Help with CPAP machine

mlim650 · Post by **mlim650** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:09 pm

Hello,

I'll be purchasing a CPAP machine after my CPAC pressure study in March. I have reviewed several model at cpap.com and need help deciding between Resmed S8 Vantage EPR and Goodknight 420E.

Which is quieter?

For the mask, I like the Optilife nasal pillow and I hope to be able to use it in my CPAP pressure study.

Thank you.

Melvin

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:25 pm

Melvin, welcome to cpaptalk. Perhaps if you said what features you like about these two machines, what characteristics are important to you, and why you've narrowed your choice to these two machines, then folks here would likely be better able to help you out. For example, do you want a lightweight machine for travel purposes? Or, is a highly reliable machine your most important characteristic?

Regards,
Bill

mlim650 · Post by **mlim650** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 8:00 pm

Bill,

Thanks for the tip.

I like one that is light so that I can take it on my trips to Asia. Dual voltage is a must in this case which both unit has. I did a comparison on cpap.com and the difference between these two are:

Pressure relief on exhale - not available on the GoodKnight - I don't know how important this is and would like feedback.
Weight - both are acceptable to me although S8 is quite a bit heavier.
Data card - not available on the GoodKnight - I don't know if this is useful.
Noise level - this is very important to me because I don't want to keep my wife awake.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. As I'm new to this, I do not have any experience.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 2:57 am

Hi Melvin,

Two things you mentioned:

"Pressure relief on exhale - not available on the GoodKnight"

You presumably plan to use the machines you're considering in APAP (autopap) mode. If so, you might want to know that the exhalation pressure relief (EPR) advertised by resmed for the Vantage cannot be used in auto mode. resmed's EPR feature can only be used with the Vantage when the Vantage is put in cpap mode. So...neither of the machines you're looking at offer exhalation relief if you're going to be using them in APAP mode.

"Data card - not available on the GoodKnight - I don't know if this is useful." If you want to be able to use software to get full detailed data from either machine, you'll be happy to know that the GoodKnight doesn't need a data card since it simply uses a different method -- a download cable from machine to computer -- for downloading data from the machine. Either machine can give you full download data (the Goodknight via a cable, the resmed machine via the card) but only IF you have the software for the machine.

Personally, I find the Silverlining software used by the Puritan Bennett GoodKnight machines much more useful and informative than the Autoscan software used by resmed machines. The resmed machine does give some data on the LCD, but both machines require software if you want to download detailed data and see graphs and charts.

Which machine will be quieter is very much "luck of the draw", imho. One 420E I used was noisy, the other 420E was quiet. Same with some resmed machines I've tried. The sound a particular machine makes can vary within same model, same manufacturer. Hope you'll be lucky, whichever you choose!

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 3:15 am

Rested Gal wrote: Personally, I find the Silverlining software used by the Puritan Bennett GoodKnight machines much more useful and informative than the Autoscan software used by resmed machines. The resmed machine does give some data on the LCD, but both machines require software if you want to download detailed data and see graphs and charts.

Which machine will be quieter is very much "luck of the draw", imho. One 420E I used was noisy, the other 420E was quiet. Same with some resmed machines I've tried. The sound a particular machine makes can vary within same model, same manufacturer. Hope you'll be lucky, whichever you choose! Very Happy

I agree, the Silverlining software is far better than dealing with any card or the AutoScan software. It is much more comprehensive and as you know gives more detailed information than any other machine, almost too much to comprehend. It downloads fast and easy and takes half the time as removing the card taking it over to a computer firing up a program to read the card then massage it for a readable report. It even works better than the EncorePro download.

Only disadvantage with that little machine is the limited features, it has been on the market now for quite a few years without any upgrades, nearly all the other autopaps on the market have more features such as Cflex or EPR, but then EPR doesn't work in auto mode.

But I'd still take the 420E over the Vantage, I think you would have to flip a coin to find which is quieter. What pressure is being delivered and what mask being used can all impact how noisy a machine will be.

My pick would still be the M series it has the features of both in a single package and still has Cflex.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 5:13 am

Both machines are very good choices. The Resmed with EPR is in one sense a bit like getting a bilvel machine as well because EPR is in effect an adjustable bilevel with a built in ability to switch off the bilevel mode if any problems show up at the lower pressure setting.

The Goodknight is very light, it is a great travel machine. I sold my only 420S to someone who wante to use it on a trip to Japan & they were very happy with it (& still are).

As the others have said, the Silverlining software is rated as the best of all the 3 main brands & I agree with the others who say you don't need a data card on the goodknight.

Good luck with your choice - whatever way you go I beieve you will be pleased.

DSM

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:45 am

Most have posted the main differences between your two choices.
However, I think your titrated pressure will have a bearing on what
machine you can use. Why? Because if you are titrated at a high pressure,
your choices may be limited to a Bi-PAP, or the very least, an APAP that
does have exhalation relief in APAP mode, like the Remstar "M" APAP by
Respironics.

If you are planning to obtain your new machine through your local
DME, please be aware you may have a fight on your hands. Best bet
is to get your doctor to script the exact machine you want.

Rant on:
Resmed has done two things for those of us who are self-treated:
1) They have pulled the Autoscan software from U.S. buyers. You must get it from outside the U.S.
2) They forced their internet retailers into a 40% price hike, using the lame excuse of "compliance". I guess they just assume if they
raise the cost to 'self-treaters" we will all be more compliant???
Rant off...

I wish you well in your "hosehead" adventure.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:42 am

Finally!! I was starting to think I was the only real fan of the PB 420E! Whew!!

I've had mine for 2 years now and love it. It's fairly quiet, although I usually run a fan for "white" noise to cover up the sounds of it. The software is GREAT, at least IMHO. Easy to set up, easy to run and darn comprehensive in reporting. I also travel quite a bit and it's not problem to carry the small 420E through airports and into hotels. I've turned off the IFL1 and had no problems with runaway pressures. Mine is set from 9 to 14. My titrated pressure was 16, which was kind of hard to exhale against, but do-able. Having monitored my AHI and tweaking the pressure settings using the Silverlining software, I've lowered my pressures to fairly comfortable levels and my AHI is usually 1 or less.

So, all in all, for size, ease of travelling with, comprehensive software, integrated heated humidifier and effective treatment, I give 2 thumbs up for the 420E!

Kajun

mlim650 · Post by **mlim650** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:28 am

Thanks for all the replies. I'm new to this and do not know much. I was "shock" when diagnosed with OSA and have been reading up.

I guess I will know more after my CPAP overnight study. I'm not sure which I would/should use: APAP or CPAP. I assume that my doctor will advise on all these.

Thanks for all the advice.