No choice with service provider but resmed

sleeper101 · Post by **sleeper101** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 6:08 pm

When I went in to get cpap the only choice I had with service provider was resmed equipment. Since I have a hard time not breathing out of my mouth opted for the full face mask. Since I am new at products and there are so many I would like to know how resmed compares to other products on the market.
Sincerely,
Sleeper101

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 6:27 pm

Respironics and Resmed are the market leaders in supplying xPAP machines and this also applies somewhat to masks.

Both companies develop and deliver state-of-the-art xPAP machines (and masks).

Remed may well have the edge in the mask market & have several very popular and reliable masks. The Ultra Mirage Full Face mask is a very popular choice. They also have the Activa mask that forms a bubble over the nose & thus puts very little force on the users face.

Respironics have also come a long way with their mask designs & offer a full face mask plus the very popular Comfort Lite 2 and other models..

The current range of Resmed xPaps are the S8 range & are comparable to the Respironics M series. The S8s are a nice sized machine & good for travelling with (as the M series). The S8 Elite & Vantage (cpap & auto) record nightly data & this can be extracted using AutoScan 5.7 software. The LCD panel on the machines also allows a user to check the nights average AI & HI stats plus the overall AHI.

You really can't go wrong with either brand - mchines & masks.

DSM

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 6:46 pm

It's not the brand so much as the quality of the unit they give. The DME's want you to have the cheapest of any line, and want to bill it as if they gave you the best. They charge for the Silk Purse, and you take home the Sow's ear. Jim

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Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 6:47 pm

Sleeper 101, you might want to go back to your DME and tell him you want an Elite or Vantage (as DSM mentioned). Both of those machines will provide you with the LCD data I was telling you about in the other thread.

Resmed is good equipment, especially if you can upgrade your machine.

Good Luck.

sleeper101 · Post by **sleeper101** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 7:00 pm

I'm sure I will be upgrading out of pocket but sounds like it might be worth it to have nightly data. I will give them a call first thing tomorrow.
Thanks for the advice.
Sleeper101

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 7:07 pm

Don't be too sure it will be out of pocket. Many here have upgraded machines - even after 6 months.!

But if money is no object, then buy a new one and use the other for travel or a backup.

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 8:46 pm

In a strange way, you've got an advantage because they're providing you with ResMed equipment. It means that if you want to try a different APAP algorithm, say, a Respironics machine, you can buy one out of pocket much cheaper than people that were provided Respironics machines can buy a ResMed machine.

Of course, if you find yourself wanting exhale relief in APAP mode....

Bottom line is that both companies produce high quality machines, and the debate is never over on this forum.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:48 pm

The truly data capable Resmeds, the Elite and Vantage (and the VPAP III too, I believe), have it all over the Respironics machines when it comes to data available on the LED screen and in the size and readability of the LED screen.

The problem w/the Resmed machines is the difficulty in obtaining the software and reader due to Resmed's recent selling policy change for which they are justifiably criticized and even resented. The AutoScan 5.7 software is EASY to install and use.

So, yeah, as Blarg said: you have an advantage if your DME will supply only Resmed machines (as long as you can convince them you want an Elite or better - or can get your doctor to specifically order an Elite [or better]) as you can find such good buys on a good data capable Respironics machine AND software/reader online to buy out of pocket so as to have a backup/travel machine.

I have a Resmed S8 Elite thru my DME and will soon be purchasing a Respironics Auto w/C-Flex out of pocket. I already have the software and reader for it!!! I LIKE my Elite, I LOVE the data I can observe via the LED screen every day and the ease of installing the software was a God send for the 'puter dummy and the ease of software use for additional data GREATLY appreciated.

More info is available from the Respironics's data capable machines thanks to the MyEncore and EncorePro Analyzer and there is more support here in this forum for the Respironics' and their software.

ColoZZZ · Post by **ColoZZZ** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:09 am

Have you tried shopping around for other DMEs? I found my DME by calling the companies listed in my insurance company's list of approved providers until I found one with an Auto PAP in stock.

Also if you live in a larger town, you may be able to buy what you want very cheaply on Craig's List (http://www.craigslist.org/about/cities.html) Just do a search on CPAP and see what comes up in your area. It seems like there are plenty of good deals there, either from folks giving up on xPAP or some other pipeling of used PAP equipment. If you go this route, make sure you know EXACTLY what you're looking for in a model and how to tell that its what you want (example - Resmed C-Flex models have the blue logo, know your mask size, etc.).

Good luck,

--Andy

ebmeyer · Post by **ebmeyer** » Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:27 am

My only experience has been with Resmed, but I can tell you that I too am a mouth breather and was convinced I'd never be able to use anything that required me to breath through my nose. But my DME therapist suggested I try the Swift Nasal Pillow, and it works for me. The pressure keeps my nasal passages open and to my surprise, I'm finding it quite comfortable and effective. Perhaps this might be the case for you?