REMstar Reliability Issues

SleepDaddy · Post by **SleepDaddy** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 8:22 pm

I contacted a local DME regarding obtaining my first CPAP machine. After doing some research on this forum, I decided that I was interested in trying the REMstar Auto w/C Flex. The individual I talked to at the DME indicated that they have had to send quite a few (8-10) of these units back to be repaired. She indicated that they recommended the ResMed S8 Vantage unit as it is more reliable. I notice that both units are AutoPAPs and both have the capability to reduce pressure during exhalation. However, I also noticed that the ResMed can only use this function when in CPAP mode not Auto. I also see that the Encore Pro software that works with the REMstar unit appears to be superior to the ResMed software for tracking my treatment.

Is my DME's assertion that there are reliability issues with the REMstar Auto w/C flex valid? Is my overall assessment that their are advantages in the REMstar unit (e.g. C Flex during Auto mode, better software, etc.) accurate? My DME indicates she is more than willing to provide a REMstar unit if I would prefer it, so I am inclined to believe she is genuine in her advice. Any advice from this forum to help me with my choices would be appreciated.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 9:38 pm

DMEs tend make up whatever story they need to. There is no way she could know that the ResMed S8 Vantage is more reliable because it has only been out for a couple of months.

I have seen no reports of problems with the REMstar auto from users on this forum. One person reported problems with a REMstar Bipap.

I use the REMstar auto w/c-flex and have had no problems with it. It is the most versatile machine on the market.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 9:42 pm

SleepDaddy wrote:Is my DME's assertion that there are reliability issues with the REMstar Auto w/C flex valid? Is my overall assessment that their are advantages in the REMstar unit (e.g. C Flex during Auto mode, better software, etc.) accurate?

No.
Yes.

SleepDaddy · Post by **SleepDaddy** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 9:52 pm

Thanks for the responses. One additional question that would help be make up my mind. Are there any significant advantages the ResMed S8 Vantage w/EPR unit has over the REMstar Auto w/C Flex?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 9:58 pm

Wonder if the profit is better for them on the S-8?

I know my DME gave me the line about the returns of "broken" RemStar machines to discourage me from getting one.

Stryker5777 · Post by **Stryker5777** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 10:41 pm

Actually there maybe something to the issues surrounding the Remstar line. I had an Auto that the doc gave me through the local hospital DME a while back ( about 7 months ago). I had it for about a month and half and it missed half of my sessions when the doc went to download the card, not sure why. I used it every night.

Then my remstar pro (got from the same local hospital which did have quite a few hours on the odometer) seems to have a pressure issue of some sort. I ended up just buying the Auto a few months ago and its still sitting in my closet. I also had the same issue with a Remstar Auto that I bought off the internet. They both seem to have blowers that get overheated after running for a while. I sent back the Auto since I bought it online, only after having it for about a month and a half. ( I just recently recieved the replaement for it.)

None of this of course can completely be confirmed by diagnostic tests (so choose to believe me or not.. ), since I didn't have the right diagnositic equipment to test them rigously myself, except for how I felt on therapy with them (before and after they broke) and some more bizarre than the 'norm' readings that I got from the Remstar Auto in the last week I had it. Though it was only a month and a half old ( The Auto). Not to mention the blower side of the machine gets really warm on them both. (This might be normal though, not sure.)

Perhaps Its just my bad luck in life... It wouldn't surpise me though.

Is there anyone else on here that has had problems with any of the remstar line? It would be interesting to hear if anyone else has had any trouble with their Remstars.

I remember somebody had one on this forum (had a remstar bipap..?) that kept shutting off on them and they had the data card to prove it. This was about a month or so back if I remember right.

Stryker5777

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 10:42 pm

[quote="SleepDaddy"]Thanks for the responses. One additional question that would help be make up my mind. Are there any significant advantages the ResMed S8 Vantage w/EPR unit has over the REMstar Auto w/C Flex?

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 10:50 pm

Wading, I think that's a DISadvantage, rather than an advantage to the S8.

OP, I've had my RemStar auto since July and it's worked flawlessly. All I can offer on this one is my own personal experience. I've had two RemStar machines (the Auto and the Plus) and neither had any problems.

Good luck with your decision.

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 11:45 pm

SleepDaddy wrote:Is my DME's assertion that there are reliability issues with the REMstar Auto w/C flex valid?

The only problem I've had with the REMstar Auto w/C-flex is that on several occasions when I've gone to bed especially tired it has failed to wake me up, put the mask on, turn itself on, and tuck me back in bed. Otherwise, flawless.

(Not sure how the S8 would perform under similar conditions).

Colorado Jan · Post by **Colorado Jan** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 12:30 am

I have had no personal experience with Remstars....but I will say that I've had two RT's tell me that they were not reliable...neither one of them sold those machines. So does that mean that they had no personal interest in them and therefore weren't lying? Or did it mean that they lied so as to make the machines they DID sell look better. Who knows.

Jan in Colo.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 12:54 am

One additional question that would help be make up my mind. Are there any significant advantages the ResMed S8 Vantage w/EPR unit has over the REMstar Auto w/C Flex?

I much prefer the PB GoodKnight 420E autopap and the Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex. That said...in fairness to ResMed machines they gave me equally good treatment. My quibble with ResMed machines is the Autoscan software which I don't like, compared to the other two manufacturers' software.

Also, in fairness, I'd say these are advantages the ResMed S8 has over Respironics' machines:

1. The more compact size of the ResMed S8's over the current (they're coming out with reduced size machines soon) Respironics machines.

2. Allowing you to see overnight AHI and some other bits of info in the display window without needing software. I personally want to see graphs and charts, though...software is needed for the charts. However if you cannot afford software, getting to see AHI at the touch of a button is neat on the ResMed machines.

The small size and better (imho) software of the PB 420E auto make it my choice over ResMed machines.

The ability to use C-Flex in auto mode and better (imho) software of the Respironics REMstar Auto/C-Flex make it my choice over ResMed machines.

Those are just my personal preferences. Treatment from any of the three major autopaps is going to be essentially the same for almost everyone. A few people will do better on one or another, but most are well treated by any autopap if the settings are "right" for them.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 12:57 am

Ah, the voice of reason. Rested gal provides an impartial, objective view.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:32 am

There have been a few people that have said that they don't feel like they are getting the proper treatment with the Resmed, but the PB or Remstar they did. Think CHRIPS was one of them.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 11:03 am

werd on the street, tookie used the S8

SleepDaddy · Post by **SleepDaddy** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 11:49 am

Rested Gal mentions that

"[...they're coming out with reduced size machines soon) Respironics machines.]

Does anyone have any information on new, reduced size Respironics machines. Since I am just starting out, I may want to be on the leading edge of CPAP technology.[/quote]

REMstar Reliability Issues

REMstar Reliability Issues

Re: REMstar Reliability Issues

CRIPS?

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier

Mask	Humidifier