Confused Newbie Looking For Best Machine

[luvsbutv]

Ok, I know I will get conflicting answers to this broad question, but I really do want your input. I'm currently looking at my first cpap machine and not sure which one to get. I would like to have fairly small, full data, humidifier, and pretty quiet (for hubby). From what I have read so far, it's best to get one that can do it all. I'm currently looking at the M Series Pro C-Flex, Resmed S8 Elite II, and the Resmed S8 AutoSet II. Hubby and I have talked and he said he doesn't care what the cost....he wants me to have the best I can get. I go this Saturday for my 2nd study to figure out all my settings. From my first study it does look like I will have to have pressure relief on exhale. Any input that I can get from "those with experience" will help this confused newbie.

[Georgio]

I would get the results from your second night titration study before your buy/purchase a machine. Not one size fits all. In the meanwhile, read up here on features and what is available. Be prepared to post results from both nights here to get advice on an appropritate machine.

[Slinky]

Well, I'm the first to admit that I am predjudiced in favor of the Resmed devices. I was started on the Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR, got "auto fever" from the apnea support forums and self-purchased a Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage. Then 19 months later due to COPD I was switched to a bi-level and I insisted on a Resmed VPAP Auto. However, I wanted a backup device and bi-levels are NOT inexpensive which ruled out another Resmed VPAP Auto. Since they were so new there would be no lightly used ones likely up for sale. So,the next best thing was a Respironics pre-M Series Bi-PAP Auto w/Bi-Flex. The M Series had been out for about 2 years by then so there were a decent amount of them for sale but I don't feel the M Series was a step up. I believe the pre-M Series to be the better devices no matter which model. I got lucky. Whilst I missed out on two of the pre-M Series Bi-PAP autos I managed to be the successful bidder on a third. I have the software and cable reader for both the Resmed and the Respironics.

So: I liked the ease access and amount of data provided by the fully data capable Resmeds via their LCD screen. I like their ease of assembly and disassembly - only two parts: xPAP and integrated humidifier. I get excellent therapy w/them AND they are 1 lbs lighter than the M Series when packed for traveling. The carrying case is better padded. The software was easy for me to install and use on the first try.

I get excellent therapy w/the Respironics pre-M Series (and I've no doubt from testimonies here the M Series also provides excellent therapy). I love the Daily Events Per Hour chart/table the software provides. I so wish Resmed's software produced something closely similar!!! I ABSOLUTELY DETEST that third part, the power brick. They are a bit more complicated to assemble and disassemble. The M Series has those notorius blue lights that no one likes. The M Series tends to drop data one or two nights a month. The integrated humidifer was of notoriously bad design and even the newer design is not as convenient as the Resmed's. Accessing the data via the LCD screen is not difficult but it is more complicated than the Resmeds. They don't provide as much data via the LCD screen as the Resmeds. But for good therapy they are every bit as good as the Resmeds. They are good devices. They just aren't my cup of tea.

That being said, I would suggest:
1] Resmed S8 Autoset II w/EPR
2] Resmed S8 Autoset Vantage (no EPR in auto mode)
3] Respironics M Series Auto PAP w/A-Flex
4] Respironics M Series Auto PAP w/C-Flex

or for a straight CPAP:
1] Resmed S8 Elite II w/EPR
2] Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR
3] Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex

ALL of the above are fully data capable. I would NOT for a minute consider or accept a less than fully data capable xPAP! I consider fully data capable a LOT more IMPORTANT than an APAP (auto PAP).

All of the above my not so humble personal opinion. MANY here prefer their Respironics. You really can't go wrong w/either brand as long as you get one of the above models. As long as you get one of the above brands and models the KEY to your being successful w/CPAP therapy is going to be the MASK. Shop the local DME suppliers for the one w/the most lenient mask exchange policy who carry either of the two brands above. Good luck and welcoem to the forum!!

[luvsbutv]

Georgio - I will for sure be posting my study results. I'm willing to look for all the advice I can.

Slinky - Thank you for such an in-depth review. It's truly appreciated.

As for the mask...lol. During my first study, they attempted to put a mask (3 diff ones) on me. I'm slightly claustrophobic (yes I advised them) and apparently had a panic attacke (they came in and took the mask off and told me what had happened). Had never had one before....never want another one. The problem is that I'm a mouth breather. I have a full face mask here at home to get used to. Iactually went to a therapist and went through EFT (Emotional Freedome Technique) therapy. Guess what...it worked! I actually took a nap in the crazy thing. So the mask doesn't bother me anymore. Now I will be looking for one that is the most comfortable for me. Our DME (hubby is on O2) is actually very helpful and have already told me that they can change out masks til I find one I'm comfortable with.

[Slinky]

Ahhhh, it is good to read you already have a good rapport w/a local DME supplier!!! That can be such a big part of the battle. You might want to give consideration then to which brand they prefer to provide. They usually buy their xPAPs in bulk from one manufacturer and therefore can give a better price, or be more amendable to upgrading to a better model, with the brand they do their bulk purchases from. It doesn't hurt to check into buying the xPAP out of pocket from an online dealer such as cpap.com so you can determine which is cheaper in the long run to purchase the xPAP yourself but still get your masks and further supplies from your local DME supplier. Sometimes your insurance will reimburse you for an out-of-pocket purchase if you provide a bill for it, proof of purchase and full payment and the proper HCPCS codes. Wulfman can better explain that. Keep in mind, buying online there are some articles included in the online xPAP purchase price that are billed separately by the local DME suppliers.

[araminta]

I just went thru the exact same process as you.
I had a trial titration week with the M-series w/ Aflex, and felt quite comfortable with it.
But I tested the Resmed S8 Autoset II w/EPR because it's quieter (which seemed great for my sweetie), and the lights go out after a minute (which is nice for both of us) and the humidifier seemed easier to use.
However much I preferred its features, the reality was that I couldn't adjust to its algorithm.
The M-series simply felt more comfortable for my breathing.
So that's the one I purchased. And once my damn bronchial infection is over, I think I will be enjoying full nights of quality sleep.

[luvsbutv]

Araminta -

Thank you for your input as well. I do hope that you are feeling better soon.

[Wulfman]

Both of the machines you're looking at are good......Elite II and M Series Pro.
Some other things to consider is the pressure that they prescribe you and the software to interpret the data from the machine.
If your pressure is "high" (like over 16 cm.), then a Bi-Level machine may need to be considered.
If it's below that, standard CPAP should work fine.
The Elite II (I'm told) gives pretty good data from the LCD screen, but I have yet to figure out the software reports from the ResMed Machines. ResMed machines also score higher Hypopnea numbers because they count Flow Limitations (partial hypopneas) in the event totals.
In my opinion, the Encore Viewer (or Encore Pro) software for the Respironics machines is easier to interpret.

All manufacturers' machines have their advantages and limitations, so be sure to consider them all before you buy one.

Den

[luvsbutv]

Wulfman

Thanks for the valuable info. That's why I'm here....get most of the info I can before hand so when I go to Dr to discuss numbers I will be better informed as to some possible preferences of machines. Hopefully with her knowledge and my searching of the great information super highway (aka...this forum) we can come up with a great solution. Of course, I plan on a trial period prior to purchase.

[Gerald]

Wulfman's point about considering a bi-pap if your prescribed pressure is above 15 cm is good info to think about.

If you find that your pressure is around 9 or 10 cm, you can't go wrong with a Respironics "M" series Auto with AFLEX and integrated humidifier. Immediately purchase the Viewer software with card reader....so that you can start out reading your smartcard.

Other than your mask, everything else you'll need is not critical. Little stuff like a hose hanger, flannel cover for your hose, extra filters, etc......all this can come at any time. As you learn, you can make modifications......change to a stand-alone humidifier......and these revisions will be minor. If your "foundation" is the Auto AFLEX, you have good flexability....and it'll be easy for you to settle into a comfortable therapy.

Don't settle for less.

[luvsbutv]

Gerald

Thanks. Lol...I already know that I will have to have a cover for my hose to help prevent rain out....hubby likes to keep it cold. Thermostat is on 63 at night (66 in the day) and the ceiling fan is on...all year round. The only reason the thermostat went up to 67 today is because we had a wind chill of 8 this morning. He has a lung problem so the cooler air is good for him, but not the cold. We tease him that we have icicles hanging from the ceiling year-round.

[Gerryk]

Do a search on here to for the machines you are considering. Look at the problems other people have had or complaints.
I for one have not had good luck with the M series. I like it, it's small, compact, easy to transport but I have had problems with it and the manufacturer is making excuses. I am going to try and turn the M series in for a Resmed tomorrow. I have had two new machines since November. I hate to blast a supposedly good machine but I haven't had luck with it.
Gerry

[SharkBait]

The Respironics M-Series is a great machine, but I must admit I've got a bit of CPAP envy. The ResMeds look WAY cooler...

After extensive research I found the Respironics and ResMeds were both highly recommended. I leaned towards the M-Series because the packaged deal was a little cheaper (paying for this myself) and I just liked the looks of the layout of the reports a little better AND the Encore Analyzer freeware availability (though be warned you have to find a copy of Encore Pro to get to use the Analyzer...).

[6PtStar]

The ResMeds look WAY cooler...

I thought they looked like a lopsided bowling ball to me!!!

Jerry

[Slinky]

To each their own. Maybe because I used the Resmed software first - but I found the Resmed software data and graphs MUCH EASIER to understand than the EncorePro data and whatever they call those "illustrations" they use. I am not on the friendliest terms w/'puters to begin with and I was able to install and use the Resmed software on first try. EncorePro was a problem for me and I finally had to pay my 'puter guru to come over and install EncorePro. I had difficult learning how to figure out how to manuver around in EncorePro. The ONLY thing I liked about EncorePro was that Daily Events Per Hour chart/table. THAT I wish Resmed would emulate in their software! In addition I use an extended able from my 'puter for my Resmed cable reader. We never could get the Respironics cable reader to work off an extended cable. Its a real PITA to reach behind my 'puter tower to plug the cable in (which is why I prefer to use the extended cable).

In addition, as I've stated many time previously, I absolute HATE and DETEST that assinine power brick Respironics insists on continuing to use. I can't believe a company that has produced such good devices (prior to the M Series) that they haven't been able to figure out a way to eliminate that d*mn power brick!!! Altho bigger the Resmed S8s and S8 IIs are 1 lb LIGHTER in weight than the smaller M Series and its because of that assinine power brick I'm sure.

Plus don't forget that easier to access to more data via the LCD screen and its value when traveling w/no access to your software w/the Resmeds.