Time for new cpap--any recommendations?

[snoozeandlose]

I am due for a new machine. I have used the Puritan Bennet Good Knight 420 E for five or six years with no problems except I could never figure out how to use the Silverlining software. Yeah, I am an good geezer that's technologically challenged. What machines that record your data are the easiest to use?

I like the 420E's size since I do travel overseas and packing light is even more important now. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Slinky]

I've been very pleased w/my Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR. Its about 1/2 lb lighter than the M Series xPAPs and I've traveled some w/it. The thing I like most about it is the ease of access to data via the LCD screen. As far as therapy itself I also got excellent therapy w/a pre-M Series auto but I missed the ease of access to data via the LCD screen of the Resmeds.

If you DO get into the software bit, I also found the Resmed software easier to install, understand and use than Respironics EncorePro.

Resmed has now come out w/the Resmed S8 IIs w/EasyBreathe technology and it truly is Easy breathing! I have the older Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage which I've liked real well. All told, I would suggest the Resmed S8 II AutoSet since lighteight and easy access to data are your two prime criteria. The Resmeds can't be beat for easy access to data via the LCD screen. They are still the leader in the field for that option.

[DreamStalker]

If your pressure requirements are over 10 cm, you will want to stay with waht you have or go for the Respironics M series w/ AFLEX.

[snoozeandlose]

My pressure is 14--what is the problem with the Resmed machines?

[Slinky]

There are plenty of those w/pressures over 10 that do very well w/their Resmeds.

Ask Resmed users in the forum what their pressure is and how well those w/a set pressure over 10 cms are doing w/them.

[Snoredog]

The Sandman Auto is the replacement for the 420e which really hasn't been discontinued that I am aware of.

IF you are looking for Similar treatment and flexibility as your 420e that would be the one to look at, but there hasn't been that much exposure of the Sandman yet to give you the details about it.

The New Resmed AutoSet II wouldn't be a bad machine, it gives you AI, HI and Leak information right on the LCD display so you don't have to load any software to obtain that information. I don't think the Sandman has that ability either.

IF you are already at 14 cm pressure and are used to it, going to the Aflex machine probably wouldn't offer you any better treatment, in fact I find my 420e gives me much better treatment than AFlex.

For me, Aflex starts off very comfortable but the fatigue starts setting it day by day until I have to go back to the 420e. I've tried it in Cflex mode and still get better with the 420e. Then the humidifer on the Aflex totally sucks to sugar coat it as they say.

So my choices if buying a new one would be:

1. Resmed AutoSet Spirit II
2. Sandman Auto
3. 420e

another option you might want to consider is a Bipap Auto. Your pressure is getting up there where it may be beneficial. However in my opinion, you need the software in order to tweak the Bilevel in order to optimal treatment, but if you cannot handle Silverling, then Encore will be your worst nightmare just getting it installed, reason I suggest the machine with AHI info right on the LCD display, push a few buttons, find your AI and leak and you are good to go.

The new AutoSet Spirit II offers exhale relief in Auto mode.

As for treatment over 10 cm? Well that is command on Apnea, a lot of the machines on the market have limited response to apnea above 10 cm pressure including the 420e, except the 420 can be tweaked by increasing the Command on Apnea A10 parameter to a higher level so it does.

With the AutoSet Spirit II, it also can overcome that limitation by increasing the Minimum pressure above 10 cm and performing a manual titration of pressure, so in your case you set Minimum to 14 and observe the AI and AHI on the machine adjusting it up or down. Above 10 cm that machine only responds to Flow Limitation and Snore but at that point there isn't a lot of the other left anyway.

So, I haven't had the opportunity to play with the Sandman Auto yet or look at its reports, I'm assuming since it is made by the same mfg as the 420e it will be an improvement over the 420e. On the other hand they could have shot themselves in the head and it could be a piece of junk dud too, I don't know. The Resmed AutoSet II is more of a sure thing so is the 420e.

Sorry, but the Aflex don't even make my top 3 list.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi--I agree with Slinky---I've been very pleased w/my Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR too!!! It is so nice to read the LCD screens in the morning --piece of cake!! Works like a dream--very light weight and travels nicely in its own lap top like shoulder bag.

Good luck and happy hunting!!!
Carrie