S8 AutoSet Vantage vs S9 AutoSet

[Blue Waters]

Hi,

I've been using my S8 AutoSet Vantage for the last 3+ years. My AHI is usually around 3-4. I remember from my sleep study that I also experience central apneas. I was wondering if I switch to S9 AutoSet, that machine will be much more effective in reducing the central apnea events?

Cheers!

[who]

Hi,

I've been using my S8 AutoSet Vantage for the last 3+ years. My AHI is usually around 3-4. I remember from my sleep study that I also experience central apneas. I was wondering if I switch to S9 AutoSet, that machine will be much more effective in reducing the central apnea events?

Cheers!

The machine would not likely be any more effective in reducing central apneas, as I understand it, but it would have the capapbility to report to you which apneas were likely central in nature after the fact.

If AHI is that low (3 or 4) using your present machine, though, and especially if those "events" are mostly reported hypopneas, I would not worry about treating central apneas, myself, if it was me. Many times the kinds of central apneas that are experienced during titration go away eventually with treatment.

[Blue Waters]

Thanks. From what I've read so far S9 (in APAP mode) detects and differentiates between OSA and CSA. And if it detects OSA it increases the pressure. If it detects CSA, it doesn't increase the pressure (or does something else) thus preventing CSA event getting worsened. So overall it sounds like, it provides a better treatment.

[Wulfman]

Thanks. From what I've read so far S9 (in APAP mode) detects and differentiates between OSA and CSA. And if it detects OSA it increases the pressure. If it detects CSA, it doesn't increase the pressure (or does something else) thus preventing CSA event getting worsened. So overall it sounds like, it provides a better treatment.

You didn't specify what your pressure settings were.
How do you KNOW if you have Centrals? Were they noted in your sleep study and if so, at what pressures?
The S8 APAPs used the A10 algorithm......which would not allow the machine to pursue apnea events above the pressure of 10 cm. without precursor events like snoring or flow limitations.

So far, I haven't read just HOW the S9 APAP reacts to "potential" Central apneas......but it apparently uses a different algorithm than the A10.

If you ARE susceptible to Central apneas, running an APAP in a range of pressures would not be advisable......in MY opinion.


Den

[who]

Thanks. From what I've read so far S9 (in APAP mode) detects and differentiates between OSA and CSA. And if it detects OSA it increases the pressure. If it detects CSA, it doesn't increase the pressure (or does something else) thus preventing CSA event getting worsened. So overall it sounds like, it provides a better treatment.

The S9's added ability to completely ignore what it judges to be a likely central apnea, even when the apnea occurs below 10 cm, is a good thing, yes. But if your diagnosis was "obstructive sleep apnea," not "central sleep apnea," and the numbers you are getting are as good as you say they are, and they are mostly hypopneas, not apneas, then, in my opinion, you have no evidence pointing to a deficiency in the treatment you are getting with the Vantage that would be corrected by the S9.

So, for me, I think there are much better reasons for you to get an S9, if you really want one, such as the ability to see snores and flow limitations well-charted when using the software. THAT could be useful information in zeroing in on the best pressure, or range of pressures, in my opinion. Not to mention that the machine would look really cool on your nightstand and has the latest technology and stuff.

I agree with Den that if your problem is central apnea, not obstructive apnea, you might be better off running at a straight pressure anyway, instead of in auto mode.

[Blue Waters]

Thanks. From what I've read so far S9 (in APAP mode) detects and differentiates between OSA and CSA. And if it detects OSA it increases the pressure. If it detects CSA, it doesn't increase the pressure (or does something else) thus preventing CSA event getting worsened. So overall it sounds like, it provides a better treatment.

You didn't specify what your pressure settings were.
How do you KNOW if you have Centrals? Were they noted in your sleep study and if so, at what pressures?
The S8 APAPs used the A10 algorithm......which would not allow the machine to pursue apnea events above the pressure of 10 cm. without precursor events like snoring or flow limitations.

So far, I haven't read just HOW the S9 APAP reacts to "potential" Central apneas......but it apparently uses a different algorithm than the A10.

If you ARE susceptible to Central apneas, running an APAP in a range of pressures would not be advisable......in MY opinion.


Den

Thank you very much! I have been experimenting with different minimum pressure setting. Right now I have:

Min Pressure = 9.6
Max Pressure = 15.0

It's been a while since I got my sleep study done. I was recommended CPAP pressure of 9.0 cm at that time. Then they recommended me using an APAP.

I put 30-40 lbs since my sleep study... Central Apneas were reported in this study, but the pressures were not mentioned.
In terms of total number of apneas that night without APAP?CPAP:

Obstructive = 29
Mixed = 32
Central = 11
Hypo = 30

Thanks

[Blue Waters]

....The S9's added ability to completely ignore what it judges to be a likely central apnea, even when the apnea occurs below 10 cm, is a good thing, yes. But if your diagnosis was "obstructive sleep apnea," not "central sleep apnea," and the numbers you are getting are as good as you say they are, and they are mostly hypopneas, not apneas, then, in my opinion, you have no evidence pointing to a deficiency in the treatment you are getting with the Vantage that would be corrected by the S9.

So, for me, I think there are much better reasons for you to get an S9, if you really want one, such as the ability to see snores and flow limitations well-charted when using the software. THAT could be useful information in zeroing in on the best pressure, or range of pressures, in my opinion. Not to mention that the machine would look really cool on your nightstand and has the latest technology and stuff.

I agree with Den that if your problem is central apnea, not obstructive apnea, you might be better off running at a straight pressure anyway, instead of in auto mode.

I think I am having both types of apneas so in this case S9 would probably be better. As you mentioned at least it'll be a better APAP to adjust the pressure settings. By the way, the software you mentioned is extra right?

[Slinky]

I'll admit to being very intrigued and interested in WHEN Resmed comes out w/the S9 VPAP Auto and I keep looking over the S9 that our Resmed Rep has been setting up at each apnea support meeting.

But - so far - I'll tell you what I like a whole lot better about the S8s than the S9s:

The humidifier. That water tank is sitting right out there in plain sight. You do NOT have to lift the lid to see what the water level is. For lazy folks like me who only top off the water tank w/more distilled water that is a pleasant plus over the S9 humidifier where you HAVE to lift the lid just to see the water level. No big back breaking deal but I really do like the convience. I can just lift the lid of the Humidaire 3i and let the condensation from the previous night dissipate.

Frankly, I MUCH prefer seeing my actual leak rate rather than the stupid little smiley face. I really do find that smiley face rather insulting and infantile.

I REALLY like that I don't HAVE to have my data card IN my Resmed every time I use it or lose the detailed data for that night. That is one thing I HATED when I added the S8 ResLink, the ResLink, like the Respironics, requires that the data card be in every time you use it or too bad, so sad, no detailed data.

OOOPSIE! I see you posted a response to Den whilst I was preparing this post. If I'm understanding your post correctly you had a lot of Centrals and Mixed Apnea in your sleep evaluation PSG. Or am I misundertsanding and these Centrals and Mixed occurred during your in-lab titration PSG?? The Centrals and Mixed COULD have been caused by the titration itself if that were the case.

I like the handle on the S8s for the convenience when I opt to move it. Frankly, I LIKE the blue and beige color rather than drab silver and black.

I do like that the S9s use a data card w/o the need for the proprietary cable reader. But why the devil can't they use a larger memory chip in them so that they can still report more than just the previous night's detailed data like the S8s? I really do hate that the card has to be in the PAP to store each night's detailed data. And I gotta tell you I DO love that EasyBreathe technology!!! But EB is available in my VPAP Auto in auto mode so ... its not like I'm missing out on that.

I sure wouldn't give up my S8 to get an S9 - but - having one of each would NOT be hard to swallow! I could live w/that! What the hay. If you can afford it, hold on to the S8 AutoSet Vantage and go ahead and buy that S9 AutoSet out of pocket.

And, yup, the software is extra and insurance doesn't pay for the software. Of course, there are ways ......

And if you haven't had the software for the S8s and now want it ... w/the S8s you NEED the proprietary cable or cable reader and they are getting difficult to get for the S8s. W/the S9s you don't even need a proprietary data card nor do you need a proprietary cable reader.

[Physician]

I'll admit to being very intrigued and interested in WHEN Resmed comes out w/the S9 VPAP Auto and I keep looking over the S9 that our Resmed Rep has been setting up at each apnea support meeting.

But - so far - I'll tell you what I like a whole lot better about the S8s than the S9s:

The humidifier. That water tank is sitting right out there in plain sight. You do NOT have to lift the lid to see what the water level is. For lazy folks like me who only top off the water tank w/more distilled water that is a pleasant plus over the S9 humidifier where you HAVE to lift the lid just to see the water level. No big back breaking deal but I really do like the convience. I can just lift the lid of the Humidaire 3i and let the condensation from the previous night dissipate.

Frankly, I MUCH prefer seeing my actual leak rate rather than the stupid little smiley face. I really do find that smiley face rather insulting and infantile.

I REALLY like that I don't HAVE to have my data card IN my Resmed every time I use it or lose the detailed data for that night. That is one thing I HATED when I added the S8 ResLink, the ResLink, like the Respironics, requires that the data card be in every time you use it or too bad, so sad, no detailed data.

OOOPSIE! I see you posted a response to Den whilst I was preparing this post. If I'm understanding your post correctly you had a lot of Centrals and Mixed Apnea in your sleep evaluation PSG. Or am I misundertsanding and these Centrals and Mixed occurred during your in-lab titration PSG?? The Centrals and Mixed COULD have been caused by the titration itself if that were the case.

I like the handle on the S8s for the convenience when I opt to move it. Frankly, I LIKE the blue and beige color rather than drab silver and black.

I do like that the S9s use a data card w/o the need for the proprietary cable reader. But why the devil can't they use a larger memory chip in them so that they can still report more than just the previous night's detailed data like the S8s? I really do hate that the card has to be in the PAP to store each night's detailed data. And I gotta tell you I DO love that EasyBreathe technology!!! But EB is available in my VPAP Auto in auto mode so ... its not like I'm missing out on that.

I sure wouldn't give up my S8 to get an S9 - but - having one of each would NOT be hard to swallow! I could live w/that! What the hay. If you can afford it, hold on to the S8 AutoSet Vantage and go ahead and buy that S9 AutoSet out of pocket.

And, yup, the software is extra and insurance doesn't pay for the software. Of course, there are ways ......

And if you haven't had the software for the S8s and now want it ... w/the S8s you NEED the proprietary cable or cable reader and they are getting difficult to get for the S8s. W/the S9s you don't even need a proprietary data card nor do you need a proprietary cable reader.

1, I never use any humidifier
2. The actual leak rate is visible on the ResMed LCD if you get into "Clinician's Mode"
3. With the S9 the user data period is user selectable in the CM and also details are visible with the software
4. The software links are available. Just read other posts.
5. I prefer the S9 over the S8 but both are excellent.
6. What's wrong with leaving in the memory card ? You have to leave a memory card in a digital camera !! The ResMed card is easy to insert and remove and as with other digital cards, it's not heavy enough to tear your biceps.

[Slinky]

Because I tend to forget to put the blinkety-blank data card back in the xPAP!! I prefer NOT needing the data card UNTIL I'm going to do a download.

Unfortunately, I DO need a humidifier so the humidifier features are important to me.

I don't always have time to do a download so I prefer seeing that Leak rate each morning on the LCD screen. We all have our own preferences.

[sleepnationtv]

Here is a good video about the two machines.
http://www.sleepnation.tv/post/808897740/episode1

[cpapernewbie]

sleepnationtv is posting the link to the same vide oover and over again
it is more a spam than a usefulpost