What Auto would you recommend?

[Babbie]

I have used a Remstar Auto with C-Flex for the past 5 years and it has over 9000 hours on it. I've loved it but am wondering how much longer it will keep working and would like to find another auto, just in case this one dies. Does anyone have any recommendations? Prices?

[JohnBFisher]

As to the auto units out there, there are several choices. The two top brands we seem to see are Respironics and ResMed.

The ResMed top unit is the ResMed S8 AutoSet II. I provided a link to a CPAP.com bundle that includes the humidifier, software and card reader.

The current top Respironics unit is the PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP. The link I included provides a bundle with the humidifier. The software is not yet available for this unit.

Additionally, a lot of users like the IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP machines, which are designed for travel. The link points to a bundle with the software and the humidifier.

However, since you are accustomed to the Respironics algorithms to address apneas, you might be the most comfortable with the Respironics unit.

Hope this helps.

[BleepingBeauty]

I have used a Remstar Auto with C-Flex for the past 5 years and it has over 9000 hours on it. I've loved it but am wondering how much longer it will keep working and would like to find another auto, just in case this one dies. Does anyone have any recommendations? Prices?

Hi, Babbie.

My initial thought: Why change machines if the one you have is working well for you?

I think it's a very good idea to have another machine at all times, as a backup.

Since you've been on therapy for five years now, you're likely eligible to get a new machine through insurance (which might require another sleep study and/or prescription). If you don't have insurance coverage or you're just looking to buy another machine out-of-pocket, I would suggest you start perusing http://www.cpapauction.com. (You need a prescription to purchase from either cpap.com or the auction.) Otherwise, you can search CraigsList, where no prescription is needed.

I've had fantastic luck buying two machines on CL. I got my M Series APAP last June (from a seller in WA) for $100 plus shipping. It had just 11 hours of use on it. Last month, I finally found the BiPAP Auto SV I'm now using. Bought it from someone in upstate NY for a few hundred dollars. (This machine retails for about $5K.) It had just 100 hours on it. Call me a CL fan.

P.S. It goes without saying (but I'm saying it, anyway!): Buying from another individual, whether on CL or the auction, means buyer beware. Do your homework and cover your butt as much as possible.

Hope that helps.

[Babbie]

Thank you so much! The links have at least narrowed it down a bit. Now to decide which one. I appreciate your help.

[fadedgirl]

Babbie, did you search this site? There are several threads comparing the units. Have fun shopping!!

[Babbie]

Bleeping Beauty - I would LOVE to buy another just like I have but I don't think they make this exact same machine anymore. I want another just in case this one decides to stop working. I have no idea what the life span is for these things, but I've got over 9000 hours on it --that's why I'm starting to look. My 5 years is up in May and I think insurance will buy a new one but plan to call and make sure before getting another. I guess if they want to pay for another sleep study I'll have to do it. At this point I just wanted to see what other folks used and liked. I'll keep CL and the auction site in mind but don't know if my insurance would reimburse me if I used those.

Thanks for much for the reply

[Bob3000]

OP, if you don't mind spending dough, the Resmed S9 looks fantastic and will be available soon. Personally, I've had great results with my Intellipap Devilbiss. It's cheap, quiet, small, provides effective therapy, and has built-in data tracking. Really, it's all I need.

[BleepingBeauty]

Bleeping Beauty - I would LOVE to buy another just like I have but I don't think they make this exact same machine anymore. I want another just in case this one decides to stop working. I have no idea what the life span is for these things, but I've got over 9000 hours on it --that's why I'm starting to look. My 5 years is up in May and I think insurance will buy a new one but plan to call and make sure before getting another. I guess if they want to pay for another sleep study I'll have to do it. At this point I just wanted to see what other folks used and liked. I'll keep CL and the auction site in mind but don't know if my insurance would reimburse me if I used those.

Thanks for much for the reply

You're right about that. Respironics has replaced the M Series line of machines with the new PR System One line.

I think it's very likely that your insurance will buy you a new machine in May. Many people are able to purchase on cpap.com and have their insurance reimburse them, but the M Series APAP is not for sale anymore. If you do want the exact same machine, there are four M Series APAPs on the auction right now (http://www.cpapauction.com/searchListin ... &sitenum=0), and I see them on CL all the time. I doubt any insurance would reimburse an out-of-pocket purchase on CL or the auction.

Best of luck, whichever route you take.