Trading Respironics REMstar PLUS C-flex for S8 Elite II help

[Digeeedad]

I have the Phillips Respironics REMstar PLUS C-flex machine with heated humidifier. I am using with good success the ResMed Swift LT nasal pillows. I am new to CPAP therapy and machines and have been using my equipment for a little over 4 weeks.

About 2 weeks ago, I posted here that I did not like the sound/noise level of my Phillips Respironics REMstar PLUS C-flex and went back to Apria to talk about an exchange. I go back tomorrow for a "fitting" for a new ResMed Swift FX mask and probably an S8 Elite II. I finally located the "noise" source that bothers me on the RemStar... the air intake port. The rather loud to me sound of that intake, combined with motor whir as I inhale or pause between breaths is disturbing and actually seems to be transmitted up the air hose to my mask and me. The corner location of my side of the bed and the table for the machine seems to amplify the noise/sound.

The respiratory therapist that did the class for 6 of us, told us that she had used both machines and preferred the S8 Elite II, as for her it was quieter, but they had none of the S8's in stock, so we all got the RemStar, which is a fairly new to the market machine. I notice that many people on this forum use the ResMed S8 AutoSet II. When I go to Apria tomorrow, they are supposed to have the new mask and the S8 Elite II in stock. Supposedly I may have to pay out of pocket for the S8's heated humidifier, because I have already used mine on my ResMed??? I am not certain that my insurance company would approve S8 SutoSet II although it appears that the prices have dropped because of the introduction of the S9s. Apparently the S9s are not yet available.

So... long winded questions, but I wanted to get some feedback if possible, before I go to Apria. Has anyone switched FROM the S8s to a new Respironics REMstar and found the RemStar to be better? Any sound/noise comparisons between the S8 Elite II and the new RemStar? Is the S8 Elite II adequate as compared to the Autoset? Finally.... any thoughts on waiting for a machine swap until the S9 is available... Lot's of questions but any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks
Curt

[DreamDiver]

So... long winded questions, but I wanted to get some feedback if possible, before I go to Apria. Has anyone switched FROM the S8s to a new Respironics REMstar and found the RemStar to be better? Any sound/noise comparisons between the S8 Elite II and the new RemStar? Is the S8 Elite II adequate as compared to the Autoset? Finally.... any thoughts on waiting for a machine swap until the S9 is available... Lot's of questions but any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks
Curt

Curt,
Welcome!

Apria is always going to tell you they don't have the resmed 'in stock'. They don't carry it unless patients absolutely insist. They want to sell you the M-Series plus because they have a contract with Phillips Respironics and make more money than if they sold you the Resmed device. They won't be making it anymore. Stick to your guns and insist - albeit politely - that you will have only your preferred device and that you will be returning this Respironics machine as soon as you obtain one, whether it is through Apria or another provider.

"RemStar" can mean a lot of things. If Apria is trying to sell you anything other than a System One, it's not a new model. Are you talking about the PR System One? There are a number of recent posts about experiences with the System One on this forum. Some say it's very quiet. One or two have gotten machines that seem not so quiet.

When I first got my M-Series pro, it was quiet. Over the course of three years, it has slowly become a 'jetpak' on my nightstand. PR may have redesigned the impeller motor for the System One, but nobody has owned one long enough to know what the long-term noise level will end up being.

The Elite is a fully data capable machine, but if you don't mind holding out a little longer, I'd go with the Autoset II - or better, if you can wait, even the S9 Autoset.

This is important - do a spreadsheet cost analysis to find out your total costs through insurance including your out-of-pocket costs for the machine bought through Apria. Insist that they give you a full breakdown of what will be paid for by whom. Compare that to your cost of just buying the machine from cpap.com. You may be surprised to find it's even cheaper to buy the machine online than your total out of pocket costs for the machine from Apria - even with the money you've already paid to them.

Don't sign anything until you're satisfied with what your going to pay.

I'd talk directly to your insurance company about the humidifier to find out if it's rented or bought outright.

[Digeeedad]

Thanks for the detailed and helpful reply DreamDiver!

Yes my machine is the newer PR System One. I really like everything about it except for the noise level. Being new I have nothing to compare it to, but have spent many nights back on the couch, because the machine is disturbing my wife's sleep. She says it's WAY better than my snoring lol, but even though she might not fully awaken, she is reacting to the sound, which makes me try to inhale more softly and after a while, I just move to the couch! lol So.... I'm hoping the ResMed will be quieter as all the reviews and even the respiratory therapist indicate that is the case.

I will call my insurance provider today, before my appt. at Apria. Thanks for the suggestions! I probably sound more than a little obsessive about this (which is my tendency anyway lol), but I figured that I'll be living with this equipment for a long time, every night, so I want to have the equipment that will make that neccessity the most comfortable and productive.

Curt

[dacker]

I just got a PR Series 1 on a rental and its very noisy too.

My wife has a ResMed and you can't hear it ...it almost like the noise it coming out of the exhale port as I don't feel any leaks around my nose.

[dsir56]

I just got the new System One, it has a whirrring noise which travels up the hose. It is louder than my Remstar Pro2. I'm not too happy about it, and I can't return it because it has been opened.