfessorSleep:

Maybe you can draw some insight from the following info:

First machine was a Sullivan (ResMed) and was used from aprox 1994 to 1999. Noisey but still worked fine when it was replaced by:

Sullivan Lightweight (ResMed) aprox 2/1999 and was used with no problem although also noisey (my early machines were much louder than now). After getting the next machine this one was used as my back up/ travel unit etc. and continued to work great until these units were donated to the Katrina relief effort!

Purchased a PB420G machine aprox 8/2003 and used it until I purchased the next listed machine. This is also a fixed pressure unit and I'm sure you know the details as you have the PB420E auto. Mine has been a great machine also, reliable and quiet! I now use this for a back/up travel machine and it's still performing great when i use it.

July 2005 got the RemStar Auto W c/flex and HH. Has been a great machine for me, is very well made and i beleive it will be reliable and durable for many years. It also is a very quiet machine as is the PB the only sounds really are what has been reported by others the swoosing sound of the c/flex etc. but now i am running the auto w/o c/flex and there is almost no sound at leat to me or my wife athough we do run a floor humidifier which gives some white noise and covers whatever little noise might be present.

So the conclusion can be drawn from the machines i have had that they are ALL pretty reliable although much quieter now with more auto capability etc but i guess it all boils down to your personal preferance!

Hope this info helps!

steve,
ufo13

It really depends on the machine- the first machine from my DME, a VPAP II STA I had, died with 12 hours total use. I have a much older Respironics BiPAP STD, that I got 2 years ago with only 15 hours then that will probably last forever- there are still old BiPAP STs that are 10 years old & still running great with countless hours of nightly use.