Respironics M Series Call For Questions
- imacpappro
- Posts: 79
- Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2004 11:02 pm
- Location: Houston
- Contact:
[quote="Anonymous"]Why is Respironics not launching all units at the same time? Why wasn't the humidifier launched with the first machine?
I read that the Bilderbergers, Trilateral Commission, and Council on Foreign Relations objected to the simultaneous launch's impact on world energy prices and pressured Respironics into a staggered release.
I read that the Bilderbergers, Trilateral Commission, and Council on Foreign Relations objected to the simultaneous launch's impact on world energy prices and pressured Respironics into a staggered release.
- fujiinator
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:39 pm
Remstar plus M with integrated humidifier
As to the question on the DC power and on the unit here is the scoop.
I was told that you would still need an inverter to run the unit with the humidifier. On the power cords, the DC power cord for the main unit attaches in line with the humidifier so that only one outlet is required. The cord out of the humidifier it not removable (I wish it was), and it attaches onto the end of the transformer from the main unit.
I have used it for the past four nights and I am very happy with my M series plus with humidifier.
As an FYI the card slot option can also be replaced with a modem to send your information to the doctor(?? not sure why a modem).
Somewhere else on this forum it was mentioned that a newer version on the software might be required to read your smart card.
I was told that you would still need an inverter to run the unit with the humidifier. On the power cords, the DC power cord for the main unit attaches in line with the humidifier so that only one outlet is required. The cord out of the humidifier it not removable (I wish it was), and it attaches onto the end of the transformer from the main unit.
I have used it for the past four nights and I am very happy with my M series plus with humidifier.
As an FYI the card slot option can also be replaced with a modem to send your information to the doctor(?? not sure why a modem).
Somewhere else on this forum it was mentioned that a newer version on the software might be required to read your smart card.
- fujiinator
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:39 pm
Remstar plus M with integrated humidifier
First let me state that this is my first cpap machine. I have been using it for four nights so far and as stated before I like the unit. One of the things about this unit is its smaller size. It is about a third in size as compared to the Remstar Pro 2 with the heated humidifier attachment. My unit is an M series Plus not the Auto version. It is also very quiet, my Vornado fan on low is louder then the Remstar. Mine came with a softcase to carry the whole unit and believe me, they got the bag down about as small as they could to hold the unit w/humidifier, 6 ft hose and my headgear.
My only gripe so far is that the humidifier power cord is not detachables so you cannot place the humidifier tray in the place where the power cords sit if you are not able to fully air dry your tray before travel (as the manual suggested). Although a few paper towel pieces in the ports seemed to be a good temporary solution to this.
My original choice for a CPAP machine after looking at this site and user recommendations was to get a Remstar Pro 2 unit. I wanted features like the C-Flex(Which is great when it ramps down the pressure during exhale). I also wanted a heated humidifier, Auto Altitude adjustment and the smart card option so the I could get the card reader in the future to see how am doing. From all that I had read into this the respironics brand was one of the best, so that is why i did not look at any other brands.
I got lucky and this was the machine that the DME provided for me. Especially since my doctor did not believe in the value of C-flex. Otherwise I may not have had the chance to get to use a machines that is so compact with the most of the features I wanted (manual Altitude adjustment, which I can live with instead of auto). I had not even looked at the M series prior to going into the DME. Once i was told about the features in the M I was more then happy with what it came with. Now i just need to figure out what my routine is now that I am using a CPAP.
Hope it helps
My only gripe so far is that the humidifier power cord is not detachables so you cannot place the humidifier tray in the place where the power cords sit if you are not able to fully air dry your tray before travel (as the manual suggested). Although a few paper towel pieces in the ports seemed to be a good temporary solution to this.
My original choice for a CPAP machine after looking at this site and user recommendations was to get a Remstar Pro 2 unit. I wanted features like the C-Flex(Which is great when it ramps down the pressure during exhale). I also wanted a heated humidifier, Auto Altitude adjustment and the smart card option so the I could get the card reader in the future to see how am doing. From all that I had read into this the respironics brand was one of the best, so that is why i did not look at any other brands.
I got lucky and this was the machine that the DME provided for me. Especially since my doctor did not believe in the value of C-flex. Otherwise I may not have had the chance to get to use a machines that is so compact with the most of the features I wanted (manual Altitude adjustment, which I can live with instead of auto). I had not even looked at the M series prior to going into the DME. Once i was told about the features in the M I was more then happy with what it came with. Now i just need to figure out what my routine is now that I am using a CPAP.
Hope it helps
- rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
- ThStoddart
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:01 am
- Location: Washington, DC
I've been on the RemStar M Plus for six nights now, and I'm very happy with the machine.
Like Fujiinator, I really like the size of the machine, particularly since I travel alot. Also nice that it doesn't take up a lot of space on my nightstand. But I also just like the styling and the design -- I've been made fun of on other forums about this, but the machine just looks good! Oh, btw, I think the carrying bag is styling and functional too!
But seriously, it does feel like a study, well-built machine. The flip top cover on the LCD screen may break off, but it seems well attached and durable; if it does, I'm sure it could be easily and cheaply replaced by Respironics or your DME. But I like the fact that the flip top protects the sensitive and more vulnerable LCD screen from scratches and breaking -- imagine the cost of fixing or replacing that! On other machines, the screen is exposed.
C-Flex is a great feature, but either you love it or you don't so I wont' go into that. A neater feature is the auto-start: it senses when you put on the mask and start breathing. There was another thread about whether or not to turn off the machine if you get up on the middle of the night. If you have to get up, it's a neat touch that you can just put the mask back on and it will start for you. Now if they could just make an "auto-off" feature for when I take the mask off!
Yes, the machine is remarkably quiet, but I negated that advantage by going with the Mirage Swift Pillows, which are remarkably noisy!
It's clear that a lot of thought went into the design of this machine and that Respironics heard and learned from customer feedback about the previous models. It's the little touches I like: swivel connector for the hose, illuminated controls (bright enough to see at night, not too bright to bother you), bottons that are recessed/elevated so you can feel by 'braille' if you don't want to open your eyes, large, solid rubberized thingies at the bottom to absorb sound/keep the unit from moving, etc.
The one uncertainty here, given that it's such a new machine, is the issue of durability/reliability over the long term and how long the machine will last.
Stodd
Like Fujiinator, I really like the size of the machine, particularly since I travel alot. Also nice that it doesn't take up a lot of space on my nightstand. But I also just like the styling and the design -- I've been made fun of on other forums about this, but the machine just looks good! Oh, btw, I think the carrying bag is styling and functional too!
But seriously, it does feel like a study, well-built machine. The flip top cover on the LCD screen may break off, but it seems well attached and durable; if it does, I'm sure it could be easily and cheaply replaced by Respironics or your DME. But I like the fact that the flip top protects the sensitive and more vulnerable LCD screen from scratches and breaking -- imagine the cost of fixing or replacing that! On other machines, the screen is exposed.
C-Flex is a great feature, but either you love it or you don't so I wont' go into that. A neater feature is the auto-start: it senses when you put on the mask and start breathing. There was another thread about whether or not to turn off the machine if you get up on the middle of the night. If you have to get up, it's a neat touch that you can just put the mask back on and it will start for you. Now if they could just make an "auto-off" feature for when I take the mask off!
Yes, the machine is remarkably quiet, but I negated that advantage by going with the Mirage Swift Pillows, which are remarkably noisy!
It's clear that a lot of thought went into the design of this machine and that Respironics heard and learned from customer feedback about the previous models. It's the little touches I like: swivel connector for the hose, illuminated controls (bright enough to see at night, not too bright to bother you), bottons that are recessed/elevated so you can feel by 'braille' if you don't want to open your eyes, large, solid rubberized thingies at the bottom to absorb sound/keep the unit from moving, etc.
The one uncertainty here, given that it's such a new machine, is the issue of durability/reliability over the long term and how long the machine will last.
Stodd
- fujiinator
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:39 pm
- fujiinator
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:39 pm
Remstar plus M with AOTO OFF!!!!!!
The M Plus should have an auto off as an option unless the DME turned it off. I talked to my DME and I am allowed to toggle it on or off. I will probably not turn on the auto off feature on for myself. I have verified this when I got home tonight. If yours does not show it as an option then it might be disabled by your DME. I also asked about what the plus smart card reported and it does not report in as much detail as the soon to be released M pro and M auto. The plus only gives a summary of what you have been doing and supposedly not a detailed summary like the upper models for per night detailed events. The only other advantage for having the smart card I was told was if someone was in a rural area, all they would have to do is bring in the card and it could be programmed to update the machine settings. That is about all i have been able to find out. The doctors in our area do not even bother with the software info....go figure.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): DME, auto, Smart Card
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): DME, auto, Smart Card
- ThStoddart
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:01 am
- Location: Washington, DC
Auto OFF!!!
Ahh, you are right, Fujiinator! I just reviewed the manual and saw that I can change this under patient controls.
Now that I think of it, the DME mentioned during set up that he turned off the function that sounds an alarm when the mask comes off...maybe this is connected/the same thing or he deselected the auto-off when he turned off the alarm.
Last night was my 7th night straight; getting 5-6 hours pretty consistently and am very happy with the machine. For some reason, I keep waking up at around 3:00 a.m. though. But I am sleeping through it, generally falling asleep relatively quickly, and falling back asleep quickly when I do wake up. This really surprised me given how much trouble I had with cpap the last time around. I attribute it to the C-Flex, heated humidifer (last time I used a cold, pass-over humidifier), and the right mask.
I did think about waiting for the M Pro because of the more detailed statistical tracking. But I figured that so long as I was (1) comfortable and compliant with the machine and (2) making progress/feeling better, then who needs the added data? Maybe I'll revisit this at a later date, but I think for now the M Plus is just fine.
Now that I think of it, the DME mentioned during set up that he turned off the function that sounds an alarm when the mask comes off...maybe this is connected/the same thing or he deselected the auto-off when he turned off the alarm.
Last night was my 7th night straight; getting 5-6 hours pretty consistently and am very happy with the machine. For some reason, I keep waking up at around 3:00 a.m. though. But I am sleeping through it, generally falling asleep relatively quickly, and falling back asleep quickly when I do wake up. This really surprised me given how much trouble I had with cpap the last time around. I attribute it to the C-Flex, heated humidifer (last time I used a cold, pass-over humidifier), and the right mask.
I did think about waiting for the M Pro because of the more detailed statistical tracking. But I figured that so long as I was (1) comfortable and compliant with the machine and (2) making progress/feeling better, then who needs the added data? Maybe I'll revisit this at a later date, but I think for now the M Plus is just fine.
- fujiinator
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:39 pm
Remstar plus M Features
The mask off alert I think sounds a alarm to wake you up to put the mask on again. The Auto off is just after the mask off alert.
I have decided so far to keep my M plus after my two month "rent to own" period. My hope is to get a second machine in the future hopefully at least an M pro. For now the last of in depth reporting on the card does not seem like a major issue. Once I get into a better routine I am hoping I sill be back to feeling relatively normal. My apnea had come back after 10-12 years after a successful surgical fix years ago. I decided it was not worth doing surgery if I would have to go through it again in 10+ years. So I do know already how much better I should be feeling.
It seems like you and I have been using this machine for the same amount of days. I have been waking up at a few odd times in the morning myself, but if the swift is hooked up right and the humidifier is working well i have been waking up more rested. It has been close to freezing the past few night so I have had my heat level set for 3-4 to at least be comfortable.
I have decided so far to keep my M plus after my two month "rent to own" period. My hope is to get a second machine in the future hopefully at least an M pro. For now the last of in depth reporting on the card does not seem like a major issue. Once I get into a better routine I am hoping I sill be back to feeling relatively normal. My apnea had come back after 10-12 years after a successful surgical fix years ago. I decided it was not worth doing surgery if I would have to go through it again in 10+ years. So I do know already how much better I should be feeling.
It seems like you and I have been using this machine for the same amount of days. I have been waking up at a few odd times in the morning myself, but if the swift is hooked up right and the humidifier is working well i have been waking up more rested. It has been close to freezing the past few night so I have had my heat level set for 3-4 to at least be comfortable.
The Auto-off saga continues...
Fujiinator -- what am I doing wrong? I scrolled through the patient menus last night and saw that the auto-off function was in fact enabled. But when I took off the mask last night, the machine didn't go off! I thought taking off the mask was supposed to be the trigger, or is there a delay built in? Though I did have the mask off for long enough to go to the bathroom, wash up, and return....
It does seem like we started on the same CPAP and mask at the same time! We should have a running bet to see who skips a night first -- just a good harmless way to motivate each other. The person who skips a night -- for whatever reason -- must post that he did so and send the other person a replacement mask, box of filters, or new tube or something.
I'm feeling much more rested today -- I woke up at 12:30 this time, then got right back to bed and slept thru the morning. I figure if I can get my one waking arousal earlier in the night (vs. the typical 3 a.m.), I'm better off.
It does seem like we started on the same CPAP and mask at the same time! We should have a running bet to see who skips a night first -- just a good harmless way to motivate each other. The person who skips a night -- for whatever reason -- must post that he did so and send the other person a replacement mask, box of filters, or new tube or something.
I'm feeling much more rested today -- I woke up at 12:30 this time, then got right back to bed and slept thru the morning. I figure if I can get my one waking arousal earlier in the night (vs. the typical 3 a.m.), I'm better off.
- fujiinator
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:39 pm
Remstar plus M Auto off
I will have to try it tonight to see if it works on mine. I would think that the Auto off would mean turning off the air flow from the machine. Now if mine does work then it will mean that yours is disabled. The only other thing I can think of is that in the instructions it tells you that you can use the ramp feature, but if it has been disabled then it will not work. The same holds true for the C-Flex option. It could be that a feature that is disabled will still show up in the patient screens and allow you to turn them on or off, but if the DME disables their use then it would not work for the patient even if you enable it on you patient screen. Anyway just an educated guess according to how the manual explains features. At least the limited manual that we get.