Help me decide on a machine...?

[psychomamma]

Hi all. I have just been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea and am on my way to my titration appointment soon. My insurance uses the Respironics M Series. I told them I had done a lot of research and could I get something different? They said I can get whatever kind I want to get, but have the technician write it on the prescription. (I don't know that I DON'T want the M Series, I'd like feedback on that as well)

Here are my requirements - maybe you all can give me your suggestions for what machine you would get!! (this is probably all of our requirements, huh?)

*As quiet as possible for my husband's sake
*ramping capability
*heated humidifier
*I like the idea of a smart card or data capability
*small enough to take with me, easy to set up when I get there
*easy to clean

Also, I am a side sleeper and looking for recommendations for masks too - preferably ones that don't leave callouses on my face!

Thanks so much!
Lisa...

[araminta]

From reading the posts on this forum, you quickly come to understand that the choice of equipment is extremely personal. Unfortunately, there isn't any one set up that suits all users.

For me, I too have moderate sleep apnea. I did a test drive with the REsmed S8 Auto -- and really wanted it to work cause of a number of reasons, especially its size. but the algorithm of the air pressure really didn't suit me. Instead, I have been quite comfortable with the Respironics M Series w/ Aflex. And can highly recommend it.

I also highly recommend a hose cover made by Padacheek, who is also a member of this forum, to help with the problem of condensation on the hose - "rainout" - and also to de-medicalize the hose.

Hope this helps. This is a great place for all your questions -- and a diversity of opinions.

[jules]

when you said insurance uses m series - you need to find out exactly which model of m series they use - they aren't all equal - some have cflex - one doesn't - some have data (and just cause it has a card doesn't mean it has "real data")

[greyhound]

You didn't mention exhalation relief. I don't know whether this was an oversight or intentional. Several machines include exhalation relief, but, as far as I know, the only auto adjusting machines that have it are made by Respironics.

I've used two Respironics auto models - one with c-flex and one with a-flex (which can also operate in c-flex mode) - and, for me, a-flex was more comfortable. By having my sleep doctor write a perscription for an auto model with a-flex, I knew I would get the M-series Auto machine I wanted. From my perspective, the Auto with A-flex meets all of your criteria.

[Mtnviewer]

I'd bet that any of the machines with your desired specs will be fine. The machines all seem to be pretty good and I don't ready of any real complaints.

I opted for and would recommend the Sandman Auto, and for me it was the best compromise, as first it was one of the most affordable, it had very good features, it had good specs for low sound, good software reports (make sure it comes with v1.4 or higher), good price and it was light for travel. My other choice was the Intellipap, which you can see had very good results in the comparison, see near the top of the forum home page. Both were also more affordable to me than others as I don't have insurance to offset any costs. I also bought mine slightly used (used 25 hrs only) on cpapauction.com vs. brand new and so I saved a bundle.

Sound is a ver personal thing and how quiet it is will all depend on what pressure setting is used or where your machine goes. The higher the pressure, the louder the sound that the machine blower makes. You can baffle it by putting it inside a drawer or other solutions. Also check the specs to see what pressure that decibel specs are for in the machine brochures. For the Sandman, to me, it's VERY quiet below a pressure of 8, still ok at 9-10, and then I find the sound loudish above 10, but I've still slept through it, and I'm a light sleeper normally (moreso without PAP). I don't know how it compares to other machines in real life range of pressures.

In the end, I don't think that the machine is your biggest concern as all the data and auto machines are pretty darned good. The Sandman doesn't have exhale relief, but that doesn't bother me one bit, but maybe would if I ended up at really high pressures? I'm usually below 10 +/-.

I think that finding the right face mask is your MOST IMPORTANT concern, so set your budget for that, meaning in case you need to buy several or more before you find the right one for you. Again, cpapauction.com is a great place to find brand new unopened masks, which makes trying them more affordable. The one that I paid $120 for based on THE recommendation of the DME sits in a drawer and is a piece of crap compared to the one that I ended up with after much research and reading of reviews and which was 1/4 of the price from cpapauction.com but yet was near $165 new from cpap.com and would have been much higher from a DME.

So think mask first, then data capable machine. I also got a soft hose cover not for rain out, but for comfort as the hose crosses my body and or neck at times. There are also other small things to consider such as a Pap pillow, etc..

[spookydoo]

It's amazing. Everyone is different. I had a Respironics M Series A flex and couldn't stand it. It breathed out before I was finished breathing in and just didn't treat my Apnea well on any setting. However, I know people who love it. I just switched to a Resmed S8 Auto II and LOVE it. It has adjustable settings for exhalation relief which I don't think the Respironics did (if it did it was hard to find). It's also extremely quiet and overall just works with my body and breathing better. The software is easy to load and easy to read. I would definitely recommend the software. I use a full face mask and my Neurologist said they preferred that for patients. However, they said for some folks it makes them feel claustrophobic--not me. But again, some folks say they get better results with the nasal pillows. You can experiment with different masks. CPAP.com will let you pay insurance on them to try different ones out. Hope that helps.

[alnhwrd]

Here is post that talks about some good machines, and some not so good ones.

viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

If they are giving you a Respironics machine do NOT let them give you a PLUS. The M Series PRO with C-flex should have everything on your list.

Its great that your insurance will work with you. Don't let the DME push you into getting a substandard machine. You are on the right track!

[JoeFF]

I have a Respironics BiPap Auto with Bi-Flex and I absolutely love it. I really like the Bi-Flex feature. Here are some details on it.Good luck with your therapy!
Features

Auto-adjusting
Bi-level pressure delivery

Multi-level algorithm
Uses two different sets of analytical parameters to keep track patient's breathing.

Bi-Flex
Softens the air at inhalation and exhalation to provide more comfortable therapy

Digital Auto-Trak Sensitivity
Tracks and reacts to a patient's natural breathing pattern. It can detect the point of inhalation and exhalation in every breath, allowing Bi-Flex to make each breath more comfortable.

Integrated Humidification
Options help to improve compliance

Encore Pro SmartCard and Data Management Software allow providers to track treatment progress.

Enhanced Event Reporting
Tracks factors like apnea / hypopnea index, leak and snore.

http://bipapautomseries.respironics.com/

[Slinky]

Well, it is no secret that I am a Resmed fan. When traveling the Resmeds are 1 lb lighter in weight. They are simple to set up and dismantle for packing as compared to the Respironics. Snap the humidifier on the xPAP, fill the tank and put it in the humidifier, plug it in and turn it on. No Respironics humidifier platform, then humidifier, then xPAP, then on many two cords. The Resmeds can't be beat for ease of access to and amount of data available via the LCD screen. It seems that noise level is more a matter of the individual device than brand or model. I've had 3 Resmeds and 2 pre-M Series Respironics and all were quiet and gave good therapy. You would want the Resmed Elite or the AutoSet. The Resmed Compact and Escape are NOT full data capable. Any Respironics w/Plus in the name is NOT fully data capable.

[psychomamma]

Thanks everyone! Since my insurance uses the M Series, I guess I'll give the PRO a try. It seems easiest. I don't know yet about the exhale thing because I have never worn this equipment before. I guess it's all in trying it. I got diagnosed 2 weeks ago - the order said "expedited treatment requested" -- and the sleep study place cannot get me in for my titration for 6 WEEKS!! Wow, if that's expeditious, I would hate to see them dragging their feet. So I have 6 more weeks of hell before I can even get my prescription....

[jules]

don't accept a "basic" either - again - ask what model you can get and bring that information back here

[DreamDiver]

If your prescribed pressure is for a cpap in the 7 to 15 range, get a Sandman Auto. It will do a lot of cool things, but give you a truer titration after the sleep study. It's quiet, light, and you can get the software to read the data card.

No I don't have it, but it's the next thing I'm going to buy when I get the money -- and a job.

[greyhound]

Assuming your doctor will perscribe an auto, try to get an auto, rather than a straight cpap. You can always put into cpap mode, but at least you'll have the auto option.