M Series Pro w C-Flex vs. ZzzPAP (both with int humidifiers)

[boynedoc]

Just thought I'd throw up my experience moving from the ZzzPAP to the M Series Pro w C-Flex. Both machines utilized the same mask - an Opus 360 Nasal Pillow Mask.

1) Both units have integrated humidification. The ZzzPAP was set to 4 and has been run at that level for 3 weeks and never was there a rainout. I also felt congested, stuffy in the morning and developed a sore on the inner edge of one nostril, that has required daily attention but was slowly improving.

M Series was set to the same parameters - humidification at a setting of 4 - RAINOUT! My first experience with water droplets splashing my face and a gurgling type noise inside the nasal pillows that woke me at 4:25 am. So a shutdown, shake out, and recalibration to setting of 3 was required. But very minimal congestion in the morning and the sore was not irritated in the least as compared to ZzzPAP.

2) C-Flex setting of 3 - I was prescribed this setting at my titration study and this was my first time using that. It required a short period of getting used to not having to push out as much against the constant pressure of the ZzzPAP. After that, it was very comfortable but when roused from sleep the variation in machine sound was noticable.

3) DATA! I haven't yet received my card reader...so a quick scan of the nights data shows a AHI of 2.0. Not too bad considering the rainout awakening...

Impression? Both machines are excellent, but the M Series Pro pushes ALOT more humidity. I am wondering if the water tank design forces a longer air/water contact for more complete humidification?

Sending the wife out for a Repti Cable today....LOL (she loves to shop)

[Slinky]

The sore nose from the ZzzPAP use could well have been not quite enough humidity. I'm sure you are correct about the air blowing over the larger water surface of the Pro's humidifier making the difference in needed setting level between the humidifiers. Makes sense to me. FWIW.

[bradinca]

Am I the only one who has found the c-flex m-series too loud on exhalation. My apap gets up to 16 cm3 pressure and with every breath the motor groans - like a donkey neighing --- do you know what I mean.

Took it back to APRIA and they tell me all new cpaps make this same noise. It kept ME and my wife awake. They refunded my money and now I'm back to square one. I've used a CPAP for 7yrs, and they thought an APAP would suit me - but I'm telling you, that thing drove me crazy, with and without the humidifier unit.

Has anyone else noticed this ? I'm sure you have - can you write me at bradinca at gmail dot com and let me know what is a apap out there that doesn't fluctuate with breathing to the point it makes a loud sound ?

Thanks,
Bradinca

[Guest]

Yes, I find the M Series with C-Flex loud on exhalation.

I just got it a week ago. I posted a lengthy story of how I went from Cigna and Apria (No choice or support) to my new insurance and my doctor's approval of an Auto Cpap. Since I had went from a chevette to a corvette, I was and still am happy.

Still, I do find the new unit loud on exhale. Enough so that I find myself having to put my covers over my ears to keep from it bothering me. I am not returning it, though. I like the data, the size, and the comfort.

[boynedoc]

Yes there definitely is a difference in the noise on exhalation. It doesn't bother me at all however. My wife has needed "white noise" for sleeping since forever and has the fan on high all night. So the noise is insignificant to me. But I do see how someone used to a completely quiet setting could be disconcerted by the noise variations of C-Flex.

It just is a non-factor for me personally.