Newbie here, searching for first machine.

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
telest
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Jul 20, 2010 7:00 am

Newbie here, searching for first machine.

Post by telest » Tue Jul 20, 2010 7:19 am

Hey all, noob here. I am checking out all the options before I buy my first Cpap auto machine. A friend recommends a Remstar Auto which is around $1200. He also suggested the ResMed Mirage pillow type mask. Humidification is a must also I'm told. I guess my first question to the experienced people would be about the machines available. I see they run from $5-600 up to $1200 or so. Is the $1200 job the way to go, I don't want to cheat myself to save a buck, but don't want to over buy if not necessary. Thoughts? Thanks.

Steve

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Wulfman
Posts: 12317
Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:43 pm
Location: Nearest fishing spot

Re: Newbie here, searching for first machine.

Post by Wulfman » Tue Jul 20, 2010 8:37 am

I don't know where you're looking, but that $1200 price is pretty high.

Check out https://www.cpap.com


Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05

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PetrusKy
Posts: 106
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: SoCal

Re: Newbie here, searching for first machine.

Post by PetrusKy » Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:14 am

Even cheaper on CpapAuction

_________________
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Pressure 8-12cm, PapCap, ResScan 3.11

brazospearl
Posts: 704
Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:51 pm

Re: Newbie here, searching for first machine.

Post by brazospearl » Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:57 am

Welcome to the forum, telest! To get the most effective therapy you'll need a fully data-capable autotitrating machine. There are several good models available. The newest state-of-the-art is the S9, but several other makes and models would certainly suffice. It needs to be fully data capable (not just compliance) so you can track your statistics, and autotitrating gives you more options than straight CPAP. It's smart to get a humidifier; although that is a "comfort feature" and not strictly necessary, many people need some humidification to feel better. Masks are extremely personal and key to good therapy, so be ready to try several--and be open to all types, because you might be surprised at what works (or doesn't) for you. If you have insurance, find out exactly what they cover before you purchase anything, and if you're dealing with a brick-and-mortar DME run the numbers before you sign anything or take anything from them. Some of them are excellent, others not so much. Read, read, read all you can here, and ask us anything. We're here to help, and look forward to finding out how things go for you.

DreamOn
Posts: 1920
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:13 am

Re: Newbie here, searching for first machine.

Post by DreamOn » Tue Jul 20, 2010 10:39 am

Welcome, Steve! You are very wise to research this before purchasing your machine!

Here's a list that shows which machines are capable of reporting full data (typed in blue) and those that only show compliance data (typed in red): viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168. The two most popular, newer auto-titrating (APAP) machines are the PR System One REMstar Auto and the ResMed S9 Autoset. Both are great machines. Compare the features of each machine to decide which may be best for you. There are some forum threads comparing the two machines that may help, and you can look at the information on cpap.com. There are a few other good APAP machines on that list as well, but they aren't as widely used here.

You mentioned that your friend recommended the Mirage nasal pillow mask. There are several Mirage nasal pillow masks: Swift II, Swift LT, Swift LT For Her, and the newest one -- Swift FX. Masks are a very personal preference, but you can learn more about each (including user ratings) at cpap.com and by searching past threads on this forum.

Keep in mind that you may end up needing to use a chin strap (and/or tape your mouth) with a nasal or nasal pillow mask. Many of us mouth-breathe or leak therapy air from our mouths. If that's a major problem for you, you may need a full-face mask or one of the hybrid masks that has both nasal pillows and a cushion that fits over your mouth. Just be sure that your mask is carefully fitted, while using machine pressure and preferably while in sleeping position. Move around to test for leaking. Nasal pillows and mask cushions come in different sizes.

Best wishes with your therapy!

sleepnationtv
Posts: 283
Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:23 pm

Re: Newbie here, searching for first machine.

Post by sleepnationtv » Tue Jul 20, 2010 6:34 pm

i would go with the Resmed S9 Autoset or the Resmed Autoset II to get the best results. The S9 has a better humidifier and the Climate line tuning which heats the tubing up.
here is a video blog that has a good comparison of the top machines. Resmed S9, S8 and the newest remstar
http://www.sleepnation.tv
Dane Schapper, Founder cpaplibrary.com
Check out the cpaplibrary video bloghttp://www.cpaplibrary.com

telest
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Jul 20, 2010 7:00 am

Re: Newbie here, searching for first machine.

Post by telest » Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:19 pm

Thanks for the input so far. Going to call some online dealers tomorrow for some info. My friend went through cpapusa.com and I've looked at cpap.com. Any places to avoid or recommend? Thanks again.

Steve

brazospearl
Posts: 704
Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:51 pm

Re: Newbie here, searching for first machine.

Post by brazospearl » Wed Jul 21, 2010 11:24 am

I recommend cpap.com! They have the best customer service EVER.

DreamOn
Posts: 1920
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 10:13 am

Re: Newbie here, searching for first machine.

Post by DreamOn » Wed Jul 21, 2010 11:52 am

I sent you a Private Message, telest.