IntelliPAP Plus and IntelliPAP Auto vs. PRS1 DS260S

[old dude]

I'm still looking for a travel machine and my doc has cleared me to use a straight CPAP machine instead of my BiPAP. In reading around though, it seems the Z1 and the Transcend still have some problems. So I'm considering the IntelliPAP machines, but it looks like it might be cumbersome to get even basic data off the machines. Do either of these display at least your sleep time, AHI and PB on the LED? If not, what do you have to do to get basic data? If you only have to enter a code on CPAP.com's website, then how is that data being transmitted from your machine to them?

Alternatively, although it's larger, the PRS1 DS260S looks like it may display the same info on the LED that my 760P machines do. Other than that, I really don't need an auto machine so why wouldn't the 260 work OK?

Your experience is appreciated.

[Julie]

Hi - I don't 'do' code (no spy lessons ) but because my OSA's really stable and simple and not problematic, I can do it with Cpap.com (or the DeVilbiss site) and it's all I need - here's what I get (with nice clear graphs) -

Last 90 Days Last 30 Days Last 7 Days Last Day
% Days at least 5 hours 0%
Day Count 1
Days at least 5 hours 0
95th Percentile Pressure 10.5
90th Percentile Pressure 10.5
AHI 3.0
Pressure Plateau Time 0%
Leak Time 0%
NRI 0.00
EPI 0
SmartCode G12F-F7F-FF09
While Breathing Hours Last Day 5

You get the code from the screen after pushing a button. Put it onto Cpap.com's site (little box) and it does all the above. I don't feel the need for any more but if I did, I'd get the module and software. I do it when still not really awake, takes 2 mins, and that's it. If you would like more info though and I can help, please PM me and I'll let you know what my manual says... it's quite comprehensive.

[old dude]

Thanks Julie.

With all those variables I cannot imagine how many permutations of numbers they'd have to come up with to cover every possible situation, but according to CPAP.com that's exactly what they have done!

Can you tell the machine to do straight CPAP as well as Auto?

Oh, and how much trouble is it to fill the humidifier tank?

[Julie]

Hi - You can do plain Cpap on my (AutoAdjust) machine - I don't know your model however. On mine, the tank isn't hard for me to fill (it's flat, with a slot 2/3 of the way up one side and I just pour water into the slot to the line - getting the rest of the thing all wet too - and wipe the plastic before putting into the machine (it can be fussy about even a little water inside). It is a bit fiddly to clean, but then I use the humidifier so rarely it doesn't get dirty - good water here to start with - plus closing it again, getting the sides to fit right and not leak all over as I did the first time, may or may not be a problem for you - I'm the least 'mechanical' person I know! But I've had no problems night after night for ? 3 yrs now... I still have a 'tank' as backup, but it's large and heavy, plus doesn't do code , so I'm happy with the IP.

[Pugsy]

The PR System One model 260 is the "Plus CPAP" which is basic cpap only...only data it gathers is hours of use.
If you are wanting data beyond hours of use you don't want the model 260.

[Julie]

Pugsy - I have the full auto machine (not the one you both cited). It also does straight Cpap... though I don't use that feature. I hadn't realized Old Dude was just referring to the other model (thanks for pointing that out), but I told him which one I do use and what it does and does not do... so I guess we'll see what he says.

[Pugsy]

Julie,
I meant to respond to this from old dude.... I forgot to quote it...see below.
You covered the Intellipap stuff well and I saw no need to say anything else about the Devilbiss but I did want to address the model 260 part of things...unless he did a typo..but it is in the subject title and in the body of the post..so I assume that he didn't know the 260 was brick and wouldn't give him anything. If he had said 460 or 560...I wouldn't have said anything.

Alternatively, although it's larger, the PRS1 DS260S looks like it may display the same info on the LED that my 760P machines do. Other than that, I really don't need an auto machine so why wouldn't the 260 work OK?

[old dude]

Julie,
I meant to respond to this from old dude.... I forgot to quote it...see below.
You covered the Intellipap stuff well and I saw no need to say anything else about the Devilbiss but I did want to address the model 260 part of things...unless he did a typo..but it is in the subject title and in the body of the post..so I assume that he didn't know the 260 was brick and wouldn't give him anything. If he had said 460 or 560...I wouldn't have said anything.

Alternatively, although it's larger, the PRS1 DS260S looks like it may display the same info on the LED that my 760P machines do. Other than that, I really don't need an auto machine so why wouldn't the 260 work OK?

Y'all are right, I didn't know the DS260S was a brick, so that one's out for sure.

The 560 is auto, which I don't think I need. So is the DS460 a full data machine, and would it show hours, AHI and PB on the LED like my 760s do? It's a few bucks more than the Intellipap Plus, but I could probably share things like humidifier tanks, hoses, etc.

[Pugsy]

So is the DS460 a full data machine, and would it show hours, AHI and PB on the LED like my 760s do?

Yes, it shows the same data on the LED/LCD screen as your 760 in terms of AHI, leak and PB.
Only thing missing in terms of data (on the software reports) is Flow Limitations. In cpap mode it won't show Flow limitations.
The 460 model does have some limited apap mode capabilities though which would show Flow limitations but I doubt you would be needing that particular data point anyway.

If you want to test it out to see how a 460 feels and what it shows..your 760 has cpap mode available...you can switch it over and give it a try.

[old dude]

So is the DS460 a full data machine, and would it show hours, AHI and PB on the LED like my 760s do?

Yes, it shows the same data on the LED/LCD screen as your 760 in terms of AHI, leak and PB.
Only thing missing in terms of data (on the software reports) is Flow Limitations. In cpap mode it won't show Flow limitations.
The 460 model does have some limited apap mode capabilities though which would show Flow limitations but I doubt you would be needing that particular data point anyway.

If you want to test it out to see how a 460 feels and what it shows..your 760 has cpap mode available...you can switch it over and give it a try.

Thanks, Pugsy, that's exactly what I think I'll try to see how it works out.

I'd like to have the Intellipap because I'm looking for a travel sized machine and it looks a little smaller than the PRS1 60 series machines, although with the humidifier it may not be less volume than the System One but rather just arranged vertically. Since I have two 760s there would be an advantage in familiarity for sure. But I do like the Intellipap 5 year warranty.

I just wish the little bitty travel machines, i.e. the Z1 and the Transcend, got better reviews. But with no return privileges I'm afraid to drop the coin on one at this point. Reviews are pretty bad on the Z1, and kinda sketchy on the Transcend.

[IndyDave]

Just to toss in, I have the intellipap as my main machine, and it is smaller than most, but still a bit bulky. It comes with a travel bag that's 10" x 6" x8" high, and it carries everything - the bipap, my humidity chamber, the power cord, hose and my Swift fx mask. But I've been on a few work road trips over the last 2 months, each about 7-10 days long, and I've decided to go for one of the mini models; that's actually why I logged in, to see what people said about the Transcend and Z1. It takes up too much room to carry in my suitcase, and ends up being another thing strapped over my shoulder - with my laptop case, my briefcase, and often a camera case. When it was just occasional travel with 1 destination, it was fine, but these multiple hotels in one span are a different story. I have an associate who has had the Transcend for about 6 months, and he loves it.

FYI - you can get a data module for the intellipap that collects a ton of additional data, beyond what the code gives you. It stores it to an SD card, and they provide software for producing all sorts of reports - daily, weekly, monthly...

I do love the Intellipap, if it broke, I'd get another one immediately for my main machine. As Julie said, filling the water chamber can be messy if you are doing it directly from a 1 gallon bottle and aren't pouring slowly.

[chunkyfrog]

Filling the water chamber on the Intellipap is easier if the tank is held at a 45 degree angle so you can use the trough in the lid as a funnel.
I still have to pour carefully, so decanting the gallon jug into something smaller is a real help.
My arms have plenty of strength, but not everyone is built like Popeye.
I may also add that Devilbiss' software is included in the data module pack, but I have only used Sleepyhead--props to Mark.