Respironics M Series CPAP Machine Interview
Product Overview
Introduction To The M Series Plus CPAP Machine
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The REMstar Plus M Series with C-Flex offers optional integrated humidification, optional Encore Pro SmartCard capability for basic compliance reporting, lighted controls, an easy-to-read display and the comfort of C-Flex.
The REMstar Plus sports a small, sleek device and case, a less obtrusive profile with tubing connected in the back and a "hidden" water chamber.
The plus offers lighted primary touch controls for power, ramp, and C-Flex as well as a LCD display and controls for advanced reporting and set up.
cpap.com's Respironics M Series Plus with Heated Humidifier Product Page
mseries.respironics.com
Respironics Introduction and Background
History
Founded in 1976, Respironics is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of innovative
products and programs that serve the global sleep and respiratory markets. The Homecare Division
is recognized worldwide for its continuous stream of medical innovations and advancements in the
management of sleep disorders, integrating state-of-the-art technology in diagnostics, therapy
and monitoring with strategic programs to help homecare providers and sleep centers care for
patients efficiently and cost-effectively.
Respironics markets its products in over 125 countries and employs more than 3,400 associates
worldwide.
Respironics Homepage
Innovations
Respironics has demonstrated its dedication to the sleep therapy market with a proven track record of innovation and responsiveness to market needs. Widely considered a global leader in sleep therapy, Respironics introduced the first commercially available CPAP device in 1985 and was first to the market with BiPAP® bi-level therapy in 1989. Since then, many generations of increasingly advanced therapy devices and patient interfaces have been released. The company's latest technological introduction to the sleep therapy marketplace is C-Flex™.
The Interview
M Series Roll Out
Q: Why has Respironics decided on a staggered roll out?
A:
The M Series Plaform represents a new generation of sleep systems that will replace the entire line of REMstar CPAP and BIPAP devices. The new platform is designed with many important features that extend to all models and deliver the key benefits of the new generation platform; benefits such as ease of use, sleek, less medical looking design and fit with users lifestyle for mobility and comfort.
At the same time, each model has unique specifications and benefits that meet the differing needs of our broad customer base. Essentially, the release of the new generation platform involves the conversion of over 10 different models to a consolidated line of 6 models. A staged roll out enables Respironics to educate our customers about both the standard and unique features of each model in the M Series family and to enable a clear and easy transition for customers moving from our legacy to our new M Series platform.
Q: Why was the heated humidifier not launched with the Plus?
A: Water and electronics present a challenging mix with any type of mechanics. We wanted to be absolutely certain that our testing goals and results were 100% complete before releasing the humidifier. This required an additional few weeks to complete. In the meantime, the market was asking for the M Series device and we wanted to deliver to meet the specific needs for therapy without humidification.
Q: When will the M Series Pro be released? How about the M Series Auto?
A: We are targeting an early summer time frame for a launch in the US market.
Q: Will there be a M Series BiPAP? Please describe it.
A: As mentioned earlier, our goal is to have a single platform (M Series) for all CPAP and BiPAP devices.
Q: Will there be a M Series BiPAP ST? Please describe it.
A: We are focusing our efforts on completing the sleep systems at this time. We cannot comment on the ventilation products at this time.
M Series Plus C-Flex CPAP
Q: What makes this machine better in it's niche than your competitors? What makes it better than the old REMstar Plus?
A: The goal of the M Series new generation CPAP platform is to give users more of what they want in a sleep system and to improve the acceptance, comfort and results from their sleep therapy. With this clear focus and objective, we redesigned the entire family of REMstar sleep systems to provide many unique benefits for patients and clinicians that go well beyond a smaller size. The result is a family of devices that's less medical looking, easier to use and more in tune with users lifestyles.
On the surface, this new design starts with consumer appeal. We've made the device smaller and sleeker to better fit the sleep environment. And we've moved the tubing to the back of the device for a less obtrusive profile.
In another move to be user-friendly, the REMstar M Series sleep systems have a unique two-level interface. The first level includes three distinct lighted touch controls for everyday functions including power, ramp and C-Flex. The second level includes a covered LCD display and controls for advanced reporting and setup.
The focus on ease-of-use carries over to the redesigned humidification chamber. It features a new easy-turn dial for more precise humidification adjustment in the dark. And the new “hidden†water chamber is easier to remove, fill and replace.
While the new platform represents an extensive change in design, the most important feature to deliver comfort and improve adherence has not changed – C-Flex. C-Flex is our patented technology that enhances traditional CPAP by reducing the pressure at the beginning of exhalation – a time when patients are most often uncomfortable with CPAP, and returning to therapeutic pressure by the end of exhalation. The amount of pressure relief is customized by a patient's natural flow of breathing and the C-Flex setting that is self-selected. Delivering the right level of pressure relief when patients need it makes therapy more natural and more comfortable.
Like our legacy platform, the REMstar M Series platform also includes SmartCard technology that is partnered with our Encore Pro reporting software to enable clinicans to manage patients and improve their therapy results through compliance reporting and assessment tools.
Our new REMstar M Series of devices represents a coming together of our best technologies; Appealing and easy to use design with the comfort of C-Flex and integrated humidification and SmartCard data download capabilities.
Q: What comes in the box when I order a M Series Plus?
A: The REMstar Plus M Series system includes the following items
- REMstar Plus M Series Device
- 6 ft Flexible Tubing with 360° swivel
- Carrying case with padded shoulder strap
- Power supply
- AC Power cord (3ft)
- Reusable gray foam filter
- Disposable ultra-fine filter
- Patient User Manual
- Provider Quick Set up Guide
- Integrated heated humidifier (if ordered)
- Integrated SmartCard module (if ordered)
Q: What is the exact weight of the unit alone? The unit with the heated humidifier? The unit, heated humidifier and all power cords?
A: Unit alone weighs 2.2 pounds. Unit with humidifier weighs 4.4 pounds. Unit with humidifier and power cords weighs 5.2 pounds.
Q: The older model Plus does not have C-Flex and this one does. Why has Respironics decided to push C-Flex into your more basic machines?
A: Respironics is committed to enabling better outcomes for patients. Compliance is directly related to improved health outcomes for patients and C-Flex technology is clinically proven to increase patient compliance and satisfaction with their CPAP therapy.
With the introduction of REMstar M Series, we have streamlined our CPAP platform to include four offerings, three of which include C-Flex. Note, previously, the Legacy REMstar Plus was available with and without C-Flex. M Series models include:
- REMstar (coming soon): No c-flex with phone in compliance
- REMstar Plus (available): C-Flex and optional download compliance on basic patterns of use
- REMstar Pro (coming soon): C-Flex and download compliance with therapy data including AHI, Snore and Leak
- REMstar Auto (coming soon): Auto CPAP with C-Flex and download compliance with therapy data including AHI, Snore and Leak
Q: Why was the air outlet moved to the back of the M Series Plus?
A: In our extensive research to understand what patients wanted with their CPAP devices, the overwhelming need was to remove the elements that screamed medical device. One of these elements was the tubing. By connecting it to the back, tubing is better concealed without compromising its functionality. We have also added a unique 360° swivel that may be used to connect the tubing to the device. The swivel allows for easier movement during sleep.
This same approach was applied to the humidifier chamber which is now hidden in its own compartment.
Q: Does the Plus adjust automatically for altitude? Will the Pro?
A: The REMstar Plus offers three levels of Alititude adjustment which must be set manually.
The REMstar Pro offers automatic altitude adjustment.
Q: What differences are there between the M Series Plus and the M Series Pro?
A: The key differences between the REMStar Plus and Pro include:
- Altitude adjustment – Plus) Manual and Pro) Automatic
- Download Compliance – Plus) Optional with basic patterns of use, and Pro) Standard with Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), Snore and Leak therapy data along with patterns of use.
M Series Humidifier
Q: Does this machines carrying case hold both the CPAP and the Heated Humidifier?
A: The standard carrying case provided with the device holds the entire system including tubing and mask accessories. Respironics also provides travel accessories to protect your CPAP and mask accessories when transporting in a suitcase. These accessories are optional and available through a homecare provider.
Q: Are the heated humidifier chambers disposable or reusable? How long do they last?
A: The heated humidifier chambers are reusable and may last up to 12 months with proper use and cleaning.
Q: How does the heated humidifier attach to the CPAP?
A: The Device slides into and connects into a port on the humidifier. It is a simple and easy process to assemble and disassemble the unit from the humidifier.
Software and Data Cards
Q: What versions of Encore Pro software function with M Series? Are upgrades provided free of charge?
A: The M Series is compatible with the newest version of Encore Pro software, v1.6i. Upgrades are provided free of charge to existing Encore customers. [cpaptalk.com Note: Upgrades require a username and password provided only to Sleep Lab and DME software users.]
Q: Are there differences between the data the Plus collects and the data the Pro and Auto will collect? What are they?
A: Yes, the key difference is therapy data. The Plus collects and reports on basic patterns of use including total therapy hours, number of blower hours and % of time on therapy.
The Pro and Auto reports patterns of use and more advanced therapy data including Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), Snore and Leak. AHI, Snore and Leak data help clinicians verify the efficacy of the therapy provided and help them to quickly identify root causes of many patient issues such as inadequate pressure levels and mask leak.
Q: Which M Series machines will function with the smart card module?
A: The REMstar Plus, Pro and Auto all function with a SmartCard module. The module comes standard with the Pro and Auto and is optional with the REMstar Plus.
Q: Can the M Series Heated Humidifier be used on its own without the CPAP? If not, are the humidifier controls built into the CPAP like they are on the REMstar CPAPs?
A: The heated humidifier cannot be used on its own without the CPAP. The humidifier power is activated by the blower. Once the blower is turned on, the humidifier is activated and can be set to six different settings, 0-5 with 0 being no humidification (off). The easy turn dial is built into the humidifier unit.
Power
Q: When running both the machine and the heated humidifier, how many cords plug into the wall? Are individual cords needed for both the humidifier and the machine or is there one power slot for the whole rig?
A: The device and humidifier have different power cords that connect to an external power supply, however, only one power cord plugs into the wall.
Q: Can the M Series machines run off of the Respironics Battery Pack while using the heated humidifier?
A: The Battery pack provides power to the device. It does not provide enough power to enable heated humidification.
Q: Does this unit have a DC connection? Is the heated humidifier DC compatible?
A: The unit has a direct DC connection. The humidifier runs on AC power and requires a DC/AC converster to run from a DC source.
Miscellaneous
Q: The Resmed S8 series line is colorful and it's menu is pronounced. The M Series line is sleek, black and much of it's menu is hidden under a flip top. Is it fair to say that the M Series was designed to blend in? Why have you adopted this strategy? How do you feel it stacks up against Resmed's design strategy?
A: . In our extensive research to understand what patients wanted with their CPAP devices, the overwhelming need was to improve the appearance of the device to be less medical looking. We accomplished this by making those features that screamed medical device less obtrusive. Examples include the tubing and the humidifier chamber. The smooth, sleek box is designed to resemble other common electronic equipment you might find on a nightstand such as a clock radio.
Q: Does this CPAP machine take the REMstar foam and fine filters or another kind?
A: The REMstar M Series platform requires new, smaller filters including reusable foam filters and disposable filters for fine particles. A foam filter is installed in the device. A replacement set of foam and fine particle filters is also packaged with the device.
About The Interview
We are proud to provide the cpaptalk community with a means to communicate with the manufacturers of the newest and most innovative CPAP equipment. We have made an effort to keep questions posted by our community members in as close to their original form as possible, however, some gramatical and structural changes to community questions have been made in an attempt to improve the clarity and capture the spirit of the question. User questions, in their exact and originally posted form, can be found on cpaptalk's "Request for Questions" thread. We thank each and every one of you for your involvement in this process and look forward to gathering your questions for future interviews soon!
Thank You
A very special thanks to the cpaptalk users who participated in this interview.
SleepDaddy, 2hands4u, guest2000, Flyboy, gerry, Monica2344, CPAPEXPERT, Titrator, cbrownisfunky, fujiinator, Midnight Son, imacpappro, beckjelly, rested gal, ThStoddart, Ric, laurel, Snoozin' Bluezzz