When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
TuningSnork
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When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by TuningSnork » Sun Jan 15, 2017 12:12 am

Summary: I seem to sleep fine with my current CPAP, but wonder if I wouldn't sleep even better with a newer one. How to know?

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Hey there,

My current (and first ever) CPAP machine is the Respironics Remstar System One Auto, which I got 2.5 years ago. I've had it swapped out twice for seemingly unusual motor noises, and I still think the wheezing-multipitch sound is too loud, so I wear earplugs every night. Also, despite using one of those overhead hanging swivel thingies for the hose, the hose & P10 mask often annoy me and sometimes disrupt my sleep . But that's not the CPAP machine's fault.

Those annoyance aside, the CPAP machine seems to work fine. While I still have a hell of a time getting out of bed usually (not a morning person), I feel awake during the day (rarely need naps anymore), and my AHI is almost always under 1.0.

I just had my yearly check-in with my sleep doc and he said that while everything seems really good from the numbers, when asked he acknowledged I might still prefer the newer machines from an effectiveness or usability standpoint.

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So my questions are this:
1) Do I stand much to gain from getting a newer CPAP machine? (the doc was unable to suggest specific benefits; he just said that if I got a new machine he'd recommend one of the airsense or dreamstation models depending on my portability preferences)
2) Would it be tough moving from a Respironics to a Resmed machine (since I'm considering the Airsense 10)?
3) Any other considerations?

(re price: alas, I'd be paying out-of-pocket, since I'm still 2.5 years away from an insurance-subsidized upgrade, but I'm frugal enough in other areas of my life that I honestly don't mind paying $1,000 for potentially better sleep. And besides, one should have a CPAP backup in the house anyway, right?)

Thanks in advance for your wisdom!

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snoozysue
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Re: When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by snoozysue » Sun Jan 15, 2017 2:05 am

I purchased a Dreamstation apporx. 6 months ago as my 5 year old System One Auto started making very loud and unusual noises.
The only difference I have noticed is that the new machine seems much quieter than the old one ever was, even when it was working properly.

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y_not
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Re: When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by y_not » Sun Jan 15, 2017 3:33 am

I purchased (privately) a Resmed S8 18 months ago and it was fine. 12 months ago the sleep study agreed that I needed CPAP and (paid for by the NHS in the UK) I was given a Resmed S9 - I simply couldn't tell any difference whatsoever!
8 months ago I started to feel like I was being slowly suffocated so, after a discussion with the NHS I privately purchased a Resmed Autosense 10 (NHS will only supply manual machines set at the average rather than the optimum ,,, because of cost) which solved the issue - I found the pressure varies between 7.5 - 14.5 so hardly surprising!
Noise levels, vibrations, illumination etc are all, to my senses, the same; add to that I have been assured that I can expect a minimum of 5 years trouble free use (without any maintainance except cleaning & filter changes) all goes to suggest that "upgrading" is a waste of money!

Finally, (and contradicting the above) I recently bought a Transcend with battery pack for the odd nights away and for the peace-of-mind of knowing that there is a back-up. Costing about the same, the small size does mean the machine is a little noisier (but not enough to create a problem for me sleeping), oddly I don't seem to have a problem for the odd night without a humidifier(?) and rather than just having two machines I feel that each has a specific job so, like you, yes, I prefer a "spare" lying around.

I also am registered with our local power company as, in the event of an interruption to supply, they aim to reconnect registered users ahead of everyone else simply because we NEED power to sleep properly - don't know if that is an option in the States?

Good luck whichever way you go!

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Julie
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Re: When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by Julie » Sun Jan 15, 2017 5:24 am

You have a very good machine and unless you have specific problems that the DME or company can't address and that you can't live with, I'd wait til the 5 yrs are up, which is not to say you shouldn't get a backup machine if you can afford it.

My everyday machine is an Intellipap (so-called travel machine - tho' it's a perfectly good daily one!) and my backup is a 2007 (last year they were made or sold) Remstar Legacy with C-flex - the one prior to the M Series - and it's terrific, has lots of life left in it though I don't bother with software now (used to use Encore).
Last edited by Julie on Mon Jan 16, 2017 4:05 am, edited 2 times in total.

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grayghost4
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Re: When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by grayghost4 » Sun Jan 15, 2017 10:03 am

since you are paying out of pocket ...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/hab/5957772322.html

Free shipping to US location
If you're not part of the solution you're just scumming up the bottom of the beaker!

Get the Clinicians manual here : http://apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-press ... tup-manual

TuningSnork
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Re: When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by TuningSnork » Sun Jan 15, 2017 11:59 pm

snoozysue, thanks for the note about the newer CPAP being quieter. I'd like to not have to wear earplugs . A constant whoosing or humming noise is fine for me, but my current CPAP's, er, musical whining is quite the bummer.

y_not, very good things to think about (e.g., even if an upgrade isn't, well, much of an upgrade... it is nice to have a backup. No one wants to be without their CPAP! And your comment about your local power company and the priority-reconnection they offer; that's fascinating! I have never heard of such a thing here in the States, but I'll look into it!

Julie, now you're getting me to think that I should have my backup/spare be a travel CPAP. Hmm! I did recently get an oral appliance (the thing that greatly modifies one's bite to better open up the airway), and dang, that thing was pricey and of questionable help . So a travel CPAP might be a very good investment.

grayghost4, thank you for pointing me towards a potential great-cost-savings option! With that said, I'm more than a bit suspicious about that particular posting (unless it's from you or someone you happen to know and trust); why would someone sell a like-new CPAP for nearly 50% off retail cost? I would personally worry about it being a knockoff, or used more than claimed, etc. Healthwise, I'm just pretty risk-averse :p

Anyway, thanks much to all of your for the replies! As always, this is a very helpful and friendly community and I appreciate it

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OkyDoky
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Re: When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by OkyDoky » Mon Jan 16, 2017 12:16 am

Grayghost4 does sell very nice new machines. Many forum members have bought from him. My main ResMed Aircurve 10 VAuto was bought from him new and was an excellent buy.
Also if your present machine is a Respironics 560 it is a nice travel machine and even works well without the humidifier on a battery because it is 12 volt.
Last edited by OkyDoky on Mon Jan 16, 2017 12:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
ResMed Aircurve 10 VAUTO EPAP 11 IPAP 15 / P10 pillows mask / Sleepyhead Software / Back up & travel machine Respironics 760

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grayghost4
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Re: When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by grayghost4 » Mon Jan 16, 2017 12:16 am

Yes that is my listing and it is new unused Resmed Airsence 10 autoset

PM me or respond to the listing
If you're not part of the solution you're just scumming up the bottom of the beaker!

Get the Clinicians manual here : http://apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-press ... tup-manual

TuningSnork
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Re: When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by TuningSnork » Mon Jan 16, 2017 12:44 am

grayghost4, OkyDoky, thanks!
grayghost4, just dropped you an email via CL.

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y_not
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Re: When to upgrade to a new CPAP machine?

Post by y_not » Mon Jan 16, 2017 1:32 am

TuningSnork wrote: y_not, very good things to think about (e.g., even if an upgrade isn't, well, much of an upgrade... it is nice to have a backup. No one wants to be without their CPAP! And your comment about your local power company and the priority-reconnection they offer; that's fascinating! I have never heard of such a thing here in the States, but I'll look into it!
TurningSnork, I have no idea if such a thing is available but, if it helps, the link below is to the British Gas webpage with details of the scheme - they define "chronic conditions" as anything lasting more than six months. Maybe you can start the US power companies thinking about a similar system? Good luck!

https://www.britishgas.co.uk/Priority-Service-Register

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Additional Comments: Also Transcend battery powered CPAP
"Shorter of breath and one day closer to death" Thanks Pink Flyod