Auto Pap machine info please

jec · Post by **jec** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:38 pm

Thinking of buying an auto pap out of my pocket since my insurance co. just recently purchased my CPAP and will not buy another for several years.

I am titrated at 7cm, been on CPAP for 1 year with a limited amount of success.

I am very interested in the smart card data so that I can see what actually is going on during the night and maybe have the ability to improve my treatment.

I'm sure there may not be a clear choice but would like to know if there is a machine that provides better data than the next guy and of course any other tips you may have to offer.

I am currently leaning towards the Remstar Auto...opinons?

Thanks
jec

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 9:39 am

Some like the REMstar Auto, others prefer the PB GoodKnight 420e (which I have). There are few people who have tried both, but Rested Gal is one of them. IIRC she prefers the 420e.

Note that both leave a bit to be desired in the presentation of the data. My guess is that they software was written by the engineers primarily to verify the proper function of the auto-titration algorithms and then later offered to the DME's and docs.

I think it is going to take another generation of machine evolution, at least, before we see really well presented and useful data coming from the machines.

Despite this, the SilverLining software for the 420e isn't bad. It is a bit "opaque" and needs some studying and understanding of the underlying machine operation and technical terms before it starts to make sense. However once you gain that understanding (and there are people here who can help plus old posts that discuss it in-depth) you can learn quite a bit about the efficacy of your treatment from the presented graphs and charts.

I have no personal experience with the REMstar data, so I cannot speak to that. Hopefully someone with that experience will post a counter-point to my post.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 9:57 am

jec,

According to the picture you have listed as your machine, it says it is the REMstar Pro 2.....which DOES have the capabilities of the Smartcard and software to monitor you therapy. I would first suggest that if that is the machine you have, to get the card reader and software and monitor your current situation. The REMstar Auto also has those capabilities and if you're looking to get a "back-up" machine, the "Auto" would be a good choice. I'm actually considering that option myself.....even though my therapy seems to be going VERY well with my existing equipment.

Best wishes,

Den

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 10:16 am

Hi jec,

As Bill mentioned, I've tried several different manufacturers' autopaps. All gave me good treatment, so it really does pretty much boil down to what features or software you prefer. Hard to know that unless you get a chance to try them.

The only software that I didn't like was ResMed's Autoscan software. Good machines, poor data graphs, imho.

The Respironics you're leaning toward is a fine choice, imho. I'm using the 420E because I prefer its size and software. I liked the Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex and Encore software very, very well too.

CharlesJ · Post by **CharlesJ** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:22 am

Another vote for the PB 420E! Of course, I have no frame of reference because this is my first machine. But I LOVE it. I'm sleeping like a baby which means I have tons of energy to use to annoy people!

Chuck

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:29 am

I have the REMstar auto c-flex machine and have had it for just about a week. Yesterday I got my card reader hooked up and the software installed and I downloaded the card and got my first week's data. The software is definitely not aimed at the patient and is not the easiest thing in the world to read, but its not that bad and there are summaries that help you understand what you're looking at. My 7-day download prints out at 12 pages. There's compliance data, a page for each night's data, and then summary pages for cumulative data results covering the entire 7 days. I'm not sure it's a matter of not being able to read the data and graphs as much as it is a matter of being able to understand what the numbers MEAN. And for that, your best bet is probably going to be coming back in here to ASK.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:36 am

Thanks for the replies!

Wulfman--I did some reading here before I made this post and thought that the only data you can get from the Remstar Pro is strictly compliance data?

I wanted to see AHI, leak rates and the possibility of a leak alarm. I have a bad habit of taking my mask off in the middle of the night and don't realize it until the next morning, that was the reason I was considering a different machine.

Anyway looks like more resaerch is in order.

jec · Post by **jec** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:38 am

I'm the guest above--forgot to sign in..duh

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:09 pm

jec,

Yes, you read correctly. The "PRO" model only gives compliance data, however the "PRO 2" model gives the DETAIL reports.
Your machine picture below your post indicates you have a "Pro 2".
Is that correct or do you have the older model?
If you, in fact, have the older model, then I would suggest you go with the plan you mentioned in your first post. Having those two Respironics machines would mean that many parts/accessories would be interchangeable......and you'd have a backup in a "worst case" scenario.

Best wishes,

Den

jec · Post by **jec** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:27 pm

The newbie that I am, I selected the wrong machine in my profile and after taking another look the Remstar pro with CFlex is not listed as a choice.

Unfortunately I do have the older model Remstar pro with Cflex and not the pro II

So I guess I will be in the market for another machine. Anyway thanks for the help.

nodding off · Post by **nodding off** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 9:43 pm

I have both a ResMed Spirit and a PB 320E. I have the software for the Spirit, but not for the 420E, as I only use it for travel. I really love my Spirit, but I'm not particularly crazy for the ResMed software, however it does provide me with the basic information I require to monitor my treatment.

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