A Question Regarding BIPAP Machines

[Phil587]

Here's the question -- S9 VPAP Auto BiLevel Machine or a PR System One REMStar 60 Series BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex. Which would you choose?

Here's why -- I just left my sleep doc and convinced them I need to control my own therapy. Therefore, they provided me with a new script to purchase a new machine. (Basically, I want a back-up machine). I am currently using a DME provided Philips 60 Series Pro BIPAP with good results therapy wise but think I can do "better" with an auto machine. So, which to choose? I know this site has a preference for Resmed products but is there a medical or therapy reason to choose one over the other? I am leaning towards the Philips but can be swayed.

Thanks in advance for any help or opinions offered.

Phil

[old dude]

Consider that I own 3 identical PRS1 760P BiPaps, so I'm likely prejudiced. Having said that I think there is an advantage to using a machine that is similar to what you're accustomed to already. Not to mention that hoses, humidifier tanks, etc. would likely be interchangeable in a pinch.

Outside of that I don't think there's a compelling reason to pick one of the machines you mention over the other; it's sort of tit for tat.

By the way, all 3 of my machines are auto bipap but I run them on fixed bipap. Just works better for me.

[Pesser]

I am considering doing the exact same thing. I need a backup machine and I am looking for a Bipap! Having two apap systems will place me at a lost of which one to use daily! The prices look good on secondwind.com and my doctor will write a persription for it!

[Pesser]

Consider that I own 3 identical PRS1 760P BiPaps, so I'm likely prejudiced. Having said that I think there is an advantage to using a machine that is similar to what you're accustomed to already. Not to mention that hoses, humidifier tanks, etc. would likely be interchangeable in a pinch.

Outside of that I don't think there's a compelling reason to pick one of the machines you mention over the other; it's sort of tit for tat.

By the way, all 3 of my machines are auto bipap but I run them on fixed bipap. Just works better for me.

Are you using model #760? I am seriously look at that one; with a humidifier!

[Pesser]

I am hoping the little devil with the halo helps me. I think he got his second hand! And he appears to know what he is doing. Thanks in advance! I need to learn about Bipap..........doctors don't anything!!!!!!!!!

[Phil587]

Consider that I own 3 identical PRS1 760P BiPaps, so I'm likely prejudiced. Having said that I think there is an advantage to using a machine that is similar to what you're accustomed to already. Not to mention that hoses, humidifier tanks, etc. would likely be interchangeable in a pinch.

Outside of that I don't think there's a compelling reason to pick one of the machines you mention over the other; it's sort of tit for tat.

By the way, all 3 of my machines are auto bipap but I run them on fixed bipap. Just works better for me.

Thanks a bunch for your reply, old dude. Your reasoning is probably exactly why I am leaning Philips -- it's what I know. Also, you saying you use them in straight BIPAP was part of my argument with my Doc -- I can always revert to straight BIPAP if what I want to try with the auto machine doesn't work. Keep on puffing, old dude, keep on puffing.

Thank you

[Guest]

Here's the question -- S9 VPAP Auto BiLevel Machine or a PR System One REMStar 60 Series BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex. Which would you choose?

I would choose the PR
1st cuz it is already working for you
2nd because you can go directly to a battery with PR - just need the cable but it is less money than the resmed DC-DC adapter.

But whatever you choose make it an auto.

[Phil587]

I am considering doing the exact same thing. I need a backup machine and I am looking for a Bipap! Having two apap systems will place me at a lost of which one to use daily! The prices look good on secondwind.com and my doctor will write a persription for it!

I hear ya, Pesser. I had a mask failure my very first weekend and was without for 3 days. Now that I am becoming dependent on my machine, I don't care to have another failure I can't correct in the short term. My DME was worse than worthless during the episode.

Thanks for your post!

Phil

[Phil587]

Here's the question -- S9 VPAP Auto BiLevel Machine or a PR System One REMStar 60 Series BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex. Which would you choose?

I would choose the PR
1st cuz it is already working for you
2nd because you can go directly to a battery with PR - just need the cable but it is less money than the resmed DC-DC adapter.

But whatever you choose make it an auto.

Ah HA -- didn't know that about the cable or adapter deal. That's another positive for the Philips.

THANK YOU for the heads-up!

Phil

[robysue]

Here's the question -- S9 VPAP Auto BiLevel Machine or a PR System One REMStar 60 Series BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex. Which would you choose?

A while back I wrote this post when someone else ask the same question:

Best BiPAP?

In retrospect, I'm very happy that I wound up with the PR System One because its auto algorithm is a bit more flexible in how it adjusts the pressure. And my tummy really appreciates the fact that the System One can increase the IPAP without increasing the EPAP.

[Pugsy]

If you are paying out of pocket for the new bilevel machine then I would suggest another vote for the PR S1. Save some money.

I have actually owned and used both the S9 VPAP Auto and a PR S1 BiPap Auto long term. Minor pros and cons with either but none are deal breakers or makers.

One thing though...with the PR S1 in auto mode the pressure support is auto adjusting if a person wants it to be.
With the S9 VPAP Auto in auto mode the pressure support is still fixed.
I don't know specifically when auto adjusting PS might be useful but that's probably the only real difference in how they function.
The 760 lets a person set a minimum and a maximum pressure support...and it can be set to a range or set to so they equal each other which would make it fixed like the VPAP. This is independent to any auto adjusting that EPAP and IPAP might do in auto mode.

Also the PR S1 has BiFlex available. Small difference but its there. The S9 VPAP doesn't offer EPR except in cpap mode. Again a minor item. All the differences are very minor.

The S9 VPAP Auto is a great machine but so is the PR S1 BiPap Auto. It really is a toss up.

[Guest]

I am currently using a DME provided Philips 60 Series Pro BIPAP with good results therapy wise but think I can do "better" with an auto machine

Be sure to write down ALL of the settings on this DME loaner so you can duplicate things with the new machine.

Certainly an auto will have more settings but you should be able to sort things out.

[Pesser]

If you are paying out of pocket for the new bilevel machine then I would suggest another vote for the PR S1. Save some money.

I have actually owned and used both the S9 VPAP Auto and a PR S1 BiPap Auto long term. Minor pros and cons with either but none are deal breakers or makers.

One thing though...with the PR S1 in auto mode the pressure support is auto adjusting if a person wants it to be.
With the S9 VPAP Auto in auto mode the pressure support is still fixed.
I don't know specifically when auto adjusting PS might be useful but that's probably the only real difference in how they function.
The 760 lets a person set a minimum and a maximum pressure support...and it can be set to a range or set to so they equal each other which would make it fixed like the VPAP. This is independent to any auto adjusting that EPAP and IPAP might do in auto mode.

Also the PR S1 has BiFlex available. Small difference but its there. The S9 VPAP doesn't offer EPR except in cpap mode. Again a minor item. All the differences are very minor.

The S9 VPAP Auto is a great machine but so is the PR S1 BiPap Auto. It really is a toss up.

I mention the model #760; and you did too. Does your entire post refer to the model #760? I ask because I do not yet know the difference between the 750 and 760. (I know the devil with the halo will get me for this!)

[Pugsy]

I mention the model #760; and you did too. Does your entire post refer to the model #760? I ask because I do not yet know the difference between the 750 and 760.

The 750 model was replaced by the 760 model. 2 main differences...the 760 has the optional heated hose available and it has the 2 separate settings for min and max pressure support.
The 750 only has only a max pressure support setting as something to set since it uses minimum 2 cm default that can't be altered. In other words the minimum of 2 is what the machine will always start out at and only will change, based on PS max, as the machine senses the need to change. PS of 2 isn't nearly as comfortable for me as PS of 4....so for that reason the 760 suits my needs better.

I have used a 650 and 660 BiPap Pro model and also a 750 and 760 model. In fact I still own the 660 and 760.
The S9 VPAP Auto I sold a while back to someone who needed it worse than I did and didn't have much money.

[Phil587]

Here's the question -- S9 VPAP Auto BiLevel Machine or a PR System One REMStar 60 Series BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex. Which would you choose?

A while back I wrote this post when someone else ask the same question:

Best BiPAP?

In retrospect, I'm very happy that I wound up with the PR System One because its auto algorithm is a bit more flexible in how it adjusts the pressure. And my tummy really appreciates the fact that the System One can increase the IPAP without increasing the EPAP.

Wow, Robysue -- just wow!

You possess an amazing amount of detailed information yet have the innate ability to lay it out in an easy to read and understand manner. That is a skill not easily taught and you use it well.

So well, in fact, I learned from your writings precisely what I needed to know to make my decision. It's Philips!

Thank you for what you do for this community!

Phil