RemStar "classic" Auto w/C-Flex vs Remstar M serie

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:16 pm

Okay, have script in my grubby little mitts to purchase an Auto. I'm not sure whether to go w/the "classic" Auto w/C-Flex or the M series Auto w/C-Flex. There is currently only a $30 difference between the two "packages" w/humidifier. Both have a 2 year warranty.

It seems that I've read that despite Respironics having solved the leak problem w/the humidifier tank that tank is not as easy to fill and to clean as the "classic" humidifier tank.

Since I don't travel overnight very often size and weight really isn't all that much of an issue with me.

Is there anyone in the forum who has used and had experience w/both machines that has any advice to offer.

This will not be my only xPAP. I currently have a Resmed S8 Elite w/Humidaire 3i, AutoScan 5.7 and DT 3500 reader. My pulmo does feel that eventually I am going to need an Auto and has written the script but is okay w/me continuing w/the Elite for now. Of course, my local DME tried to hand me the horsepuckies that Medicare won't pay for an Auto. *sigh*, not the first lie their RT has tried to hand me. You would think she would have learned by now but obviously not.

Since I have the investment in software and reader for the Elite I'm content w/keeping it and purchasing the Auto out of pocket. I asked the young man at cpap.com if they would be offering the "classic" Auto w/C-Flex w/humider at a better bundle price now that Respironics has discontinued it in favor of the M series but he told me there were no plans to do so and that often the price on discontinued items goes UP due to demand and short supply.

I'd appreciate some ideas and opinions on which of the two RemStar Autos w/C-Flex and humidifier I would be better off purchasing. There's a lot to be said for buying the current model as far as longevity, warranty, etc. BUT the ease of filling and cleaning the humidifier tank is an issue since it is something I'm going to be doing EVERY DAY for a good long time, I assume.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:44 pm

No matter which REMstar Auto you purchase, it's going to have a 2-year warranty on it.
In my case, I started out with the Pro 2 ("classic" chassis), so when I started looking for backup machines, I wanted "interchangeable parts". I STILL like the design and regret that Respironics (apparently) felt that they had to come up with a different design.

If I should live long enough to outlast the machines I have, I'll wait and see what designs are available at that time. Or.....maybe I'll be "cured" by then.

Good luck in your decision.

Den

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:50 pm

Wulfman wrote:No matter which REMstar Auto you purchase, it's going to have a 2-year warranty on it.
In my case, I started out with the Pro 2 ("classic" chassis), so when I started looking for backup machines, I wanted "interchangeable parts". I STILL like the design and regret that Respironics (apparently) felt that they had to come up with a different design.

If I should live long enough to outlast the machines I have, I'll wait and see what designs are available at that time. Or.....maybe I'll be "cured" by then.

Good luck in your decision.

Den

And if we don't live that long, you can put us in the Cured Pile too. Jim

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:01 pm

Giggle. Fat lotta help you two are! I'm kinda leaning towards the "classic" Auto w/C-Flex as you probably gathered and you two were no help in changing that inclination.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:11 pm

Slinky wrote:Giggle. Fat lotta help you two are! I'm kinda leaning towards the "classic" Auto w/C-Flex as you probably gathered and you two were no help in changing that inclination.

Heck no! We're two "classic" lovers. I don't think you'd be disappointed with that decision.......but it's yours to make.

Den

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:14 pm

Wulfman wrote:We're two "classic" lovers.

Perhaps I should have phrased that differently. (depending on how you read it)

Den (a "classic" in his own mind)......("classic" WHAT.....don't know)

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:26 pm

Choose Wisely! You know who will be laughing at the first sign of trouble. Jim

Jeeper · Post by **Jeeper** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:33 pm

Slinky,

Last year I was exactly where you are now, debating the pros and cons of the new improved M series vs. the battle tested "tank". After much thought I bought the tank. I have never looked back. The tank has proven itself and I would buy another in a heartbeat. I have traveled with it and it works well for me. I wish I had known about the tank several years ago when I started cpap therapy.

Good Luck on your decision.

Jeeper

Alisha · Post by **Alisha** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:51 pm

Slinky, this is something you'll have to decide for yourself but I'll give you my experience.

I used the REMstar Pro Cpap w/cflex and heated humidifier for 4 years. When I decided to switch to auto, I was where you are now...trying to decide whether to stay with the classic (tank style) or go with the new M. I knew that some on this site would not think of using anything other than the tank and that there were some who said the M was noisy, they were having rainout, the water chamber was leaking........

Even though I really wanted to stay with the tank style I was used to, I eventually based my decision on intuitive wisdom that told me the tank would be phased out sooner or later. With so many products, including my favorite mask, no longer available because production was stopped, I did not want to buy something that basically had been superseded. (BTW you know the classis is already being phased out.)

I have been using the M Auto 40 nights now, and I am in love with it. It was one of the best decisions I've made.

Mine is not noisy, I've had no rainout, and the water chambers they're making now do not leak. The water chamber is very easy to fill, goes in and out of the humidifier very easily, and (even though a bit tricky at first) is very easy to separate the two parts, clean, and put back together.

I just thought you should hear from someone who loves the M as well as those who love the tank. Actually, I was happy with the tank style but am happier I branched out to try something new.

Alisha

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:52 pm

Yep ... likewise. A coupe of months ago I was debating whether to get the "tank" or the newer "M"agic. I concluded that the "tank" was more reliable based on problems that "M"agic was having at the time with HH and data losses. I figured the bugs had not been completely worked out yet ... you know like when Windows puts out a new OS or Ford comes out with a new car model.

I got a tank fearing that they might be discontinued ... been using it for about a month now. I now use my S8 Vantage as travel/backup and may go back and forth between the two for experimental reasons over the next year or two. If Jim endorses it ... it's gotta be good!

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:08 pm

Although I can't compare the M Series Auto to the Tank, I can say that there's no problem at all filling (I do use a small funnel), emptying, and cleaning the M Series' humidifier. Unlike many others, I change the water and clean the humidifier's water chamber daily, and have never experienced any difficulty (other than leaks with the original water chamber).

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:08 pm

BUT! On the other hand, I have two 1978 and ond 1979 Fords that I rely on for transportation. The last time I bought a non-Ford car was a 1965 Corvair, and I paid $35 for it. Jim

Would you trust someone that thought like me?

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:14 pm

Goofproof wrote:BUT! On the other hand, I have two 1978 and ond 1979 Fords that I rely on for transportation. The last time I bought a non-Ford car was a 1965 Corvair, and I paid $35 for it. Jim

Would you trust someone that thought like me?

Well ... maybe not ... if it was a 78 or 79 Ford Gernade

The tank is a good machine though .... I can vouch for it!

It is quiter than the Vantage.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:18 pm

DreamStalker wrote:
Goofproof wrote:BUT! On the other hand, I have two 1978 and ond 1979 Fords that I rely on for transportation. The last time I bought a non-Ford car was a 1965 Corvair, and I paid $35 for it. Jim

Would you trust someone that thought like me?
Well ... maybe not ... if it was a 78 or 79 Ford Gernade

The tank is a good machine though .... I can vouch for it!

It is quiter than the Vantage.

Close, Fairmonts, and 9 passenger Wagon.

Alisha · Post by **Alisha** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:20 pm

Hi, Jim. I Paid cash for a new Chevi Nova in 1976 and drove it for 25 years. Does that put me in the "trust" category?

Regards from Alisha,