Time for a new CPAP - Recommendations?

[BadThad]

Longtime CPAP addict! I still have my original REMstar Auto C-flex with a card reader and software.....IT WORKS GREAT! Given it's age, I am going to get a backup unit and....I've met my insurance deductable for the year so the new machine will be "free".

I want another machine that meets my requirements:

* User programmable - I like being able to change the pressure range myself.
* C-flex exhale relief type technology
* Able to store data onto a memory card
* Software to download and evaluate the memory card data
* Built-in humidifer (I use passive humidification, i.e. no heat)

Since I've not kept up with the latest tech, I'm seeking suggestions from people that have been keeping up.

Thanks!

[Lizistired]

Resmed S9 Autoset. I love mine. Or the comparable PRS1 auto. Both use standard SD cards. I like the Resmed software. You can look at a video tutorial for it at the link in my signature.

[apneawho]

My husband and I love our S9 Autosets. I have no experience with Phillips Respironics so I can't compare. The S9 Autoset is almost silent, is smooth in pressure changes, software is readily available and free, and we love the climate line.

[Pugsy]

If you wish to stay with Respironics and Flex technology here is the new stuff.http://respironicssleeptherapysystems.respironics.com/

Uses SD card for data and you can use SleepyHead for data or Encore Viewer or Pro (but will need version 2.xxx as the older version won't work)
Some examples here viewtopic.php?f=1&t=64906&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... re+options

The new PR S1 Auto CPAP offers AFlex and CFlex exhale relief. In Auto mode you have both choices and in CPAP mode you have CFlex. You can click on the link in my profile to see the PR S1 Auto CPAP.

The ResMed S9 has the optional heated hose which would be quite nice. Exhale relief is different than Flex.
Flex relief is flow based and ResMed's EPR is a straight per cm drop in pressure per setting.

Some videos on the machines available here http://www.cpaplibrary.com/machines.html

[BadThad]

Thanks for the responses!

I really like the interface on the ResMed S9 Autoset. So far, it's the pack leader. The Respironics auto machines look great, they seem to have a technology lead in detection and mitagation of sleep events....but their machine interface is far behind the S9. I can't find anything on the difference between AFlex and CFlex, it's not clear to me on their website. What's the difference? Is it just a marketing term for the auto function? I currently use a pressure range from 9-13 with CFlex at 3. I sleep VERY well with my current machine.

[jamiswolf]

Hi BadThad,
On the user adjustable thing...you understand they they all have a lockable provider interface and the user menu is limited. But most users manage to get a providers manual or instructions to change pressures.

Here's a little rap on Aflex vs cflex
http://www.sleepguide.com/profiles/blog ... x-vs-cflex

And to further complicate things Bi-flex used on their BiPap machines is different yet.

I've only used Respironics and the SystemOne auto I started with was a nice machine.
Good luck,]
Jamis

[Pugsy]

I can't find anything on the difference between AFlex and CFlex, it's not clear to me on their website. What's the difference? Is it just a marketing term for the auto function?

No not a marketing term for auto.

All the Flexes are "described" here http://aflex.respironics.com/ the others have links in the upper right. I use the term "described" loosely because as much as I read it, I feel it is lacking but coming from someone who has used CFlex, AFlex and BiFlex there are differences and one must really feel them to understand fully.
The best way for me to describe how they feel is to just say that each setting seems to try to get me in a breathing rhythm to go with the machine. Settings of 3 made me feel like I was breathing too fast, Setting of 1 was sort of draggy and slow but setting of 2 on all 3 of the Flexes suits my own breathing rhythm perfectly. Very natural. I used APAP with AFlex for nearly 2 years on M Series APAP machine, then another 6 months on PR S1 APAP until I tried PR S1 BiPap with BiFlex last month.

I have never had a chance to use a ResMed machine to know how to compare the EPR settings.
I just imagine I would likely do quite well with it also. Not many people have had a chance to compare both machines.

[Lizistired]

I don't use the EPR on my S9. The settings are 3, 2, 1 or off on auto, and in cpap mode you have an additional setting of fast or medium. I haven't messed with it. I think I am just sensitive to pressure changes. If you notice the sudden drop in the red graph in my avatar, that was the day I turned off the EPR. I don't need it. Don't use th humidifier either.

[BadThad]

Hi BadThad,
On the user adjustable thing...you understand they they all have a lockable provider interface and the user menu is limited. But most users manage to get a providers manual or instructions to change pressures.

Here's a little rap on Aflex vs cflex
http://www.sleepguide.com/profiles/blog ... x-vs-cflex

And to further complicate things Bi-flex used on their BiPap machines is different yet.

I've only used Respironics and the SystemOne auto I started with was a nice machine.
Good luck,]
Jamis

Thanks for the link on aflex vs cflex.

I think I'm going with the ResMed anyway though....the UI is just too slick and it will save me time having to mess with the computer side. There's so much info on the unit display the computer becomes less important for evaluating my sleep patterns.

[jamiswolf]

BadThad wrote: I think I'm going with the ResMed anyway though....the UI is just too slick and it will save me time having to mess with the computer side. There's so much info on the unit display the computer becomes less important for evaluating my sleep patterns.

Thad,
Never having used a ResMed, I don't really know if that's true...but regarding ResMed users, they are very faithful.

I compare it to the computer world. ResMeds are like Mac users...they like the easier interface, the trouble free operation and even the styling. While Respironics users take a more macho approach and like their machines because of the complexity...like so many Windows users.

Anyway, good luck and give us some feedback once you get it. I fired my Sleep Doc (and DME) awhile back and am currently going it alone, so I understand your attitude and approach.

Cheers,
Jamis

[msradar65]

Sp autoset is my first machine..so I have nothing else to compare it too. My sleep lab uses Resmed equipment elusively.

I love mine. I have never had any problems. I do use the Rescan software. When I first started I download my card weekly. Now I download once a month or if I have had a bad night.

The on screen data is wonderful to have. Its an easy read color screen. I love the climateline heated hose. Though there were some complaints about them being flimsy. I am still on the same hose over a year later with no issues...I do have back up climateline hose just in case.

I also use resmed Swift LT mask. It has taken me a year to wear out my head gear. So overall I am very pleased.

[ozze_dollar]

I have a S9 VPAP ASV. Its my first machine but has been very good. So quiet. Never misses a beat. It just happens.

[chriscummings83]

All I have to say is the C and A flex are nice but you still don't seem to breathe normally . The best way I can explain it is on the Respironics you breathe with the machine.

On the Resmed the machine learns how you breathe and corrects.

Hands down the RESMED.

[BadThad]

BadThad wrote: I think I'm going with the ResMed anyway though....the UI is just too slick and it will save me time having to mess with the computer side. There's so much info on the unit display the computer becomes less important for evaluating my sleep patterns.

Thad,
Anyway, good luck and give us some feedback once you get it. I fired my Sleep Doc (and DME) awhile back and am currently going it alone, so I understand your attitude and approach.

Cheers,
Jamis

HAHAHAHA....yea, I fired my sleep doc and DME years ago. They are fine for noobs but after that I get the feeling it's all about my wallet. I don't need them anymore. Once you understand the science and you can monitor yourself they serve no purpose other than an insurance conduit. I going to use a DME soon, I've already been working with them to get my sleep study, doc prescription, etc lined up so my insurance can pay for new equipment. Basically, I'm going to tell them EXACTLY what to order and that's all I need them for. The woman working with me has already been trying to shoehorn me into what they commonly sell....ain't gonna happen. She's about to find out exactly how I operate with DME's. LOLOLOLOL

[BadThad]

Sp autoset is my first machine..so I have nothing else to compare it too. My sleep lab uses Resmed equipment elusively.

I love mine. I have never had any problems. I do use the Rescan software. When I first started I download my card weekly. Now I download once a month or if I have had a bad night.

The on screen data is wonderful to have. Its an easy read color screen. I love the climateline heated hose. Though there were some complaints about them being flimsy. I am still on the same hose over a year later with no issues...I do have back up climateline hose just in case.

I also use resmed Swift LT mask. It has taken me a year to wear out my head gear. So overall I am very pleased.

Does the Rescan software typically come with the machine or do you have to buy it separately or is it a free download? I need to make sure I get my order to my DME correct.

Thanks