ResMed versus Resporonics BIPAP machine?

[dorilda]

A few days ago I asked about ResMed VPAP Malibu but only got one response-was hoping for more info-am leaning to the M series BIPAP Auto w/Biflex against the ResMed VPAP Vantage. Pressure 20/15 so I am considered a severe case having stopped breathing 106 times an hour in my sleep test. I do not have a machine yet. I want to get the best one I can first time. Doctor precription is for BIPAP only but I am going to see her to get it changed to BIPAO Auto next week. I appreciate any and all comments.

[Snoredog]

you are probably not getting much of any response because I haven't seen anyone here who even owns a Malibu yet. Just because Resmed puts it on their website doesn't really mean it is readily available.

The Remstar Bipap Auto is immediately available has proven comfort features, is fully adjustable with and without those features, basically it has been out much longer and a more proven technology than the Malibu has so far.

Respironics has come out with another new machine called the AVAP, why are you not considering that one? I couldn't even tell you the difference between the Bipap Auto and the new AVAP other than the latter relies more heavily on tidal volume, but you could have read that too:

BiPAP®AVAPS™ is Respironics' newest noninvasive ventilator for use in the home, and features AVAPS™ (Average Volume Assured Pressure Support) technology—an algorithm that provides an average tidal volume by automatically adapting pressure support to meet the patient's needs.

http://bipapavaps.respironics.com/

[pablo007]

Dorilda-I have been using the Malibu machine for 3 months and it's a great machine. This is the 3rd machine I have had and it's the best. It is the quietest most comfortable to use machine.

It has more features than I need, as it is made for people who have other respiratory problems along with apnea. If your dr. thinks this is the machine for you, I would highly recommend it.
Paul

[rested gal]

I don't think it's Dorilda's doctor who suggested a particular brand of autotitrating bi-level machine. As I understood it, it was Dorilda's DME pushing one particular brand. If a DME buys in quantity primarily from one manufacturer the DME might be looking at more profit.

I use the BiPAP Auto by Respironics and find it extremely comfortable. One feature the BiPAP Auto has that the Malibu does not is "Bi-Flex."

The Malibu, as far as I know, has only a Rise Time to adjust for comfort. The BiPAP Auto has both a Rise Time feature (called "Rise Comfort") and Bi-Flex. You can't use both at the same time, but you can choose whichever feels more comfortable and natural.

I've tried the BiPAP Auto both ways -- setting various rise times and setting various bi-flex levels. I find the Bi-Flex feature much more comfortable. Gives more relief when breathing out...lowers the pressure even more at the beginning of the already lower EPAP exhale pressure.

[Slinky]

Dorilda, if your doctor will re-write your script the way you want you could see which of the two machines your DME supplier "wants" to provide you with, state that you would prefer the other - but - would agree to "try" their choice for two weeks - IF - they would agree to switch you to the other, the one you prefer, at the end of the two weeks if you weren't satisfied w/their choice.

There aren't as many Resmed users here as there are Respironics altho the number of Resmed users seems to be growing. I happen to prefer the Resmeds, but I've not needed a bi-level xPAP. My experience has been w/the Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR and the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage, both of which I love. I've also had use of the Remstar Auto w/C-Flex which is one heck of a good machine, but I prefer my Resmeds so sold my Respironics auto to my son-in-law.

Frankly, I doubt you can go wrong w/either brand. They are both excellent manufacturers of good equipment. Most of the bias against the Resmeds has been due to Resmed being the first to restrict the sale of their software to patients but Respironics has since followed suit.

If I were you I would be more concerned w/finding a comfortable, good fitting mask. You are already assurred a good bi-level w/your script, now the key will be finding the "right" mask for you. Not always an easy proposition!!!

[cpap dealer in Indiana]

Respironics is al ready having problems with the new M units. Resmed units are far better for long time usage and value for the money. I will order Respironice units but recommed Resmed.

Call local dealers and see how many unit they return for repair each month and may your own choice.

[billbolton]

Just because Resmed puts it on their website doesn't really mean it is .

There are numerous users who have commented favourably on their experiences with Malibu Bi-Levels on the various CPAP support web sites, so it clearly is readily available.

[Wulfman]

Respironics is al ready having problems with the new M units. Resmed units are far better for long time usage and value for the money. I will order Respironice units but recommed Resmed.

Call local dealers and see how many unit they return for repair each month and may your own choice.

You're not being very specific as far as what type of "problems" are being encountered.

If it's these cheap-ass DS100 machines that are so popular with the money-grubbing DMEs, then it wouldn't surprise me and it would serve everybody right for trying to pass this crap off as CPAP machines.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=2207

I haven't heard of any real problems on the forum from the users who have the M Series Pro, Autos and Bi-PAP machines.

I made MY choice......I'll stick with the Legacy/Classic/Tank/Pre-M machines, thank-you very much!

Either put up or shut up.

I'm not a fan of the M Series machines or the ResMed machines, but everybody's got their preferences.

Den

[dllfo]

Den, don't hold back, tell us how you really feel

I noticed the "I quit breathing 106 times" part. Did you start breathing again
on your own?

I use the Respironics BiPap Auto SV because I quit breathing and don't start again, so the machine breathes for me until I start up again.

It is a great machine for people who quit breathing a lot, or need help getting started again. Might be overkill ....depending on what else is wrong.

Good luck.

[Wulfman]

Den, don't hold back, tell us how you really feel

Gee.....Can I, David?
I really WAS trying to be "nice" to the Guest.....

Thanks!

Den

By the way, hope everything is well with you.

.

[Guest]

it doesn't look like MANY of you are breathing.

Get a Respironics machine. Buy American.

[rested gal]

I've not used a Malibu, but I do use the Respironics BiPAP Auto with Bi-flex and love it.

Received an email today from someone who had been using a Malibu and has now switched to the BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex. Some comments from their email:

"Hi Laura,

Hope you are doing well. Just wanted to let you know that the Sleep Study folks gave me a brand new Respironics BiPaP Auto M Series to try. I’ve been using the Malibu with no luck. Last night was my first nite with it [the Bipap Auto], and it really did feel much more comfortable.
------
breathing with this machine seemed much more gentler, than the Malibu."

Of course, that kind of experience might be just the reverse for someone else. Different people get along differently with various brands. As the writer said further along in the email....

"She also had me meet with an RT that runs this Sleep Center location, who was very helpful and caring (older man). He said many people respond better to one brand machine versus another, even if they are essentially the same machines."

You just can't know until you try them. That can get expensive for people who are paying out of pocket and need to "pick right" from the start, as that will be the machine they'll be using for years to come.

Not many people are as lucky as the email writer was -- to be dealing with health care professionals who allowed him to switch to a "same type, different brand" machine.