The new M series Auto CPAP w A-Flex

[Gordyp]

Since I have only had previous experience with a Resprionics Fixed Pressure CPAP with C-Flex, my report on the new M series Auto CPAP with A-Flex will be somewhat limited. Clearly it would be more useful to compare the Auto C-Flex with the Auto A-Flex.

Due to a hight titration value of 19cm H2O my experience with the Fixed Pressure Cpap with C-Flex was not pleasent. This was the machine recommended by my sleep doctor. Incidentally, when I asked him about the Auto machine he dismissed my suggestion, saying he didn't advocate Auto machines. Funnily enough three weeks later he came back from a conference extolling the virtues of the new Auto with A-Flex.

It's clear to me now that some specialists are not the gods they like to think they are and that this site is a valuable asset for CPAP patients.

My problems with the fixed pressure machine were several fold, but mainly severe aerogphagia (abdominal bloating) and general discomfort. I can now happily report that after two weeks on the Auto CPAP with A-Flex I have had no aerophagia problems and the comfort level is fine. Generally I wake up no more than once a night, sometimes not at all. My auto titration seems to average around 15 cm H2O, and any reduction from 19 is good news for me. Breathing is certainly much easier than my last machine, but it will take a comparison of the Auto A-Flex with the C-Flex in order to critique this new machine.

NOTE for Canadian CPAP users:

When I told my Canadian Sleep Doctor that I wanted to buy a machine in the USA, he was very upset with me, stating that he din't think it would be cheaper and I needed a support technician in Canada. Since I live on a small Island three hours drive from my sleep clinic and my CPAP technician, I wasn't be impressed with his argument. Fortunately I live near the border and have a US family Doctor. He happily gave me a script to buy from the CPAP shop. My Canadian supplier wanted over $2000.00 for a machine and Mask. I was able to buy a Mask and Machine for less than half that price.

When I told my family Doctor about this CPAP forum he was happy to check it out and afterwards became very supportive. When I told him about my Sleep Specialist not being symphathetic about my aerophagia, he told me that the first thing he'd do if he were a Sleep Specialist would be to try the machine at a high pressure. Clearly, one aspect of good doctoring is to develop some rapport with one's patient.

Gordy.

[Snoredog]

Thanks for the report Gordy, you are one of the first to report on the A-Flex.

Keep letting us know more as you go. That is good you can use it along with a lower pressure, that is supposedly one of the key features of that machine, keeping pressures at a minimum.

Did you get the Provider's guide with it? If so what information is being displayed on the LCD Therapy menu? is it the same as the C-Flex version in showing AHI, Pressure, leak and hours? Hopefully they separated the AHI into individual values? Are the blue LED's still super bright?

A-Flex is supposed to have greater relief on inhale in addition to exhale.

[yosemitelor]

I received the following from Direct medical when requesting a quote on the new A-flex machine. Although i went with a local DME and expect the machine in another week and a half, i thought this pricing info might be of interest to anyone considering the machine. I will post my impressions of the A-flex versus C-flex once i receive my machine and have a chance to evaluate it.

"""""We do carry the M-Series REMstar Auto with A-Flex however we haven't officially launched it on the site yet. You can find it by searching for "A-Flex" on our site. If you need additional information on the system we should be officially launching it this week but I can also provide additional information via email if needed. I've quoted pricing below for the items you requested...


$699.00 - M-Series Auto with A-Flex + Heated Humidifier (DS510SH)
$022.99 - Topaz Chinstrap
$145.00 - Mirage Activa CPAP Mask + Headgear
$099.00 - Twilight NP CPAP Mask + Headgear
Please note that the M-Series system includes tubing, 6-months worth of free filters and all of the connectors you would need to get started except for the mask. Also you didn't specify which type of chinstrap you would prefer so we quoted the Topaz which is one of our most popular. We include free shipping options on all orders over $100.


I hope this helps but let us know if we can be of further assistance.


Take care, Adam - DirectHomeMedical Customer Care


//


DirectHomeMedical.com - Delivering Quality Direct To Your Door
> 43 Riverside Avenue, Suite 48, Medford MA 02155-4605> TEL 603 791 4455 > FAX 603 386 6277 """"

[ICantGetNoSleep]

NOTE for Canadian CPAP users:

When I told my Canadian Sleep Doctor that I wanted to buy a machine in the USA, he was very upset with me, stating that he din't think it would be cheaper and I needed a support technician in Canada. Since I live on a small Island three hours drive from my sleep clinic and my CPAP technician, I wasn't be impressed with his argument. Fortunately I live near the border and have a US family Doctor. He happily gave me a script to buy from the CPAP shop. My Canadian supplier wanted over $2000.00 for a machine and Mask. I was able to buy a Mask and Machine for less than half that price.

Did you order online ? if so, how much were the brokerage fees?

[cpapernewbie]

UPS is the only one charging this fee

Best is use USPS, the US Postal service is very efficient and deliver alos on Saturday and do this cheaper too than Canada Post!

You can always ask the supllier to send with USPS

Never UPS!

[Gordyp]

Well, I guess I was one of the first users, since I ordered the A-Flex machine on the same day that the CPAP shop made it available. I believe there are no better prices than here.

Because I live right at the US/Canadian border, I have a US mailbox and a UPS/FEDEX drop off site. I received UPS because the CPAP shop offers free shipping over $100.00. It took only two days to arrive.

I ordered the card reader using the addy that Laura gave me and it cost only $30.00. It took about a week to arrive and works great. Loading the software is tricky but if you follow the instructions given on this site, it works fine. Don't load the drivers supplied with the Mako Card reader.

Normally I order online, have it shipped either USPS or UPS, bring stuff over the border and when I declare it at Canada Customs I pay the HST (tax). There is no tax on Medical equiptment.

Snoredog,
Yes, I see all the data you mentioned on my reports. I think the only changes in the technology/software must be the change from C-Flex to A-Flex.

Gordy.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): C-FLEX, CPAP

[Guest]

If there is relief on inhale and exhale, does the APAP with A-Flex operate or "feel" more like a bipap (bipap light?)? I am confused as to what the difference between cflex and aflex is.

TM

[Gordyp]

I've not used a BiPap machine, but I can say that compared to the straight CPAP machine which was set at a steady titration pressure of 19Cm H2O, the Auto A-Flex feels very light to me.

There are graphs shown on the CPAP Shop site which illustrate the difference between C-Flex and A-Flex. Yes, the difference is that there is relief on both the inhale and exhale cycles.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=2486

Gordy.