One step away from getting equipment..

[ChrisC]

Kept necro'ing an old post with updates. Figured I'd post this in a new one!

Well, tonight's the big night.. 2nd sleep study. They make it sound like a fantastic dining experience. "Tonight, you will be sampling a variety of masks and machines!" I've spent the last week going over opinions, reviews, and "Our Wisdom" and I've been trying to narrow down just what equipment I should be on the hunt for.

I know data capable is a must.. #1 priority. I've set my sights on either the M Series Auto with A-Flex or the S8 Elite II. My Sleep Doc originally mentioned we'd likely go for APAP, but then said straight CPAP might be 'fine'. I like the idea of the pressure changing automatically to meet my needs instead of just having a constant static pressure setting..

Do both these units offer a ramp feature? I know the S8 Elite II does, but does the M Series Auto?

For masks, I'd really like to use the mirage swift II nasal pillows. My wife has been watching my breathing while I sleep and says I'm always breathing through my nose. Interestingly enough, I've been using the breathe right strips for the past two weeks and she's said I haven't been snoring at all while breathing through my nose.. weird.

I'm not sure if I wander out of the sleep lab tomorrow morning with a script in hand or what happens. I'm just trying to arm myself with as much information as I can before I accept a script and go out looking..

[ChipsXJ]

Do both these units offer a ramp feature? I know the S8 Elite II does, but does the M Series Auto?

Yes it does. Good luck.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi Chris---I have the Resmed 8 Elite and it does have a ramp feature. I don't know what your pressure is but mine is a "7" and that ramp feature is turned off for me as I do not like it. I love my machine!! It is quiet, compact, the humidifier snaps right onto the front of the machine, easy to use, easy to clean and looks nice too. The filters are easy to change out. It has an LCD readout window right on the top so you can see your daily stats. It is data capable ---so that is a feature that you will want. The machine came in a nice dark blue lap top looking case with a shoulder strap for easy travelling--and lots of padding it in to protect the machine and humidifier. It has room in it for your mask and hose too---so it is a really nice travel bag. I use the SWIFT LT for her nasal mask--it is a great mask!!! It is nice if you sleep on your side. It is lightweight and you can watch TV with it on ---I can highly suggest that mask if you do not like a lot of heavy head gear--I have a leak rate of ZERO!@!! Hope this helps,
Carrie

[SharkBait]

Do both these units offer a ramp feature? I know the S8 Elite II does, but does the M Series Auto?

I'll be honest with you -- ramp is a non-issue as long as you have EPR. I used mine for 2 days... But yes, those have ramp.

[ChrisC]

Oh, I guess ramp really wouldn't be a necessity if it's automatically adjusting the pressure for you anyhow..

I'm hoping, being a DME myself, I'll know if they're trying to pull something over on me. I KNOW how alluring buying "cheap crap" and billing it for top dollar can be to some vendors. Personally, I don't sell cheap crap here at my store.. I just hope I can find a DME with the same mindset! I really appreciate all the advice and energy that has gone into the FAQs and posts here.. very invaluable information, and a tremendous feeling of community around here.

[riverdreamer]

Hi Chris,

Not sure why you have one Auto unit, and one straight CPAP on your list, but maybe it is to give them options? If your doctor is thinking an APAP, I have found the Resmed Autoset II is great! It has EPR and Easybreathe, and I find it very easily follows my breathing pattern with the EPR set at 2, and a pressure of 8.4-15. So if you want the option of a Resmed auto unit, in addition to a Respironics one, I highly recommend the Autoset II. Also, unlike the older Resmed autos, the Autoset II has EPR in both CPAP and APAP mode.

Hope things go well for you.

[ChrisC]

Oh, sorry for the confusion. As my doctor had mentioned an APAP initially, but then later said that straight CPAP might be 'fine'. At any rate, I haven't seen the script just yet and wanted to cover my bases whichever way he decided to go.

Let me look into the Autoset II. I have a feeling I'll get a loaner from his office after tonight.. and I'll have to book an appointment in the future to pick out my real equipment. There's REALLY an overwhelming amount of features and products out there..

[rocketdork]

I've got a Respironics M series machine...I love it.

I thought ramp would be vital to me, but found after a few weeks that I didn't need it. I never use it now. It did help to adjust to using the machine though.

I really like what Respironics calls AFlex, its almost as if the mask isn't on. CFlex is nearly as comfortable for me though. Everyone has a different opinion on it though, so if you have the chance to test drive, DO IT.

Mask fit is of critical importance, if you ask me. A mask that leaks or is uncomfortable is going to sour the experience for you and you'll find yourself not wanting to use the machine. Focus on that more than any of the machines.

[dieselgal]

I doubt that you will leave the sleep study with the script because in my experience those people don't write the scripts it may be different where you live. However if you get to try a lot of masks that will be beneficial and make sure you try them both on your back and your side.
The M series does have the ramp and I did use it at first but once I got the M-series it did become a non issue really. I no longer use that at all. If you have the option I would for sure get the Dr. to write the script for an auto. It is like 2 machines in one and why not get the best one you can.
Good luck!

[Hawthorne]

I just scanned the reponses but you know that, if you get an auto you also get a straight cpap, since auto can also be set in straight cpap mode.

It makes sense to get a prescripton for an auto then you have both in one machine.

As a DME can't you sell yourself a machine or is that a prohibited practice? Just curious!

Good luck!

[KengEsq]

Oh, sorry for the confusion. As my doctor had mentioned an APAP initially, but then later said that straight CPAP might be 'fine'. At any rate, I haven't seen the script just yet and wanted to cover my bases whichever way he decided to go.

Let me look into the Autoset II. I have a feeling I'll get a loaner from his office after tonight.. and I'll have to book an appointment in the future to pick out my real equipment. There's REALLY an overwhelming amount of features and products out there..

I started with the ResMed S8 Elite II CPAP and it was not doing a good job controlling my apneas. My doctor changed me to the ResMed S8 AutoSet II and now my numbers are great and I love the AutoSet. For me, it is much better than the Elite II.

If possible, get an auto adjusting machine. The AutoSet II is exactly like the Elite II excpet it auto adjusts the pressure needed.

[wasColette]

ResMed S8 Elite II is straight CPAP.
ResMed S8 AutoSet II is APAP which can also be switched to straight CPAP.
They both have EPR and ramp or settling features.

If you have the option, I would go with the AutoSet II.

[ChrisC]

I doubt that you will leave the sleep study with the script because in my experience those people don't write the scripts it may be different where you live. However if you get to try a lot of masks that will be beneficial and make sure you try them both on your back and your side.
The M series does have the ramp and I did use it at first but once I got the M-series it did become a non issue really. I no longer use that at all. If you have the option I would for sure get the Dr. to write the script for an auto. It is like 2 machines in one and why not get the best one you can.
Good luck!

Well, I made it through my first night on a machine okay!! The good news is that I totally kept my mouth shut and the machine/mask were *absolutely* comfortable and just fine to wear. They let me try on a variety of nasal masks/and a full face mask. I found the full face mask was slightly cumbersome and that it, and the nasal masks, were a bit loud. Now, I'm sure I'd get used to the white noise, but I *LOVED* the nasal pillows. I tried a Mirage Swift LT and it was perfect: quiet, lightweight, and comfortable. I slept pretty lightly and woke up often, but I think it was more the discomfort of the electrodes/belts on me than the machine/headgear. With all the wires on me, I was on my back all night (I usually sleep on my side). The first sleep study I went for, I was okay.. this time around, I was just far more conscious of the crap all hanging off me.

They've set my pressure at 10cm and (as previously mentioned) I used a Mirage Swift LT. The machine was a respironics "Omnilab". I think it probably is a special model that they can remotely set the pressure on.. the name didn't ring a bell.

This was sleep study #2 for me.. the first one established my sleep apnea and I guess this one was just to find out my pressure. I walked out with my prescription: it was basically a form with his signature on it electronically.. and the tech wrote in my name, the titration date and the pressure. I'm in Ontario, so I got my paperwork for ADP too so I can pursue my funding. I have a private plan too, so I'm thinking about just paying the 25% client portion from ADP and using my private plan to get a backup machine.

Dieselgal: I think you're right about the ramp feature: I thought I'd really like having the ramp option, but I think as long as I get a machine that can auto-adjust the pressure, that's all I really need.

Hawthorne: the reason I can't provide the equipment to myself is that we aren't an ADP approved vendor at my store. We're more into mobility.. we're a pharmacy first and foremost. While I'd love to get into respiratory therapy, the 'big' oxygen companies in the area have the trained staff already and we're not even close to that. I'm far happier carving a niche market that I can excel in than being a jack of all trades. Just not fair to my customers if I dabble in a category that I can't fully support with knowledge and products.

So, in short.. a bit of a restless night's sleep. However, I think that was more environmental than due to the therapy. Based on how great the equipment felt last night, I'm really optimistic about beginning my therapy. Now, just have to make another appointment with a DME to actually get the stuff..

[ChrisC]

Wow.. this really is a game of "hurry up and wait", isn't it? I just called a few DMEs and everyone is booking 2+ weeks away. I just hate being so full of piss and vinegar to start my therapy and then having to wait and feel like crap in the morning for a few more weeks. Ugh.

[plr66]

....I walked out with my prescription: it was basically a form with his signature on it electronically.. and the tech wrote in my name, the titration date and the pressure.

Glad you feel so great about your sleep study experience, Chris! Now there's no question in my mind that you chose the best mask --and the drums are still rolling as we wait to hear which machine your Rx is written for!...