Should I consider another device?

[MarkWill]

When I collected the results of my sleep study there was a rather convenient process after I met with the doctor. Right into the next room, demo the CPAP device I was going to use (AirSense 10 AutoSet with nasal pillows - who names this stuff?!!) and out I went.

As I mentioned in another thread, my insurance company won't pay for the machine as a purchase until three months, which is frustrating because I will be back into my deductible for the new year. They do cover the rental cost ($175 per month). For now, then, I don't have a lot out of pocket, until next year. However, I always like to be sure I am getting decent equipment, especially something like this which I will be using so regularly.

With this in mind, I am going to start researching CPAP devices. The device above is the easy choice, since it's the one I am using and so will get to know. But I am really not sure what else to look for in a CPAP device and don't want to settle on this one merely because it was the one the sleep study place happens to push. There was reference to the DreamStation and Icon and I will look at those.

Something caught my eye on another thread though someone mentioned something along the lines that the AirSense 10 (didn't specifically say AutoSet, Elite, etc) didn't capture a great deal of data. Obviously I won't make my decision on this alone but I am curious to know if there are other devices that store/report a richer set of data. Anyone have any comparative sense of how well the AirSense 10 AutoSet stacks up with the competition?

Thanks.

Mark

[Julie]

You're using the top of the line for your diagnosis... anything more would be overkill and unnecessary... anything 'more' would be prescribed only for people with more severe problems and inability to benefit from plain C- or Apap and would not give you more of an advantage from your viewpoint... you would not feel differently when using it otherwise. And you would not get more useful data.

[LSAT]

Listen to Julie.......+1

[Pugsy]

In terms of data collected the ResMed machine pretty much is the top of the line.
The Respironics machines collect the same data but on a couple of items present the results a little differently but not necessarily better.
The F & P Icon would never even be considered by me. Not as much data and not as easy to see and the F & P software is a nightmare to use.

You've got a machine that is pretty much considered the best in the market.
ResMed does make some dataless bricks or a half assed brick with extremely limited data...but the AutoSet isn't one of those.

[robysue]

Something caught my eye on another thread though someone mentioned something along the lines that the AirSense 10 (didn't specifically say AutoSet, Elite, etc) didn't capture a great deal of data. Obviously I won't make my decision on this alone but I am curious to know if there are other devices that store/report a richer set of data. Anyone have any comparative sense of how well the AirSense 10 AutoSet stacks up with the competition?

Just to clarify for newbies out there:

There are several models in the Resmed AirSense 10 line:

• The AirSense 10 CPAP that has NO other name on it is a brick---i.e. it does not record full efficacy data
• The AirSense 10 Elite CPAP is a fixed pressure CPAP that does record full efficacy data
• The AirSense 10 AutoSet is an APAP that records full efficacy data and can run in either APAP or CPAP mode
• The AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her is an APAP that records full efficacy data. This machine has two different APAP modes. The "For Her" mode responds more aggressively to flow limitations and RERAs since these are often more of a problem for females with OSA.

I also want to add this:

Resmed also makes a line of PAP machines called the AirStart 10. There is both a CPAP and an APAP in this line and they are both BRICKs---as in they do NOT record any useful data. If you are a newbie, you should avoid any Resmed machine that is called an AirSTART instead of an AirSense

[Pugsy]

Just to clarify for newbies out there:

And to further clarify things...ResMed just released a line of base models with no data and not heated hose capable called the AirStart line...and they have a brick APAP in that line.
No data at all..not even generic AHI.
So now we have to add "don't accept anything with AirStart in the model name" when we are talking about ResMed machines.
They are cheap though...especially for Resmed. Released probably to compete with the not so well known cheaper brands.

[robysue]

Just to clarify for newbies out there:

And to further clarify things...ResMed just released a line of base models with no data and not heated hose capable called the AirStart line...and they have a brick APAP in that line.
No data at all..not even generic AHI.

*sheesh* This is just as bad as the old PR System One PLUS (brick) vs. the PR System One PRO (non-brick) naming convention was.

Sometimes I think there really is a giant conspiracy to see how many people they can keep totally in the dark.

So now we have to add "don't accept anything with AirStart in the model name" when we are talking about ResMed machines.
They are cheap though...especially for Resmed. Released probably to compete with the not so well known cheaper brands.

Undoubtably that's why they've released the AirStarts.

[chunkyfrog]

Note the run hours on the Airsense 10 Autoset.
If this machine is new, ask the vendor if your rental will apply to purchase of THAT machine.
If the machine has some mileage on it, ask if you can get a "used" price.
I would rather have a gently used Autoset than a brand new BRICK!
Oh, HELL yes!

[MarkWill]

Thanks for all the responses. Seems like I pretty much have a high-end device so I'm good with that then.

I was handed a brand new device (opened it all in the office). However, this a rental with the option to purchase from them after my three months trial is up. That said, they want to charge me $1,000 which even they seem to accept is over the odds. The chap I spoke with recommended I get it online, but insurance company says they will only cover it if I buy in-network. So, more fun and games coming with that decision later.

Thanks again.

Mark