Which Auto??Best Software??

Pilot_Ron · Post by **Pilot_Ron** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 3:55 pm

Okay, it has been dragged through the mud a bunch of times, however I'm starting to question my thoughts on the M Series with A-flex.

I started my therapy on my own on 12/31 due to the fact that it is taking forever to get in to see my doctor after the Titration study. They wouldn't tell me what pressures etc. because they say the docotrs get mad when they(techs) discuss any results with patient before the doctor talks to them.

I went out and in despiration and purchased a M series plus ($650.00) because I couldn't purchase an auto without a prescription (I know, I'm flying blind without data and could have purchased one cheaper on CPAP.com). I am going to see the doctor next Thursday, and I will be demanding the machine that I want. In addition to copies of all data from both studies. The problem is I thought I knew what I wanted. With all of the problems of lost information being recorded on the M series, I'm not so sure.

Which machine provides the most reliable feedback when it comes to logging data, and which machine gives the most detail as far as information recorded?

In case anybody is interest why I went this route, let me give a little timeline. 11/29/07 first appointment with the doctor - 12/6/07 first sleep study - 12/17/07 next doctor appointment - 12/29/07 titration study - 1/17/07 next doctor appointment

At this point, all I know is that I have OSA with an AHI of 60 and I felt great after my titration test. My next doctor appointment will be to "discuss the results from my last study and decide on a machine to order" so who knows how long that will be. Like I said, purchasing the machine I have now was a despiration move to stop the feeling of walking dead. 2 months is to long to go without treatment for something this serious, but when I get the Auto, I want to make sure it's the right one.

Thanks, Ron

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 4:00 pm

Ron welcome to our world!

You're going to get tons of responses on this question......and the main answer, I bet, is gonna be "Whatever you can afford."

I'm gonna pitch the Puritan Bennet 420E and the associated Silverlining software. I've used the 420E for almost 3 years now and LOVE it! Our hosts here at cpap.com have the blower, humidifier and software all bundled out for a very attractive price. The software installs easily, is reliable, doesn't drop data and tells ya more than you ever dreamed you wanted to know. The unit itself is small and easily portable (this is in response to those who're gonna say "Yeah, but you have to carry the unit to your computer to read the data." LOL) and travels well.

Good luck in the beginning of your journey.

Kajun

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 5:17 pm

Pilot_Ron wrote:I'm starting to question my thoughts on the M Series with A-flex.

I believe you should be very happy with that choice. Why are you questioning it?

Pilot_Ron wrote: 2 months is to long to go without treatment for something this serious

Yeah its too bad that more doctors didn't realize this.

-James

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 5:35 pm

You were fed a bunch of horsepuckies by the DME supplier who told you you couldn't purchase an autoPAP w/just a CPAP prescription. So now you know just how much you CAN'T trust or believe THAT DME supplier. (ooops, assuming you're in the USA, I didn't think to look to see if you had posted your location).

TXKajun isn't the only Puritan Bennet GoodKnight 420E owner who swears by their 420E. I've yet to hear or read a complaint about it. It doesn't have pressure relief on exhalation if that is important to you. Other than that it is hard to fault. I'd really like the opportunity to try one one day if not actually own one!

I'm partial to the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage and if you have insurance coverage I would HIGHLY recommend it. BUT its too pricey for an individual to buy out of pocket due to Resmed's minimum pricing policy for online DME suppliers.

I found the Resmed AutoScan 5.7 software easy to install, worked first time (and it is the FIRST software I've been able to download and use on first installation!). The data and graphs presented are easy for me to understand. Same can be said for the newer ResScan software for the Resmeds. The good size LED screen is easy to read, access to the data on screen is easy, just button pushes, no unplugging, plugging and pushing buttons as w/the Respironics. No leak problems w/the Humidaire 3i integrated humidifier. No problems removing and replacing the tank, no having to take the humidifier tank the apart. And the humidifier attaches and detaches so easily. No platform and wires/plugs to mess with.

I bought a brand new "classic" (pre-M series) Respironics RemStar Auto w/C-Flex. And I liked it and got good therapy w/it. But I HATED the limited data available on the dinky little LED screen. The software was a nightmare to install and get working. The graphs, etc. were difficult for me to understand, altho the free copy of MyEncore helped tremendously. I did LOVE the Daily Events Per Hour chart and wish Resmed would provide similar via their software!!!

When the opportunity to purchase a lightly used REsmed S8 AutoSet Vantage arose I grabbed it. I sold the Remstar to my son in law along w/the software and cable reader. EPR (Resmed equivalent of C-Flex) is not available in auto mode, only in straight CPAP mode. Online price for the uninsured and not being able to utilize EPR in automode are really the only 2 criticisms I can make of the Vantage. I love mine.

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 5:44 pm

Isn't Autoscan 5.7 the one that is harder to find than Encore Pro. The only thing listed at cpap.com is ResScan 3.3. Will it work on the S8 series Resmeds?

Jerry

Pilot_Ron · Post by **Pilot_Ron** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 6:41 pm

Slinky wrote:You were fed a bunch of horsepuckies by the DME supplier who told you you couldn't purchase an autoPAP w/just a CPAP prescription. So now you know just how much you CAN'T trust or believe THAT DME supplier. (ooops, assuming you're in the USA, I didn't think to look to see if you had posted your location).

I'm afraid you misunderstood my post.

I purchased my CPAP without a prescription because I haven't been able to see the doctor yet to get a prescription to buy an APAP.
My location is the wonderful aeromatic state of New Jersey

Captain_Midnight · Post by **Captain_Midnight** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 7:36 pm

Pilot Ron - -

If I understand correctly, you are asking essentially, which is the best autopap; and, what is the best software program to optimize the therapy?

And, as mentioned above, there are many excellent options. Someone asked a similar question a few weeks ago, and I was truly impressed with the number of different brands of xPAPs that folks cheerfully endorsed. Thus, there are several correct paths from which to choose.

I, as you, had a Respironics CPAP for a few years. It was okay, but I was pretty sure that my therapy could be optimized, and I was frustrated that I could not review my apnea/hypopnea v pressure and etc results each morning.

Although my insurance would not spring for a new machine, my doc did give me an Rx for a new Respironicx AFLEX autopap, and I was sure to get the card reader and EncoreViewer software.

AFLEX Autopap

Although responses to machines vary by individual, I could not recommend a PAP machine more highly. The AFLEX is not a gimmick, it really works. With the machine, I have the option of setting to CPAP CFLEX mode, but I see no reason to return to "okay", when I have superior comport and therapeutic response with AFLEX.

Encore Viewer

As a scientist, I love gathering and comparing data, and the numeric and graphical presentations give me everything I need in which to fine tune my pressure range, and it's convenient and easy to read. I only had to fiddle with the pressure range once in 2 months, and now my AHIs average less than 0.4 over the past month. (I was titrated at >50)

Folded in all this must be the recognition of some brand loyalty. So, please take my recommendation with a grain of NaCl. Also, the recommendations from among the experts hereabouts are all worth taking in.

I'll stop short of a recommendation, and just say that I'm pretty jazzed about my AFLEX.

Regards - - (Pilot) Tom

.

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:08 pm

Pilot_Ron Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 7:41 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slinky wrote:
You were fed a bunch of horsepuckies by the DME supplier who told you you couldn't purchase an autoPAP w/just a CPAP prescription. So now you know just how much you CAN'T trust or believe THAT DME supplier. (ooops, assuming you're in the USA, I didn't think to look to see if you had posted your location).

I'm afraid you misunderstood my post.

I purchased my CPAP without a prescription because I haven't been able to see the doctor yet to get a prescription to buy an APAP.
My location is the wonderful aeromatic state of New Jersey

In other words if I read your post correctly you WERE able to purchase a straight CPAP WITHOUT a prescription.

Did you purchase it from an individual or from a DME? If you paid $650 for an M series PLUS machine from an individual you got RIPPED off!!! That would be too much to pay a DME even for a PLUS.

It seems that your wait is about an average wait in my area from first sleep study (not counting the wait for the first sleep study). I AM NOT saying this is right --just that it seems pretty normal around here.

Hopefully you can follow some of the sage advice on here and get your treatment headed in the right direction.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:35 pm

As a professional scientist, I'll just copy what Captain_Midnight posted

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:45 pm

6PtStar wrote:Isn't Autoscan 5.7 the one that is harder to find than Encore Pro. The only thing listed at cpap.com is ResScan 3.3. Will it work on the S8 series Resmeds?

Sorry Jerry, my ResScan is installed on my laptop and I don't have it here right now. My 'puter guru has it taking some games off my granddaughter put on it that slowed it down to a slow crawl. Anyway, since my laptop isn't here I can't tell you what version of ResScan I have. I haven't gotten around to replacing my desktop's AutoScan 5.7 'cause I understand there is a new version of ResScan due out some time this year.

Pilot_Ron · Post by **Pilot_Ron** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 7:27 am

In other words if I read your post correctly you WERE able to purchase a straight CPAP WITHOUT a prescription.

Did you purchase it from an individual or from a DME? If you paid $650 for an M series PLUS machine from an individual you got RIPPED off!!! That would be too much to pay a DME even for a PLUS.

Yes, I was able to get a CPAP a without a prescription, the Auto's require a prescription. I purchased my machine from a DME, the only one I could get in touch with on a Sunday, and was open on New Years Eve. I am well aware of the fact that I was "ripped off", however under the circumsatances it was my only choice. I knew paying for it what the cost would be from CPAP.com When you feel like you can barely go on, and the only hope you have of feeling better, you tend to go to extremes.

With regard to my new purchase, I intend on taking as much time as I need, due to the fact that I am currently treating myself, and feeling a lot better.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:10 am

you werent "ripped off" at all. Just because some retailer on the internet decides to sell something for a $20 profit doesn't mean that's automatically the nationwide fair price.

KenC · Post by **KenC** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 8:29 am

Ron, I recommend you choose your machine based on features rather than the data capability. After all, you'll be using the machine every night, all night. The data will get used now and again.

I see the choice going along the following lines:

Do you want exhilation relief AND auto pressure? If yes, then the Respironics M series is the only choice.

Do you want exhilation relief and fixed pressure? If yes then add the ResMed S8 as an option.

If you only want auto, add the Puritan Bennit to the list.

I'll happily join with the others who have sung the praises of AFLEX. When I had my titration on a Resmed, I did not think I was going to be able to keep the mask on. Exhaling against the pressure reminded me of trying to breathe with a pillow over my face. It was very uncomfortable IMHO.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 5:20 pm

Add my vote for the Respironics REMstar Auto with A-flex M series machine.

Not that I'm crazy about "M" series machine. I like the older pre-M models affectionately called "tanks" better. But I do VERY much like the smooth natural feeling of breathing with A-flex. Since it comes only in the M series Auto with A-flex, that's what I'd get. I have one. Love it!

I'd get an Fisher & Paykel HC150 humidifier for it. I wouldn't bother buying or using an integrated M humidifier.

upm903 · Post by **upm903** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:27 am

If u r interested in reports from the New Encore Viewer from Respironics I can run it for you and Email you the reports.

Using the utility at http://www.mycpap.com you copy your SmartCard to disk and Email me the file to UPMCPAP@hotmail.com .

All you need to buy in that case is the card reader only. That's all.

Sam

Which Auto??Best Software??

Which Auto??Best Software??

Re: Which Auto??Best Software??

Which Auto and Which software?

Encore Viewer Reports

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: Remstar Auto A-Flex Aussie Heated Hose Auto 8-15 cm H2O pressure A-Flex 2 Backup Remstar Plus w/C-Flex