I got a RESMED S8 Compact System today after...

[brians2000]

I got a RESMED S8 Compact System today after having a M series with a heated Humidifier. The reason for the new machine is because my heated humidifier was running dry every night on the setting of 3. How does everyone like their RESMED S8 Compact System with the HumidAire 3i Humidifier?

[j.a.taylor]

brians2000,

I'm new to this whole CPAP thing, so I can't really make a comparison. My S8 Compact is my first machine.

But I've been impressed. It's smaller and quieter than I expected (compared to some machines that friends of mine have). The humidifier works well (I usually keep it set at 2), and hasn't run dry on me.

The machine is better than I expected, and it's made starting CPAP therapy easier than I expected.

[Slinky]

I love my Resmed S8 Elite "and" my Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage, both with the Humidaire 3i integrated heated humidifier. I've never had my Humidaire 3i run dry. BUT I did run into its not being able to supply enough humidity for a week or so this past winter when our furnace was running constantly and the house was so dry. As you've experienced, the Respironics integrated heated humidifier can have a problem when the house is dry as well.

There is a lot to be said for the integrated heated humidifiers and I wouldn't be w/o one. BUT you might also want to consider watching e-Bay for a good Fisher & Paykel HC 100 or 150 stand alone heated humidifier. I used one for that week when my Humidaire 3i wasn't quite cutting the mustard and the HC 100 and 150 are EXCELLENT humidifiers for xPAP therapy. I doubt there is a better one on the market.

The Resmed S8 Compact is an excellent CPAP - BUT - I"m not sure that it is even compliance data capable. The Resmed S8 Escape is compliance data capable BUT it is NOT fully data capable either.

If you are an experienced CPAPper that won't be particularly important to you - BUT - for someone just starting out w/CPAP therapy unless they have the rare GOOD DME supplier and/or sleep doctor the compliance data only machines just don't provide the data needed to adequately address any problems that might arise regarding pressure or leak rate, etc. and the only clue you have is how rested you are not feeling.

Are you self-paying for your equipment or are you insured? Do you have GOOD DME insurance coverage or big copays?

If you have good insurance coverage you might want to consider asking that the S8 Compact be replaced with at least the S8 Elite.

[Knightfall]

Brian,

I've been using a Resmed S8 Elite for over a year now, and am very happy with its performance so far. I was really hoping to get an APAP machine when I got this one from my DME. I may pursue an APAP purchase out of my own pocket depending on how my therapy continues. Over this year I've had good periods and frustrating periods. Most of this was due to masks and their issues, not the machine.

The only major advantage I see between my machine and the Compact is the ability to monitor parameters such as AI, AHI, HI and leakage. This can be readily accessed on the Elite via the keypad, or downloaded using Resmed's software if you so choose to purchase it.

I'm not up on the Respironics machines to know if your water use was excessive for a setting of 3 or not. Hopefully someone who is Respironics savvy can give you some input on this. I am not a big fan of a lot of humidity for my therapy; I think you will find the Resmed 3i to not really do anything noticeable until you get it to a setting of 3 (if you watch the led for the "Heater On/Off", you will see it cycle at this setting; below this probably not). I keep mine right at 3 when using my Activa. When I use a full face mask, I adjust this up to 4 or 4.5.

Also, when I first started on CPAP, I was under the impression the humidifier was going to act like one of those vaporizers you dump Vicks into when you get a cold. It's a much more subtle effect, just adding moisture to the therapy air for comfort. Best of luck. Ken

[billbolton]

The Resmed S8 Compact is an excellent CPAP - BUT - I"m not sure that it is even compliance data capable.

The S8 Compact is the model without any ResScan capability at all. The S8 Escape (and Lightweight) have the ResScan connection that can be used to read out some basic parameters and usage data, and can have its operating parameters changed, via a ResScan card. Apart from that, the Compact and Escape are identical.

Cheers,

Bill

[jennmary]

I also have the elite. I love it so far. The humidifirier has not once run dry (except when I forgot to fill it..oops). I have a pressure of 14 and have gone as long as 11 hours without going dry.....and I keep it on the highest setting. I just make sure to get it all the way up to the fill line.

[drummergirl410]

I have rhe Resmed s8 Vantage, which is a few notches up from the compact and really enjoy it. I have the exact same humidifier as well. My humidifier never runs dry. In fact, I do well if I've used maybe an inch of water. There's always plenty left in the morning. i set my humidifier around 3 usually.