getting a data capable apap... any reccomendations?

[canyongirl]

Im getting anew perscription for an apap with data capability and heated humidifier.

I have had a respironics cpap at a pressure of 10. It works great, but some weeks (about 1 week each month) I find i wake up snoring, feeling like im fallling, and feel crappy.... so going high tech.... So I know it works for most nights, but not all...

any recomendations? any to stay away from?

you guys would know!
thanks

[Flying_Norseman]

Do you have any limitations on which machine you can get? I have a Remstar M Series APAP with C-Flex. I like it, but I have no experience with any of the other brands or models.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): C-FLEX, APAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): C-FLEX, APAP

[TXKajun]

canyongirl, you're probably going to get as many recommendations as there are APAPs out there!

With that said, let me make my pitch for the Puritan Bennet Goodknight 420E: It's a great machine, has super software that is EASILY available and very user friendly and doesn't require an outside purchase (such as a card reader), the machine is light and travels well, has an integrated heated humidifier, is durable, handles any mask and is available (as the APAP, HH and software) in a bundle from our hosts at cpap.com for a really reasonable price. (errr, can ya tell that's the APAP I use?? )

Good luck in your decision.

Kajun

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): 420E, humidifier, cpap.com, APAP

[Slinky]

Since you already have paid for the M Series integrated humidifier the wisest choice would be to get the Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex or Respironics M Series Auto w/C-Flex. Why buy another brand and have to purchase a new humidifier as well? Plus if you are swapping or trading up your DME supplier most likely will balk and give you a real hassle about going to an entirely different brand.

[WildIris]

I agree with both previous posters. I use the Resmed Vantage S8 at home and have a Puritian Bennett Goodknight 420e for traveling. The Puritian Bennett software is easier to read than Resmeds 5.7 (according to me) and definitely the APAP and software package is cheaper than Resmeds. Both machines I like and work well for me. My perferences is the S8 Vantage.

I do not have any experience with a Respironics but have friends who would not use any other machine. You will find any of the three major APAP's will work.

Do what works bests for you.

[CarrieS]

I LOVE my Resmed Vantage too. Easy to use if you have software its spectacular! I love the traveling case, and the humidifier. Just all very user friendly whether you like to keep it simple or if you like to get more into the clinical stuff its all very user friendly.

[tillymarigold]

1. Well, first of all, I adore my PB 420E, but I should warn you that it uses a specific type of cable (something-232) that doesn't play nicely with all computers, and not all of the 232-to-USB adapters work. But the software is readily available to patients and I like supporting that. For me, since I have a real problem with RERAs, the flow limitation reading is very useful. Also, the PB 420E is the cheapest data-capable auto. I think I paid $675 including the humidifier and software.

2. Second of all, I agree with Slinky. If I were you, I'd get the M Series Auto with A-Flex so as to avoid needing a new humidifier. On the other hand, Encore Pro (Respironics' software) can be hard to come by.

3. Third of all, my sleep doctor told me that the Resmed auto has the best algorithm (though he prefers Respironics for straight CPAP). Obviously I didn't follow his advice, but that was mostly because I couldn't afford a Resmed. So if your insurance will be paying, it may be worth considering.

[Slinky]

Okay, I told you what I thought was the smartest thing to do if you were trading up.

Personally, I prefer and have both the straight CPAP Resmed S8 Elite AND the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage and I'm delighted to see that others have suggested the Vantage.

The new patient specific software and cable reader, EncoreViewer, is easily available to patients for the Respironics autos as well whereas you have to do some searching to find the ResScan or AutoScan software and cable reader for the Resmeds.

[Captain_Midnight]

C-Girl
Interesting timing for your question.

I just this week bought a Resperonics APAP w AFLEX, and as with you, I was mostly satisfied w my CFLEX (at 8cm), but without data capability, I just never knew if I might have had an "eventful" night.

My first night w the new unit, I ran it w the same settings as my prev unit ( C-FLEX at 8 cm) to set up a base line. Then, I set up A-FLEX w auto range from 7-9. Works fine, not sure I want to tinker farther.

The Encore info is pretty good. The graphical info and summary statistics tell me more than I could want, and will be useful for long-term data.

Since prev posters all seem to like their autos, I don't see how you can make a mistake. One thought in favor of the AFLEX is that it can be set up exactly like your current machine. Thus, you can get baseline data to see if you did have issues at current settings. Then, you can make modifications more prudently.

Regards all - - Tom

[canyongirl]

Thanks to all.. this was super informative. I think i might saty with respironics..... especially after what captain midnight said. what a coincidence.... it will obviously take awhile to get and stuf, but ill update when i get it.....

how long do you guys run baseline for? 1 week? 2 weeks?

[Slinky]

AT LEAST ONE WEEK of data w/o ANY CHANGES. No change of Ramp, C-Flex, pressure or even mask exchange or chin strap or mouth taping or .... you get the drift. GOOD LUCK!

[Guest]

when's the new F&P Auto coming out?