Which machines do you use and would recommend?

Yes there are a lot of ResMed fans here.

Most of the members here will tell you that they like the machine they are using. Some of the members here have had a chance to use more than one brand but most people have only used one..so their "best" machine will be the one they are using. Quite understandable.

3 main suppliers.
ResMed
Respironics
DeVilbiss
that all offer quality machines with easily obtainable software. You likely would do well with any of these brands.

Didn't I see a post from you about self treating? I don't mean to be nosey but if you are planning to purchase out of pocket without a RX and no insurance is involved... is price a consideration? Where are you looking to purchase a machine from?

If I were going to be self treating I would want a machine that offers auto pressure titrating ability along with easily obtainable software that would give me lots of easy to understand data to help me understand.
ResMed and Respironics fits that software requirement that I would have. DeVilbiss has software available ($150) and the forum member who has developed SleepyHead software (works on ResMed and Respironics machines) is also working on getting SleepyHead to work on DeVilbiss machines. I haven't seen what DeVilbiss data might be in SleepyHead but I have seen the reports from the DeVilbiss software and I don't find it quite as easy to follow but that is me.. DeVilbiss users like it, use it and are quite happy with it.

Buying from Craigslist? Don't get an old machine (as in model) because even if they do collect full data they often need expensive an/or nearly impossible card readers to use the software.
So I would stick with latest technology machines that use a SD card to gather data to eliminate need for card reader.

On Craigslist your most common brands of new machines will be Respironics and Resmed. New as in technology but might have a few hours of use. Nothing wrong with used. So I would concentrate on either the
ResMed S9 AutoSet or Respironics PR System One Remstar Auto CPAP with AFlex.
Both are auto titrating machines (variable pressure APAPs and can also be used in straight cpap mode so 3 machines in one)
Both have easily obtainable and easily understood free software from the manufacturer and also SleepyHead.
Both would give you excellent therapy.

I own the PR System One Auto CPAP and prior to buying it last spring I had the older model in the M Series.
Obviously I liked Respironics or I wouldn't have bought a new one last spring.

Recently I have had the opportunity to try a ResMed machine (never used one before now) and I can tell you that I like it just as well as the Respironics machine. There are some differences in both that are nice but not necessarily making one SOOOO much better than the other...just different.

If price is a factor you will find the PR S1 machines a less expensive than the comparable model in ResMed brand.

If I had a chance to get a good deal on a ResMed machine.... I like it well enough to purchase one.
If I had a chance to get a good deal on another Respironics machine...I like it well enough to purchase one again.
I would be happy with either or both. So I am split...

I've used many models of both the major brands (ResMed and Respironics, now Philips Respironics) as well as the CPAP model of several other brands.

I like my ResMed and Respironics (Philips Respironics) machines equally well, for different reasons. Both brands and the different models I've used within those two brands treat me equally well.

I'd buy either brand again.

Never had the chance to demo a Resmed machine & really don't feel the need. the three Respironics/PR machines are doing a fine job . Have bought 2 out of pocket, post VA

msradar65 wrote:resmed s9 autoset with climate line

yes, I would buy it again

Ditto

I use the Resmed VPAP adapt and I absolutely love it! It's a lot more expensive, but in my opinion, it's worth every penny.

Jim

rested gal wrote:I've used many models of both the major brands (ResMed and Respironics, now Philips Respironics) as well as the CPAP model of several other brands.

I like my ResMed and Respironics (Philips Respironics) machines equally well, for different reasons. Both brands and the different models I've used within those two brands treat me equally well.

I'd buy either brand again.

Hi rested gal,

Which is your primary machine and why ?

I believe I may be eligible for a new machine and have liked my Respironics Remstar Auto.

I need an AutoPap, Data Recording with Software available and, of course, a machine on which "I" can change the settings.

What is the usual time between machine replacements that most insurance companies allow ? 5 years ?

Thanks, Tim

pratzert wrote:Hi rested gal,

Obviously I am not Rested Gal. I just wanted to let you know that she is on vacation and will not be on the forum till she gets back sometime this coming weekend. So she will not see this and it likely will move off the page. You might want to send her a private message with your question or bump this thread back to top of the page this weekend.

Replacement time for having insurance pay for a new machine? Depends on the insurance of course. Usual time frame is 5 years but you would need to check with your insurance company directly for exact time frame and requirements. Some insurance is less than 5 years and some insurance is only if machine is not fixable no matter what the age.

If you want to stay with Respironics because you like the way it feels then look at the machine that I have shown in my profile. It is APAP and software is easily available...look in my signature for links and options.
ResMed S9 AutoSet...would be the comparable machine in ResMed line. Software is easily available for it also. SleepyHead will work with it and the PR S1 machines. ResScan is easily available.

Using the software eliminates the need for the onscreen data...ResMed beats Respironics hands down on that regard. If you happen to like a lot of added moisture with the humidifier and you battle rain out a lot then you probably would appreciate the heated hose option in ResMed but Respironics is also coming out with a heated hose machine. I think it is now available in limited areas but my DME knows about it and normally he is the last to know so I expect it won't be long before widely available.

I have used both brands...Recent ResMed trial for 3 weeks and Respironics since I started therapy.
I did very well on both machines and pretty much liked each one equally. Each one has a couple of added pros as well as cons.

Hi Pugsy !

Thank you very much for the very detailed info.

It helps a LOT in deciding wehich machine to get this time around.

I have Cigna Insuracne and CRAPRIA is their DME provider. Although I think they have actually switched to CareCentrix who, in turn, is allowing Crapria to be a sub-contractor.

Neither of them are any good.

I posed the timetable question because Crapria told me that I am eligible for a "new" machine. But as we all know, they lie.. a LOT.

It's been 5 years for me, so I think I should be OK.

I'll be purchasing the machine myself from CPAP.com and putting in for reimbursement from Cigna. I'll have to pay 60% out pocket like I did last time I bought the machine, but I would be willing to pay 100% just to avoid having to deal with Crapria.

I'll try Laura again when she gets back.

Thanks again.

Regards, Tim

I've had several Resmed S8 machines, Elite, Autoset II, and now the VPAP Auto 25. I recently picked up an IntelliPAP Auto on sale to use for travel. But I like it so well and seem to do a lot better with the IntelliPAP's algorithm, so I've put the Resmed in the closet. I'd buy the IntelliPAP again in a heartbeat. It's very small and quiet, packs nicely in a very small bag, and the humidifier works well. I also like the slide-in/out chamber. Further, the SmartLink Desktop software has worked flawlessly in the two months or so I've had this setup. ResScan is fussy, particularly with the S8's smartcard reader. But it gets the job done.

twokatmew,

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it

I'll gave that unit some consideration.

Tim

Thank you for the information, twokatmew. I am planning to purchase a travel machine that will also serve as a backup. I am leaning toward the Intellipap Auto, since they're priced on line for a little over $400, including the heated humidifier, compared to over a grand for an S9 Autoset. Seems to me to be a no brainer for someone with no insurance wanting a top data-capable automatic.

I have always used Respironics machines (now Philips Respironics). I had a straight cpap, then an M Series Auto and now a PR System One Auto. They gave me good therapy. I've been on cpap therapy for about 10 years.

About a year ago I bought an Intellipap AutoAdjust and software, just because. I used it for a time and then went back to the System One. At the end of November 2011, I began to use the Intellipap full time again just to make sure it was available as backup. I did some adjusting of the SmartFlex and the Rounding features and I found that I really liked it - better than the PR System One. Early in the new year, cpap.com had them on sale so I picked up another intellipap AutoAdjust. This new one is even quieter than the older one I have. The older one will be a backup as will the PR System One but the way my therapy is going, I expect to stay with the Intellipap.

I expect any fully data capable machine will give very good therapy. I have never used a Resmed. It becomes a matter of choice. For me, right now, it's the Intellipap AutoAdjust.