renewing CPAP usage

[mcejsul]

Hello all,
I have migrated on an off of the CPAP a cpouple of times and now I am coming back to using it and going to try to stick with it this time. Went to Dr to try to get a scrip for a new mask, but had been two years since my last sleep study and with a new insurance provider, so he sent me for a new sleep study, which was last night.
Now my question is, what type of equipment should I be looking for now, two years later. Although they originally gave me a basic machine, Thanks to the advice of some here, I brought it back and had them give me the m-series cpap before for with a card reader and encore software. Which allowed me to view all of my information, which I loved. My fear is if they offer me a new machine, which my card reader and software then become useless.
If I am offered a new machine, any advice on what is out there as far as new machines and ways to get your information?

Also, anything else I should be looking into..Oximeter, etc?
Thanks, in advance.

[LinkC]

The "System One" is the replacement for the "M-series" if you want to stick with Respironics. However, there's good news and bad news. It will require different software (there are economical sources and alternatives...) BUT the card is a common SD memory card. Your comp (or printer) may already have the slot for it. If not, USB adapters are cheap and found anywhere.

Stick with it this time! (or add me to your will... )

[jabman]

Why do you need to get a new machine?
I would use the one you have it isn't that old ( unless you got it used). But if you do decide to get a new one the S9 Auto Set is nice then you could compare the two and see which you like best keeping the other one for a back up machine.

[mcejsul]

Why a new machine? That is a good question. My assumption is that, it the 2 years since I got this one new, there would be better technology out there. Perhaps a quieter machine (better for my wife and less guilt for me), etc.
Other concerns I have is that I have not used my M-Series machine in likely over a year. Meaning that i hasn't been cleaned or anything in that time. I wouldn't know where to begin on cleaning this machine throughly and making sure it was "safe" for me to use. Would it be safe to just rinse the parts out, humidifier, etc?

MCEJSUL

[archangle]

If you get a new machine for some reason, the PRS1 (Philips Respironics System One) Remstar Pro or Auto will be fine. Avoid the PRS1 Plus, it doesn't record much data. I don't like the AuotIQ because it's not really an Auto, but in theory it's better than the pro.

If you get a ResMed S9, avoid Escape or Escape Auto. Elite or AutoSet are great.

Remember, "Plus is Minus. If it says Escape, run screaming from the room and try to escape."

Any of the recommended machines will be much better than your M series machine in terms of data collection.

[Pugsy]

Other concerns I have is that I have not used my M-Series machine in likely over a year. Meaning that i hasn't been cleaned or anything in that time. I wouldn't know where to begin on cleaning this machine throughly and making sure it was "safe" for me to use. Would it be safe to just rinse the parts out, humidifier, etc?

Where has it been stored all this time? In the carrying case? Only thing you need to do is wash the black foam filter, put in a new white fine filter and rinse out the humidifier tank. Wash the long hose as you normally would.

Stored in closet out in the open and gathered dust? Wipe off the exterior with damp cloth (wet with disinfectant of some sort if you wish) and any little crevices you can get to without forcing things. Do the same steps as above but add maybe 15 minutes of letting the machine just blow. Would be a good way to dry out the hose.

Other than some dust particles.. there won't be anything bad in there. Nothing for bad germs to live on if there had been any which would have been a very remote possibility anyway.

[BlackSpinner]

If your machine is only 2 years old I doubt your insurance will pay for a new one.

Change the filters, run it for a half an hour to clear the dust out. Wash the humidifier with vinager solution. same with hose

[mcejsul]

was thinking a new machine would be an option as I have a new insurance carrier since I last received a machine. Am I being naive on that? My wife works in insurance so she suggested new equipment.

[Pugsy]

was thinking a new machine would be an option as I have a new insurance carrier since I last received a machine. Am I being naive on that? My wife works in insurance so she suggested new equipment.

If you can get a new machine.. by all means go for it. The newer technology offers more data and easier to get.
Keep your M series (go ahead an clean it anyway) for a backup.

Make sure that you know exactly which models offer full data and those that do not.
The presence of a SD card does not guarantee full data. The PR System One Remstar Plus with CFlex and the ResMed S9 Escape both have SD cards but they only gather hours of use data..nothing else. Only how much you have used the machine to satisfy any insurance requirements.

If DME offers different brand...study up on it as well.

[mcejsul]

Make sure that you know exactly which models offer full data and those that do not.
The presence of a SD card does not guarantee full data. The PR System One Remstar Plus with CFlex and the ResMed S9 Escape both have SD cards but they only gather hours of use data..nothing else.

That is exactly what I am looking for, a little advice on a machine that offers full data and is also a quiet machine. Or at least a couple of options to look. difficult to muddle through all of the information to know what one is looking at.
Thanks for the advice.

MCEJSul

[Guest]

I have an Intellipap Standard PLUS by Devilbiss and it is VERY quiet. When I plugged it up my daughter asked me if that was all the noise there was. I've only had it about 3 weeks and so I don't know if it can give the graphs and extra information some of the other machines do. My husband is a very, very noise sensitive light sleeper, so we haven't shared sleeping space for many years! We did, recently for a couple nights on vacation, and his comment the morning after was " I didn't know even know you were there. " Not sure I like him admitting that he didn't know I was there, however he wasn't complaining that I kept him awake like he's done in times gone by. I know there is one model "higher" than mine as well, it's an APAP machine, it looks identical to mine in the stock photos I've seen of it, and online is is advertised as a full data machine.

Perhaps someone with more experience with the machines could tell you if you can add things to this model or the AutoPap model to get all the data, there is a module and card reader to add. Not sure how you'd get the DME to give you exactly what you want, but best wishes on getting new stuff!

[ozij]

You're right about the new machines being quieter - you'll be amazed if you compare an S9 to an M-series machine.

[Pugsy]

Everyone seems to say their ResMed S9 machines are very quiet. I haven't used one to compare it to my new PR S1 Respironics machine which my husband reports that he can't hear it and I only hear faint breathing from mask which I would hear with any machine. In my head breathing if you know what I mean.

One of the members here has recently compiled a list explaining which machines offer data and software.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
Read it and see if all your questions are answered.
I personally don't care for the software that the DeVilbiss machines offer. I feel it is lacking in some of the items I find useful but that is me and my preferences. Several members here use it and are quite satisfied with it.

I started out with M Series APAP.. I didn't find it to be loud at all but maybe I happened to get a good one.
I have had my hearing checked so I know it isn't that I am deaf.