420E - Is this the one to get?

jcarn · Post by **jcarn** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:00 am

I've been using the HC234 for about 2 months now. It seems to be a decent machine, but I am seeing lots of good reviews on the 420E.
My main concern is noise .. I'd also like to track data. Portability is important since I travel to Europe frequently
Has anyone compared these two units and if so what are your thoughts.
I'd like to purchase the "best" before I am obligated to the HC234.

Thanks for any feedback.

Geocom · Post by **Geocom** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 11:20 am

I love my 420E. I also have the PB humidifier that comes with it.

Mine is whisper quiet... I love it.

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 1:34 pm

I have the F&P 234 and wanted the same features in a CPAP, jcarn. I have a 420E on order that should arrive today. I can't give the side-by-side comparison (but will soon, if you want), but obviously all the discussion on this board led me in the direction of the 420E as my new machine.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 2:17 pm

I travel by air about once or twice a month. I also like to be able to track the data, as well as have the flexibility of an APAP. I definitely am happy with my 420E!

This therapy WORKS!!!

jcarn · Post by **jcarn** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 4:55 pm

ProfessorSleep wrote:I have the F&P 234 and wanted the same features in a CPAP, jcarn. I have a 420E on order that should arrive today. I can't give the side-by-side comparison (but will soon, if you want), but obviously all the discussion on this board led me in the direction of the 420E as my new machine.

it all sounds great .. I just hope my DME grants my wish .. I haven't purchased the HC234 yet, still on the 2 month rental, so hopefully I can trade up without a hassle.
I, like many others, want the best and this seems like the perfect solution.
I have Tufts insurance and they pay for 80% .. anyone go through Tufts that would like to share an experience on doing an upgrade on their machines?
Professor, are you upgrading or buying the 420E as a second machine?

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:10 pm

BEWARE of the EVIL DME

:twis ted:

Irving · Post by **Irving** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:13 pm

I agreee, the 420e is hard to beat. Ditto about the evil dme . Thrir like rattlesnakes. Stay away from them.

Cheers,

Irving

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:16 pm

the 420E works for me, and for ME is a LOT better than my previous Remstar Auto.
My AHI numbers are MUCH LOWER with the 420E, its easier to travel with it, and the noise is a quiet low whooshing noise instead of the irritating loud mosquito whine of the previous Remstar Auto.

And of course I bought the integrated humidifier.

And note that you can buy an australian heated hose that will piggy back on the power supply, so you don't have to carry along an extra power supply for the hose. That is a GREAT feature for travel.

I have NO buyer's remorse for going with the 420E.

Different people WILL have different experiences though.

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 8:25 pm

Hooray! Mine came today, and I've spent much of the evening checking it out and learning all the features. I AM impressed! Unfortunately, the humidifier didn't make it in the same shipment, so I can't use it tonight, but I have programmed and run it and read all the manuaus (yeah, I'm one of those folks who does RTFM). Anyway, so far, so great! Quiet as could be - just a slight whistling type sound through the tube, slightly higher pitch than the FP234, but quieter, I think, and that is without the humidifier. I suspect it will be muffled slightly more by the addition of the HH. Carrying bag, size, weight, and all are good. No complaints. I don't know if my experience would make much difference as there are plenty of satisfied users here. So far, I have to agree with them. I'm anxious to *finally* take a more active role in my own therapy.

As for upgrading/switching, I reached the same dead end with my DME that many people do. I purchased this setup myself from cpap.com. I have a low hassle tolerance, I guess.

jcarn · Post by **jcarn** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 9:35 am

grats on your new arrival!
Let us know your findings and how it compares to the 234

ZZzzzzz

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 1:19 pm

For sure. Tracking on the humidifier says it will arrive today. I'm keeping an eye out for the delivery. Will let you know how the first night goes.

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 10:34 am

First night with setup, reporting in as promised. All worked well - it's nice having some control! The F&P, I will admit, has its own beauty in its simplicity. The PB is a nice unit too, just a bit more too it and buttons a little more difficult to sort out. It's a reasonable trade off for what you get, though. Noise wise, I think the PB actually would be lower in a db rating. The pitch is higher, though, and there is a whirring type sound that varies with inhalation and exhalation. My partner finds that variable sound much more annoying than the constant drone of the F&P. I have been known to sleep through tornado sirens, so obviously I wasn't bothered by it at all. But it isn't something that someone couldn't get used to, so I'm told. Overall, I think the PB is a keeper and well worth the tradeoffs. The bag is nicely designed and will pass muster on the airlines better than the rectangular bag of the F&P setup. The system is incredibly lightweight and seems well built. Next, the software challenge!

Oh, and I had no problem with water in the hose or mask. I was wondering if that would be a problem since the F&P has "ambient tracking" which supposedly reduces condensation. I actually had less condensation with the PB. Go figure.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 11:11 am

The PB 420E was my first autopap. Loved it and the Silverlining software. Later gave it to a friend who especially needed the 420E's "advanced" settings. I had bought a used REMstar Auto (before Respironics added C-Flex to their auto) for a backup machine.

Used the REMstar (two, in fact) during the next year and got good treatment from them, too.

If a person absolutely has to have relief from pressure when they exhale, yet wants "autopap", I'd say get the Respironics Autopap with C-Flex or the new Respironics BiPAP Auto.

I don't need exhalation relief at the usual pressures that work best for me (9 and 10 cm), so I jumped at the chance to buy Wader's 420E a few months ago. Am back happily using my favorite sophisticated little machine -- the 420E. It's a good'un.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 12:33 pm

It seems to me the up and down whirring the accompanies breathing gets better with time.

O.

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 2:18 pm

ozij wrote:It seems to me the up and down whirring the accompanies breathing gets better with time.

O.

That's good to hear. I'll pass on the info. I, too, found it annoying when I first fired up the machine but figured I'd sleep through it. I start the ramp at 5 with a max of 9. There is no noise I can hear at 5-6 and I'm unconscious after that. But I have to be sensitive to the light sleeper nearby.

Humidifier

Additional Comments: Auto range 11-15

Humidifier

Additional Comments: Auto range 11-15

Humidifier

Additional Comments: Auto range 11-15

420E - Is this the one to get?

420E - Is this the one to get?

First night report - 420E