M Series Auto w/A-Flex -or- Resmed S8 AutoSet II?

[bmt22033]

Hi everyone. I've been using an old Respironics REMStar (w/o C-Flex) for the past several years to treat my OSA. I recently had another titration study and found that my pressure needs to be adjusted a bit from 12cm to 14cm. Given the age of my current machine and the fact that it doesn't offer any kind of pressure reduction on exhalation, I'm planning to purchase a new machine. I've narrowed it down to the M Series Auto w/A-Flex and the Resmed S8 AutoSet II and would like to ask for advice/input from the readers of this forum. If anyone can comment specifically on the following, I'd really appreciate it!

- Does the M Series w/A-Flex also support C-Flex or are they two separate models?
- I've heard some complaints about the M Series heated humidifier with regard to it's capacity. Is it really that small?
- How does A-Flex (or C-Flex) compare to the EPR capability of the S8 AutoSet II?
- In general, how do Respironics and Resmed compare for 1) quality/reliability and 2) feature set?

Most all of the DME vendors (at least in my area) seem to recommend Respironics as the "gold standard" for xPAPs. Is there any truth to that?

Thanks VERY much for taking the time to read this and I appreciate any info you're willing to share. In the meantime, I've got a lot of reading to do...

[Velbor]

If anyone can comment specifically on the following, I'd really appreciate it!

You will likely get lots of comments, but they will largely disagree, leaving you no better off. Whether you will appreciate it remains to be seen!

- Does the M Series w/A-Flex also support C-Flex or are they two separate models?

A-Flex will give you access to C-Flex as well.

- I've heard some complaints about the M Series heated humidifier with regard to it's capacity. Is it really that small?
- How does A-Flex (or C-Flex) compare to the EPR capability of the S8 AutoSet II?
- In general, how do Respironics and Resmed compare for 1) quality/reliability and 2) feature set?

I pass on the first two, since I don't use either the humidifier or the Flex/EPR. As for quality/reliability, there are no answers with both quality and reliability. The feature sets are both comparable, and impossible to compare. Though you will be told otherwise.

Most all of the DME vendors (at least in my area) seem to recommend Respironics as the "gold standard" for xPAPs. Is there any truth to that?

Only in the sense that any particular vendor will probably get more "gold" from selling one brand or the other.

Thanks VERY much for taking the time to read this and I appreciate any info you're willing to share. In the meantime, I've got a lot of reading to do...

And remember that what you'll get here will worth every penny you spend! Lots of truth will be found, but sifting it out from the bias is no easy matter!

[Slinky]

Both are quality devices from good manufacturers. As Velbor said, the local DME supplier's preference is for which manufacturer gives them the best profit margin.

The Resmeds stand out in one respect, they can't be beat for ease of access to and the amount of data available via the LCD screen.

Respironics patient software is easier to obtain than the Resmed professional software but both are available.

Personally, not being the swiftest boat in the water when it comes to 'puters, I found the Resmed software easier to install and start using. I also found the Resmed software easier to use and understand. On the other hand the Respironics software has ONE feature I love and wish Resmed would adopt some form of: the Daily Events Per Hour table. *sigh*

[JoyD.]

bmt wrote:
- Does the M Series w/A-Flex also support C-Flex or are they two separate models?
- I've heard some complaints about the M Series heated humidifier with regard to it's capacity. Is it really that small?
- How does A-Flex (or C-Flex) compare to the EPR capability of the S8 AutoSet II?
- In general, how do Respironics and Resmed compare for 1) quality/reliability and 2) feature set?

Yes, the M Series/Aflex also gives you the choice of CFlex when used in straight pressure mode; AFlex for Auto pressure mode. (Most
of us seem to prefer the AFlex - it seems much smoother and more like natural breathing compared with CFlex)

I use Auto/Aflex at 11-15 (90% pressure ranges between 13 & 14) and I have NEVER run out of water, always have some left.

Have never used S8 AutoSet, another great machine. Others rave about S8's quietness; M Series are louder (I've gotten used to it).

Quality/reliability-wise, I'm convinced they are comparable. Features: The LED shows more with S8, but the software costs more.

Good luck choosing! You can't go wrong with either one. If "quiet" is a big issue with you, choose ResMed Autoset.

Joy

[Slinky]

All too often running out of water in your integrated humidifier is due to too high a Leak rate, whether mask or mouth or lip flutters are the cause is of no consequence to the amount of water used during the night. Its the Leak RATE that matters.

[lusoman]

- Does the M Series w/A-Flex also support C-Flex or are they two separate models?

It has both C-Flex and A-Flex. I couldn't get on with A-Flex. For me, towards the end of my inhalation the pressure seemed to drop before I had actually finished inhaling, and it felt to me like a minor "asthma-like" event. I hated it, and went back to C-Flex.

- I've heard some complaints about the M Series heated humidifier with regard to it's capacity. Is it really that small?

I never had any problems with capacity. I found that I could go about three nights on average with the Respironics. I never get more that two nights with the Resmed. However, a known quirk of the Respironics (whether the humidifier or xPAP I don't know) is that it sometimes gives off an unpleasant sickly/musty smell. It's very hard to define, but multiple people have reported it, and it appears to be a design or QA problem. My guess is that it is somehow due to running with the humidifier dry or nearly dry, and I did not like it at all. I used to get it maybe once a month.

- How does A-Flex (or C-Flex) compare to the EPR capability of the S8 AutoSet II?

I find the "feel" of EPR better than either C-Flex or A-Flex. Purely personal, but I definitely prefer EPR.

- In general, how do Respironics and Resmed compare for 1) quality/reliability and 2) feature set?

No idea about reliability. I used my M-Series Auto with A-Flex for about a year, and have had the Resmed Autoset II for three months now.

Things I prefer about the Resmed:
1. Looks nicer: silly I know, but it does.
2. It doesn't have those HORRIBLE bright blue LEDs, that are almost bright enough to read by.
3. The data that the unit displays (as opposed to downloading for a PC-based program) is much better. If you are going to be using the PC software, it's pretty much a wash, although I personally like the reports that the Resmed produces better than the Respironics.
4. The auto algorithm that the Resmed uses suits me a lot better. I was titrated at 13cm, and have my machine set to 10/20. The machine almost always runs at about 12.6, with an AHI of around 2.5, and an AI of 0. The pressure with the Respironics used to jump around a lot more, typically between 9 and 14 in any given week.
5. The Resmed is a LOT quieter.
6. It uses a simple power cord: none of the silly power brick shenanigans.
7. The Resmed has a humidifier preheat option.

The things I preferred about the Respironics:
1. It was cheaper.
2. When the Resmed is just turned off it has a low level airflow, for some reason.
3. With the data card option you get to see variable breathing and snores (the Resmed does not show you these with the standard data card: you need the totally unavailable ResLink device).
4. If you use a full-face mask, the ResMed will not support auto-start/stop.

Most all of the DME vendors (at least in my area) seem to recommend Respironics as the "gold standard" for xPAPs. Is there any truth to that?

It seems to be the same here in Seattle, but my sleep clinic suggested I might want to try the Resmed when I complained about the odd feel of the A-Flex, and also said that a lot of people are complaining about the lights.

One of the things I found interesting is that the guy I got my Resmed from at Apria (who for some reason I hear LOTS of complaints about, though my experience has been exemplary) uses the Resmed himself, and had pretty much the same I experience as I have.

Hope this helps. There are several people who I have seen who slam the Resmed, and there are also people who love it. Having tried both the Autos, plus the M-Series Pro with C-Flex, I am definitely in the Resmed camp.

[araminta]

I think it's a very individual matter.
Based on the specs, I thought the Autoset II would be perfect for me. But I could tolerate the algorithm used for breathing.
I found the M series w/ Aflex much much more comfy.
I also find the humidifier ample for my particular needs (set to very low).
And while louder than the Resmed, I (and my sweetie) am surprised at how little noise the M Series makes. it's not loud at all.

[deerslayer]

started out w/ the model 500 M series w/ cflex ,now use it as backup & travel. have been using the M series 510 w/ aflex with no complaints. wish they would have kept the humidifier the same. i liked the one in the model 500 better. some people mind the blue lights on the buttons , they make a nice night light. i have no experience with the resmed models. good luck ! tim

[bmt22033]

Thanks everyone for all the information! It's been very helpful to me. After reading all of your responses to my post as well as many other posts on this forum, I finally decided last night to go with the Resmed S8 AutoSet II. I probably should have turned the computer off at that point and gone to bed but instead, I continued reading more posts and now I'm left wondering if I made the best decision. I ran across a couple of long threads here (which I forgot to bookmark) with people debating the auto algorithms used by Respironics and Resmed to detect events and adjust the pressure. My most recent titration study indicated that I needed a pressure of 14cm to achieve an AHI of 4. The physician who dictated the report also stated that he would not recommend increasing the pressure beyond 14cm to try and lower the AHI further because of the central apneas that were observed. My idea in purchasing an auto rather than a regular CPAP was that I would use it in auto mode on occasion to see how I responded to it (so I'd know if a pressure change might be appropriate without having to wait for another titration study to find out) but primarily run in standard CPAP mode with some form of exhalation pressure relief. Even after all of my efforts to educate myself, I still feel pretty ignorant regarding the event monitoring algorithms used by Respironics/Resmed and if one might be more appropriate for my particular situation than the other. The threads that I read discussing these algorithms did turn pretty incendiary and I most definitely do NOT want to fan those flames. Is it possible for anyone to tell me if there's a definite reason why one of these algorithms would be better suited for me than the other? If the answer is no, I can accept that (and honestly since I already placed my order, I'm sort of hoping that that's the case! . Thanks again for taking the time read this and respond. I really appreciate the information that you all have shared with me!

[dowen]

Is it possible for anyone to tell me if there's a definite reason why one of these algorithms would be better suited for me than the other?

IMHO, I can't see how someone could know for certain that one algrorithm was better suited to you in particular than another. (They might have an opinion about it, but that is not the same as knowing.) I think some people get carried away with over analyzing their technology.

I'm very satisfied with the Resmed.

Good luck.

[Slinky]

There really is now way to know if you would do better w/the algorhythm of one manufacturer over another except to use both and even then MOST LIKELY you would notice no difference in therapy or comfort between them. Those who do are few and far between.

[DNAClone]

I recently had the same decision to make and there were so many similarities that I couldn't make up my mind. My DME made it easier when they said I could wait 2 additional days for the Autoset II or they had an M Series Auto w/A Flex in stock.

I took the M series and have no regrets. It is quiet and easy to use. I have been tinkering with the C Flex and A Flex options and originally thought that the C Flex worked better for me. Now I have settled in on the A Flex. Besides the option of the A FLex and C FLex, I believe the ramp function is a bit different between the two machines.

Unless you have experience with one or another, it seems like a toss up between two of the leading devices.
Have fun deciding!