Confused newbie. what machine should I get?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:28 am

Hi,
I am new to all this and have no idea which machine to get. I have been using the resperonics Remstar auto m series with a flex. I have also used the puritan bennet goodnight 420. I have been to 2 different places to trial these machines and obviously they both say the at there product is better. I am able to get them both at the same price as both places are price matching with the other even with the different machines. The place that has the remstar said they would reccomend the remstar or a resmed machine before using the goodnight. I do find the goodnight quieter than the remstar but like how the remstar has the memory card to record data.

I was having 47 episodes an hr and am now down to 1.6. my pressure is set at max 12.

Does anyone have any feedback for me.
Thankyou.

alnhwrd · Post by **alnhwrd** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:55 am

I don't use either, but I have read good things about both on this site. I think a lot of people here do prefer the Resprionics M-Series with A-flex, so there would be lots of people to answer questions for you about that machine. Data capability is a must have item, IMHO.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 1:27 am

Own both machines you are looking at, I like and prefer the 420e the best, it doesn't need a SmartCard to store data and its Silverlining software is easier to use more detailed and less hassle to pull reports. With it there is no guessing what happened at 2:20AM, you can drill down on the reports and see exactly what happened.

Most of all the 420 gives me better therapy, it doesn't have exhale relief but that can easily be overcome using a lower starting Minimum pressure, it also has Ramp that works in the Auto mode. While the humidifier doesn't turn on or off with the machine the humidifier is better on the 420e, stacked design gives the machine an overall smaller footprint. I have a simple timer on the humidifier (when needed) that turns it and my heated hose On/Off automatically. 420e has a back-lit LCD display with real time clock that gets set when you connect to PC or set manually.

420e also does a better job at avoiding central apnea if you have a few of those, you can also tweak its parameters to be more or less aggressive, can increase or decrease command on Apnea, no other machine allows that. That little guy was ahead of its time when it came out.

Budgie74 · Post by **Budgie74** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 1:40 am

Thanks for your input.
i just realised this site is in America.javascript:emoticon(':oops:')
Embarassed I am from Australia. I have asked the same question on an Aussie site but got no response.javascript:emoticon('

')
Crying or Very sad I am still happy to hear from others. The Puritan Bennet isnt as well known here as the resmed and the resperonics. Which is why i am hesitant. I do like it though.

B javascript:emoticon(':P')
Razz

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:57 am

With the Puritan Bennet, just make sure it is the 420 E, their other 420s are NOT autos nor (correct me I am wrong, SnoreDog) are they fully data capable.

Is there a reason you haven't tried out a Resmed too? I"m partial to the Resmeds for their EASY access to SO MUCH data via the LCD screen. I've found them to be quiet and the new Resmed S8 II AutoSet has EPR in auto mode whilst the S8 AutoSet only had EPR available in CPAP mode. The new EasyBreathe technology is great too!!

And according to other Aussies here w/Resmeds the software and cable reader are not difficult to get as it is in the USA.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 9:13 pm

Thanks slinky,
I am taking my remstar back and go to try the resmed. The only reason i havent tried it is it wasnt offered to me. After doing some research I have asked to try it.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 9:26 pm

Good luck! I hope you like it! I sure do love my Resmeds. Have had the Elite, self-purchased the auto and have been switched to a bi-level now.

I'll be especially interested in your thoughts on the three since you've had the opportunity to try all 3. There aren't many PB 420E users here but everyone who has one seems to be a die-hard fan and a couple are like SnoreDog who has had the opportunity to try out the others too.

I always thought I'd really like to try one - then got switched to the bi-level and .... so much for that idea

bigk · Post by **bigk** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 4:13 am

If you're in Australia - make sure you check prices on http://www.cpapaustralia.com.au - and if you get a Resmed make sure you download the doctors referral for the softwre so you can get it free-of-charge.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:45 am

Budgie, I've used all three of the major manufacturers' autopaps and got good treatment from all of them. My personal preference, in this order:

Respironics REMstar Auto with A-Flex M series, but not with the M series integrated humidifier. I use a separate Fisher & Paykel HC 150 humidifier with the M series machines. Their Encore Viewer software is very informative and easy to use.

Puritan Bennett Goodknight 420E autopap and its Silverlining software...the most detailed of the software. My only caution for anyone getting a 420E to use in auto-titrating mode would be to do a download after the first night or as soon as possible in the first week, to see what the pressure line looks like. That will show if IFL1 being "on" suits you, or if that particular setting (it comes set to "on") needs to be turned off to avoid unnecessary pressure run ups.

I did not like resmed's software nor their humidifiers when I used their S7 and S8 autopaps.

Slinky wrote:With the Puritan Bennet, just make sure it is the 420 E, their other 420s are NOT autos nor (correct me I am wrong, SnoreDog) are they fully data capable.

I'm not Snoredog , but agree that the 420E is the autopap. They do have a straight cpap that records full data -- the 420SP (and older S.) The 420G is their cpap model that does not record AHI info.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 8:12 am

What on earth didn't you like about the Humidaire 2i and 3i, RG? I haven't used the M Series humidifier and can't conceive of why I would do so, but I have used the pre-M Series humidifier, the Humidaire 3i and the F&P HC 100. I agree that the HC 100 & 150 have greater capability than the integrated humidifiers but what was it you didn't like about the Humidaires?

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 9:01 am

Slinky wrote:What on earth didn't you like about the Humidaire 2i and 3i, RG? I haven't used the M Series humidifier and can't conceive of why I would do so, but I have used the pre-M Series humidifier, the Humidaire 3i and the F&P HC 100. I agree that the HC 100 & 150 have greater capability than the integrated humidifiers but what was it you didn't like about the Humidaires?

With two Humidaire 2i's that I used (never tried the 3i), I didn't like having to turn the heat adjustment up to the midway point to get any heated humidification at all. Had to turn them wayyy up to get the equivalent feeling of humidification I could get at the midpoint setting with other humidifiers.

The older Respironics pre-M integrated humidifier and the separate F&P humidifier, and the M humidifier all warmed the water much better at a low setting than the Humidaire 2i in my subjective experience.

I especially didn't like having to remove the Humidaire's water chamber from the machine just to add more water. Having to completely remove the water chamber if all I want to do is add more to the "fill" line annoys me about several of the manufacturers' integrated humidifiers however, like the M series humidifiers -- not just the Humidaires.

For ease of filling (using a funnel) without having to remove the water chamber at all, I prefer the separate F&P HC 150 or 100, and the older Respironics non-M machine with its integrated humidifier. With those I can simply pop the main air hose off, and "funnel" in more distilled water without removing the water chamber. As you know, I rarely ever dump the unused water out, so I hardly ever (read -- about twice a year!) have to remove a water chamber at all.

Adding more to my favorite humidifers is especially easy if one of these is used as the connector for airhose to humidifier: http://www.tnlc.com/Lara/laura/osa/Elbo ... irhose.jpg )

A minor dislike I had for using a Humidaire is the way the resmed machine was designed to continue blowing at a low speed for a period of time after the machine is turned off if the integrated humidifier is used...presumably to dry something. Some people would consider that a plus. But I considered it an annoyance to not have the motor turn "off" completely and immediately when I turned the machine off in the morning.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 9:08 am

I had the same problem with the H3i ... not nearly enough humidification as I had to set it all the way up. Second, the reservoir is too small and would run out ... I suppose the Respironics would have the same issue but I never bothered with integrated HH once I went with the HC150. Finally, the H3i was a bit more trouble to refill than the HC150.

Just get the HC150 and be done with all the problems that the integrated HH have ... from both Respironics and ResMed.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 11:49 am

Hmmm. My first winter on CPAP we had some especially windy days keeping the furnace running almost constantly. I didn't find the "tank's" humidifier any more effective at keeping up than the Humidiaire 3i. That ole HC 100 sure did the trick tho!!! And at a mid-setting.

I fill my Humidaire 3i w/a funnel right on the xPAP. No need to remove the tank. Must be different than the 2is.

I will agree tho about the darn xPAP blowing gently for awhile when turned off. Drove me nuts at first. Its nice tho to turn the xPAP and humidifier off w/just one stop button. I always tip the top of the 3i up hoping the xPAP will quit that gentle blowing sooner. I don't know if it really helps or not. I've learned to just ignore it whilst $$$ signs roll thru my mind.

Our power company has altered their life saving equipment discount and we only get a $6 a month discount now. *sigh* I'm GLAD I don't have to use the 02 concentrator overnight any more!!! Those babies can REALLY add to your electric bills.

Budgie74 · Post by **Budgie74** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:29 am

Well Slinky, I have the resmed and wait for it...... I love it. This one I will buy. I am still a little confused about the extra data that you get from the lcd but I think my DME doesnt know what she is talking about. She is only new. The first lady i dealt with has returned from holidays so I will discuss it more with her on Wednesday.

It works well, I dont feel any pressure. It is much quieter than the PB and Remstar. I still do get some noise but have figured that is from the mask. Fisher Paykel 407. reading other threads I may try the swift lt or the resmed nasal mask. (cant think of name) I did read something about Soyla masks. I havent as yet seen them in Australia. Mind you doesnt mean there not here.

Thanks for everyones responses. It has all help. I am 99% sure i will be a Resmed owner by the end of the week. Still up in the air about the mask and dont need a humidifer.

Budgie

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:31 am

WHICH Resmed are you using right now, Budgie??

Personally, I would go for the Resmed S8 II AutoSet. The S8 IIs are more quiet than the S8s and the S8 IIs have the EasyBreathe technology which is great. Plus the S8 II AutoSet has EPR capability in both straight CPAP and auto mode. The S8 AutoSet only had EPR capability in straight CPAP mode. The problem is: I don't remember the exact name for the Aussie equivalent of the North American Resmed S8 II AutoSet. Just make sure it is an auto AND an S8 II and you have the right one.

Until you get and start using the software you will LOVE the EASY access to so much data via the LCD screen. Just press the Left and Right buttons and hold for 3-4 seconds. Efficacy Data will appear on the LCD screen. From then on its pretty obvious how to proceed thru the various screens: Left button to Enter, Right button to Exit, Up button to return to the previous page and Down button to proceed to the next page. AND you don't have to worry about accidentally changing your therapy settings in this detailed patient menu.

IF the Left & Right button press for 3-4 seconds DOESN'T bring up the Efficacy Data menu then the access hasn't been granted in the Clinicians Menu. But we can tell you how to access that if necessary. Its just a matter of turning SmartData on. I would think in Oz they would automatically grant you that access tho. Not like the medieval mindset of the FDA and the medical profession here in the USA who considers us morons incapable of understanding the data.

Confused newbie. what machine should I get?

Confused newbie. what machine should I get?

Re: Confused newbie. what machine should I get?

Re: Confused newbie. what machine should I get?

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: S9 Autoset, H5i, Resmed Swift FX, Resscan 3.10