Newly Diagnosed - Help Choosing Machine

[Tean94]

I just got my Sleep Study results today from my Dr. He also gave me a copy of the prescription. So I'm all set to go to a local DME that takes my Insurance.

However, I'm torn between the ResMed S9 AutoSet and the Respironics System One Auto CPAP and Humidifier (DS560HS). I'm leaning towards the ResMed because of the better LCD display, Daily Readout, Auto Elevation setting (I'm in Utah, 4,000 ft above sea level), and Mask Leak Alarm.

My Prescribed CPAP is at 8cm.

Also, should I get a heated hose too? Relative humidity in Utah is quite low most of the year and I have Central Air in my house.

As for Mask, I'm leaning towards the ResMed Mirage Quattro Full Mask, because I've always been a mouth breather and I have a trimmed beard.

Thanks!

[LSAT]

With a prescription of 8cm CPAP, you may have difficulty getting the auto machines that you mention. The doctor should have indicated an autoset machine with a minimum and maximum pressure. Right now he is prescribing a regular CPAP...which is not terrible as long as it is a data capable machine.

[Tean94]

I talked with the DME that I'll be going to and asked if I could get an APAP machine, since they'll also do CPAP. She said she would. I hope she'll keep to her word.

[jweeks]

Also, should I get a heated hose too?

Hi,

Both are excellent machines, but the heated hose would tip the scale towards ResMed for me. I run at a much higher pressure where humidity is a must. That warms the air, so I like my bedroom cooler, which means I sometimes get water in the mask. A heated hose would help in that situation. It is probably not as big of a deal for a pressure under 10, but it is still nice to have a factory made option for a heated hose since it all fits together so well.

-john-

[cflame1]

there is a heated hose on PR S1 as well

[Pugsy]

The model number DS560 denotes one of the new 60 series machines with the heated hose.
If it were the non heated hose the number would be 550 for the APAP machine.

[MaxDarkside]

I think I tried both in my DME's office with the respiratory therapist... There were very subtle differences in the exhale relief, not really a differentiating difference to me, so I used an alternate "highly technical" criteria: I thought the ResMed S9 AutoSet looked cooler! ( LOL ) Hey, if I'm going to sleep with it, it better be good lookin' OK, that and I knew the data capabilities of the ResMed S9 AutoSet, I wasn't so sure about the other, ignorant that I was.

I've never used a heated hose, haven't needed one so far, probably never will.

[Janknitz]

PR S1 auto is a great machine, but if I'd had a choice (I didn't because of my HMO) I would have chosen the ResMed S9 instead, because it has a few more bells and whistles that I would really have appreciated like the mask fit feature and the leak indicator. I am also green with envy over all the data you can see on the screen, since I'm too darn lazy to haul out my laptop, boot it up, find the card reader and download my card just to see the AHI breakdown on a regular basis.

But, the PR S1 Auto is a perfectly good machine in terms of treatment. So if you don't have a choice, the PR S1 is a fine machine. If you do have a choice, lucky you!

[archangle]

I believe that right now, SleepyHead doesn't work with the Philips Respironics 60 series machines, and the author is not doing any updates for a while.

The PRS60 machines are brand new. There's always the risk they haven't got the bugs worked out.

The S9 AutoSet vs. the PRS60 Auto is still a bit of a toss up. I'd probably chose the S9 for the above reasons, if my out of pocket cost was about the same.

Be sure to not let them trick you with an S9 Escape Auto. It collects very little data. You want the S9 AutoSet.

If you end up with a manual CPAP, avoid the Philips Plus or ResMed Escape machines. You'll want the Pro or Elite machines.

[Pugsy]

SleepyHead is not yet compatible with the 60 series Respironics machines but there is software available that will work with it right now. Let me know should you wish to find out about the software that will work with the PR S1 60 series machines.

[Tean94]

Thanks everyone for weighing in!

I still think I am leaning towards the ResMed AutoStart with Climate Hose. Though if you decide you don't want the hose heated, can you turn that function off at the machine?

I've seen people talking about different softwares. I assume it is so they can read the data collected off the SD card? What software should I get for the ResMed, assuming my DME lets me order it? And how do I go about getting the software?

[zoocrewphoto]

I am less than 2 months into xpap. I have the Resmed S9 Autoset. My sleep doctor also has sleep apnea. He mentioned that he prefers Resmed because of the software. I assume he prescribed the machine that he uses and likes. And he plans to view my data since he wanted a machine that gives data for the software he uses.

With the Resmed S9, you can use Rescan software (there are free downloads listed in some people's sig lines). I use this software to view my software. The SD card is a standard card, so my laptop has a built in reader. If you don't have a reader, you can get one at a store like Walmart for about $10. This machine also works with Sleephead software. This is really popular here, though I have not tried it yet.

I am not familiar with the other machine, other than hearing it recommended as well. They seem to be the top 2 machines for reading data and good treatment.

The heating options can be turned on and off, so you can adjust it as needed. I was also glad to read that my machine can adjust for altitude since I do travel, and I usually make a trip to Colorado and Utah (Arches National Park) each year (from the Seattle area), so it will be nice to travel and not worry about it. My sister has complained on previous trips about my snoring, which has gotten worse over time. She was over a few days ago, and entered my bedroom while I was asleep. She was impressed at how quiet I am now She's looking forward to quieter nights. I'm looking forward to more energy with fewer energy drinks

I would take the names of the machines on a paper when you go in. Put a separate list of the ones you have been warned to avoid so that you know to refuse them. I am really pleased that my doctor prescribed a godo machine for me. My DME didn't hesitate or try to give me anything else. So, I have had a good experience from the start.

[Pugsy]

Your DME will not supply ResScan unless you get your doctor to write a RX for it.
No problem though. Easy to find.

If you want to play with it to see if you like it there are sample data reports in it already.
You can find a download link in UncleBob's signature line. All the stuff it wants you to fill out...doesn't matter what you put in the boxes...they don't check anything.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=38643

A tutorial on how to use it can be found here
http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/resscan_tutorial/

There is a ResScan version newer than what Uncle Bob has a link for...it seems to run a little faster but no huge need to use it over his version. If you want it..send me a private message.

Of course SleepyHead works well and I have links for it in my signature. Beta software and a couple of minor bugs but no huge problems. Even if you don't want to use the you might read the Glossary link. It will help you understand the terminology you will see in the reports.

I actually have had the good fortune to be able to own both the Respironics brand and ResMed. Either one does a great job and I am sure you will really like the Autoset if that is what you want.

You can request the provider/clinical manual for it from link below. It is sent via email as an attachment or send me a private message with your email address and I can send it to you. I also have the Respironics 60 series provider manual.
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

[Tean94]

Thanks Pugsy!

I downloaded the SleepyHead software and have it installed. I also found the 4.1 ResScan software and have it installed now to.

My appointment with the DME is set for tomorrow afternoon. I'm strangely excited to get my machine and sleep with a mask on my face??? I guess I'm more excited for more energy and whatever other positive side effects I'll benefit from.

[DoriC]

PR S1 auto is a great machine, but if I'd had a choice (I didn't because of my HMO) I would have chosen the ResMed S9 instead, because it has a few more bells and whistles that I would really have appreciated like the mask fit feature and the leak indicator. I am also green with envy over all the data you can see on the screen, since I'm too darn lazy to haul out my laptop, boot it up, find the card reader and download my card just to see the AHI breakdown on a regular basis.

But, the PR S1 Auto is a perfectly good machine in terms of treatment. So if you don't have a choice, the PR S1 is a fine machine. If you do have a choice, lucky you!

My PR S1 Auto does list the mask fit feature and it's set to On but the manual does not tell how to activate it. Would you or anyone know? We've been using the S9 Autoset with so-so results since we're home from the hospital so I'm switching to our PR tonight to see if he does any better. I like both machines but will miss the screen data and mask fit.