Remstar M Series Vs Remstar Auto C-Flex

bangy104 · Post by **bangy104** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 12:34 pm

Hi

I am a newbie to CPAP therapy and planning to buy a CPAP soon. My insurance covers both M-Series & older Remstar Auto Cflex at the same cost to me.

I am looking for advice from other users on the comparisons between these 2 machines.

Any other suggestion for a newbie who will just be starting CPAP are also welcome. Thankyou in advance for your time and helpful suggestions

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 1:06 pm

I think the "classic" RemStar Auto has a much better humidifier, and some claim its not as loud. I am not sure about the quiet part. However, I do know the "classic" has a block of insulation foam that is big enough to enclose the entire "M" unit.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 1:08 pm

The 'M' machines also seem to have a problem with the HH leaking.

Brenda

bangy104 · Post by **bangy104** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 12:12 am

People

Can I have some more expert comments on this. I need to decide by monday.

Thanks

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 2:55 am

I currently own both machines.

Treatment wise they are the same.
Noise level wise they are about the same.

The M series has AutoRamp, the classic doesn't have it.
The M series has AHI information available from the LCD, the classic not.
The classic has a smaller footprint w/humidifier than the M series with its side-by-side design.
The M series has blue LED's on the buttons that are too bright, annoying if you prefer a dark room. I taped a business card over the buttons, I flip it back when they are needed.
The M series heated humidifier has had some problems leaking, I don't think the problem has been truly identified as to the cause. It is thought the tank is leaking from the seam where it is put together. That has not been my experience.
The Classic humidifier is a much better design and easier to refill and use in my opinion.
Some owners of the M series have been reporting data loss, the AutoDaily reports come up missing, compliance data is still there but details are gone.

If it was the only machine I had, I'd go with the Classic, it is a quiet reliable ole tug, no humdifier leaks, no lost data.

HappyHoser · Post by **HappyHoser** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:22 pm

Bangy I'll throw in my observations. I also have both machines as well as an Aura Everest I use for travel now. I was a bit doubtful of the M series machine at first and originally bought it for travel. I did not use the C-Flex function on the classic as it didn't feel comfortable to me and my pressure is pretty tolerable (8cm). As I travel a lot for business I was using the M series more than the classic waiting at home and began to use the C-Flex which seems to work better for me. Eventually, I replaced the classic at home permanently. I'm not fussy about sound level or lights and don't think that either machine is annoying. I've not had any humidifier problems and like the fact that I don't have to pull the hose off to fill up. The rear hose exit with swivel works well for me and keeps the hose freed up from twisting. I didn't like traveling with the M because I felt there are too many loose parts to lose and the power supply and cords are a real pain to keep untangled. The Everest is better for frequent moves. To sum it up, I like the M as a home based machine and have packed up the classic auto completely. If you are just getting started, keep your focus on how the machine is treating your apnea and don't get too obsessed with hardware. You would do best by renting for a few months so you don't get locked into a machine that isn't working well for you. Good luck!

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:48 pm

Depending on your insurance and such, renting for a few months (as suggested above) can cost as much as the cash purchase.

If you are just deciding between M and the older Remstar then there should be, from what I hear, no difference in the way they treat you. It is between the manufacturers that the differences occur.

I have the classic AUTO. I love it. No heavy power cord issues, no leakage, no bright buttons (yes, no data on LED either) but I would and am going to buy the classic again as a backup unit in Jan.

I will not buy Resmed with their internet pricing policy.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 3:09 am

I back the classic Remstar Auro as being one of Respironics great products.

It is a very well designed bit of technology. Only reason I won't comment on the M series is I haven't seen one nor tried one & thus have nothing professional to add.

I might even rate the classic Remstar Auto as the best all-round Auto that has come to market. This comment takes into account many factors as there are other Autos with great features but having tried most of them including some of the 1st ones to market, the Remstar classic Auto with cflex edges out the competition in two categories ...

- quality of design & construction
- quietness and reliability

In other categories there is less of a gap but hese ones make the difference.

DSM

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 6:48 am

I have two "tanks". I'm not sure why. I probably won't need the redundancy.

offlineon · Post by **offlineon** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 7:28 am

DSM knows his stuff. He takes them apart. I just use them.

I can't say I disagree with any of the excellent points above. Excuse me if I'm repeating some of them.

My 2 cents:

I have not tried the "M" series, but after several months of research I personally concluded the classic Remstar Auto with C/flex seemed to be the better of the two, when weighing up all the factors important to me. In terms of actual therapy, both appear to be equal. In terms of design, the classic wins by a mile IMHO. I was sad to have to return my rental unit, but my pressure needs meant I had to purchase something different.

This might sound silly (maybe even condescending - but that is not my intent), but getting a CPAP is not like selecting a new fridge. This is a medical device that is going to be attached to you nightly for maybe five years (or more.) You may not be out of pocket, but the choice remains important.

There are many excellent brands on the market and you have been given just two choices from the same manufacturer. This, sadly, seems to be the way of the world with insurance and DME's. If you really have only two choices, the least they can do is let you check out, or even perhaps test, both types - keeping in mind that it will be other issues that dominate your thoughts at first; such as mask fit and getting used to having air "pushed" into you. The C/Flex technology on either unit should assist you with that (although a minority turn this feature off because they don't like it.)

If you decide that the "M" is what you want, you need to ask about a couple of things. The humidifier has been known to leak, so you want one of the batches where this has been addressed. You also want the latest firmware, which fixes some display issues. What you don't want is a "new" unit that has been on the shelf for months.

If you need to travel somewhat, then consider that neither unit may be perfect for you. IMO both are more suited for home use; although the occasional trip will not present a problem. Both use smart card technology to record nightly therapy data. The "M", unlike the classic, displays some helpful info about your treatment; but proactive users also prefer to buy their own smart card reader and software (to track how they are going over time) and tweak the settings if necessary. People on this forum, far more expert than I, can help you with that.

Good luck!

ZPAP · Post by **ZPAP** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 12:05 pm

Thought I'd add my two cents, for what it's worth.

I've been on CPAP for 9 years. Recently got a new M Series Auto. I wanted the Classic Auto after reading comments here, but my DME only carried the "M".

I must say that I'm very pleased with the machine. It's so much quieter than my old machine, I find the HH easy to use (with no leaking!), and I like the form factor, hose location and display. I also plan to travel without the humidifier, which will be easier than with my old machine (and I suspect than with the Classic).

The lights don't bother me. About the only thing that does is the carry bag. I have been used to stuffing extra stuff in my better-made ResMed bag when traveling, and will have to find an alternative bag to carry this one in.

I haven't used the Classic machine, so obviously can't comment on how it compares with the M Series, but, all things considered, I'm not unhappy with it.

And, given ResMed's attitudes towards consumers as reflected in their internet pricing policy, I'm glad I didn't get one of their machines.

Michael

LikwidFlux · Post by **LikwidFlux** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 12:07 pm

I had the Remstar Auto and just got the M Series auto in the last 2 weeks.

Personally, i like the M series MUCH better than the Remstar. Although it's louder and the blue power button can be a bit bright, I like having all the data available on the machine (rather than having to go download it into EncorePro)

Also, I like the size of the machine alone, it's very small.

Mask	Humidifier