Had my CPAP machine for 2 years now, is it a brick?

[Harleycruzer]

After seeing some newer models I'm wondering if my PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine with A-Flex is somewhat a brick now?, after all we all would like the latest and greatest right?, I'm not sure if I'm even using my machine to it's full capacity, or if I can or cannot read my info/events etc. with this machine, heck I just recently learned how to engage the heater for the water tank, I wasn't too well instructed on how to use my current machine to its full potential, was just shown how to turn it on, fill the tank and that it was set to Dr's.recommended pressure., I thought a manual came with it when I recieved it new nearly 2 years ago, but I am unable to locate it. I suppose I could call my HMO for more info also?

[Pugsy]

Your machine is the latest and greatest with the exception of maybe the 60 series and their heated hose feature.
It is a full data machine.
There is some limited data available on the LCD screen but it may be turned off so you can't see it.
It just needs to be turned on in the clinical menu.

You can use SleepyHead software with your machine. Get a lot more data using the software...I wouldn't even bother with the LCD screen data.
I have links for SleepyHead information in my signature line.

Give me a couple of minutes and I will send you a link where you can download the provider manual for your machine.

[Harleycruzer]

great ...thank you ! I'm currently using the Swift FX Nasal Pillow and was just checking out the Swift FX Bella Nasal Pillow before your reply and see that you are using one, I know it's user preference but am curious if you had used the plain Swift FX before going with the Swift FX 'Bella' version?, if so ...any difference in the comfortableness of the headgear or nasal pillow? would you recommend same?

[Pugsy]

I like the least amount of stuff on my face (head) as possible so when the Bella Loops came out I was gung ho to try it.
I use the loops probably 50% of the time and the other 50 I use the traditional headgear. Both have some pros and cons.
The Bella Loops are great once a person gets the fit just right but they take more tweaking than the traditional headgear requires for the pillows to be stable.

Yes, I had been using the traditional headgear Swift FX ever since it came out a couple of years ago. Before that I used the Swift LT.
I have also tried the Aloha...nice mask and it runs a close second to the Swift FX.
Tried the Pilairo...it would be ranked third I guess. There are some drawbacks to it...the one size fits all heads is the main drawback.

The traditional headgear when fitted properly is almost like having nothing on your head. Even fitted not quite perfect it is still stable and doesn't cause a lot of discomfort.
The Bella Loops...main drawback is that the fitting has to be just perfect. Too loose and they flop around all over the place.
Too tight and the loops slip out of the groove around the ear and pinch the ears. Once fitted properly (lay down to do the adjustments ) It truly feels like nothing at all is on the face. Don't even notice them at all. Their picky though. It took me about a week to get things "just right"...and the traditional headgear I got it right the first night.

We have a rather long thread with lots of discussion about the Loops back when they first came out because a lot of use just have to try new stuff...just in case it is better. If you are bored...lots of thoughts from the very first ones when we saw they were going to be release to when a lot of us tried them. Just like any mask...some hated the loops and some just loved them.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=73577&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... ops+review

[Harleycruzer]

may have to give them (ear thingies)a try, my 6 month HMO mask choice is up next week...

[Pugsy]

You can buy the ear thingies all by themselves if you want to. They attach to the short hose/pillow connection the same way as the traditional headgear. I got mine off of EBay seller. $25 with free shipping.
Or you can get a whole mask setup package that includes the loops and a new traditional headgear and pillows.
Since you are almost due for a new mask..you could just get it from your DME. Just make sure that the Loops are included in the mask setup package and not priced out separately.

I just mention the fact that the Loops can be bought separately if a person already has the short hose assembly and nasal pillows.
This might help someone who wants to try the Loops but isn't due a new mask yet via insurance.

Some DME's aren't stocking the Swift FX package which has both the traditional head gear and the Bella Loops.
They are supplying the package that doesn't have the Loops and taking on an additional charge for supplying the Loops.

[Harleycruzer]

Some DME's aren't stocking the Swift FX package which has both the traditional head gear and the Bella Loops.
They are supplying the package that doesn't have the Loops and taking on an additional charge for supplying the Loops.

thanks for the tip.... what a racket hey?