Opinion On Sleep Style 604 by Fisher Paykel?

[jimboy880]

I am going to get a sleep style 604 in the next day or two and want some input from anyone who has this CPAP Unit. I hear it is a very new model unit and have heard some good info about it. Also anything else about the company Fisher Paykel would also be helpful too. I was just diagnosed for sleep apnea a few weeks ago and am new to all this equipment and would also like some ideas on what kind of mask to use, I will be just using my nose for know. Thanks in advance for all the tips!!!

[cflame1]

It provides you with no data and no exhale relief

You'll need a better machine quickly

[jaxdaddy]

Don't know anything about the F & P machines. I have a Fisher & Paykel full face mask and LOVE IT. Best one yet...

[Bookbear]

It is not a new machine. It does gather some data, but the only way to retrieve it is via software, and the software for it is not readily available (or at all). It does not offer exhale relief, and runs only in straight cpap mode. It is somewhat large, but is very quiet, and has both an integrated humidifier and a heated hose. If you are in a climate where nights are especially cold, this unit does very well at preventing rainout while maintaining adequate humidification. It does have a ramp feature which may help you get off to sleep before applying full pressure.

It is a competent machine, but if for no other reason than the lack of being able to see daily data, you will most likely be looking for another soon.

(I had one for a short while).

Some notes on the 604 http://www.fphcare.com/osa/cpaps.asp

The software (two versions) seems to be pretty minimal in capabilities.

Hope this helps some.

[bap40]

I used that machine for a month before I started my quest for a data capable machine. I really did like it, but no data available. I ended up giving it back and going to another place to get the machine I wanted, one with a data card and software.

Data machines can provide you will very useful information, mask leak rates, snores, ahi's, Ai's, Hi's and the sort of stuff one needs to know to be aware of exactly where the problems may lie.

[Doodeedoo]

I have been using the F&P HC604 for 2 years less one month. I just completed 5,000 hours of usage.
Advantages:
1.It includes humidifier and heated hose, all in one unit.
2. Silent, you barely hear it running
3. As most machines runs in dual voltage, in case you travel
4. Washable filter
5. Low or no maintenace
6. Allows for altitude adjusment (manual in the 604, automatic in the 608)
Disadvantages:
1. Rather bulky
2. Only straight CPAP, i.e. constant pressure
3. It only displays total number of hour used and average number of hours per usage. It also displays a misterious checksum number whose meaning no one has been able to explain to me.

In summary, being a regular user, I am happy with it.

Fisher & Paykel is an appliances and health products manufacturer I believe based in New Zealand

I hope this helps,

David

[Bookbear]

3. It only displays total number of hour used and average number of hours per usage. It also displays a misterious checksum number whose meaning no one has been able to explain to me.

As I understand it, the checksum number has to be entered at some point into the software to unlock the machine to download the data. A new checksum number is generated each time. I am not sure I am explaining this correctly, but it is essentially a key that allows the clinician to download the data via the software (Compliance Maximizer or Titration Maximizer).

Fisher & Paykel is an appliances and health products manufacturer I believe based in New Zealand

Yes, the company is based in NZ, although they have manufacturing sites in other countries, including the US. The cpaps are made in NZ, however.

I hope this helps,

David