Need to replace my machine - need help selecting new one

[biggoomba]

My Resmed S9 seems like it may be getting ready to cease to function so I am thinking about finding a new machine.

My first machine was a Puritan Bennet GoodKnight and I had originally purchased it because I could pull the data off it. I liked it but the goofy little secondary hose cause problems at times.

When it stopped working I moved to the S9 that I currently have. I was able to get the software and use it to check data on occasion which I really like. I am a computer nerd so really like to have access to the data collected by the cpap machine. Recently, the SD card reader has stopped working. I have tried reformatting and new SD cards but I have to run the machine without a SD card plugged in. Another problem that is more concerning is there are times when the machine just stops. I have woken up a couple of times at night with my heart racing and feeling like I just narrowly missed getting involved horrible accident. When that happens, I end up having a really rough day and am miserable tired all day.

I have no idea what is causing the machine to have problems but unplugging it and plugging it back in seems to resolve the problem. I distantly remember there being messages but I am usually so out of it and desperate to get back to sleep, I just get it running again so I can go back to sleep.

Anyway, I have had this machine for quite a long time and would really like to replace it. I just dont know that the best options are. Its covered by insurance. I got the S9 because thats what the local cpap equipment company pushed me into getting. I dont need an APAP or BIPAP. A constant pressure is what I have always used.

So, what are some good options? I like having the data available and I like being able to fiddle with things. I need a humidifier and use nasal pillows (Swift FX) I do go camping a lot (in a camper and almost always with hookups) so having a smaller machine would be nice.

Maybe one without sharp edges ... kidding but I did manage to my s9 off onto my face last year and the edge of the machine split open my nose. Now I have a cpap war scars on the bridge of my nose.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I tried googling and found the Resmed AirSense 10, one called the Dreamstation Auto and a couple of of Respironics machines.

[palerider]

one called the Dreamstation Auto and a couple of of Respironics machines.

dreamstation is made by respironics.

[JimW159]

The two that you mention: Respironics DreamStation and ResMed AirSense 10 are the two market leaders and the most commonly found in circulation. If you became acclimated to how the S9 reacted to your sleeping and breathing patterns, you may adapt more easily to the AirSense 10. It has a much smaller footprint than the DreamStation, but some don't like the integration of the humidifier into the blower housing. I find the way the hose is managed on the AS 10 to be less prone to tugging and pulling as the hose is moved about. A lot of that problem can be solved by having some sort of hose management system that supports the hose and elevates it above machine level in its path to you. I have the AS 10 and trialed a DreamStation when I moved from the S 9 and found the AS 10 felt more familiar and comfortable. It also provides more flexibility in setup in that you can choose, to a greater degree, what elements you have direct control over. Many users of the AS10 like that they have a version ostensibly tailored to perceived differences in female breathing patterns; even with this supposed "tailoring" some male users report their approval for their use citing its responsiveness to their needs. One strong upside to their dominance in the marketplace is that both the DreamStation and AirSense 10 machines can often be found a significant discounts either as new machines or ones with very low hours through channels such as SecondWind.com and Craig's List. With SecondWind you are dealing with a reputable vendor; CL may be more problematical. Sometimes it's just that someone got their machine and did not accept the therapy and just want to be out from under.

[xyz]

> I have the AS 10

Do you use the EPR?
If yes, how does that work for you?
Setting 1, 2, or 3?

There's a youtube video where an RT says to subtract 1, 2, or 3 from your "pressure of the moment" to determine the resulting expiratory pressure when using EPR. Does that sound right to you?

[JimW159]

> I have the AS 10

Do you use the EPR?
If yes, how does that work for you?
Setting 1, 2, or 3?

There's a youtube video where an RT says to subtract 1, 2, or 3 from your "pressure of the moment" to determine the resulting expiratory pressure when using EPR. Does that sound right to you?

I use EPR set at 2. Initially I set it at 3 and found it slightly uncomfortable; set to 2 and it smoothed out a bit. Regarding the youtube explanation: that is correct - if the pressure is at 10 CWP when you are inhaling, it will drop by the corresponding amount during exhalation. Thus: at level 1 it drops to 9 CWP, level 2 = 8 CWP, and level 3 = 7 CWP. This will be a constant relationship unless your inhalation pressure is at the floor of the operating range of the machine, typically 4 CWP - the machine can't blow less than that. AFAIK, all brands of xPAPs that have exhalation relief operate the same way.

[yaconsult]

Just be careful not to get one of the new AirSTART machines as they are low-end machines that just generate more profit for the DME. The insurance charges are the same no matter which machine you get, so you might as well get yourself a good auto machine with full data that is compatible with SleepyHead software. You may not need it now, but you want to keep all your options open - who knows what the future might bring.

[Sleeprider]

Of the machines you're looking at the Resmed Airsense 10 Elite seems closest. It is fixed CPAP, still has EPR and has a nice small footprint. Autoset is not much more expensive, and supports CPAP mode as well. The Resmed S9 is still being sold, so if you liked what you had, the Airsense 10 series is not a huge upgrade. Avoid the CPAP model and Airstart as there is not any efficacy data.

Philips Respironics is a market leader and in CPAP mode is going to offer very similar treatment. It uses CFlex instead of EPR. You can search the site for technical details of the differences. Like Resmed, there is not much different with the new Dreamstation series vs the System One 60 series, which is still available. The Remstar Pro or Auto are both fully data capable, and good quality.

Good luck in your search. There are some great deals out there, including a very inexpensive S9 Autoset for her model on CPAP.com that is a great deal if you can get past the color.

[PEF]

Just my opinion, but I recently purchased a Dreamstation Auto after using a Resmed S9 Auto for my first year of CPAP therapy. I wanted to have a backup and travel machine. I am having a lot of trouble adjusting to the PR Dreamstation because I am so used to the quick response to events that is a feature of the Resmed. I need higher pressure on the Dreamstation to get the same result and then I get more leaks. So my advice is to stick to the brand that you are accustomed to.

Also, I would get an Auto because you can also run it CPAP mode. If you ever need auto, you will have it. The straight CPAP are not popular.

[drduke49]

Whatever you do, DON'T ask what is considered the (insert word here) Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz or Cadillac of CPAP machines........

[LSAT]

Whatever you do, DON'T ask what is considered the (insert word here) Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz or Cadillac of CPAP machines........

Your last post said you were leaving.........Can't believe anyone these days...

[palerider]

Whatever you do, DON'T ask what is considered the (insert word here) Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz or Cadillac of CPAP machines........

Your last post said you were leaving.........Can't believe anyone these days...

Color me gone.

guess we'll have to color him 'liar'.

[palerider]

............ Lot's of bitter angry people on this site.
Shame because there is some decent info here that people need.
Don't need Facebook for sleep apnea. Color me gone.

guess we'll have to color him 'liar'.

I see you colorful dog piles have managed to drive yet another person off sight
The Liars here are the Assholes who abuse the people who come here seeking some help and guidance

Take for example the Churlish Idiot who defines himself as "The Angel of Death" - eg Palerider
Things such as this poor excuse for a Human Being who must figure they help people by Insulting them

This site already has a Bad Name for this sort of Crap - Will the Moderators begin to do their job ?
..................................................................... - Or are they part of the problem ?

.

speaking of liars.

[Cardsfan]

Very disrespectful photo. That man has passed away. Have the decency to take it down.

[Gasper62]

............ Lot's of bitter angry people on this site.
Shame because there is some decent info here that people need.
Don't need Facebook for sleep apnea. Color me gone.

guess we'll have to color him 'liar'.

I see you colorful dog piles have managed to drive yet another person off sight
The Liars here are the Assholes who abuse the people who come here seeking some help and guidance

Take for example the Churlish Idiot who defines himself as "The Angel of Death" - eg Palerider
Things such as this poor excuse for a Human Being who must figure they help people by Insulting them

This site already has a Bad Name for this sort of Crap - Will the Moderators begin to do their job ?
..................................................................... - Or are they part of the problem ?

.

You really should hit the road. You're an asshole.

[Grace~~~]

*** excuse me, OP, biggoomba ...

I do not know enough to offer help about replacing your machine... I am still seeking answers myself.
I wish you luck!

I liked ckeith's pretty writing and hoped I could ask him a silly / ?churlish? ~~~question?

I wanted to know more about his longstick ~~~

(it's this longstick thing I have -seriously)

...if ckeith cared to create a description?