Thumbs UP from me for the new A-Flex machine

Alag8r · Post by **Alag8r** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 9:45 am

I recently purchased the M-series Auto Aflex (my first cpap machine), after having read many of the informative posts on this forum. It is very comfortable, based on two nights of experience. I had to pay out-of-pocket, so I searched several on-line etailers, and bought it at directhomemedical.com for $589 (with humidifier), which is $100 less than I saw it for anywhere else (I checked their site today, and it went up to $609 - still a great price). They shipped it immediately and I received it in two days.

My wife is having trouble getting used to the machine noise -- it gets louder as the pressure goes up (I don't notice at all, because I'm asleep when this happens), so I'm considering sending it back and getting the older, but apparantly quieter RemStar Auto C-Flex. But I don't want to give up on the good features of the newer technology. It seems that these are both top-notch machines -- can anyone comment on the the tradeoffs regarding noise and comfort features between theses two gadgets? Thanks!

Jazzy · Post by **Jazzy** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 10:10 am

I'm not sure about the Auto/C-Flex, but I know for a certainty that the Auto/A-Flex is much quieter than my old CPAP/C-Flex. It's so much quieter that a couple of times I've pulled my nasal pillows away from my face to make sure it was still on.

By the way, I got my Auto/A-Flex from BestCPAPprice.com for $539.00 (but I already had the humidifier). I did not invest in the software at the time, but from the comments here it looks like something I may want to consider. Is it difficult to install/use?

packer · Post by **packer** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 6:29 pm

FOR WHAT ITS WORTH--

I had the old tank-- auto with cflex

after first night, my wife says thank God for the new aflex-- its so quiet!!

it does change pitch as pressures change-- it simply is how it works-

I lay an extra pillow on floor and flop it over on top of aflex to block lights-

maybe this quiets it?? anyhow- from my standpoint and my wife's-
aflex much quieter packer

Alag8r · Post by **Alag8r** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 6:34 am

Thanks for the info and tip, Packer! I think I'll keep the A-Flex, as I'm feeling much better after 3 nights of use and haven't had any problems getting used to cpap with this machine. I had thought about covering it with something, but was afraid I might smother myself -- I'll give that a try tonight!

packer - trouble sign in · Post by **packer - trouble sign in** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 7:01 am

I have my aflex on a box [ actually a UPS shipping box] 1 or 2 inches off floor

I think as long as a pillow is simply flopped on top it is OK--

dont block the intake is all, of course

it blocks the blue lights and makes a little quieter-- good luck!

[I get a new mask today and ordered pur sleep- so the quest continues!

I do believe that the aflex is best thing going-- really helped me

Packer

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:49 pm

[quote="Jazzy"]I'm a first time poster here though I've lurked in the forums as a Guest for quite some time. I've found the discussions and the suggestions to be very helpful.

I had to post though to say that I wasn't using my CPAP with C-Flex because I couldn't stand the feeling of air being forced down my throat. It was hard for me to fall asleep, even with the ramp-up, and I could never endure the mask for more than a couple of hours before snatching it off.

After reading about the Auto-Pap with A-Flex, I approached my HMO about exchanging machines, but the DME said I could only upgrade the equipment every two years. So, I got the Auto-Pap w/ A-Flex out of my own pocket. (I guess it'll be a tax write-off for me this year.)

Anyway... I had to say that the difference is amazing. I no longer feel like someone is blowing me up for the Macy's Day Parade! The A-Flex makes exhaling effortless, allowing me to actually breathe. It was well worth the money.

I'm still yanking the mask off in the middle of the night, but now I'm getting in a good 4-hours before I do.

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 2:53 pm

[quote="Alag8r"]I recently purchased the M-series Auto Aflex (my first cpap machine), after having read many of the informative posts on this forum. It is very comfortable, based on two nights of experience. I had to pay out-of-pocket, so I searched several on-line etailers, and bought it at directhomemedical.com for $589 (with humidifier), which is $100 less than I saw it for anywhere else (I checked their site today, and it went up to $609 - still a great price). They shipped it immediately and I received it in two days.

My wife is having trouble getting used to the machine noise -- it gets louder as the pressure goes up (I don't notice at all, because I'm asleep when this happens), so I'm considering sending it back and getting the older, but apparantly quieter RemStar Auto C-Flex. But I don't want to give up on the good features of the newer technology. It seems that these are both top-notch machines -- can anyone comment on the the tradeoffs regarding noise and comfort features between theses two gadgets? Thanks!

Alag8r · Post by **Alag8r** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 9:23 am

[quote="gasp"][quote="Alag8r"]I recently purchased the M-series Auto Aflex (my first cpap machine), after having read many of the informative posts on this forum. It is very comfortable, based on two nights of experience. I had to pay out-of-pocket, so I searched several on-line etailers, and bought it at directhomemedical.com for $589 (with humidifier), which is $100 less than I saw it for anywhere else (I checked their site today, and it went up to $609 - still a great price). They shipped it immediately and I received it in two days.

My wife is having trouble getting used to the machine noise -- it gets louder as the pressure goes up (I don't notice at all, because I'm asleep when this happens), so I'm considering sending it back and getting the older, but apparantly quieter RemStar Auto C-Flex. But I don't want to give up on the good features of the newer technology. It seems that these are both top-notch machines -- can anyone comment on the the tradeoffs regarding noise and comfort features between theses two gadgets? Thanks!

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 2:22 pm

in my limited experimentation with the A-Flex, it is quieter the lower the A-Flex setting used, for example A-Flex=1 is quieter than when used on A-Flex=3 using the same pressure range settings.

If you are using a "ComfortGel" mask, most of the noise you are hearing is coming from the mask NOT the machine. I use a Soyala nasal which is quite a bit quieter than a ComfortGel (I have one of those in my dud drawer). While the ComfortGel is one of the better fitting masks, it is noisy and can make the machine seem much more noisy.

When you remove all "mask noise" from a noisy mask exhaust you can really hear the machine. My A-Flex is substantially quieter than my C-Flex was, if I had to compare it to my old Classic Auto, I would rate it as even quieter than it.

The only noise I get from my A-Flex is the air flowing back and forth in the hose/humidifier as I breathe, I really don't hear any "motor" noise or revving of the motor like I did on the M series C-Flex version. My understanding is in order to enable the A-Flex function, Respironics did some manipulation of how the voltage/current is delivered to the motor from the PCB which dramatically reduced the whine normally found with the motor. I would have to say they succeeded in doing that.

Nasal congestion: You have to be able to breathe through your nose for cpap therapy to work effectively. I would address any congestion any way you can because in my opinion nasal therapy is far superior to that of oral therapy from a full face mask interface.

I would use:

-Saline only rhino rinse at least 2-3 times per week
-Use BreatheRight strips to hold the nasal passage patent
-Use a Nasal mask that is sized properly or use one actually larger than you need*
-don't turn up the humidifier too high, too much humidity can cause the nasal turbinate tissues to swell to reduce it

* a nasal mask that is too small will ride down the nose bridge, leave a nice divot to wear the next day, it may also apply "outside" pressure to the sinuses contributing to nasal congestion.

sleephunter · Post by **sleephunter** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 2:28 pm

I would like to give a second thumbs up for this amazing machine.

Since getting it I have gone from 1.5 hours to averaging 4.5 hours of sleep on the machine.

I also found out I have been averaging a 10cm pressure and my doc originally prescribed a 12cm pressure on my original Plus machine. No wonder I couldn't get it to work!

All in all I am loving this beauty of a machine

roster · Post by **roster** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 3:02 pm

.......You have to be able to breathe through your nose for cpap therapy to work effectively...........

Why is that?

socknitster · Post by **socknitster** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 3:10 pm

Can anyone with vast experience compare this to a bipap?

My needs seem to have reduced since my surgery and when the swelling all goes down over the next month, I anticipate increasingly better results. I'm getting fairly decent data (ahi under 5) with my bipap set up at 6/9 and sleeping in recliner.

My oral and nasal airways are still swollen due to the assault of the tonsilectomy 2 weeks ago, but mostly healed, very little pain now. ENT had hoped for better healing from me by now, but I wasn't able to use the bipap for the first week, and I had 2 nights of disastrous attempts to sleep in bed--even with a wedge--I need to be semi-upright due to swelling. Now that I am cleared to use ibuprofin, that should help!

My original scrip was for bipap 16/12. I'm certain I won't ever need that again (at least near future) and since I believe my bipap is still on rental and I have another psg coming up in the next few months, I might consider trading machine in for this model.

Does anyone know how many cm of water separate the inhale/exhale relief pressures? I would expect it to be 2 cm, I guess, but I have no real idea.

Jen

socknitster · Post by **socknitster** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 3:14 pm

rooster wrote:
.......You have to be able to breathe through your nose for cpap therapy to work effectively...........
Why is that?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:49 am

Sorry to have gotten this discussion off topic with my breathing issues, but the feedback has been tremendously helpful to me! Back to the original topic of the M-series AFlex, after 6 days on this machine, it has worked out great for me. Being a newbie, I have nothing to compare it to (other than how I was feeling before getting the machine, which I would describe as a zombie-state), but I have adjusted to cpap therapy on this machine with absolutely no problems. It's fantastic that every night it figures out how I'm breathing and adjusts the pressure accordingly -- I have the max set on 16; so far the 90% reading has ranged from 10.1 to 14.6, depending on how stuffed up I am. It's no wonder the DME's don't want to sell the Aflex -- there's no need to go back to the DME!

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:47 pm

[quote="Snoredog"]in my limited experimentation with the A-Flex, it is quieter the lower the A-Flex setting used, for example A-Flex=1 is quieter than when used on A-Flex=3 using the same pressure range settings.

If you are using a "ComfortGel" mask, most of the noise you are hearing is coming from the mask NOT the machine. I use a Soyala nasal which is quite a bit quieter than a ComfortGel (I have one of those in my dud drawer). While the ComfortGel is one of the better fitting masks, it is noisy and can make the machine seem much more noisy.

When you remove all "mask noise" from a noisy mask exhaust you can really hear the machine. My A-Flex is substantially quieter than my C-Flex was, if I had to compare it to my old Classic Auto, I would rate it as even quieter than it.

The only noise I get from my A-Flex is the air flowing back and forth in the hose/humidifier as I breathe, I really don't hear any "motor" noise or revving of the motor like I did on the M series C-Flex version. My understanding is in order to enable the A-Flex function, Respironics did some manipulation of how the voltage/current is delivered to the motor from the PCB which dramatically reduced the whine normally found with the motor. I would have to say they succeeded in doing that.

Nasal congestion: You have to be able to breathe through your nose for cpap therapy to work effectively. I would address any congestion any way you can because in my opinion nasal therapy is far superior to that of oral therapy from a full face mask interface.

I would use:

-Saline only rhino rinse at least 2-3 times per week
-Use BreatheRight strips to hold the nasal passage patent
-Use a Nasal mask that is sized properly or use one actually larger than you need*
-don't turn up the humidifier too high, too much humidity can cause the nasal turbinate tissues to swell to reduce it

* a nasal mask that is too small will ride down the nose bridge, leave a nice divot to wear the next day, it may also apply "outside" pressure to the sinuses contributing to nasal congestion.

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: Pursleep, Padacheek, Regenesis™ Pillow, Neti Pot, Travel Buddy hose hanger

Thumbs UP from me for the new A-Flex machine

aflex noise- not mine

aflex