Remstar Auto or Resmed S9 Autoset

[Js4tda]

Hi everyone thank you for all your information here. Wish I started to look you guys up before I went to the DME. I had the same incompetent service and care that I hear about here from others experience with DME's. I was told that I had no choice in what I get and that all it does is blow air. This was very disturbing but I really wanted to start therapy. I got the Remstar brick no data but compliance. I love the therapy and the CFlex works fine for me I have been using it for two weeks now. I want more info on my therapy so I researched and found you guys. Talk to my Doc and Insurance and I got the okay to change machine. Went and interviewed other DME's and found one that was very service and care oriented. These are the two machines that he recomended my pressure on CPAP is 9 so was told to have Doc order 7 to 12 pressure on the APAP's.

Now the million dollar question which one to get. DME rep did mention that they have been having problems with Resmed being brought in for repairs alot and that the Remstar was more reliable. I have being using Remstar and like the CFLEX read about the difference in Resmed EPR dont think that it would bother me. But I have gotten very comfortable with what I got I dont even have to think about breathing it has become pretty natural even in my awaken state. The software is where I like sleepyhead but only Resmed for now compatible. Looked at ONKOR did not car for the interface.

So would like some help in choosing please. Again thanks for your help.

[hyperlexis]

Very similar machines -- but if you are used to one machine you may as well stick with the Respironics if you like CFlex and are worried about more breakdowns on the S9, etc.

Each machine has its own quirky plusses and minuses -- but either will give decent, appropriate pressures, and both have heated tubes. As for being quiet I know the PR is virtually silent and people have said the S9 is similar.

[Pugsy]

Assuming you are talking about the PR S1 Remstar Auto that has the heated hose which is the 60 series machine and won't work with SleepyHead.
There is software available.
This link has some examples of what you can see using the Encore software.
It is for the ASV machine and some of the data points aren't offered on the other machines but the basics are all the same...
event graphs, pressure, leak, AHI, event breakdown, flow limitations, snores, RERAs.

EncoreGuide link this will show you examples of what you will see. For a different machine than yours but the basics are the same.
http://www.healthcare.philips.com/pwc_h ... _Guide.pdf

See if you like the visual interface.

I have used both brands of machines. Minor pros and cons with either. It's really a toss up.

[Js4tda]

Thanks for the help. I am checking on pricing now with DME that might be another thing to consider. Is EPR really that different from CFLEX?

[Js4tda]

Any truth to Resmed reliability?

[Pugsy]

Any truth to Resmed reliability?

There are an awful lot of happy Resmed users here.
Personally, I think that the DME is using that as an excuse. I heard the same story a long time ago when I wanted Respironics and my first choice of DME (fired them) wanted to supply a brick Fisher & Paykel and flat out refused to give me a Respironics "because they had too much trouble with them"...

Is EPR really that different from CFLEX?

Yes it is different. Both are quite comfortable though...they are just different.
Flex options described here. Reduction in pressure is based on air flow..or the own force of your breathing. Someone who is a shallow breather might have less of a reduction than someone who is a much more deep breathing forceful person.
http://aflex.respironics.com/

EPR is pretty much a simple reduction in pressure during exhale. It is more "pronounced" in the sense that a person can feel it immediately more than one of the Flex option's reductions but the Flex options go about their exhale relief in a manner that still gets the job done.
I have used both...in all honesty, AFlex felt more like my own natural breathing. Other people prefer CFlex and other people prefer EPR. Not many people have had a chance to use both brands. EPR is quite comfortable though.

[archangle]

Any truth to Resmed reliability?

If it's midnight, and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go check for yourself.

ResMed machines seem to cost more than Respironics machines. DMEs usually get a fixed price from insurance. It's also possible that particular DME likes Respironics or dislikes ResMed for his own reasons and is either lying or notices ResMed problems more because he doesn't like them. We do tend to see the faults in things we don't like quicker than we see faults in things we like.

That DME may well have honestly had more problems with ResMed than Respironics. I don't think a lot of people here have had reliability problems with their machines. ResMed may have a little more problems than Respironics, but it's not really that clear. Of course, the DME sees a lot more machines than you will, and he has to do the work to fix them, so the problems will seem bigger to him.

[Js4tda]

Thanks for your help. I have decided on the DS60S Auto since I have gotten accustomed to the CFLEX and from pugsy mention that AFLEX felt like normal breathing.

Question do I get the software from DME? I have read through post that software maybe hard to get. The interface on pugsy link looked fine to me. And who knows maybe someday sleepyhead may be used.

[Pugsy]

Your DME won't give you the software and would likely freak out if you even mention it.
So check your private message box and you will find some information on the software that will work with your new machine.
I wouldn't even mention the software to the DME. We aren't supposed to be smart enough to use it .....cough cough.

[Js4tda]

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

[Js4tda]

Good news my Doc just ordered new machine and new DME called for appt. AFLEX and full data coming.