Machine for newbie

[tvmangum]

I have been reading many of the comparisons of the CPAP machine here and on other websites. I read them and think that the software option is good, that the heated humidification is good, this that and the other is good. There are so many options and I don't know which way to turn.

If you could design your ideal machine, what would you include? Would you include ramping, software, humidification, etc.

I am curious since my titration is next week and I want to be able to make a good decision and tell the doctor no if I have to to get the machine that I think will work the best.

[Slinky]

Depending on how much my insurance would cover and how much my out of pocket would be and how easily I could afford my out of pocket:

I would aim for the Resmed S8 II AutoSet w/Humidaire 3i integrated humidifier. The AutoSet is an autoPAP. It can be run in straight CPAP mode or auto mode. It has the adjustable Ramp feature for up to 45 minutes. It has the EPR feature in both straight CPAP and auto mode and is capable of providing up to 3 cms of expiration pressure relief. The integrated humidifier is easy to attach, easy to unattach, its tank is easy to fill, remove and clean and can be used as a passover, for adjustable humidity or not at all. The Resmeds can't be beat for ease of access to nightly data via the LCD screen (also weekly, monthly, 6 months & one year averages after using it that long). They are small, tho not QUITE as small as the Respironics M Series they are 1/2 lb lighter for traveling. They come in an attractive carrying case, w/a Users Manual (and if bought online, the Clinicians Manual and Quick SetUp Guide). Tho their professional ResScan 3.5 software and cable reader are not quite so easy to buy online as the Respironics', they can be found and bought as a bundle quite reasonably.

If the AutoSet was not an option I would insist on the Resmed S8 II Elite w/EPR for all the exact same benefits as the AutoSet except for no auto mode. Everything else would be the same. And to be frank, I wouldn't be too disappointed if I couldn't get the AutoSet and had to go w/the Elite at all. Most of us end up using our autoPAPs in straight CPAP mode except for occasions when we want to check whether we need a slight change in pressure.

[tangents]

I would never argue with Slinky - she knows her stuff. However, I love my Puritan Bennett 420E. The ONLY thing missing is exhalation relief. Otherwise it's a great little machine.

Good luck with your titration and machine acquisition!
Cathy

[Slinky]

Heaven forbid this should sound like a mutal admiration society. Whilst I've never had the opportunity to use a Puritan Bennett 420E, those who have them, love them, including those who have had the opportunity to try other brands and models, and I've never heard anyone complain about their PB 420E.

[Wulfman]

I have been reading many of the comparisons of the CPAP machine here and on other websites. I read them and think that the software option is good, that the heated humidification is good, this that and the other is good. There are so many options and I don't know which way to turn.

If you could design your ideal machine, what would you include? Would you include ramping, software, humidification, etc.

I am curious since my titration is next week and I want to be able to make a good decision and tell the doctor no if I have to to get the machine that I think will work the best.

Since they haven't determined your pressure yet, I would say start studying the machines and their features. It's not out of the realm of possibility that you might even need Bi-PAP/Bi-Level therapy, too.......which is yet another class of machines.

Respironics, Puritan Bennett/Covidien and ResMed all make quality (and data-capable) machines. Personally, I think Respironics has more to offer (including good exhale relief) and software that's easy to understand......specifically, the M Series Auto w/A-Flex.

I'd hate to see this sound like a "mutual admiration society".....


Den

[Slinky]

Aw, come one, Tangents and Wulfman. That's not fair! Tell tvmangum WHAT you like about your xPAPs! Help him out! Both of your devices are good xPAPs and have good things to offer.

[carbonman]

Help him out! Both of your devices are good xPAPs and have good things to offer.

.......I knew it was out there.....

[Georgio]

I don't think you can decide until you have your titration results. Regardless, I think I would be unsatisfied without AutoPap.