Please, please, help me pick one!

[Oobie]

Hi all,

I've been responding very well to auto-CPAP therapy these last three weeks, and I'm told that my Kaiser provider has no problem with me purchasing something out of their network and will help me do it.

I can't discern between the companies. By that I mean: is there any real difference between a high-end auto-CPAP machine from RedMed, Philips, Fisher, Devilbiss, or what ever other companies are in the long SecondWindCPAP.com list?

I've been using an older loaner from Kaiser, a Philips REMStar auto 550P with a heated humidifier and a mask I really like.

I'm interested in:

-- Using Sleepyhead to examine data as we go, or some other software. I'm not really interested in paying a bazillion dollars for machine vendor software, though.
-- something quiet (of course)
-- humidified & heated (can that be attached to any CPAP device or must it be integrated to work right?)
-- auto-titrating, maybe. I'm not sure if I need that.

Anyway, how do you sort between *companies* offering these products?

Oob

[DeadlySleep]

Just buy a ResMed S9 Autoset and quit the damn fretting.

Make sure it is "Autoset".

[Bill44133]

here is the list of machines you can use for guide: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/

You will want a machine that you will be able to monitor your therapy.

[Sheriff Buford]

S9 Autoset with humidifier. You can operate it in the cpap or autopap mode.... whichever you prefer. It's data-capable so you can use sleepyhead.

Sheriff

[Pugsy]

Get either the ResMed S9 AutoSet or the Phillips Respironics (PR) System One 60 Series Auto CPAP machine model 560.
Software available is free and easy to use for either brand.

The Devilbiss comparable machine requires an addition of a special module to get any data beyond what is available on LCD screen codes..that brings the cost up to about what the PR System One machine costs but it doesn't offer as comprehensive data on the software reports. I personally don't care for their software reports myself.

The F & P comparable machine...don't bother. The software is a nightmare to get and use and if found...very pricey.

The PR System One model 560 (which is just like your 550 except you can get the heated hose option and it has a couple of other minor settings available) and it typically is a little less expensive but you aren't getting a crap machine at all.
I have used both brands...the S9 and the PR S1 in the bilevel models...it's a toss up. Both brands have minor pros and cons but none are deal breakers or makers.

So narrow your search to either the S9 or the PR S1...you won't be sorry with either.
Get the heated hose option with either machine. It allows for more customization of humidity delivered and air temperature.

[Janknitz]

'm told that my Kaiser provider has no problem with me purchasing something out of their network and will help me do it.

Does this mean you don't have DME coverage? You might be able to take advantage of a kaiser discount from the DME vendor, but make sure you understand exactly how much it will cost you before purchasing. You may do better online.

[squid13]

I'd compare prices between Kaiser and our host cpap.com if your paying out of pocket.

[Oobie]

I'd compare prices between Kaiser and our host cpap.com if your paying out of pocket.

I'd love to. Learning a price from Kaiser is kind of like bowling through a stage curtain.

[squid13]

I'd be willing to bet you'd get a better deal from our host cpap.com.

[Oobie]

Get either the ResMed S9 AutoSet or the Phillips Respironics (PR) System One 60 Series Auto CPAP machine model 560.
Software available is free and easy to use for either brand.

So narrow your search to either the S9 or the PR S1...you won't be sorry with either.
Get the heated hose option with either machine. It allows for more customization of humidity delivered and air temperature.

Pugsy,

What do people make of the Transcend travel auto-CPAP machines? With humidifier it's priced by our hosts well below the S9 and is much smaller. But it also advertises a "waterless humidification system"...?

Oob

[Pugsy]

What do people make of the Transcend travel auto-CPAP machines? With humidifier it's priced by our hosts well below the S9 and is much smaller. But it also advertises a "waterless humidification system"...?

Not many forum members here use it. Minimal support from users here if you have issues.
That waterless humidification system with the new one...that HME thing. Add 4.95 a week to your overall costs IF (big IF) it would give enough moisture to be sufficient for needs. Some people (like me) won't even try it because I am dead certain my nasal mucosa would throw a screaming fit.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Transc ... anger.html this one says maybe a week of use..so $250 added yearly cost.

My personal opinion...you get what you pay for. I am not remotely interested in it or the other new travel mini cpap machine the Z1.
The only thing I have read from Transcend users was "it's LOUD" and "I hate no humidification". People come here wanting to sell them....no one wants them.

From the specs..looks like AHI and leak...but I have no idea what the software actually shows...
Is is just the generic AHI...or does it have event category breakdown? What constitutes "leak" data?
I have never seen a report from a Transcend.

I still recommend the 2 main players...ResMed and Respironics. That's not going to change unless someone gives me one of those mini machines and that's not likely going to happen.
If money is tight...there are other options like secondwindcpap.com for a low hour used machine or a new open box machine.

[Nozzelnut]

There's a reason the 2 main machines are the 2 main machines.

I've had a chance to use both machines the last couple weeks. The RESmed S9 is quieter and for me, it feels smoother to breathe with. Less of bump when exhaling. Only used it 3 sessions so far. My AHI is up a little from the PRS1. The water tank is a bit larger than the PRS1 too. I don't like the hose out the back of the machine though.

The PRS1 Remstar auto 60 Series is a great machine too. Slightly louder but the hose is more flexible and easier to adjust throughout the night. I used it for about 3 weeks. I turned AFlex off and it quieted down and smoothed out the breathing. It looks like it has more data with Sleepyhead. Some folks discount the RERA data anyway.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the S9.

[sleeplessinaz]

Agreed! Just buy a ResMed S9 Autoset - it's the best one on the market in my opinion!

[lastlib]

I am very happy with my Fisher and Paykal icon A. It is very quiet and I lock the clock and alarm function.

[Oobie]

I ordered a full kit of stuff from CPAP.com with the S9 AutoSet at the center of it all.

After two nights in use, I have to say I'm pretty impressed. I was very quickly able to find the information I needed to modify the settings; the person who set it up didn't enable a couple of comfort features.

I had been waking up "out-of-sync" with the pressure cycling on the PR loaner machine from Kaiser. So far that's not happening with the ResMed.

Thank you all for the good advice and support.