DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Auto with Smart Flex???

[pj2448]

I'm in the market for a back up travel APAP with a humidifier and I'm looking at the new Intellipap auto with smart flex by DeVilbiss. Questions for owners - is the humidifier any good on this one? Does it have different heat settings? Also, is the smart flex an exhale relief feature or just a marketing name for adjustment algorhythm? Any other reason why a person should not consider buying?

[jmcanzo]

Mine is a bit older and does not have the smartflex. I can order a cable and then upgrade the firmware to the latest and that would give it the smartflex. The heated humidifier can be set from 1 to 10 In the winter I set mine to 5. The DeVilbiss also comes with a 3 yr warranty, and with the adapter cable will run off 12v (no heat to the humidifier). I have had mine almost a yr now and have had no problems

[paulw]

Hi pj,
I bought mine as a back-up machine to my Respironics System 1 Auto & to use camping.
I like it better to the point I only use the System 1 if I want to collect the waveform data available with Encore Pro.
I prefer the Smart Flex on the IntelliPaP to which seems to have more adjust-ability with separate inhale and exhale settings.
The humidifier has 10 levels as opposed to 5 on the System 1, but I don't max out either so I'm not sure if that's 'better'. I do like the fact that it sides out the front for easy cleaning and filling.
I think the IntelliPaP is quieter too.
I think the DeVilbiss IntelliPaP Auto is an outstanding machine.

[Slartybartfast]

I, too, needed a second machine to use when I visit the wife about 1 weekend/month. So, rather than get another S9, I got the Intellipap. And, yes, Smartflex is from everything I've read, very similar to the same feature on the S9. Really, other than the ability to use ResScan, and the capability of using the heated hose (Climateline), feature for feature the Intellipap is just about everything the Resmed S9 Autoset is, at about half the price. And if you're interested in tweaking the machine's time/pressure profiles, the Intellipap actually provides considerably more options than does the S9. Not that I plan to use them, but it's there if I want/need it.

So for a backup machine, or travel machine, or even a less expensive alternative to the higher priced full data-capable machines, the Intellipap makes oodles of sense. I don't plan to get the software for it since I already have ResScan for my S9.

[Emilia]

Love my IP auto.... Smartflex is great, and the patented Rounding on DeVilbiss machines makes pressure changes smooth as glass. Quiet, 3 yr warranty, and, yes, a humidifier with a good range of settings, makes it a wonderful choice. The size and integrated humidifier gives it a small footprint and the carry case is excellent when traveling. Don't forget that you also have the Smart Codes which will give you most of the data you need without having to buy software....although the SmartLink software will give you more details. Lastly, and an important feature for those who travel a lot, it does NOT have a power brick...just a cord from machine to plug.

[Slartybartfast]

[snip] Lastly, and an important feature for those who travel a lot, it does NOT have a power brick...just a cord from machine to plug.

Good point. A travel machine with a brick power supply is just plain wrong.

[pj2448]

Thanks to everyone who replied! I have made note of all the details. About the subject of 'no power brick', am I to understand there is no DC input available on the back of this machine? This would be useful in a camping or emergency situation, such as sleeping in the back of a car or SUV. However, most humidifiers draw too much current for the small power blocks anyways, so the manufacturer would have needed to design in a break-out of the machine power only. My older P&B 420E has separate cords for machine power, humidification.

[snnnark]

The machine accepts a standard DC 12v input. I've run mine several times from one of those booster battery packs with the lighter plug connector. And if you are expecting power cuts you can have both AC and DC plugged in. When the power fails it switches to DC (no humidifier) till the AC comes back. Probably the most simple system of all the popular machines.

[marcosv]

Hello. I'm currently considering buying an IntelliPAP auto with Smart Flex or a S9 with the heated hose as my main machine. My current machine is a basic Respronics REMStar Plus that doesn't provide me with any useful data. Since I'm paying for this out of pocket (can't wait another 2+ years for an insurance replacement), I'm trying to decide if I can get what I need with the IntelliPAP as a main machine.

The question I have for people have used both machines: how is the IntelliPAP for avoiding rain out? Are the extra heat settings on its humidifier adequate? Need to double up on the hose covering?

I'm getting rain out issues really bad with my current setup. If the humidifier is set too low, I can dried out. If I set it just one level above, I tend to get rain out. I've had a hose covering. I just doubled it and found that I'm still having issues (e.g., hose is now too stiff --- the ResMed hose covering wasn't the right choice).

I figure that if I need to go the heated hose option, the S9 makes more sense. I could buy another S9 heated hose for a bit over $50. It looks like the 3rd party heated hose options would be significantly more expensive over the long run.


- Thanks,
Marcos

[Hawthorne]

Maybe an Ozzie heated hose would work with the Intellipap. Those who have Intellipap may know or there is a "Devilbiss Marketing Rep" who is a member of this forum who could tell you.

I've heard good things about the Ozzie heated hose. I have also heard that the climate control heated hose with the S9 has problems.

I have neither. It is what I gather from following forum posts. I'm raising so people who know might help you.

[Emilia]

I've had my IP Auto going on 6 months now.... summer/fall/winter in FL... very humid with a rainy/cold winter this year. I have not had a single episode of rainout with my system. I snake my hose up over the headboard to be sure condensation runs back to the humidifier. I also have a cozy on my hose which helps to insulate it. For your climate, I am sure the appropriate hose management and insulation will work, too.... I haven't explored heated hoses, and I doubt I ever will in FL

[marcosv]

Thanks for the replies. I finally found some of the previous discussions on the Ozzie hose. Looks like it lasts a lot longer than I thought, which would reduce the advantage of the cheaper S9 heated hose. From what I can tell the Ozzie hose is a bit stiffer where as the S9 heated hose has a smaller diameter and is very flexible.

I've also heard that if you are one of those who don't get the relief you need with one of the S9's automatic temperature settings, your back to manual control and the possibility of rain out.

I next need to research how the IntelliPap compares to the S9 with respect to data collected and presented using the data packages. I suspect the IntelliPap will be more than adequate.

With the heated hose/rain out issue partially addressed, it'll probably come down to how I'm feeling when it comes time to actually pull the trigger. As a techie, I love the look/features of the S9 for a main machine, but, out of pocket costs might steer me to the IntelliPap. Either way, it looks like both will resolve the main reason why I want to buy a CPAP now rather than live with what I have for a few more years.

[OntarioKevin]

Great thread - thanks.

I have the IntelliPAP with Smart Flex as my first autopap machine, and I love it.

Have had tons of mask issues, but the machine itself offers every setting I can think of.

I paid out of pocket, so even if I knew about the S9 at the time I'm not sure I would have gone for it.

[Agree]

I have the intellipap machine and bought the Aussie hose last month. They work great together and I have no more trouble with rainout, even in cooler rooms.

[apneawho]

We have had some rainout with Intellipap and standard 6 ft hose in GA.