Newbie: Resmed S9 Elite vs s9 autoset

[chris-p]

Hello eveyone!

I am really glad I stumbled into this forum and hope you can provide me with the info I am looking for! A little info about me: I am a fifty year old male residing in Montreal, Canada and have just been diagnosed with sleep apnea.From the tests, I stop breathing around 55 times an hour( that's my AHI right?), which is severe. My doctor's prescription reads: cpap 8cm h2o. First, does that sound right? I'm guessing it's OK as he seems pretty competent. Anyway my real question revolves around making the right decision prior to purchasing my first machine. I found a provider that has a great reputation and have been in business for a long time. After spending some time on the phone with one of their reps, I was sent a bid by email. The bid mentioned a s9 Elite with the H51 humidifier. I was reading some of the posts here who are really recommending the APAP s9 autoset instead due to the flexibilty. I was wondering if I should push for the autoset or am I still OK with the Elite model? Also, if they do not carry the autoset ( or can't order it or whatever) am I still making the right choice with the Elite? Any positive feedback with the Elite? I guess I just want to alleviate any worries and do not wish to have any regrets later on.

[dnichol4]

I'm a respiratory therapist and i would always stick with an auto machine for the fact that maybe a year or later down the road you could set the unit to auto to find a new 90% pressure. This way you wouldn't have to deal with doing another titration with another unit down the road. Yes, they are more expensive but more versatile. Or you could have your doctor write an order for auto pressure like 4-20 cmh20 and stay in a auto mode instead of a set pressure. Some poeple like both modes, an auto mode would ensure that you are getting enough pressure and also not giving it to you if you dont need it.

[avi123]

The S9 Autoset can operate in two modes CPAP (like the S9 Elite) and in APAP mode. The APAP mode has some advantages, one of which is that it does its treatment at a lower average pressure. But on the other hands, APAPS (AutoCPAPs) are contra indicated to persons with Central Apneas, COPD, with heart conditions, and with hyporespiration. Both machines use same humidifiers and other accessories. The S9 Autoset costs more money.

[Pugsy]

You are in Canada and you might run into some major brick walls getting an APAP in Canada. There is a whole different requirement and payment system from what we have here in the US. From what I have heard getting a RX for APAP in Canada and getting whatever your insurance might be to pay for it is rather difficult.
If you can get the AutoSet...by all means go for it but if you can't... the Elite is a great machine and it isn't the end of the world if that is what you end up with. APAPs come in handy for some people and some people don't do well with them.

We have some Canadian members here who can share their experiences and likely explain it better than me.
I think requirements and coverage also varies with provinces.

[Guest]

Thank you all for the replies! I contacted my DME this morning and was informed that they indeed carry the automatic models ( at a higjer cost). I will however be needing a prescription if I want one so I'm going to have to contact my doctor's office. I'm thinking perhaps he had a reason for not menioning it on my prescription? I do not have a heart condition though I do have an appointment to see a cardioligist on October 1st, as they saw some anomaly and just want to make sure. I am also at a greater risk of heart complications due to my diabetes type 2 so perhaps this is why no mention was made for an APAP?
I will look into it so thanks for the info!

chris

[avi123]

I have type 2 diabetes but take Rx for it. My A1C is 6.1. After a sleep study of titration for optimal pressure on CPAP, I have set my APAP on that pressure as maximum, and a lower pressure of 4 cm as minimum. EPR = 3, full time, and no ramp. I have been getting fantastic treatment results with this -set up during the last 6 months. See it here:

[chris-p]

Hello avi and thanks for that! I'm really going to have to talk to my doctor then before my appointment at the supplier to see if he thinks APAP is better for me. I'm not sure I fully understand the graph as I am not yet familiar with all the terms. One thing I did notice though and wondering about: does that machine also monitor central sleep apnea?
I am asking as I am really getting worried since I recall that ( this only happened about 2 or 3 times in the last 4 years maybe) I have already suddenly woken up from sleep in a blind panic and wasn't able to breathe until part of my brain reminded me to just breathe. Those episodes, although few and far between, were really scary. I forgot to mention this to the specialist and perhaps I am putting too much into this but I wonder if he knew about this if my prescription would be different? I really need to know for fear of buying the wrong machine for me. As already stated, I should be getting the Elite model. I will try to reach him tomorrow. Sorry if this is off topic. I should learn to relax!

thanks again...I still have a week before my appointment with the supplier but my next appointment with the doctor is early November, by which point I will already have my machine.

chris

[chris-p]

Forgot to mention avi that I take RX as well..my A1C varies between 5 and 9, closer to 5. Much better that 19.9 before my diagnosis! I eat a whole lot better and have lost weight and feel a whole lot better! Almost to the point where I thought I no longer needed CPAP as my sleep improved a whole lot and I feel much more refreshed since my treatment! That's denial for you!

[avi123]

Chris-P, if you look at my first post you'll see that APAPs are not good for those who have Central Apneas (CA). You must find out if you have CA. If yes, then your Doc need to be capable to get you an Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) machine. Your story of waking up b/c of lack of air is not a proof that you have CA, or Periodic breathing.

[chris-p]

Yes thanks avi. You are right and I believe my fears were unfounded. I simply have OSA. I just need to now talk to the Doctor to get a prescription for an auto. He only will be back on September 11th, by which point I will already have the Elite. However, luckily the supplier will be willing to exchange the machine if need be by then (upon RX) since I will still be in the trial period. So I will be starting off with the Elite, which is better than no treatment at all ....thanks agin for the response.

chris

[avi123]

chris, congratulation on the Elite. I used an Elite during my first 4 months at the beginning of 2011, later I had to pay from my pockets about $830 for a new S9 Autoset, the flow generator only. The other parts are the same between the two.