Jealousy, I want an APAP with Software!

[cyrano]

I have been helped immensely by the members of this form which has enabled me to stay on CPAP therapy for well over a year now. I would have thrown the towel in if it were not for learning about mouth taping, the Swift and finally the Aura Headrest (and a few too many others between). With the Headrest, I have noticed a dramatic increase in dreams. At first I thought it was just a coincidence, but for the last several months it seems to be the norm. Which leads me to the next jounrney: Which APAP and software to purchase?

After reading so many positive posts about APAP and monitoring your therapy, I am envious and want to join the fray. I am really curious about my perception of dreaming more with the Headrest versus the Swift.
I have narrowed it down to two really, since travel and a small size are critical.

My first choice is the new Remstar M APAP with the Encore software. I especially like the simplicity of the My Encore add on which seems very clear and understandable (I really don't know what the others are like, but worry about it being to tech focused). I like the small size, weight, CFLEX and clean design also. I am concerned about it being a new model and a little expensive.

The second choice is the Goodnight 420E with Silverlining software. At first, I was not considering this because I wanted CFLEX, but as time has passed the exhale issues are not so big. The forum seems to really like the Encore software, but I noticed Rested Gal and others like the Silverlining software. This would be the cheapest route since I already have the humidifier and the Aussie heated hose with the PB connection. I have eliminated the Resmed S8 due to the lack of EPR on APAP, the less desirable software and the posts about the new prices to internet buyers.

Any thoughts? Your help is greatly appreciated since this is a bigger leap than just a couple of masks, thanks!

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): 420E, resmed, humidifier, hose, cflex, swift, CPAP, Aura, APAP, clean, Travel

[Snoredog]

they are so close to being the same size and weight it is not funny. Both run directly off of 12volt using a $12 adapter from Radio Shack.

The 420x does have a better interface for reports, it direct connects to a serial port. Software is pretty extensive with the details. I'm hearing the M series is louder than the older model so they are probaby about the same as it relates to noise.

It all depends on your pressure but the M series will display AHI info from the display and does have the Cflex. If you sold it later on the cflex would be a feature that makes it easier to sell. You can also turn the Cflex feature off. I think they are very close in how they respond with the 420x being a bit more agressive with snores.

Got a quarter? you could always flip for it.

[rested gal]

I have narrowed it down to two really, since travel and a small size are critical.

Hi Cyrano,

The two autopaps you're considering are both super nice choices, imho.

You're right about how it would be less expensive if you stick with the Puritan Bennett 420 series, since you already have the integrated heated humidifier that would fit a 420E autopap.

You mentioned that the Aussie heated hose you have is for the PB machines...has the separate sensor tube running down through it. You'll be happy to know that your heated hose will also work fine with a Respironics machine. Just plug off the end of the sensor tube that comes out of the cuff at the machine/humidifier end. No need to plug the mask end of the sensor line. I stick a golf tee in the machine end of the sensor line to plug it and leave that end just dangling out there when I use my heated hose (containing the PB sensor line) with a Respironics machine.

While I prefer the Silverlining software that PB machines use, I also like the Encore Pro software. While I'm sure the "MyEncore" free add-on program is good, I don't use "MyEncore." Encore Pro displays detailed data quite well enough to suit me.

If I were going to pick one of those two machines and NOT have the software for it to see how the machine behaves with me, I'd definitely choose the Respironics M Auto with C-Flex.

However, if you're going to use software right from the get-go with whatever machine you buy, then flip a coin or (as you're doing) decide which one has more features you want, price...whatever. The software for either of those two brands is very good, so I wouldn't let the software be the deciding factor between those two machines.

I went to your profile to "read all posts". You've paid your dues with masks. Glad the Aeiomed "Headrest"/Aura is suiting you. My favorite!

Keep us posted on how things go for you and which autopap you get. Sweet dreams!

[mister_hose]

Keep in mind that APAPs are no longer the only xPAP machines to feature detailed data recording. Although it does have C-Flex which is nice, my REMstar Pro M-Series is a CPAP machine, not an APAP, and yet it records to its SmartCard all the same data that APAP machines do (AHI, snore, leak, all the detailed goodies).

So, you don't need an APAP for detailed data. You can use a CPAP with the full recording capabilities, and try a different fixed pressure each night and eventually find what pressure makes the data look the best.

Not that I'm against APAPs, in fact, I'm considering buying one so I'll have a backup machine (and it might be fun to see if the APAP mode titrates me to the same pressure my doc did), and of course APAP machines can be run in CPAP mode, so they're nice and flexible. But if you're paying out-of-pocket, they're also nice and expensive. Just wanted to make you aware that some CPAP machines provide the data goodies, too.

[Goofproof]

I have eliminated the Resmed S8 due to the lack of EPR on APAP, the less desirable software and the posts about the new prices to internet buyers.

And not because of Resmed's attempt to control Online DME's abulity to overcharge consumers?

If you could handle the old Remstar APAP you could carry about $165 extra in your wallet, I use big bill so they aren't heavy. Jim

[jacko]

Hi Guys
I am also considering getting a P&B 420 E with software and aussie heated hose. The supplier that I have hired the ResMed s8 vantage from will sell me a 420e instead no problems.
The reason for the change is the 420 is a 12 volt machine nothing else to buy to use it camping ,lighter I want to carry it on a motor bike at times,and it will work out a bit cheaper .
Just hope Im on the right track ditching the S8 for the 420 ,so I thought I would ask the good people on this forum for their opinion.
I reckon Rested Gal will be able to point me in the right direction .
BTW I tried mouth taping for the first time last night after getting all the good info from RG and others on this forum,and it seemed to go ok,no dry mouth,and wasn't uncomfortable at all really.
I was truly amazed by that. I thought it would of been a real pain for sure
Thanks guys for all the great info
Regards Jacko

[cyrano]

You mentioned that the Aussie heated hose you have is for the PB machines...has the separate sensor tube running down through it. You'll be happy to know that your heated hose will also work fine with a Respironics machine.

Sorry I was not so clear on the Aussie hose, I just have the piggy back electrical connector feature which is nice. I imagine I will have to come up with some Radio Shack power unit and jerry rig some connections if I go with the Remstar M unit.

Thanks for all your input RG, now and in the past. I kinda "want" the new Remstar due to design and features. I am having a bloating issue that I am thinking the APAP and possibly Cflex will help. It may just be the GERD that Doc thinks I have also, but maybe its aerophagia? Thanks again!

[Guest]

The piggyback is just a Y connector and the plugs are "m" tips.
However, you will want to be careful using that with the 420E, as it has the ability to cause intermittent power loss to the machine.
If you have the piggyback model, go ahead and run it from whatever adapter you are currently using with it, but don't attempt to run it from the 420 power source.
I think Rested Gal was trying to verify that you had the clear feedback line that runs the full length of your heated hose, which is needed with the 420 line of paps.
I also like that the 420 series will connect directly to computer, without a smart card reader, etc. My only complaint is that the download cable doesn't have a choice of a USB tip, as my laptop has NO 9 pin connecter, so I can only download to my desk computer. Not a huge factor, but worth knowing.

Snoredog"
you say:
Both run directly off of 12volt using a $12 adapter from Radio Shack.

could you post a link to the exact adapter (model number) you are using. I would like a car adapter (cigarette plug) AND one to attach directly to a battery without an inverter. I am terrified I will select the wrong ones. Are the RS brands "fused"

Thanks

[Goofproof]

[quote="Anonymous"]The piggyback is just a Y connector and the plugs are "m" tips.
However, you will want to be careful using that with the 420E, as it has the ability to cause intermittent power loss to the machine.
If you have the piggyback model, go ahead and run it from whatever adapter you are currently using with it, but don't attempt to run it from the 420 power source.
I think Rested Gal was trying to verify that you had the clear feedback line that runs the full length of your heated hose, which is needed with the 420 line of paps.
I also like that the 420 series will connect directly to computer, without a smart card reader, etc. My only complaint is that the download cable doesn't have a choice of a USB tip, as my laptop has NO 9 pin connecter, so I can only download to my desk computer. Not a huge factor, but worth knowing.

Snoredog"
you say:
Both run directly off of 12volt using a $12 adapter from Radio Shack.

could you post a link to the exact adapter (model number) you are using. I would like a car adapter (cigarette plug) AND one to attach directly to a battery without an inverter. I am terrified I will select the wrong ones. Are the RS brands "fused"

Thanks

[cyrano]

rested gal wrote

the Aussie heated hose you have is for the PB machines...has the separate sensor tube running down through it. You'll be happy to know that your heated hose will also work fine with a Respironics machine.

Hi again Rested Gal,

Two more questions I have for you. I did not realize the PB APAP requires a sensor tube; does this mean I would have to get a new Aussie heated hose with the sensor? I also just remembered the instructions with the Aura Headrest stated that it was not compatible with APAP machines. Is this an issue I need to address? I know you and several other Headrest users have APAP's, so I'm a little confused. Any insight you have would be appreciated, thanks-Cyrano

p.s. I seem to have trouble getting the "author wrote" part of a reply with quotation done correctly; how do you do that right?