Which CPAP do you recommend for me based on my info?

[sarajane82]

I am looking to buy my own CPAP on cpap.com and I was hoping for some recommendations. What do you think is the best CPAP for someone who just needs a "regular" (not "auto") CPAP with a heated humidifer (preferably built in) that is a decent size for traveling (I travel often for work). Obviously, I want it to be quiet enough so that DH and I can sleep, and I would like for it to have advanced data capabilities in case I decide I want to start tracking that stuff (I might not, but would like the option). I would like to be able to use it with the Swift FX nasal pillows.

I know I can filter all of this info on cpap.com and get the ones that fit these parameters, but I was hoping some of you might have experience with these and could tell me which to get or which to avoid...

Thanks in advance!

[Slinky]

My personal preference would be for the Resmed S9 Elite based on my experience w/their previous S8 Elite, S8 AutoSet Vantage and S8 VPAP Auto. Exellent therapy and I've yet to see another manufacturer's PAP that provides the ease of access to and amount of data available via the LCD screen. My S8s traveled well.

[GumbyCT]

I am looking to buy my own CPAP on cpap.com and I was hoping for some recommendations. What do you think is the best CPAP for someone who just needs a "regular" (not "auto") CPAP with a heated humidifer (preferably built in) that is a decent size for traveling (I travel often for work). Obviously, I want it to be quiet enough so that DH and I can sleep, and I would like for it to have advanced data capabilities in case I decide I want to start tracking that stuff (I might not, but would like the option). I would like to be able to use it with the Swift FX nasal pillows.

I know I can filter all of this info on cpap.com and get the ones that fit these parameters, but I was hoping some of you might have experience with these and could tell me which to get or which to avoid...

Thanks in advance!

You didn't give a clue as to what your pressure is? But I would still go with an auto. My only requirement would be "get the machine you have software for". But now there is SleepyHead. This sounds like one for AA.

[sarajane82]

my pressure is only 7.

the tech/nurse at the doctor's office said i would have to get a different prescription from the doctor to get an auto machine. she said if i returned the one i have to them and bought my own it would have to match the kind i have now, i.e. not auto or bipap or anything like that.

[sarajane82]

My personal preference would be for the Resmed S9 Elite based on my experience w/their previous S8 Elite, S8 AutoSet Vantage and S8 VPAP Auto. Exellent therapy and I've yet to see another manufacturer's PAP that provides the ease of access to and amount of data available via the LCD screen. My S8s traveled well.

I'm confused on the S9- do i have to buy a separate humidifier? The pictures of the product make it look like i have to have two machines hooked to each other...?

[LinkC]

I'd get the new 'script and go for an Auto. It can be run in either CPAP or APAP (auto) modes, should you want to try both. If your insurance is covering it, they are the same billing code, so the cost will be the same.

If you are paying for it yourself, many suppliers will sell you an APAP even with a 'script that says CPAP. The cost will be higher, tho...

[sarajane82]

I'd get the new 'script and go for an Auto. It can be run in either CPAP or APAP (auto) modes, should you want to try both. If your insurance is covering it, they are the same billing code, so the cost will be the same.

If you are paying for it yourself, many suppliers will sell you an APAP even with a 'script that says CPAP. The cost will be higher, tho...

Thanks, Link. I did check with cpap.com and they said they can give me an auto with an Rx for a "CPAP device" so I dont think that will be an issue. What are the benefits of an auto? Someone mentioned something to me about sleeping in different positions...but I dont know what else they are "good" for.

I really wanted somethign with a built in humidifier because I travel for work and dont want to have to carry around 2 units.

[Pugsy]

I really wanted somethign with a built in humidifier because I travel for work and dont want to have to carry around 2 units.

They are 2 units but once attached together they travel as one unit.
As one unit they are about the size of a large novel. Not huge and will easily fit in their carrying case as one unit.
No need to take apart. Only need to remember to empty water chamber.
At least that is the way my PR S1 machine and humidifier is.. I have no reason to think the ResMed is any different.

APAP vs CPAP... sometimes there are some people who may need different pressures in one night. I am one of those.
I get by quite nicely with 10 to 12 cm most of the time but sometimes I need 18 cm. If I was using CPAP.. my choices would be to use 10 or 12 cm straight all the time and just let those events that need the higher pressure happen.. or use 18 cm all the time...that would suck.. So I use APAP 10 min and 20 max. It works for me.
Why do I need more pressure sometimes and not other times? I don't really know. Doesn't really matter..

You may never need or want to try APAP.. but in case you did it would be nice to have it available. If I hadn't got my auto first.. I would have had to buy another machine once it was found out I needed the variable pressures.

[sarajane82]

My personal preference would be for the Resmed S9 Elite based on my experience w/their previous S8 Elite, S8 AutoSet Vantage and S8 VPAP Auto. Exellent therapy and I've yet to see another manufacturer's PAP that provides the ease of access to and amount of data available via the LCD screen. My S8s traveled well.

IF the S8 elite were still available, would you recommend that one? i think it still is: https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/resme ... -cpap.html

[sarajane82]

I really wanted somethign with a built in humidifier because I travel for work and dont want to have to carry around 2 units.

They are 2 units but once attached together they travel as one unit.
As one unit they are about the size of a large novel. Not huge and will easily fit in their carrying case as one unit.
No need to take apart. Only need to remember to empty water chamber.
At least that is the way my PR S1 machine and humidifier is.. I have no reason to think the ResMed is any different.

APAP vs CPAP... sometimes there are some people who may need different pressures in one night. I am one of those.
I get by quite nicely with 10 to 12 cm most of the time but sometimes I need 18 cm. If I was using CPAP.. my choices would be to use 10 or 12 cm straight all the time and just let those events that need the higher pressure happen.. or use 18 cm all the time...that would suck.. So I use APAP 10 min and 20 max. It works for me.
Why do I need more pressure sometimes and not other times? I don't really know. Doesn't really matter..

You may never need or want to try APAP.. but in case you did it would be nice to have it available. If I hadn't got my auto first.. I would have had to buy another machine once it was found out I needed the variable pressures.

Ah, OK. I think I was imagining two of the size of the machine I have now https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/fishe ... chine.html and that thing is HUGE as it is!

[Pugsy]

Ah, OK. I think I was imagining two of the size of the machine

No.. I actually just looked at the specs on the F & P you pointed to and it is roughly the same size as my 2 units combined. We could check ResMed specs if you like that brand and see but it is going to be real close.

EDIT... I just combined the 2 ResMed units. Will be roughly 12 long X 5.5 wide X 3.5 high in inches

[sarajane82]

Ah, OK. I think I was imagining two of the size of the machine

No.. I actually just looked at the specs on the F & P you pointed to and it is roughly the same size as my 2 units combined. We could check ResMed specs if you like that brand and see but it is going to be real close.

EDIT... I just combined the 2 ResMed units. Will be roughly 12 long X 5.5 wide X 3.5 high in inches

Thank you! i appreciate it. i am on the phone with the insurance right now and they are saying they arent sure that cpap.com would even be covered as an OUT of network provider...i am thinking, isn't anything that isnt IN network, OUT of network? she is calling their customer service number now to get their tax ID to make sure that they would cover it with out of network benefits.

[Slinky]

Would they consider YOU "in network" if YOU purchased out of pocket and then billed THEM for payment to YOU? Some insurance companies will.

The ONLY reason I don't recommend the S8 Elite is because if you ever decide that you want the software and ability to read your complete data the S8 requires a proprietary cable reader that for the most part is no longer available. And is and was expensive as cable readers go. You can do VERY WELL w/the data that is available on the S8 LCD screen, better than w/any other manufacturer's PAP - but - you never know what your future wants will be.

W/the S9 you still get more and better data via the LCD screen plus if you decide you want the software you can find it free of charge and all it needs is a standard USB cable as comes on most new 'puters, its the same USB cable used for digital cameras.

But back to this horsepuckies you've been fed by the DME that you need a script specific for an APAP. Most all insurances reimburse by HCPCS (insurance) code rather than by brand and model. CPAPs that are only capable of providing compliance data, fully data capable CPAPs such as the S9 Elite AND APAPs such as the S9 AutoSet or PR S1 Auto are ALL HCPCS code e0601. The kicker is that the DME provider does not WANT to provide an APAP because an APAP costs them a little bit more money than a straight CPAP. Too bad, so sad. They contracted for a set price for any HCPCS code e0601 item.

IF you opt to push for an S9 APAP or a PR S1 APAP don't let them con you w/a Resmed S9 Escape Auto or a PR S1 Auto IQ. The Escape Auto and the Auto IQ are NOT TRUE Autos!

It is true tho, if you have already rented a CPAP and purchased the humidifier to go w/it you are pretty much stuck w/buying another PAP by that manufacturer because the integrated humidifiers are NOT interchangeable between brands. They are interchangeable between models w/in the same brand and series (i.e. S8 humidifier can not be used w/an S9 PAP).

[CANTBREATHE]

Is anyone else disturbed by the pricing of these machines other than myself? yes, I know crucial to good health but for goodness sake!

[sarajane82]

Is anyone else disturbed by the pricing of these machines other than myself? yes, I know crucial to good health but for goodness sake!

If you divide it out by the number of years/months/weeks/days, they are a pretty good deal!