Seeking advice - need new CPAP

[DPBernard]

Around 1991 I was diagnosed with OSA and began CPAP therapy. I am a highly compliant user with generally < 5 nights / year when I do not sleep with the CPAP on. So I have in the neighborhood of 25 years experience wearing CPAP and lugging it around the world for business travel.

My current machine is malfunctioning and probably unsafe to use. So I recently had a repeat sleep study and am now preparing to purchase (out of pocket) a new CPAP/BiPAP and humidifier. Since it has been probably 6-8 years since I last looked at available producers and their equipment I thought I would begin my search by reaching out to this community for advice on two topics:

1) recommendations for "best-in-class," modern, portable (small, light?!) yet rugged machines.

I am also looking for suggestions as to:

2) where can I donate my used humidifier and unused CPAP supplies (e.g., filters, headgear, silicone facemask).

Thank you!!
David

[bwexler]

There are only two major brands I would consider, Resmed and Phillips Resperonics.
You will need to look at your sleep study results to determine whether you need APAP, BiLevel or ASV. There can be a significant price spread as you move up the scale.
In the Resmed line you would look at the Airsense 10 Autoset for Her or the Aircurve line for BiLevel. Yes, I know you are not a her, just trust me on this one.
In the PR line it would be Dreamstation. Sorry, these are fairly new and I can't tell you much about the different models but our host can and will go into great detail on all of them.

If cost is an issue you can look at last years models Resmed S9 Autoset or PRS1 560 or 760 models which are still available at discount prices. They are all generally as good as the new year models minus cosmetics and a few subtle changes which are only important if they happen to solve an obscure issue for you.

[Cathyann]

Hi David, after deciding on the make/model you're interested in, do a google search if looking to buy online. The prices can really vary between retailers.

Sorry I'm no help at recommendations but I wanted to chime in since I bought mine out of pocket as well.

[ChicagoGranny]

I recently had a repeat sleep study

What was your diagnosis and prescribed therapy (machine settings, mask)?

[DPBernard]

I recently had a repeat sleep study

What was your diagnosis and prescribed therapy (machine settings, mask)?

13cmH2O, bipap, same full-face mask as currently use (Resmed Mirage Quattro) only switch from a Med to Small size.

My query here is primarily focused on the CPAP machine, per se. Specifically I am looking for a solid, reliable "bare bones" machine that gets the job done.

Many thanks for your interest and help!

David

[palerider]

My query here is primarily focused on the CPAP machine, per se. Specifically I am looking for a solid, reliable "bare bones" machine that gets the job done.

sounds like you want to nick one of wulfman's breadloafs.

[OkyDoky]

13cmH2O, bipap

Bipap is Respironics bilevel machine and the prescription would have 2 pressures and Inhale (IPAP) and Exhale (EPAP). And you have one pressure listed so that looks like a fixed CPAP pressure. If you have a fixed single pressure I still would get an APAP machine because it can be run in either fixed CPAP Mode or APAP mode and since you will have it for several years it might come in handy if you start to have problems and need see if a pressure change is needed. A CPAP machine can only be run in fixed CPAP Mode. The most important thing is to get a full data machine. Here is a link that will help. Do not get a machine that has a red NO. https://sleep.tnet.com/cmd
I also would want to stick with the 2 major manufactures Respironics or ResMed. The Airsense 10 Autoset For Her model actually has a third mode (APAP, CPAP, Auto For Her) which can also be beneficial for men.

[ChicagoGranny]

13cmH2O, bipap

BiPAPs are expensive because they are capable of delivering different pressures for inhale and exhale. So, either you don't need a BiPAP, or you have misstated your prescribed pressure.

[Sleeprider]

I recently had a repeat sleep study

What was your diagnosis and prescribed therapy (machine settings, mask)?

13cmH2O, bipap, same full-face mask as currently use (Resmed Mirage Quattro) only switch from a Med to Small size.

My query here is primarily focused on the CPAP machine, per se. Specifically I am looking for a solid, reliable "bare bones" machine that gets the job done.

Many thanks for your interest and help!

David

David, I think you should forget the "BiPAP" as you apparently don't need it, and it will cost a lot more. You can get exhale pressure relief (EPR) with the Resmed machines. Either the Resmed S9 Autoset or Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset will be great machines. They are far from bare-bones, and will serve your needs whether you configure them for auto CPAP or fixed CPAP. The Philips Respironics Remstar Auto is available in the older System One 60 Series, or the new Dreamstation Auto. You will pay less for the older models.

For good prices, check out http://www.secondwindcpap.com they have new and used machines with warranties. You may also find some DMEs are selling on Amazon.

Toss your old equipment. No one deserves stuff that old and obsolete. There is a lot of good equipment in the charity marketplace that is newer. Most charities are not equipped to dispense prescription equipment anyway.

[DPBernard]

Very much appreciate all the information and advice from the community.

Am now in the process of narrowing the list of candidates and will post the results of my comparisons and final choice.

Thank you!

[palerider]

BiPAPs are expensive because they are capable of delivering different pressures for inhale and exhale.

BiPAPs are expensive because the manufacturers figure they can charge more for them. they're the same on the inside as a brick.