Resmed S8 Model Confusion

[bcab17]

This is my first post (please be gentle). I have used a Resmed S7 CPAP for several years with 100% compliance (I really can't sleep without it). My presure setting based on my most recent sleep study is 10.

I am ready to get a new machine, and I'm looking at the Resmed S8 line. There's the "AutoSet II", "Vantage EPR Auto", "Elite II" and "Elite" (among others). Is the "AutoSet II" or the "Vantage" the top of the S8 line? If my insurance will cover it, should I just get the top of the line? I've never used an "auto" machine. I've always gone with full pressure with no ramp, but I assume an "auto" machine would be an improvement (does it take getting used to?).

So, although I've been using a CPAP for years I am really a newbie as far as newer machines and features are concerned, and I would really appreciate some guidance in navigating the S8 line from user's experiences.

Thanks.

[weebl]

I don't know all the models, but I am a little familiar with two of them. I used the AutoSet Vantage (with HumidAire 3i) for my one week CPAP trial. Set with a 20 minute ramp (starting pressure of 4.0), then automatic. First CPAP I ever used, and I liked it. I've been told this is the older version (by every supplier I've talked to) and that in it's place, they are selling the newer AutoSet II (with H4i). I talked to the sleep clinic that did my study, and looked at the newer version in person. Some very minor cosmetic changes on the outside, otherwise looks identical. Inside is another story, apparently much quieter operation and improved algorithms for the auto titration. That's the one I'm planning on getting. Don't know where the other models place in the pecking order.

[Uncle_Bob]

This is my first post (please be gentle). I have used a Resmed S7 CPAP for several years with 100% compliance (I really can't sleep without it). My presure setting based on my most recent sleep study is 10.

I am ready to get a new machine, and I'm looking at the Resmed S8 line. There's the "AutoSet II", "Vantage EPR Auto", "Elite II" and "Elite" (among others). Is the "AutoSet II" or the "Vantage" the top of the S8 line? If my insurance will cover it, should I just get the top of the line? I've never used an "auto" machine. I've always gone with full pressure with no ramp, but I assume an "auto" machine would be an improvement (does it take getting used to?).

So, although I've been using a CPAP for years I am really a newbie as far as newer machines and features are concerned, and I would really appreciate some guidance in navigating the S8 line from user's experiences.

Thanks.

The Autoset S8 II is the premier Resmed APAP now, Vantage is the older APAP. cpap.com have the old description for the Vantage as the premier machine which is confusing. I have emailed them about it but they have done nothing and are still misleading consumers.

I think the main advantage the Autoset has over the Vantage is the ability to use EPR (pressure relief) in APAP mode, something you could not do on the Vantage.

An Autoset S8 II can also be used in CPAP mode so you would be at no loss to try the Autoset APAP and see if it improves your therapy, if not you can always go back to using straight CPAP

[Velbor]

I am ready to get a new machine....

I guess the real question is, WHY a new machine? Particularly if the old one has been providing satisfactory results.

"Top of the line" for the moment (though a new line is reportedly pending) would be the S-8 Auto II.
Whatever machine you currently have, this one can be set up to do the same things.
And it will arguably do them "better" - smoother, quieter, more conveniently.
And it will do more things, give you the most options.

The S-8 Vantage has almost NO advantage over the S-8 Auto II, except for one consideration.
If you currently have and use the AutoSet v5.7 software, it will continue to work with the Vantage. It will NOT work with the S-8 Auto II.
Other than that, the S-8 Auto II will do everything the Vantage does, and better, and more.

Similarly for the S-8 Elite II and the S-8 Elite. The only differences between these and the autos is that they do not provide for "automatic" pressure variation. And, of course, they're less expensive. But if you CAN get either of the Autos, they can be set up to do exactly what the constant-pressure Elite machines do, PLUS give you additional options.

If you're not now using a Auto, and doing well, it may be difficult to justify the change. But if you're prescriber is willing to be convinced, the arguments are:
--Why shouldn't I have the best machine available to me? And the most options for future needs? An auto can still be used as a constant-pressure machine, if that's how the prescriber wants to treat you. (What you may do afterwards is your decision.)
--The insurance codes for a constant-pressure CPAP and an AutoPAP are the same: reimbursement is the same, and it will not cost your insurer any more.
--The supplier will make less of a profit, but will still make a profit. (Not a good argument, and a likely deal-killer, if your prescriber has a stake in the supplier's business.)

Bottom line is that you will not do badly with any of the four S-8 machines you mention. You should steer clear of other S-8 models, which will not give you information about your therapy and its effectiveness; all four of these will. Insist on data capability, whether you have it currently or not. You have a right to be able to monitor your own therapy, and the internal screens on these machines will enable you to do that, even without software.

Good luck!

[bcab17]

Thanks for the info so far.

Why a new machine? There are a few reasons. My job is starting to require more travel, and I want a smaller, more travel-friendly machine than I currently have. Since I am "CPAP-dependent" for sleep, the thought of an extended power outage concerns me, and I would like a machine that has a battery and/or DC power option. In fact, the travel and battery issues had me looking at the AEIOmed Everlast 3 with rechargeable battery (which appears perfect on paper, except for no EPR or auto function), but my in-network equipment providers do not offer it. This model still tempts me, but I've heard and read very little about it.

When my health insurance changed I became eligible for a new machine, and although I have only used a constant pressure machine, I don't see why I shouldn't at least try to get the "latest and greatest" model, offering features that I may very well want/need in the future. I cannot monitor my therapy with my old machine, and though I seem to sleep OK through the night, I have been feeling a little tired during the day (it may be due more to fewer hours in bed than anything else, but I sure would like the option of checking my therapy), and I don't see being able to give the EPR or "auto" feature a try as a bad thing.