M Series VS. Tank

ok my frame of mind today is screw insurance, screw the DME. I want an auto, and my tax refund can pay for it.

Yes I used the search function but geesh.. too much crap to shift thru.

From what I gather, Its basically the same machine, just the Mseries is the newer version?

Any advantages/disadvantages to purchasing one over the other?

I plan on purchasing the bundled packaged from our host that includes the humidifer, software, card reader, etc...

opinions please?

Basically the "M" Auto provides some AHI and pressure data on the LED
screen. Therefore, you don't need the software and card reader for much
of the info. However, some of us old timers really like the old "Tank".
Furthermore, studying the software output is one of our main hobbies.
(Right after mask modification)

Lyza,

Now would be a good time to consider an auto BiPAP. I made the switch from the standard APAP, and the comfort alone is worth the money.

As for M vs. Tank, there's a ton of discussion about that in this forum. Most agree the Tank is the better choice for now.

Well, I didn't price the two w/the software and reader, but the difference in those 2 package deals was only $30.

I waffled back and forth between the 2 since $30 just didn't seem enough of a difference to sway my decision one way or the other.

I finally have pretty much decided on the "tank", the "classic" RemStar AutoPAP w/C-Flex rather than the RemStar M series AutoPAP w/C-Flex only because it "is" so tried and true and the M series still relatively new and not quite so well proven.

I've read the "tank"'s humidifier tank is easier to fill and clean. (Others say the M's humidifier tank is not a problem to fill or clean. Size isn't all that important to me since I don't travel that much and, frankly, once the humidifier is added to the M series I don't see that it is that much smaller to make any real difference until it is in the carrying case capacity for carrying the mask safely too.

Frankly, I still think it is pretty much a tossup which to choose and don't think your or I would be unhappy or disappointed with either one.

Oh! One thing: the M series LED window is supposed to be larger and I believe more info is available via the LED screen w/the M.

I had a "tank" as a loaner for almost 3 weeks and the LED window is too small to see much of anything on it very well. I was used to so much more information being available so easily on the Resmed S8 Elite's LED screen that I really hated the "tank's" LED screen and limited info. On the other hand, access to the information on the M's LED screen is a PITA as compared to the ease of accessing information on the Resmed's screen. I understand you access information on the LED screen w/both the "tank" and the M series the same way. NO WHERE near as convenient as the Resmed' button combinations.

MANY could be happy w/the information available on the Resmed S8's LED screen. NO ONE w/any curiosity could be happy w/the info available on the "tank's" LED screen. You would HAVE to have the software and reader to be satisified w/the "tank" if you have any curiosity at all. Since you are getting the software and reader that takes you back to a "draw" between the "tank" and the M series. Heck, I think eeny meenie miney moe would be as easy a way as any to choose between the "tank" and the M series!

I apologize for dragging the Resmed S8 Elite into this discussion, especially since it is not an Auto, but the Elite and the RemStar "classic" AutoPap w/C-Flex are the only two xPAPs I've had experience with.

Ooops. I forgot. I've read those who say the M series is louder than the "tank". And I've read others who say the M series is quieter than the "tank" so I'm guessing its a toss-up and totally dependent on the individual machine rather than whether it is a "tank" or an "M".

In the short time I've been on PAP I've used both the M and the Tank. I think that the Tank is a little quieter but the M is still pretty quiet - my wife says they're both A LOT quieter than my snoring was!

On the M, when I wake up I just roll over, flip up the LED cover and press a button to scroll to the 7-day averages of AHI. My Tank is just CPAP so I don't know what the Auto Tank is like for displaying data. I just got my reader and software so I'm able to get the full download.

Good luck with whichever you choose!

--Andy

I had the same debate you are doing now. I ended up with the M series. Since I haven't owned the tank, I can't comment on it, but as a new user, I'm happy with the M. I wasn't sure I wanted/needed the card and software. I thought, hey, I know if I have had a good night by how I feel...but yet the curiosity of exactly how I did finally won out. Now, I couldn't imagine NOT having it. I love reading the numbers and learning the responses of the small tweaks I've done so far. I think it really helps with compliance too. One night I forgot to put the card back in the machine and I was so disappointed in the morning.

My reasons for choosing the M series: I do travel some, so I wanted the portability factor, and I thought, if/when they discontinue, since the tank was an older version, it may be discontinued first.

Its true, the "classic" or "tank" series of Respironics xPAPs are being phased out. Someone here in the forum just discussed this w/Respironics and verified the "classics" are being phased out but a cease production date hasn't been set.

That didn't phase my decision at all to go w/the "classic" rather than the M series. In fact, you can already find the prices going down on the "tank". I haven't seen that they have so far a cpap.com but a brand new one, everything still in the box and sealed, complete w/everything but software and reader for $520 + $25 shipping sold just recently on another site. Some online dealers "are' liquidating their stock of the "classics". Its just a matter of searching. AND my understanding is that cpap.com will meet any price if you provide proof w/the ad or URL or whatever. So you can shop for the best price and STILL do business w/cpap.com!!!! How's that for having your cake and eating it too??!!

Its been said the average life of an xPAP machine (as far as insurance reimbursement for a new one) is 5 years. (Most seem to actually last MUCH longer). But there has been such rapid advancement in xPAP technology the M series is most likely going to be in the same position 5 years from now as the "classic" is now.

I don't think you will be disappointed w/either machine, the "classic" or the "M".

there has been such rapid advancement in xPAP technology the M series is most likely going to be in the same position 5 years from now as the "classic" is now.

I'm looking forward to the day when a xPAP setup is the size of a deck of cards and a surgical mask, with a hydrogen fuel cell to heat the humidifier on camping trips. Then I'll order one using our universal health insurance and within minutes my RT will fly over with her jet pack have it set up before its time to have my dinner pill!

--Andy

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Lyza, since you asked the question, I will give a "if it were me" response.

IIWM = I would definitely get the M auto if I wasn't going to spend the extra bucks on the software. (Not all of us are addicted to daily downloads). ...

But, if I could get a really good deal on the Classic (as in have my cake, etc), then I would get the Classic and the software.

Whichever one you get, you will be happy you decided to go Auto.

You nearly choked me up w/that one, Colozzzzz!!!

I just took a look and yahoo auctions has had several complete brand new Remstar Autos w/C-Flex (classic series), everything but the software and reader and they were going for $450.

Slinky wrote:You nearly choked me up w/that one, Colozzzzz!!!

I just took a look and yahoo auctions has had several complete brand new Remstar Autos w/C-Flex (classic series), everything but the software and reader and they were going for $450.

I just bought a brand new Classic BiPAP auto w/ HH for $785. There's one listed now for $700, brand new.

I currently OWN BOTH machines and have for some time. I've had the M series since about August.

Therapy wise there is no difference. Noise wise there is no detectable difference. But if you want to split hairs, the M series is 1dB louder. But I doubt any human being can tell the difference between 1dB.

The Classic is going to be discontinued, it is just a matter of time. The only advantage the Classic has is it takes up a smaller footprint but it is also taller. The M series takes up more space on the night stand but is shorter and because the hose swivel comes off the back of the machine it has to be moved away from the wall farther, if you could push it against the wall like the Classic they would be very close in night stand space used.

I have traveled with both machines, the M series is smaller even with its humidifier and brick external power supply. It is the one I take regularly. I had no problem with either machine when traveling. The M series case is substantially smaller even with the attached humidifier. The M series bag doesn't have room to carry a mask, but I never stick the mask by itself even in the classic. I take 2 masks with me, in case I become completely congested I take a Full Face, otherwise I take my Soyala. I carry both in my bag in small square Sterilite plastic container I got from Orchard Supply Hardware (similar to Rubbermaid or Tuperwear. I travel for a week and a half so I take more than one bag with me anyway.

The M series has an advantage with features; it gives you AHI, Leak, Pressure and compliance data right from the LCD display. It gives you 7 & 30 day averages. If you want a daily you can erase it daily if you want and it won't erase the data on the SmartCard.

It is a simple machine to program and no manual is needed to do so. Other M series features NOT found on the classic: Auto:Ramp. Auto:Ramp is a feature that works similarly as Ramp found on a straight cpap machine but it works in the Auto mode and is more flexible.

With AutoRamp, you can have a higher Minimum pressure such as 8cm then still have a lower pressure of 6.5cm in case the Minimum pressure is too high and prevents you from falling back asleep if you wake up during the night. Time range is 5-45 minutes. You can optionally set the AutoRamp pressure the same as the Auto:Min pressure and it will then function as a "Settling" feature and not respond to events until the timer has elapsed. This is a good feature if you snore and find the increasing pressure is awakening you.

To date, I've owned 5 different Classic style Remstars and the M series. The only advantage I can see with the Classic is the humidifier holds more water and you don't have to fill the tank as often. If the M series also had a "stackable" humidifier like the Classic has it would be the clear winner in my opinion.

As someone who's never used the "Tank" and only an M series I can't really compare the two. However, I remember going in to pick up my machine from Apria and it being a Tank and refusing it. I travel a lot for work. My wife and I live about two hours from our parents so we head south a lot as well. The one thing I really like about the M series, and this is probably ridiculous in terms of reasons to love a machine, but EVERYTHING fits in one case. The M with the humidifier attached fits in the main compartment, as does the brick power supply. My Hybrid goes in the front pouch with the hose, and one or two Dasani bottles filled with distilled water. It's really quite convenient when flying. On short trips, it even fits in my carry on!

The humidifier on the M series is great as well. It's all in the little details. instead of opening the humidifier to fill it each night, it has two arrows depending on how you fill it. If you fill it via the vapor holes, you use one arrow so you know it's full before you put it back down. Simple things, but it makes things a lot better. I love the machine.

Now, if only I had a mask I loved.

EJD

Speaking of machines for cheap, check out this bipap:

http://denver.craigslist.org/for/270371120.html