Thanks Chuck, for taking a leadership position on this topic and voicing your concern. I also temper my conclusions on various topics wondering about any hidden motives on the part of the poster, especially if they seem overly strident and bombastic regarding any manufacturer or view that differs from theirs.
I happen to use a Resmed Vantage which I am extremely happy with, not because I love Resmed as a company but because their product treats my sleep apnea especially well. For all I know, a Respironics device would work well too, maybe even better, but thus far I have not bought a Respironics Auto to compare it to. Maybe I will some day. I do enjoy the human factors engineering that goes into the Resmed Vantage, and I know that it in this area Resmed is superior to Respironics. But this is not important to everyone. It is extremely important to me. To me when a company sweats the little details, they also take care of the more important areas, like the efficacy of the algorithm and the reliability of the device. Their software, which is not as good as Respironics, is sufficient for me and provides me with what I need. All this niggling over my A is better than your B seems to me a waste of time and is sometimes ego-driven. The enemy is sleep apnea, not whose device you use.
When all is said and done, I pay attention to those posters who have earned my trust and admiration, people like yourself and Rested Gal, SWS, and Hawkeye, Goofproof, dsm, Wulfman and countless others who reply with impartial findings to try and improve a condition that all of us wish we didn't have, but have to make the best of. If something I post makes one person's ability to cope with sleep apnea even a little bit better, then I am happy and have succeeded in the reason I post to this forum. We're all in this together, whether we use company A or company B.
An Open Note regarding Integrity
Chuck,
I just came across this thread and thanks for the thoughtful comments on this issue & for your support.
Let me say that after I made my last post in that other thread I have not been back as it was clear as glass to me what was going to come next so I have no idea what was added afterwards (I will look in a weeks time - unless someone tells me to avoid it.
What I am disappointed about is that a lot of good discussion points were made in that thread but now seem to have been buried.
I agree with Bill too that long ago (well before Resmed goofed in their PR), I came to the conclusion that bagging Resmed was ok here but say one work of criticism about Respironics hardware & software & one quickly learns the meaning of 'guest attack'.
My fav Auto is the Remstar Auto with cflex & I have sung the praises of that machine from the day I bought it (still have in). I have just bought a Bipap Auto based on the glowing praise from so many here. I have a Resmed Vpap III and I am very happy with it but my wife isn't. I have tried Bipap Pro 2 (2) and Bipap S/T and still can't get these to deliver smooth cycling & I have really tried.
I have used a PB420S & really liked it - sold it to a close friend because I was so confident it would meet her needs. I have also used a S8 Escape & it is a great travel machine. My fav machine of all is a PB330 but it doesn't record nightly data. Rested Gal advised me of that way back & she was spot on. But I do like so many other features about it.
I believe we all have the right here to discuss the good & bad points about all these machines as it is 100% clear that the truth will eventually bubble to the surface should any one or party try to manipulate the discussion of particular machines / software.
I have recently purchased all major types of masks and am working my way through trying them. I will give my honest opinion on these as I found them & do hope people take these opinions for what they are.
In conclusion, this site is a great place. I fully understand that Johnny is running a business & know that that at times may place him at odds with some developments on this site but I trust he sees the great value in attracting people here through vibrant & well intentioned discussions.
It is a fact that I have a high level of distain for anon/guest posters buying in to 'emotive discussions' - I am proud of my id and won't shrink for saying what I believe.
If I can improve the lot of others through passing on what I learn and observe I am more than happy.
Thanks
DSM
#2 added after additional thinking on this particylar issue.
I consider it a reality here that *any* discussion of problems with Respironics machines by anyone who has any credibility to do so, gets squahed almost immediately by a variety of tactics. People even attempting discussion on what might be a problem get told they have essentially "no right" to make any criticism.
I am so cynical on this particular matter that I am in little doubt that even me say this will attract criticism. (Daring to raise the issue of criticising Respironics).
People who don't think this happens here are either too new or haven't ever tried to explore a possible problem that fits with the above comment.
....
D
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, resmed, bipap, cflex, auto, Travel
I just came across this thread and thanks for the thoughtful comments on this issue & for your support.
Let me say that after I made my last post in that other thread I have not been back as it was clear as glass to me what was going to come next so I have no idea what was added afterwards (I will look in a weeks time - unless someone tells me to avoid it.
What I am disappointed about is that a lot of good discussion points were made in that thread but now seem to have been buried.
I agree with Bill too that long ago (well before Resmed goofed in their PR), I came to the conclusion that bagging Resmed was ok here but say one work of criticism about Respironics hardware & software & one quickly learns the meaning of 'guest attack'.
My fav Auto is the Remstar Auto with cflex & I have sung the praises of that machine from the day I bought it (still have in). I have just bought a Bipap Auto based on the glowing praise from so many here. I have a Resmed Vpap III and I am very happy with it but my wife isn't. I have tried Bipap Pro 2 (2) and Bipap S/T and still can't get these to deliver smooth cycling & I have really tried.
I have used a PB420S & really liked it - sold it to a close friend because I was so confident it would meet her needs. I have also used a S8 Escape & it is a great travel machine. My fav machine of all is a PB330 but it doesn't record nightly data. Rested Gal advised me of that way back & she was spot on. But I do like so many other features about it.
I believe we all have the right here to discuss the good & bad points about all these machines as it is 100% clear that the truth will eventually bubble to the surface should any one or party try to manipulate the discussion of particular machines / software.
I have recently purchased all major types of masks and am working my way through trying them. I will give my honest opinion on these as I found them & do hope people take these opinions for what they are.
In conclusion, this site is a great place. I fully understand that Johnny is running a business & know that that at times may place him at odds with some developments on this site but I trust he sees the great value in attracting people here through vibrant & well intentioned discussions.
It is a fact that I have a high level of distain for anon/guest posters buying in to 'emotive discussions' - I am proud of my id and won't shrink for saying what I believe.
If I can improve the lot of others through passing on what I learn and observe I am more than happy.
Thanks
DSM
#2 added after additional thinking on this particylar issue.
I consider it a reality here that *any* discussion of problems with Respironics machines by anyone who has any credibility to do so, gets squahed almost immediately by a variety of tactics. People even attempting discussion on what might be a problem get told they have essentially "no right" to make any criticism.
I am so cynical on this particular matter that I am in little doubt that even me say this will attract criticism. (Daring to raise the issue of criticising Respironics).
People who don't think this happens here are either too new or haven't ever tried to explore a possible problem that fits with the above comment.
....
D
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, resmed, bipap, cflex, auto, Travel
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
DSM wrote: "I consider it a reality here that *any* discussion of problems with Respironics machines by anyone who has any credibility to do so, gets squahed almost immediately by a variety of tactics. People even attempting discussion on what might be a problem get told they have essentially "no right" to make any criticism."
DSM, I am new to this forum and getting ready to purchase a REMstar Auto. I would like to be made aware of any potential problems before they occur. Please point me to the posts where others have attempted to discuss problems with Respironics machines. I believe this would be helpful.
Thank you for your help.
DSM, I am new to this forum and getting ready to purchase a REMstar Auto. I would like to be made aware of any potential problems before they occur. Please point me to the posts where others have attempted to discuss problems with Respironics machines. I believe this would be helpful.
Thank you for your help.
Hi,
Since I am a newbie I was hesitant to respond to this thread but after thinking about it I felt it was important to express my feelings . I learn from the information you all generously give. Whether it is about CPAP's, APAP'S and Bipaps( Remstar, Resmed , etc). your thoughts on different masks, why you like them, why you don't. Because we are all individuals , no person will like everything the same. Reading this forum has given me insight on these products. It would not take a rocket scientist to tell that people were annoyed with Resmed in regard to internet sales. Would I let that change my decisions. I don't know. But I do know I still want to hear experiences about their products. I have always thought it is better to make an informed decision.
Seena
Since I am a newbie I was hesitant to respond to this thread but after thinking about it I felt it was important to express my feelings . I learn from the information you all generously give. Whether it is about CPAP's, APAP'S and Bipaps( Remstar, Resmed , etc). your thoughts on different masks, why you like them, why you don't. Because we are all individuals , no person will like everything the same. Reading this forum has given me insight on these products. It would not take a rocket scientist to tell that people were annoyed with Resmed in regard to internet sales. Would I let that change my decisions. I don't know. But I do know I still want to hear experiences about their products. I have always thought it is better to make an informed decision.
Seena
REMstar
Well, AWH...RIGHT!
Here's a brief synopsis:
1. Some here believe and/or have directly experienced that REMstars may be prone to "runaway" pressure titrations up to the full 20 cmh20, for reasons as yet undetermined. I have NOT experienced this with my REMstar Auto w/C-flex. Two users, Niighthawkeye and DSM are the most learned about this and you ought to correspond with them for further information regarding this;
2. Many here have complained about experiencing considerable difficulty in installing and using Respironic's VERY useful and comprehensive suite of software (EncorePro) for tracking and analyzing your response to treatment (useful only on REMstar Pro2 and Auto, and M series Pro and Auto. This software is intended for use by sleep clinics, sleep docs and DMEs and therefore, neither Resprionics nor CPAP.COM provide ANY support or assistance to end-users who purchase the software. I have NOT experienced any difficulty in either installation or use of EncorePro v1.5.77;
3. Some believe or have directly experienced the phenomenon that Respironic's auto-titration algorithm is slow to respond to sleep-disordered breathing events and therefore, does not provide effective treatment for them, in comparison to ResMed AutoSet machines which have an algorithm that responds VERY aggressively with a very sharp attack (rapid increase in pressure). I (and many others here), on the other hand, experienced that ResMed's sharp attack leads to arousals and awakenings that tend to fracture sleep and therefore, make treatment less effective than what I've experienced when I switchedfrom a ResMed S8 AutoSet VAntage to a REMstar Auto with its more temperate algoithm;
4. Virtually all here agree that monitoring efficacy data reported by machines capable of collecting it is an ESSENTIAL part of our ensuring the success of our treatment. REMstars require the purchase of the EncorePro software and a SmartCard reader, and the use of a Windows computer in order to do so. ResMed data capable machines (S8 Elite and S8 Vantage) report efficacy data directly on the unit's LCD display with just a few, simple keystrokes with NO need for software, card reader or even computer. However, ResMed's software suite (AutoScan v5.7) does not provide nearly as useful nor as comprehensive data as does Resprionic's EncorePro, in my opinion, and I've used both. It should be noted that the new Respironics M series Pro or Auto DOES report AHI and leak data on its LCD, but only in the form of 7 and 30 day averages, while the ResMeds report Pressure, leak, AHI, AI, and HI on their LCDs in nightly, weekly, monthly, six-monthly and yearly averages, at the touch of a few keys.;
5. The human factors design on Respironics machines, particularly prior to the new M series, is, IN MY OPINION, abyssmally primitive. They are BIG and ugly with hard to read, non-backlit, confusing LCD screens and reservoirs for the humidifier that are somewhat inconvenient to fill (ALL MY OPINIONS only). The human factors design on ResMeds is light-years ahead (again, my opinion) with a cute form factor and colors, and reservoir that opens to fill with the flip of a lid, a timed-backlight to a very easy to read dot-matrix display, all in a very compact, travel friendly package (all my opinions). The M series is somehat more user friendly than the older REMstars, but only very slightly (though I have NO direct experience with the M series). The older Respironics is VERY sturdily built, though some have reported relaibility problems, and is generally thought to be whisper quiet. The ResMeds are VERY slightly more noisy with a slightly higher pitched whine; and finally,
6. Respironics autos offer MOMENTARY exhalation pressure relief (C-flex) in both auto and constant (CPAP) modes. ResMed Autos offer Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) at exact pressure decrements of 1, 2 or 3cm (user selectable) that lasts for the ENTIRETY of the exhalation, but ONLY IN CONSTANT (CPAP) MODE. The actions of EPR however, is almost identical to the comfort afforded by a bi-level PAP, at a savings of nearly one half the cost of a bi-level, and many refer to the S8 Elite or S8 Vantage as "mini-biPaPs". I have NOT used EPR however, and I do find C-flex to be remarkably effective.
Hope this helps.
Chuck
Here's a brief synopsis:
1. Some here believe and/or have directly experienced that REMstars may be prone to "runaway" pressure titrations up to the full 20 cmh20, for reasons as yet undetermined. I have NOT experienced this with my REMstar Auto w/C-flex. Two users, Niighthawkeye and DSM are the most learned about this and you ought to correspond with them for further information regarding this;
2. Many here have complained about experiencing considerable difficulty in installing and using Respironic's VERY useful and comprehensive suite of software (EncorePro) for tracking and analyzing your response to treatment (useful only on REMstar Pro2 and Auto, and M series Pro and Auto. This software is intended for use by sleep clinics, sleep docs and DMEs and therefore, neither Resprionics nor CPAP.COM provide ANY support or assistance to end-users who purchase the software. I have NOT experienced any difficulty in either installation or use of EncorePro v1.5.77;
3. Some believe or have directly experienced the phenomenon that Respironic's auto-titration algorithm is slow to respond to sleep-disordered breathing events and therefore, does not provide effective treatment for them, in comparison to ResMed AutoSet machines which have an algorithm that responds VERY aggressively with a very sharp attack (rapid increase in pressure). I (and many others here), on the other hand, experienced that ResMed's sharp attack leads to arousals and awakenings that tend to fracture sleep and therefore, make treatment less effective than what I've experienced when I switchedfrom a ResMed S8 AutoSet VAntage to a REMstar Auto with its more temperate algoithm;
4. Virtually all here agree that monitoring efficacy data reported by machines capable of collecting it is an ESSENTIAL part of our ensuring the success of our treatment. REMstars require the purchase of the EncorePro software and a SmartCard reader, and the use of a Windows computer in order to do so. ResMed data capable machines (S8 Elite and S8 Vantage) report efficacy data directly on the unit's LCD display with just a few, simple keystrokes with NO need for software, card reader or even computer. However, ResMed's software suite (AutoScan v5.7) does not provide nearly as useful nor as comprehensive data as does Resprionic's EncorePro, in my opinion, and I've used both. It should be noted that the new Respironics M series Pro or Auto DOES report AHI and leak data on its LCD, but only in the form of 7 and 30 day averages, while the ResMeds report Pressure, leak, AHI, AI, and HI on their LCDs in nightly, weekly, monthly, six-monthly and yearly averages, at the touch of a few keys.;
5. The human factors design on Respironics machines, particularly prior to the new M series, is, IN MY OPINION, abyssmally primitive. They are BIG and ugly with hard to read, non-backlit, confusing LCD screens and reservoirs for the humidifier that are somewhat inconvenient to fill (ALL MY OPINIONS only). The human factors design on ResMeds is light-years ahead (again, my opinion) with a cute form factor and colors, and reservoir that opens to fill with the flip of a lid, a timed-backlight to a very easy to read dot-matrix display, all in a very compact, travel friendly package (all my opinions). The M series is somehat more user friendly than the older REMstars, but only very slightly (though I have NO direct experience with the M series). The older Respironics is VERY sturdily built, though some have reported relaibility problems, and is generally thought to be whisper quiet. The ResMeds are VERY slightly more noisy with a slightly higher pitched whine; and finally,
6. Respironics autos offer MOMENTARY exhalation pressure relief (C-flex) in both auto and constant (CPAP) modes. ResMed Autos offer Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) at exact pressure decrements of 1, 2 or 3cm (user selectable) that lasts for the ENTIRETY of the exhalation, but ONLY IN CONSTANT (CPAP) MODE. The actions of EPR however, is almost identical to the comfort afforded by a bi-level PAP, at a savings of nearly one half the cost of a bi-level, and many refer to the S8 Elite or S8 Vantage as "mini-biPaPs". I have NOT used EPR however, and I do find C-flex to be remarkably effective.
Hope this helps.
Chuck
People are dying every day in Darfur simply for who they are!!! PLEASE HELP THEM!
http://www.savedarfur.org
_______________________________
http://www.savedarfur.org
_______________________________
Great Job!
Wow, Chuck! That was a great summary of the issues. Very comprehensive and balanced, too.
...Moogy
...Moogy
Moogy
started bipap therapy 3/8/2006
pre-treatment AHI 102.5;
Now on my third auto bipap machine, pressures 16-20.5
started bipap therapy 3/8/2006
pre-treatment AHI 102.5;
Now on my third auto bipap machine, pressures 16-20.5
Thanks!!
Thanks Moog!!!
C
C
People are dying every day in Darfur simply for who they are!!! PLEASE HELP THEM!
http://www.savedarfur.org
_______________________________
http://www.savedarfur.org
_______________________________
Chuck,
Commendable summary and well said.
Re point 4 I am interested in your thoughts on MyEncore vs EncorePro.
Alisha,
Re the Remstar Auto. I can assure you you will get unanimous agreement here that this is a well built robust very quiet Auto machine. The runaway problem is minir and may be non-existant depending on how you set the machine up.
Limit your auto range to a max spread of 4 cms (2 above & 2 below your recommended titration & I doubt you will have any runaways (this does manifest itself more at the higher pressures - 14cms +). The PB420e also has a known runaway problem but there is a setting for that that seems to eliminate it.
In General...
My primary Respironics problem (apart from installing EncorePro), has been with the Bipap Pro 2 & the Bipap S/T (grey model) when I used them with a full face mask but every time I have attempted to discuss in any depth what I was observing (I am both a hardware & software engineer) the thread would usually and very quickly deteriorat in a stream of bickering, criticism & frustration & I would get rather annoyed at those who were trying to squash the discussion. Re my BiPaps, I bought 3 of these, 1 near new 0.3 hrs & 1 with several hundred hrs & the Bipap S/T pristine new. All had this same behaviour that no other Bilevel I own exhibits.
I even bought a very old Bipap S/T-D model - the 1st of this kind (only 400 hrs) - the pioneer model, and it works fine. There was a new featured added to the later Bipap models & all I ever wanted to do was to discuss the discrepancy that I was experiencing between the new & old & other brands and that I believed it related to this feature. The pressure for me to back off any discussion was always intense. I was well aware that other people using similar machines were reporting similar experiences to me & also that others were getting by ok. That alone told me that I needed to be very sure of what I was observing & why I ended up with 3 of them.
The kindest answer to any xpap machines problems or issues is that ...
1) There are none, it is us users that perhaps don't suit that machine. This is not an entirely unreasonable position to take but it *is*, if any discussion on the discrepancies between the machines gets attacked or squashed.
The more realistic line that I kept pushing was ...
2) That some machines do have design limitations & the manufacturers should let users/buyers know. If we believe we have found one it should be a valid topic for discussion not reaction.
If I as a buyer, know there are some limitations in a particular machine I want to know of them as I can then make a reasoned choice. I don't want to discover limitations after passing over a lot of dollars. I believe any reasonable person would understand and support such a view. I know of one manufacturer who issued a directive saying that their Auto would not work properly with a full face mask. That is what I call being responsible. They later added feature that overcame this limitation but didn't offer to replace the earlier model & that was no issue as they had published their warning.
DSM
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, bipap, Titration, auto
Commendable summary and well said.
Re point 4 I am interested in your thoughts on MyEncore vs EncorePro.
Alisha,
Re the Remstar Auto. I can assure you you will get unanimous agreement here that this is a well built robust very quiet Auto machine. The runaway problem is minir and may be non-existant depending on how you set the machine up.
Limit your auto range to a max spread of 4 cms (2 above & 2 below your recommended titration & I doubt you will have any runaways (this does manifest itself more at the higher pressures - 14cms +). The PB420e also has a known runaway problem but there is a setting for that that seems to eliminate it.
In General...
My primary Respironics problem (apart from installing EncorePro), has been with the Bipap Pro 2 & the Bipap S/T (grey model) when I used them with a full face mask but every time I have attempted to discuss in any depth what I was observing (I am both a hardware & software engineer) the thread would usually and very quickly deteriorat in a stream of bickering, criticism & frustration & I would get rather annoyed at those who were trying to squash the discussion. Re my BiPaps, I bought 3 of these, 1 near new 0.3 hrs & 1 with several hundred hrs & the Bipap S/T pristine new. All had this same behaviour that no other Bilevel I own exhibits.
I even bought a very old Bipap S/T-D model - the 1st of this kind (only 400 hrs) - the pioneer model, and it works fine. There was a new featured added to the later Bipap models & all I ever wanted to do was to discuss the discrepancy that I was experiencing between the new & old & other brands and that I believed it related to this feature. The pressure for me to back off any discussion was always intense. I was well aware that other people using similar machines were reporting similar experiences to me & also that others were getting by ok. That alone told me that I needed to be very sure of what I was observing & why I ended up with 3 of them.
The kindest answer to any xpap machines problems or issues is that ...
1) There are none, it is us users that perhaps don't suit that machine. This is not an entirely unreasonable position to take but it *is*, if any discussion on the discrepancies between the machines gets attacked or squashed.
The more realistic line that I kept pushing was ...
2) That some machines do have design limitations & the manufacturers should let users/buyers know. If we believe we have found one it should be a valid topic for discussion not reaction.
If I as a buyer, know there are some limitations in a particular machine I want to know of them as I can then make a reasoned choice. I don't want to discover limitations after passing over a lot of dollars. I believe any reasonable person would understand and support such a view. I know of one manufacturer who issued a directive saying that their Auto would not work properly with a full face mask. That is what I call being responsible. They later added feature that overcame this limitation but didn't offer to replace the earlier model & that was no issue as they had published their warning.
DSM
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, bipap, Titration, auto
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
I hope this thread doesn't scare away any potential Respironics buyers. My feeling is that not everyone will read everything written in this thread. Many newbies will only read the highlights and perhaps will come away with a negative feeling. And I'm not saying that the thread started with the intent to give negative thoughts.
I've owned two Respironics Autos. One with cflex and one without. I've never, ever had a problem with either one. I have no complaints whatsoever. True, I've not tried other machines. I'm just too pleased with the Respironics to switch.
How do you feel about your Respironics machine? Would you buy one again? I definitely would.
I've owned two Respironics Autos. One with cflex and one without. I've never, ever had a problem with either one. I have no complaints whatsoever. True, I've not tried other machines. I'm just too pleased with the Respironics to switch.
How do you feel about your Respironics machine? Would you buy one again? I definitely would.
_________________
| Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine |
| Humidifier: DreamStation Heated Humidifier |
| Additional Comments: Compliant since April 2003. (De-cap-itated Aura). |
-
Snoozin' Bluezzz
- Posts: 596
- Joined: Sat Mar 18, 2006 4:12 pm
- Location: Northeast Illinois
I for one would readily buy another Remstar. It has met my needs admirably. I have had no problems with software, no problems with reliability, no problems reading the LCD, no problems filling the humidifier, no problems changing and/or cleaning the filters, no problems with runaway pressures, no problems with the size or look and I have no requirement for "cute" things in my life.
I have had a bit of a problem with this thread and have remained reticent. It feels to me that fire was fought with fire and, to me, this is not helpful. The use of the word "cowardice" on any internet forum makes no sense to me at all. Cowardice is a strong and, to me, terrifically insulting word referring to very serious matters of life, death and human relations not to some interchange on an internet forum. Of course my take is entirely subjective.
It has been clear to me that one, or more, of our "guests" represent Respironics in some way (DME or Manufacturer). I have found comments from "guest/s" helpful at times and clearly defensive and less than forthright at others. I take what I like and leave the rest and consider it all with a grain of salt. For one, I am glad any representative is here and I understand that there might be some valid reasons for remaining anonymous.
I do believe that any one of these machines can save the life of an OSA sufferer and would be better than none at all. I also believe that each of these machines have pros and cons and the total efficacy of their therapeutic application to a given individual's OSA probably varies.
So, finally, I have offered my $.02 and I feel the need to sum up. Yelling at each other, being caustic and sarcastic without the wink and not being civil is just not helpful to anyone.
David
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, humidifier
I have had a bit of a problem with this thread and have remained reticent. It feels to me that fire was fought with fire and, to me, this is not helpful. The use of the word "cowardice" on any internet forum makes no sense to me at all. Cowardice is a strong and, to me, terrifically insulting word referring to very serious matters of life, death and human relations not to some interchange on an internet forum. Of course my take is entirely subjective.
It has been clear to me that one, or more, of our "guests" represent Respironics in some way (DME or Manufacturer). I have found comments from "guest/s" helpful at times and clearly defensive and less than forthright at others. I take what I like and leave the rest and consider it all with a grain of salt. For one, I am glad any representative is here and I understand that there might be some valid reasons for remaining anonymous.
I do believe that any one of these machines can save the life of an OSA sufferer and would be better than none at all. I also believe that each of these machines have pros and cons and the total efficacy of their therapeutic application to a given individual's OSA probably varies.
So, finally, I have offered my $.02 and I feel the need to sum up. Yelling at each other, being caustic and sarcastic without the wink and not being civil is just not helpful to anyone.
David
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, humidifier
Only go straight, don't know.
People get surprisingly combative when their buying decisions are questioned. I bought a new pickup truck earlier this year and never having owned one before I went to forums very similar to this one to get user opinions. You would be amazed at the level of flamewars that can erupt over a small truck!
People don't want to appear stupid, they especially don't want to be seen to have made a stupid or illinformed purchase of a big ticket item. That alone seems enough for them to wish to justify their purchasing decision if it is questioned by others.
Trust me Resmed vs Resprionics is like nothing compared to Tacoma vs Frontier, and let's never have the Mac vs PC debate!
People don't want to appear stupid, they especially don't want to be seen to have made a stupid or illinformed purchase of a big ticket item. That alone seems enough for them to wish to justify their purchasing decision if it is questioned by others.
Trust me Resmed vs Resprionics is like nothing compared to Tacoma vs Frontier, and let's never have the Mac vs PC debate!
My head hurts a little bit from reading through this whole post, but I knew I shouldn't comment until I had. The only thing that I see missed, is if people are representatives from any company the last thing they would do is tell you. They are not going to provide any disclaimer, nor are they going to read a thread about integrity.
Given that, the only audience I think this thread is geared towards are the regular posters. Which leads me to believe there is some question in regards to their integrity. So if you are excited about a new product you have tried and it works for you, then how can you express that without falling under suspicion?
I know this happened to me recently regarding my Hybrid review. It was not free to me, but the perception was I had been compensated for a postive review. I tried to make sure I gave a balanced review, addressing the plusses and minusses of what I was experiencing and what I look for in a mask. But for some, my positive response in how it worked for me was taken as a paid endorsement.
My best advice is balance everything you read, but don't discount the fact that people are sometimes just excited and wanting to help. There is another board where everyone is called a manufacturer shill, and the negativity of that made me adopt this board as my home. The practice does happen, but they usually aren't constant contributors.
My take is to assume integrity unless you have specific proof to the contrary.
Given that, the only audience I think this thread is geared towards are the regular posters. Which leads me to believe there is some question in regards to their integrity. So if you are excited about a new product you have tried and it works for you, then how can you express that without falling under suspicion?
I know this happened to me recently regarding my Hybrid review. It was not free to me, but the perception was I had been compensated for a postive review. I tried to make sure I gave a balanced review, addressing the plusses and minusses of what I was experiencing and what I look for in a mask. But for some, my positive response in how it worked for me was taken as a paid endorsement.
My best advice is balance everything you read, but don't discount the fact that people are sometimes just excited and wanting to help. There is another board where everyone is called a manufacturer shill, and the negativity of that made me adopt this board as my home. The practice does happen, but they usually aren't constant contributors.
My take is to assume integrity unless you have specific proof to the contrary.