Opinions on new APAP

[jtgolfer]

First-time poster...

I've been on a CPAP for 15 years. I can't remember when I switched to the Respironics(?) Aria but I'd say at least seven or eight years ago. I still use my original humidifier, the kind that's about 8x10 and has a hinge on each side. It's old. My pressure setting is 13. I use the Opti-Life mask but am always looking for something better.

I don't seem to have many issues. I don't usually wake up at night unless one of my Maltese dogs wants to go outside. I don't notice any excessive moisture.

I've been thinking lately that I should buy one of the new auto CPAPs. It just seems to make sense. My local medical store (only one in town) wants $1600 for the PR System One model. I'd have to pay at least $900 for it since I have a $1000 deductible medical insurance.

So, I started looking online and noticed I could but the System One model for $600-plus new and perhaps a little less used. I then I read further and it seems the the Resmed AutoSet 9 model is the best one out there. But it's expensive. For me, $500 is a lot of money.

Finally, here's my question — do I need the Resmed AutoSet 9 model considering I don't seem to have some of the problems that others report? Or would the System One or another model suffice. It would be great to test out a couple but I don't see how that happens unless I go out-of-town and try to find a store approved by my insurance company.

Thanks.

[jnk]

If I were in your shoes, the most important thing for me would be to get a machine that gives me leak data and efficacy data. Both machines you mention do that. So if I could not rent each machine for a month in order to figure out which of the two very different auto-titrating algorithms happened to work best in my personal case, then I would likely tend to make my decision based on (1) features (a very subjective, personal thing, depending on what is important to you) and (2) price. I would buy online, and I would CALL every reputable online store to figure out which brand of full-data machine was least expensive right now in order to see which brand of manufacturer wants my business most at the moment.

But, hey, that's just me.

jeff

[Nord]

If I were in your shoes, the most important thing for me would be to get a machine that gives me leak data and efficacy data. Both machines you mention do that. So if I could not rent each machine for a month in order to figure out which of the two very different auto-titrating algorithms happened to work best in my personal case, then I would likely tend to make my decision based on (1) features (a very subjective, personal thing, depending on what is important to you) and (2) price. I would buy online, and I would CALL every reputable online store to figure out which brand of full-data machine was least expensive right now in order to see which brand of manufacturer wants my business most at the moment.

But, hey, that's just me.

jeff

+1... what Jeff said...

Nord

[unadog]

You can buy a more recent machine used for around $150 to $200 that wil give you almost all of the features of the latest and greatest.

The ResMed S9 is the latest there. You should be able to find an S8 for that hypothetical $200. Same thing with Respironics. The System One is the latest. You can find a used "M" series pretty cheap. They will have almost all of the features of the newest version.

You may want to also look at the bilevel machines, the VPAP and BiPap auto. They can be used as a straight CPAP, or you can use the extra bilevel features that have a set pressure for exhale and a different pressure for inhalation. That let's some people get by with overall lower, more comfortable, and less noisy pressures.

The price differential from new to used is steep, partly because of the artfically high prices the insurance companies pay. There are also a lot of people who barely use their machines, so you can find used machines with very few hours on them that are almost new. Just learn how to read the total hours from the machine that you are interested in before you buy it.

Good luck!
Michael

[jtgolfer]

Thanks for the messages. My tendency has always been to try to buy as close to the best as possible but to also use common sense.

[jnk]

Thanks for the messages. My tendency has always been to try to buy as close to the best as possible but to also use common sense.

If you are an early adopter, the latest machines of the brands you mention do seem pretty amazing. If by "common sense" you mean tried and true, the previous generation (M-series or S8 II) proved themselves, in my opinion.

I use a ResMed autobilevel (bilevels, auto- or not, require a specific prescription for them) and love it. BUT, if I were buying today, I would probably go with the autobilevel that was least expensive online, just to do my little part to foster competition--something sadly mostly lacking in this industry, in my opinion.

[jtgolfer]

By common sense I meant that I wasn't going to buy the latest, greatest and most expensive just because it is those three factors.

Honestly, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the terminology and choices that area available. Do I need a machine that records all this data? I don't know. I probably couldn't download the data because I've always used Macs, but I'd work out something. I better start doing some studying.

Thanks.

[Nord]

By common sense I meant that I wasn't going to buy the latest, greatest and most expensive just because it is those three factors.

Honestly, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the terminology and choices that area available. Do I need a machine that records all this data? I don't know. I probably couldn't download the data because I've always used Macs, but I'd work out something. I better start doing some studying.

Thanks.

Hi JT

If you don't collect/ record any data, then you will have to count on how you feel and maybe some snapshots at the Dr's office or sleep study to see if you're getting better... or even if you're on the right track.

I, and many others here use a Mac with a virtual Windows machine inside of it, to do many tasks designed for Windows only machines. I use VM Ware and there are many other programs that enable your Windows programs. You definitely have some major studying time ahead of you.

BTW: I didn't say it before but I am quite happy with my S9 and although it is a premium machine... I shopped until I found "my price"...

Nord

[TDN]

I had a Respironics M Series. Just today I find out that Respironics machine also can be set for an adjustable pressure. I bought S9 because I want to try this auto function. Now I think it's not worth to pay $1,200 for this machine because the cheaper machines also have most of the function S9 has. S9 is very quiet, this is a plus.

[jtgolfer]

Hi JT

If you don't collect/ record any data, then you will have to count on how you feel and maybe some snapshots at the Dr's office or sleep study to see if you're getting better... or even if you're on the right track.

I, and many others here use a Mac with a virtual Windows machine inside of it, to do many tasks designed for Windows only machines. I use VM Ware and there are many other programs that enable your Windows programs. You definitely have some major studying time ahead of you.

BTW: I didn't say it before but I am quite happy with my S9 and although it is a premium machine... I shopped until I found "my price"...

Nord[/quote]

Thanks Nord. I do have access to VMWare's Fusion. I had it on my MacBook Pro but didn't re-install the last time wiped my hard drive and then restored everything.

I see a doctor every three months because I'm type 2 diabetic but we never discuss my sleep. I used to see a pulmonary specialist but a few years back he said it was no longer necessary. And as I said at the beginning, I feel fine and don't have problems sleeping.

I'm leaning toward getting the S9 but it won't be anytime soon. In the meantime I'll be trying to catch up on the technology.

[jnk]

In my opinion, the S8 Autoset II machines give particularly good data from the lcd screen, without software.

I would probably only consider buying one used, myself, though, or in some other way in which no minimum selling price could be dictated by a market-manipulating manufacturer.

But, hey, that's just me.

jeff