What CPAP Device should I ask my Doc for

mhutsell3 · Post by **mhutsell3** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:31 am

I have a question. I am on an old Fisher Paykel CPAP that I do not have the ability to get and run my own stats on. What machine should I be asking my Doctor for to replace this unit.

Besides being a tech geek I want to have some information on my own between 9 month visits to the doc.

I am going in today so any guidance would be great.

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:34 am

Go for the "M" series APAP with A-Flex. I don't have it but I am saving my pennies until I can afford it.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 9:43 am

The Puritan Bennett Goodknight 420E has a great software package bundled in a really super deal from our hosts here at cpap.com. User friendly, no additional card reader to buy and tons of info, not to mention it's great APAP (and can be run as a CPAP)!

Just my 2cents worth.

Kajun

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:11 pm

Two good suggestions. So I'll add a third suggestion just to confuse the matter.

The Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage. You can't beat it for data access at your fingertips (on the good size, easy to read LED screen). And much easier access than w/the Respironics machines. EPR is available in straight CPAP mode, but not in auto mode.

You'll get enough data from the Vantage LED screen to satisfy your techie heart until you're ready to spend the money on the ResScan software and cable reader. Resmed's ResScan or AutoScan 5.7 (either will work for the Vantage) is extremely easy to install and use.

You can hardly go wrong w/any of of these three machines we've suggested. Altho the Puritan Bennet does not offer any provision for pressure relief on exhalation as the Resmeds and Respironics do.

One problem w/the Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex is that it requires EncorePro v.1.8 and Respironics is keeping a pretty tight lid on v.1.8 It can be harder to get than the Resmed ResScan software. Plus getting v.1.8 to work if you have Vista on your 'puter can be a challenge.

If you can't get an autoPAP, then I would suggest the Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR (expiration pressure relief). Same good size, easy to read LED screen & data easy to access on the LED screen (pressure, leak, AHI, AI, HI, total nights used, total hours used, (that night, weekly, monthly, 6 months, one year), hours used that night) as with the Vantage.

drummergirl410 · Post by **drummergirl410** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:58 pm

I can vouch for what Slinky said. I have the Resmed Vantage and so far it's been great! Im also looking forward to the data viewing.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:28 pm

I'd be pushing for the Respironics REMstar M series Auto with A-flex. If you can't get the ok for an autopap, then I'd want the Respironics M series Pro with C-flex or the older pre-M Respironics Pro 2 with C-flex. The older one needs to have "2" in its name...the M series does not have a "2" in the name.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:14 pm

I agree with the A-flex autopap suggestion. I'd also ask your doctor to write a second script for the software to go with it so you can print out reports for him. It makes sense that if the doctor orders the software you could still get it quite easily, or am I wrong? I print out my software reports and take them to my doctor now. He's very happy with this arrangement. (But I got my software before the restrictions went into effect). I'm going to ask him what he thinks of this new idea for his other patients. He even has an intern who is being trained to understand these. I spent quite a long time going over my reports with her.