Newbie wondering about best CPAP available?

Just wondering what the best machine out there is? How often do you get to replace your machine?

Depends on person, the s9 autoset, and Phillips system one auto seem to be the most popular.

You can replace your machine as often as you would like, unless you mean under insurance, then it depends on your insurance, but avg is 5 yrs. (I Think)

First off it really is a matter of preference for each of us. Everyone will have their own opinion on this but.....
When I started therapy several years ago I wanted and got the Resp M series A/Flex. It was pretty much up there at the top of the list. Now my so called dream machine is the new F/P Icon, I think it's called. I WANT one but have to wait another 2 yrs. By that time who knows what other new machines will be out. All o

I would say any of the Auto CPAP machines with heated hose to prevent rainout.

I think there are two on the market. Resmed S9 autoset is one and Fisher and Paykal ICON Auto CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier and SensAwake.

I would look for fully data capable, with heated hose, auto capable machine.

I use resmed S9 autoset...but the Icon would have been my choice if I could not have Resmed S9 autoset.

There is no best machine, but there are many good units, some with more bells and whistles. The two key features that are a must:

1. apap (auto adjusting cpap machine) capable
2. full data capability

If you go to cpap.com, they describe the various models: https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machines/apap-machine.php.

Not everyone needs a humidifier, not everyone needs climate control hose, not everyone needs EPR, etc....these are the bells and whistles.

The two more popular brands are ResMed and Respironics but I'm sure others will have their own recommendations for you.

I have a mask that took some getting used to, but it works for me. Finding the right mask will probably be the critical component for you. It took me a second try to get a machine that is easy to like compared to my first one. It's not a blowhard and I have often checked the pressure at the end of the hose to make sure it is still working. To my surprise, it always is, at the pressure I need, 11 cm H20. The feature I really wanted however, was the ability to pick the temperature of the airflow coming into the mask, and getting enough humidity to keep me from getting desert bone dry. To make it perfectly clear, I don't like extremely cold air hitting me in the mouth and nose and I don't like sultry, moist, mid-summer misery in my face either. I like that cool moist air not unlike the trade winds you might find hitting you in the face while standing on the edge of the surf on a Pacific island. That is truly the bell that wetted my whistle.

msradar65 wrote:I would say any of the Auto CPAP machines with heated hose to prevent rainout.

I think there are two on the market. Resmed S9 autoset is one and Fisher and Paykal ICON Auto CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier and SensAwake.

I would look for fully data capable, with heated hose, auto capable machine.

I use resmed S9 autoset...but the Icon would have been my choice if I could not have Resmed S9 autoset.

You do know that you can get a heated hose for anything don't you? The Aussie heated hose has been around for a lot longer than the S9's.

And the ICON... it may look cute but the folks that have it can't get the software for it.

I test drove my Mum's F&P SleepStyle series machine about a year ago (before my formal dx)... it is just a straight up CPAP machine... not data capable. It seemed o.k. to me, but since I didn't know how to use it, I had to monkey around with the settings to get a feel for how it worked... the machined dates back to 2006-ish.

I also tried her nasal pillows... I hated them, as I am a mouth breather and it was really difficult to get used to breathing through my nose (sinus problems... today's a good day... I haven't been too badly plugged up today) and I didn't like the feeling of the pillows in my nostrils.

I think that if my DME (the same one my Mom used) had given me the set up that Mom got, I would have given up ages ago. While I'm hopeful that there's a better/alternative mask out there for me, I am happy with treatment. My clinician has been great... she started me out with ResMed and helped me along during the "getting to know your machine" phase.

snuffaluffagus, Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you will find a lot of answers here. This board has so many members with years of experience with the good heart to share their knowledge with others!
My husband can replace his machine every 5 years according to Medicare. On Blue Cross Blue Shield in the USA I can also replace my machine very 5 years. I like my ResMed S9 Autoset and climateline heated hose. My comfort level is very good and I demand a fully data-capable machine so I can see and track my therapy every day. With something this important to your health and mental well-being you want the best.
My husband will replace his Resprionics M Series with an S9 or something better in three years. Yes, some have trouble with the thin walls of the Climateline hose failing and leaking. But after nine months if gentle care (knock on wood) the one I have is in excellent shape.
Word of caution: the filters that come standard with the S9 are very thin. Consider getting the hypoallergenic filters or better even if you don't have allergies.
Hope you can get the machine you want!
Cindy

cflame1 wrote:

msradar65 wrote:I would say any of the Auto CPAP machines with heated hose to prevent rainout.

I think there are two on the market. Resmed S9 autoset is one and Fisher and Paykal ICON Auto CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier and SensAwake.

I would look for fully data capable, with heated hose, auto capable machine.

I use resmed S9 autoset...but the Icon would have been my choice if I could not have Resmed S9 autoset.

You do know that you can get a heated hose for anything don't you? The Aussie heated hose has been around for a lot longer than the S9's.

And the ICON... it may look cute but the folks that have it can't get the software for it.

Yes I do know you can buy a separate heated hose. Though I would rather have it all in one device and not have to mess with so many different parts.

Each of us is different, some prefer everything intergrated...and others like all the separate pieces and parts.