New CPAPer - Needs Help on Machine Type

darotem · Post by **darotem** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 11:48 am

Hello to all,

As a new member of this community I am glad that such a forum exists with so many experienced people.

I have to get an automatic CPAP but am confused with all the brands available. Could anyone advise which is the best machine on the market? If there is such a thing.

I was offered to try the ResMed S8 Advantage. What do you think?

Your advise will be highly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Danny

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 12:21 pm

ACCEPT THE OFFER! These CPAP machines don't get much better than the Vantage!

Welcome to the forum, Danny.

There are those who will argue for the Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex (I'm NOT one) - BUT if this first offering to you is the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage, I would GRAB it in a heartbeat! Or less!

Not many first time CPAPpers are offered a top of the line autoPAP such as is being offered to you!!! You are VERY FORTUNATE! Most who want to try an autoPAP have to fight tooth and nails to get one.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 2:10 pm

All you would miss is the lack of exhale relief in APAP mode. Jim

Go to cpap.com and compare the features. Thd data on the resmed scores HI higher than normal, no biggie. The machine has to be set to the mask you use for the leak data to be correct. It would be my second choice, first in in my Sig.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, cpap.com, APAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, cpap.com, APAP

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Sat Dec 01, 2007 4:25 pm

If you want exhalation relief option in auto mode, the AFLEX machine by Respironics is a better choice.

Aside from the slight differences in exhalation relief, the autos differ in their algorithms for tracking snores and air flow limitations in order to respond to events. The ResMed is more agressive (ie quicker to respond) than the Respironics. That can be good or bad in that it may clear the airway quicker but it may also arouse you from sleep doing so. The respironics may be slower and more gentle to respond but is less likely to arouse you out of deep sleep. The P&B also has its pros and cons ... it does not offer exhalation relief in either auto or plain CPAP modes but it's algorithm may respond better for some people than either the ResMed or Respironics (I have no experience with this machine as I do with the other two).

Good luck.

I'm sure you will get other posts with discussion of their opinions. RestedGal and Sonredog have both tried most all of the machines and may be able to give you more details about their differences.

darotem · Post by **darotem** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 11:54 am

Thanks to all for the warm welcome and useful info. I have received my ResMed Vantage with the Mirage Activa mask three days ago. My problem is that the mask seems noisy and I can hardly fall asleap with a lot of wake ups during the night. My wife also complains about the noise.

Before the Vantage I had for a week trial the Puritan Bennett Goodknight 420E Auto CPAP machine with a comfort classic mask. It seems that it was much quieter and after about three days I got used to it.

Is the ResMed Vantage noisier or it depends on the mask you are using?

Thanks to all for helping out.

Danny

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 12:16 pm

I'm curious: what made you switch from the PB 420E to the Vantage?

O.

darotem · Post by **darotem** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:17 pm

I am in the process of finding the best package to suit my needs. First was the PB 420E and now I have the Vantage for trial. From what I heard the Vantage is a little better than the PB 420E so I wanted to give it a try.

DR

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:22 pm

Are you collecting data or how are you evaluating "a little better"?

darotem · Post by **darotem** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:31 pm

Yes. I am collecting data. However, if I can't get used to the noise in my opinion it doesn't matter if its better or not. I'll try to change the mask type and see if it has any effect on the noise level.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:42 pm

darotem wrote:Yes. I am collecting data. However, if I can't get used to the noise in my opinion it doesn't matter if its better or not. I'll try to change the mask type and see if it has any effect on the noise level.

So you haven't determined if the noise is coming from the machines or the mask yet?

darotem · Post by **darotem** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:56 pm

I suppose its the mask but I'll know it for sure only after I try another type.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 1:32 am

[quote="darotem"]I am in the process of finding the best package to suit my needs. First was the PB 420E and now I have the Vantage for trial. From what I heard the Vantage is a little better than the PB 420E so I wanted to give it a try.

DR

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 2:44 am

Wow! I think it is NEAT that you get to trial the various machines!!!! I am GREEN with ENVY! I LOVE my Resmed - but - I would really like to try the Puritan Bennet GoodKnight 420E! I'm not interested in the Respironics M Series because of their humidifier.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 2:47 am

I've used the autopaps from the three major manufacturers -- Puritan Bennett, Respironics, and resmed.

If exhalation relief isn't necessary, I'd go with the PB 420E. Its Silverlining software gives the most comprehensive data, imho. I do think the software is a "must" if a person is going to use the 420E autopap, so you can see if a default setting called "FL" (IFL1) needs to be turned off.

If I needed exhalation relief in auto mode, I'd go with the Respironics M series Auto with A-flex. The EncoreViewer software gives full details.

I'd personally not choose the S8 Vantage because not only does it not give exhalation relief in auto mode, I don't care for the way resmed's software presents data.

Noise can vary from machine to machine, even with same brand/same model. I've used a noisy 420E and a 420E that was practically silent. Same with Respironics. Out of the four different resmed machines I've used (S7 bilevel and auto, and S8 cpap and auto) none were what I'd call "quiet."

Other people might have completely different experiences with their machines in regard to the sound any of the brands or models can make. I really think it's very much "luck of the draw" as to exactly what sounds any of the manufacturers' machines might make after they leave the assembly line.

The only integrated heated humidifier I've liked using has been the one for the older pre-M Respironics machines. I don't like the M series humidifier, nor the resmed humidifiers. I'd skip the integrated humidifier for those and get a separate humidifier (F&P HC 150 heated humidifier would be my choice) since it can be used with any brand of machine.

Just one opinion. People can get effective, comfortable treatment from any number of different brands. All of them "treated" me fine, so my preferences came down to some of the features and the software.

jsmythe · Post by **jsmythe** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 5:22 am

[quote="darotem"]Thanks to all for the warm welcome and useful info. I have received my ResMed Vantage with the Mirage Activa mask three days ago. My problem is that the mask seems noisy and I can hardly fall asleap with a lot of wake ups during the night. My wife also complains about the noise.

Before the Vantage I had for a week trial the Puritan Bennett Goodknight 420E Auto CPAP machine with a comfort classic mask. It seems that it was much quieter and after about three days I got used to it.

Is the ResMed Vantage noisier or it depends on the mask you are using?

Thanks to all for helping out.

Danny