advice re replacing my REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP

[laurel]

Hi gang,

I frequented these boards after I was diagnosed in 2005 and gleaned a ton of useful data and spread some of that data far and wide. Incredibly helpful. I wound up upgrading my machine to a REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP Machine as that seemed to be considered The Machine to have back then and then I also got a card reader and wrestled with Encore Pro and getting data from it all old school because back then the makers of CPAP gear seemed reluctant to let mere CPAP users have access to much data. Woe! Boy does it look like times have changed! So many more options.

I've got a lot of catching up to do, but I'm also eager to get going with a newer APAP and to check out software options. I've been perusing FAQs and other useful data, but finally felt maybe I should just ask you wise folks outright in an effort to save time.

I primarily use Macs and always found it a hassle to dig up my old Windows netbook to get data back in the day, so I was delighted to read about Sleepyhead software-- so cool that it's Open Source and available for Mac, Windows, and UNIX. Hooray! Having a machine that can work with it narrows the field somewhat.

I know I want an APAP. I love the look of the Resmed S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine and some of the features sound nifty. (No, I don't want a pink one. I must confess the new trend to have CPAP gear "for her" is nice and all, but why so much pink? Great for women who like pink, not so much for women like me who don't.)

I've had good luck with all manner of Philips gear over the years and Philips Respironics PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine also looks like it has some nifty features, even if it's not as attractive. The importance is functionality, after all (and yet I'm a pushover for good design that is also aesthetically pleasing).

Am I right that these are the two biggies for APAPs with data these days? Which would you recommend? Or are there others worth a look? For that matter, are there new machines due to come out soon that might be even better? Would hate to buy one of these only to have a newer niftier model come out a month later.

FWIW I don't usually use a humidifier, I guess I got used to that rather than dealing with rainout, but I wouldn't object to trying one again, might be good for my sinuses. My favorite mask back in the day was the AEIOmed Headrest but lately I've been trying the Opus 360 (it's okay, but . . . I'll likely be posting soon for mask advice). I should probably give a full face mask a try one of these days, but I haven't yet. I had been using the APAP just at one pressure setting, but my doctor recently suggested I try a range of pressures again since my needs seem to be changing/evolving (but perhaps not enough to warrant a whole new sleep study).

I haven't looked at any data in years now, so it will be fun (and very useful) to do that again once I upgrade my gear.

Anyway. I ramble. Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any advice you guys can give me.

[robysue]

A couple of months ago in response to a similar question, I wrote the following post: Re: ResMed S9 AutoSet vs. Respironics PR System One REMStar 60 S. In this post I give a pretty detailed run down of the differences between the PR System One Auto and the Resmed S9 AutoSet and their AUTO algorithms.

[laurel]

Thanks robysue, that's incredibly helpful! I figured this had to have been discussed plenty of times, but sometimes it's rough to find the right thread via search.

It sounds like each has little things that could be better, but different ones. That always vexes me, when manufacturers get so many things right and then miss such details.

Sounds like the System One is the newer model, whereas the S9 has been around a bit longer. Anyone know if there's a newer version of the S9 in the works or another model that'd be a step up?

[Goofproof]

In the world of Tech two things seem to be true, each generation becomes more complex and with complexity comes cheaper made with more chance of failure.

Many here are believe the machines you have used, we call them "Tanks", are the best that have been made, time has proven this. The modern machines show a little more data, thus making figuring your treatment out harder.

For me the dailies in Encore Pro were all I needed to get on track, someday I may be forced to upgrade, but I prepared ahead, I have 3 Tanks... All still work. Jim

[RandyJ]

A Resmed rep told me that the successor to the S9 is due by the end of 2014 (and it will not be called the S10), but who knows if that could change.

I wouldn't be afraid to get an S9 though, they are not outdated in the least. And I would definitely give one of the current generation humidifiers a try, you may be pleased with it.

[archangle]

I have both the PRS1 Auto and an S9 AutoSet.

I consider them about a tossup as to which is better. I'm currently using the S9 because it "feels" better in terms of breathing, but it's not that big a deal overall. Either one has pluses and minuses.

If you get an S9, get the AutoSet, not the Escape Auto. The Escape Auto records a lot less data than the AutoSet, despite what some DME's will tell you.

[hyperlexis]

Hi gang,

I frequented these boards after I was diagnosed in 2005 and gleaned a ton of useful data and spread some of that data far and wide. Incredibly helpful. I wound up upgrading my machine to a REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP Machine as that seemed to be considered The Machine to have back then and then I also got a card reader and wrestled with Encore Pro and getting data from it all old school because back then the makers of CPAP gear seemed reluctant to let mere CPAP users have access to much data. Woe! Boy does it look like times have changed! So many more options.

I've got a lot of catching up to do, but I'm also eager to get going with a newer APAP and to check out software options. I've been perusing FAQs and other useful data, but finally felt maybe I should just ask you wise folks outright in an effort to save time.

I primarily use Macs and always found it a hassle to dig up my old Windows netbook to get data back in the day, so I was delighted to read about Sleepyhead software-- so cool that it's Open Source and available for Mac, Windows, and UNIX. Hooray! Having a machine that can work with it narrows the field somewhat.

I know I want an APAP. I love the look of the Resmed S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine and some of the features sound nifty. (No, I don't want a pink one. I must confess the new trend to have CPAP gear "for her" is nice and all, but why so much pink? Great for women who like pink, not so much for women like me who don't.)

I've had good luck with all manner of Philips gear over the years and Philips Respironics PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine also looks like it has some nifty features, even if it's not as attractive. The importance is functionality, after all (and yet I'm a pushover for good design that is also aesthetically pleasing).

Am I right that these are the two biggies for APAPs with data these days? Which would you recommend? Or are there others worth a look? For that matter, are there new machines due to come out soon that might be even better? Would hate to buy one of these only to have a newer niftier model come out a month later.

FWIW I don't usually use a humidifier, I guess I got used to that rather than dealing with rainout, but I wouldn't object to trying one again, might be good for my sinuses. My favorite mask back in the day was the AEIOmed Headrest but lately I've been trying the Opus 360 (it's okay, but . . . I'll likely be posting soon for mask advice). I should probably give a full face mask a try one of these days, but I haven't yet. I had been using the APAP just at one pressure setting, but my doctor recently suggested I try a range of pressures again since my needs seem to be changing/evolving (but perhaps not enough to warrant a whole new sleep study).

I haven't looked at any data in years now, so it will be fun (and very useful) to do that again once I upgrade my gear.

Anyway. I ramble. Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any advice you guys can give me.

So you were on CPAP then stopped or just looking for new machine advice? I'm sure others will correct me if I'm way off base here but you may be expecting a tad much from the newer machines. You have one of the Cadillac apap machines of its day. I was about to say the big thing that has changed has been auto humidification, but then you said you don't use a humidifier anyway. So what would you be gaining by switching? From a therapy perspective, I'd wager not really much of anything noticeable. The C-flex should be similar if not identical to the current system one machines, and the machine response to pressure needs likewise of similar design. The new machine will be a tad smaller, yes. And possibly more data for the Mac. But, like with newer washing machines and such, sometimes the quality and durability of the older machines may just be better. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[laurel]

Just looking for advice on a new machine, I'm still using my old reliable tank. To be honest, since I'm not using the humidifier and not even using the auto settings at the moment . . . well, a new machine is likely overkill or not necessary.

But then again, I haven't looked at any data in years now and my health issues and weight have fluctuated since then, so I'd like to set an APAP at a range of pressures and get a look at data and see where I stand. Not the same as doing a whole new sleep study, but would be good info to have. I feel my CPAP therapy is still working, though I'm less sure it's working as well as it could be. Back in the day, I found looking at the data really reassuring and useful.

I'm leaning right now I think toward the PR based on what I've read, though the Resmed is prettier. Sounds like both are good options.

I haven't gotten around to asking for advice on masks in a new thread. I used to use and love my AIEOMed Headrest, but can't find it anymore. Currently using an Opus 360, but sometimes have trouble getting it adjusted to work as well as it could. I'm used to nasal pillows, but would also like to try a full face mask that I could use as a backup for when I have bad congestion. So if anyone still reading this thread wants to weigh in with mask opinions, I'd love to hear your favorite nasal pillow masks and/or full face masks or other ideas.

What I loved most about the HEadrest (or whatever it was called before it had that name) was the lack of straps on my face. Plus I seemed to get a good seal with it.

[JohnO]

So if anyone still reading this thread wants to weigh in with mask opinions, I'd love to hear your favorite nasal pillow masks and/or full face masks or other ideas.

Greetings,

As you know, mask choices are even more personal than the machine choices, but I've very happy with the Aloha nasal pillow mask.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/devilb ... -mask.html

I too, got a full face mask for those days with a cold, but since starting CPAP 18 months ago, I've never been congested enough to need it! It seems the humidified CPAP air helps to keep my nasal passages open.

Good Luck!