Newbie needs reccomendation for new machine

[qdemn7]

Hello my name is Quentin. I'm a 53 year old single man and have been using CPAP for 10 years. I have moderate sleep apnea. I work nights, sleep days, in a darkened bedroom, and use earplugs. Can't use an eyemask.

My first machine, an S2 Elite was only so-so, had a cold passover kit, but it lasted for years.

For the last 3 years I've been using a Remstar Plus, and am fairly satisfied. I like the compact shape, and unobtrusive black color. I use the humidifier all the time.

I just had a new sleep test, as I stared getting the constant headaches associated with apnea again. I tried the bi-level, and hated it, could not sleep with it. With my new test, my pressure is going to be 13 or higher. Not sure haven't seen the doctor. Will do so in a week.

I can't use nasal masks, and have been using the Quattro full face mask for the last several years, and I like it. Thinking of trying the Quattro FX. Opinions on this mask welcome.

I'm going to get a new machine if I have to pay for it myself. My insurance is Cigna, and my DME provider in North Texas is Apria.

The sleep tech recommended the S8 Elite. I would like to hear members recommendations on this machine.

The S9 looks impressive, but a little too flashy for my tastes.

I want a very durable, but compact machine, a powerful humidifier and easy data access. A DC power cord would be nice, but not mandatory.

All opinions welcome and appreciated.

Thanks.

[Pugsy]

The ResMed 8 Elite would give you data on screen but if you ever wanted more than on screen data the smart cards and special connector to the computer are difficult to find and very pricey.

The ResMed 9 may be a bit more flashy than you want but the on screen data is more comprehensive than the Respironics machines.
Plus the SD card for data is easily read should you want to access data on your computer with the software which is more detailed.

Respironics System One machines only give some AHI averages for 7 and 30 day along with only Large leak so just onscreen data is very limited and a person really needs the software to fully utilize the data.

I don't really know much about the other machines. Someone else could chime in about those. DeVilbess Intellipap seems to be well thought of. Not sure exactly which data is available on screen.

[Sheriff Buford]

I have Texas Cigna HMO, and I called the other day to ask them when can I get a new machine. They said there was no time limit, and I can get a new machine "as needed". I have the S8. I want the S9 Elite because the S8 gets rainout and cannot provide readings on my machine without special software. The S9 has the heated hose and is not much more than the S8. My biggest need is to get a backup machine. My cpap therapy has been so successful, I shutter to think of going 1 night without it (if my S8 goes out). I plan to get my doctor to write a prescription specifically for the S9. My two cents worth... Sheriff

[Slinky]

Just to give you a headsup:

The Resmed S8 series was released in 2006. The Resmed S8 II series was released in 2008. The Resmed S9 series was just released last year (2010). I've never used an S8 II or an S9 - but I CAN and WILL vouch for the Resmed S8 Elite, S8 AutoSet Vantage and their VPAP Auto (S8). Haven't had the opportunity to try a VPAP Auto 25 (S8 II). You'll be hard-pressed to find a better CPAP than the S8 series. I have LOVED mine! And I found the original ResScan software easy to install, and all versions of the ResScan software easy to use and easy to understand.

I have been fortunate to use a Respironics pre-M Series Auto, a Respironics pre-M Series BPAP, and a PR (Philips Respironics) BPAP Auto. I got excellent therapy w/all 3. BUT - their data access via LCD screen sucks, the amount of data available via the LCD screen sucks, the LCD screen itself on the early PR S1s suck (no backlight) and I'm not a fan of the EncorePro software.

I haven't been fortunate enough yet to try the DeVilbiss bi-level auto and Fisher & Paykel does not yet make a bi-level auto tho I would appreciate the opportunity to try the DeVilbiss and a Fisher & Paykel when and if tF&P comes out w/a fully data capable bi-level auto which gives patients access to their data.

[qdemn7]

The ResMed 8 Elite would give you data on screen but if you ever wanted more than on screen data the smart cards and special connector to the computer are difficult to find and very pricey.

The ResMed 9 may be a bit more flashy than you want but the on screen data is more comprehensive than the Respironics machines.
Plus the SD card for data is easily read should you want to access data on your computer with the software which is more detailed.

have been fortunate to use a Respironics pre-M Series Auto, a Respironics pre-M Series BPAP, and a PR (Philips Respironics) BPAP Auto. I got excellent therapy w/all 3. BUT - their data access via LCD screen sucks, the amount of data available via the LCD screen sucks, the LCD screen itself on the early PR S1s suck (no backlight) and I'm not a fan of the EncorePro software.

I haven't been fortunate enough yet to try the DeVilbiss bi-level auto and Fisher & Paykel does not yet make a bi-level auto tho I would appreciate the opportunity to try the DeVilbiss and a Fisher & Paykel when and if tF&P comes out w/a fully data capable bi-level auto which gives patients access to their data.

This is exactly the kind of response I needed. Thank you so very much. I will look at the S9 again. And I will take look at the DeVilbiss.

[LarryD]

If you choose the Intellipap Auto Adjust with SmartFlex, you can obtain a SmartCode from the machine and enter it into a generator on DeVilbiss's website to get more data. Or, if you're like me, you can purchase the SmartLink hardware/software and check it yourself on your PC.

I've had my Intellipap for 3 weeks now, but I really like it after 10 years with other stuff. I also like the software/hardware. I'm still learning how to read/interpret the data, but I'm o.k. with that. I get a lot of help on this forum.

Bottom line is that I'm sleeping well and understand more about my sleep apnea.

Larry

[qdemn7]

If you choose the Intellipap Auto Adjust with SmartFlex, you can obtain a SmartCode from the machine and enter it into a generator on DeVilbiss's website to get more data. Or, if you're like me, you can purchase the SmartLink hardware/software and check it yourself on your PC.

I've had my Intellipap for 3 weeks now, but I really like it after 10 years with other stuff. I also like the software/hardware. I'm still learning how to read/interpret the data, but I'm o.k. with that. I get a lot of help on this forum.

Bottom line is that I'm sleeping well and understand more about my sleep apnea.

Larry

So Larry, you're talking about this unit here, correct?

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/devil ... tflex.html

And this is its humidifier? Do you have it, and if so, how do like it?


https://www.cpap.com/productpage/devilb ... ifier.html

Looks like a great price for the combo.

[LarryD]

I have the integrated humidifier and Smart Link software/hardware. I really like the machine so far. I've only had it three weeks, but it does everything as advertised. I'm changing settings. My DME set the low/high at 4-20cm. I've gradually changed the minimum to 5.5 and lowered the max to 9.0.

I really like the Smart Flex EPR. I use it full time with no delay or ramp. You can set the EPR to 1-3cm. You can set the sensitivity of the transition of changing from inhaling to exhaling. I have the EPR set at 1cm and the i-Rnd sensitivity at 1 and the e-Rnd sensitivity at 3. The lower the number the more abrupt the change. Still experimenting.

My choice came down to the S9 and this one. I ended up choosing the Intellipap

[qdemn7]

Thanks Larry, good to know.

[FINALLYGAVEIN]

Check out the best thing since sliced bread - I simply love it ----- Fisher & Praykel ICON AUTO with sensawake.