My machine has died, and I feel tired and lost...

[apneaicinisrael]

Hi CPAPtalk! Long time since I've been here! That's a GOOD thing because basically I've been a smooth-riding CPAP user for 8 years! The first year I spent a lot of time here and got so much help and support... Now I need it again! Last night my beloved little Puritan Bennet 420S upped and died on me . It has never given me a moment's trouble until I went to turn it on last night, and "fizzle", "whine", no pressure and no good air. I had an awful night and I'm very tired right now, so I hope I'm being clear enough.
I have always used a regular CPAP Puritan Bennet 420S, pressure setting 5, very minimal but has made the world of differenct.
I don't think this machine even exists anymore.
I need HELP!!! What machine do I want to buy, TODAY, to replace my beloved quiet little PB?
Thanks so much
AII

[Laos Film Director]

My GoodKnight 420, I think I had an S model, died a year ago. It was a great small machine that I used primarily for travel. Some machines people like here include the ResMed S9 Autoset and the Intellipap machine.

I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions here with a little more info from you. Do you have a price range in mind? Do you have insurance? Travel often? Need a heated hose?

[apneaicinisrael]

Thanks!
I will check out the ResMed S9 and the Intellipap. Any other ideas?
Has anyone heard of the FandP HC232 or the Philips Respironics 151 S? These 2 machines are available to me here in Israel. However, I am thinking that I'd rather choose my own than take "what they have". So I might get a loaner and order...
I don't use the humidifier (though I have one) or a heated hose - not much problem with rain-out in my nose. I do love my snuggle-hose though
I do travel a moderate amount. Throwing the PB blue bag over my shoulder has been quite easy these 5 years. Yes, I checked, I am "only" a 5 year user. Guess it just feels like longer!
Looking forward to input on the two machines they have for me here and also more ideas if I decide to order online.
THANK YOU!

[cflame1]

PR S1 model 151... doesn't have CFLEX, doesn't have full data... not a good machine IMHO

FandP HC232... probably won't have data either... the main FandP's that I've heard of with data are the 244 and 245

some of the folks here have the PR S1 Remstar Pro or the Auto with AFLEX.

[ozij]

When the pressure is 5, you really don't need exhale relief.

A few things to keep in mind:
Delivery prices from the States to Israel are exorbitant, and there's VAT on top of that.
If the machine happens to break, you've got no one to give you a backup within one day [that's not theory -- happened to me after about a year with a locally bought 420E, slept without a machine for a single night - and then had a replacement)
Your insurance (if you have one of the complementary insurances) will pay for most of the new machine after 5 years -- but probably request a doctor's confirmation that you still need it.

Is the Covidien Sandman (successor to PB420x) not available from the company that sold you the 420S? People liked the machine, but I knwo it had reliability problems --don't know if they were solved and if that company still carries those machines. Worth a check. cpap.com has no "real time inventory" on those today -- which raises an eyebrow or 2 as to the machine's reliability.

I use an S9 now -- incredibly quite -- can't be compared to the PB420E I had. If you want LCD data, the Resmed will give it to you in a smaller package that the Intellipap -- for data on the Intellipap you need an extra module - however the Intellipap may still be cheaprer - and it undoubtedly a rugged machine.

Since you don't seem to need Auto (and haven't needed a change in 5 years) I suggest you go for a fixed pressure machine, and consider the following:
Weight
Noise
Durablity
Supplier reliabity
Price (once insurance has paid its part)
Data
Quality of software.

This is not by order of priority -- order the priorities any way you want.
Nothing beats the data you get from the S9 with its software -- but if I were in your position, I doubt I would give that aspect much weight - that's necessary for trouble shooting, but you seem fine.

PM me if you need a loan of my retired 420E to tide you over.

Good luck
O.

[SleepingUgly]

Having always had an Auto-Pap, I can't imagine ever accepting a CPAP if I could help it. I just think there are too many reasons why an APAP is better than a CPAP, as you never know what your situation will be in the future.

O., good point about not being able to get a replacement CPAP in Israel if you buy one from the States...