Hello Everyone and thanks in advance for your replies...
I recently completed my second sleep study (the one WITH the CPAP) and I've been told that it's time to begin life with a machine next to me at night. I had a great night's sleep that night once I got over the initial nose stuffiness. I'm a side/stomach sleeper as well as a mouth-breather...but once I went out with the unit on, I maintained a side position and was able to keep my mouth shut most of the evening. Anyway, I've done some investigating on the net and by asking around and I've narrowed my choices for my first unit down to three. I'm guessing that most of you here have had some experience with these particular CPAPs and I certainly would appreciate some unvarnished opinions! In no specific order; 1). Respironics REMstar Plus M Series (w/C-Flex & Heated Humidifier), 2). Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle HC604 Humidified, 3). ResMed S8 Elite (w/EPR + Heated Humidifier). I will bear no out-of-pocket expense so that's a non-issue. I'm looking for feedback on quality, longetivity, noise, ease of use, travel, general livability, etc. etc.
Obviously, I'd appreciate any offerings on masks as well. A few that have been recommended to me are; Puritan Bennett's Breeze SleepGear & Dreamseal and Respironics ComfortCurve & ComfortLite 2. Again, keeping in mind that I'm a total newbie to the CPCP world, have a little trouble with stuffiness (the doctor prescribed some Flonase-?) and occasional nosebleeds and have until now been mostly a mouth-breather, are any of those four masks gonna do the trick?
I want to succeed but I realize that there may be some trial and error. I'm lucky enough to have a medical supply facility that is willing to work with me.
So there you have it. I apologize if I'm leaving out any important pieces to the puzzle (and for the fact that I'm asking questions that have been answered thousands of times before on these boards). I'd like to get the ball rolling in a few days, but I want to glean all of the info that I can from the residing experts!
So thank you all again and I promise to report back with my choices and results!
Just Diagnosed...Lots Of Questions...Need Your Expertise!
12 posts
• Page 1 of 1
1. Get a copy of your prescription, a copy of the two PSG results, you WILL need those in your possession in the future.
2. Get the Remstar Auto w/cflex, make sure it is the new smaller "M" series. It does the best job for most patients, displays information from the LCD, you can purchase optional software to get detailed reports. It can also run in a cpap mode. With an autopap, should your needs change it will change with you without having to have another sleep study. If you change positions (back to side etc.) the autopap will adjust pressure to those changes. The billing code is identical to the cpap machine (don't let your DME tell you differently).
The F&P machine is not very popular, so your support from boards like this will be very limited and don't expect to get much support from your DME. Get a machine that is popular like the Remstar and you'll get all the support you need. I don't care for the Resmed machines, they just jacked up prices by 40% to Internet retailers. Many have chosen not to sell the Resmed machine.
3. Check on the out of pocket costs for the machine you want. Cpap.com is about the most competitive there is (service is great), if you find a lower price they will match it and they offer free shipping.
The mask interfaces you have chosen are not ideal for beginners, they are inherently noisy and the incoming air blows directly into your nares. A nasal mask would be quieter than the pillow style masks you have chosen. They may be good masks for you down the road, but the first few weeks of therapy is the hardest, make that as easy as you can, start with a quiet mask.
2. Get the Remstar Auto w/cflex, make sure it is the new smaller "M" series. It does the best job for most patients, displays information from the LCD, you can purchase optional software to get detailed reports. It can also run in a cpap mode. With an autopap, should your needs change it will change with you without having to have another sleep study. If you change positions (back to side etc.) the autopap will adjust pressure to those changes. The billing code is identical to the cpap machine (don't let your DME tell you differently).
The F&P machine is not very popular, so your support from boards like this will be very limited and don't expect to get much support from your DME. Get a machine that is popular like the Remstar and you'll get all the support you need. I don't care for the Resmed machines, they just jacked up prices by 40% to Internet retailers. Many have chosen not to sell the Resmed machine.
3. Check on the out of pocket costs for the machine you want. Cpap.com is about the most competitive there is (service is great), if you find a lower price they will match it and they offer free shipping.
The mask interfaces you have chosen are not ideal for beginners, they are inherently noisy and the incoming air blows directly into your nares. A nasal mask would be quieter than the pillow style masks you have chosen. They may be good masks for you down the road, but the first few weeks of therapy is the hardest, make that as easy as you can, start with a quiet mask.
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fujiinator
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:39 pm
M Plus
I can only answer on the M Plus Respironics machine. If you are not interested in being able to monitor yourself with software data then the M Plus is a good unit.
The issue on being able to monitor yourself would require an M Pro or an M Auto (there is also the Pro2 and Auto w/cflex). I myself want to know how I am doing myself in the future so an M Auto will be my next machine.
As to noise left it can be subjective to each person. I am using mine on the ground and our Vornado fan on low is louder then my M Plus at a setting of 10.5. As you go up to a higher pressure the noise will increase a little. I did run mine at 20 to see how loud it was and it seemed okay to me.
As to size the M series is slightly smaller then the other Respironics standards as I have read. It just has a new look and a different footprint so to speak.
I am using the Swift and I have a Mirage Ultra Full Face mask as a backup if I get a bad cold. I am using nasacourt for clearing my sinuses.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, mirage, swift, auto
The issue on being able to monitor yourself would require an M Pro or an M Auto (there is also the Pro2 and Auto w/cflex). I myself want to know how I am doing myself in the future so an M Auto will be my next machine.
As to noise left it can be subjective to each person. I am using mine on the ground and our Vornado fan on low is louder then my M Plus at a setting of 10.5. As you go up to a higher pressure the noise will increase a little. I did run mine at 20 to see how loud it was and it seemed okay to me.
As to size the M series is slightly smaller then the other Respironics standards as I have read. It just has a new look and a different footprint so to speak.
I am using the Swift and I have a Mirage Ultra Full Face mask as a backup if I get a bad cold. I am using nasacourt for clearing my sinuses.
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, mirage, swift, auto
Last edited by fujiinator on Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
If your machine is going to not cost you anything push for at least the M series pro or the older version Pro2 if you go Respironics. They both will give you data which the plus won't. One step up from that is an auto titrating unit.
Respironics are nice machine. ResMed's are also, although they have recently introduced price requirements on internet sellers that a number of us are annoyed with. I personally am boycotting ResMed for that reason.
Many people have F and P machines too.
Look at the features on each machine and compare. Our host's website is good for this.
Consider exhale relief. Both Respironics and ResMed have their versions, but Respironics is the only on that has it in Auto mode on the APAP.
You say that you are a mouth breather. I though so too (and I was) so I started out with a full face mask -- Ultra Mirage (Resmed) but I tried the Swift pillows (Resmed also) and found that my stuffiness was almost nonexistant with that air blowing directly up my nose.
What did you use in the sleep study for a mask? Did you like it?
Another choice many like is Confort Lite 2 (for those of us boycotting Resmed) Will be my next mask when my swift supplies run out.
Since you will have no out of pocket expense then cost analysis is not an issue for you.
Really make sure that they give you a data recording machine so you can see how you are doing down the road. Usually the DMEs push the low end that can't do this since they get the same reimbursement from insurance and the low end costs less for them to buy.
Respironics are nice machine. ResMed's are also, although they have recently introduced price requirements on internet sellers that a number of us are annoyed with. I personally am boycotting ResMed for that reason.
Many people have F and P machines too.
Look at the features on each machine and compare. Our host's website is good for this.
Consider exhale relief. Both Respironics and ResMed have their versions, but Respironics is the only on that has it in Auto mode on the APAP.
You say that you are a mouth breather. I though so too (and I was) so I started out with a full face mask -- Ultra Mirage (Resmed) but I tried the Swift pillows (Resmed also) and found that my stuffiness was almost nonexistant with that air blowing directly up my nose.
What did you use in the sleep study for a mask? Did you like it?
Another choice many like is Confort Lite 2 (for those of us boycotting Resmed) Will be my next mask when my swift supplies run out.
Since you will have no out of pocket expense then cost analysis is not an issue for you.
Really make sure that they give you a data recording machine so you can see how you are doing down the road. Usually the DMEs push the low end that can't do this since they get the same reimbursement from insurance and the low end costs less for them to buy.
What was your titration pressure?
I would recommend and auto titrating machine. The apap I have can be used as a straight cpap or apap. Once you get the machine it will be yours for a long time, so it's nice to have the auto in case you need it. DO get the heated humidifier no matter which machine you get. You should get a machine that can use software so you can check your progress.
I can't comment much on masks as the only one I've ever used (hybrid) is giving me fits right now. It does seem that a mask with nasal pillows might be an issue for the nosebleeds.
Brenda
I would recommend and auto titrating machine. The apap I have can be used as a straight cpap or apap. Once you get the machine it will be yours for a long time, so it's nice to have the auto in case you need it. DO get the heated humidifier no matter which machine you get. You should get a machine that can use software so you can check your progress.
I can't comment much on masks as the only one I've ever used (hybrid) is giving me fits right now. It does seem that a mask with nasal pillows might be an issue for the nosebleeds.
Brenda
_________________
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Love my papillow, Aussie heated hose and PAD-A-CHEEKS! Also use Optilife, UMFF(with PADACHEEK gasket), and Headrest masks Pressure; 10.5 |
Recommendations
Welcome to the adventure!!!
I've used variations of all three of the machines that you mention. Here's my 2cents:
1) The F&P hc604 is a FINE, sturdily built, super-quiet CPAP with an outstanding chip-controlled, well-integrated humidifier. It is also currently the ONLY CPAP that comes with an integrated, chip-controlled heated hose to prevent rain-out. It has a wonderful human factors design. It is a good choice! However, it is not particularly travel friendly. And, I found that the heated hose would amke the air stuffy when it cycled on, which would awaken me. I wasn't able to adjust it using its comfort or climate controls to prevent this. I understand however (though I'm not sure ) that a firmware fix has corrected this. The WORST aspect of the HC604 is that it will only supply compliance (usage) data. As you gain more experience here, you'll come to understand, no doubt, just how important it is to have a machine that suppleis efficacy data to allow you to track how well your treatment is working. Alas, none of the F&Ps will do that, so;
2) The ResMed S8 Elite is also a FINE CPAP, with a WONDERFUL human factors design and interface. It is TINY and therefore, VERY TRAVEL FRIENDLY!!!! It is also the ONLY line of CPAPs that will supply both usage and efficacy data right on its LCD screen with just the push of a few buttons. The others (Respironics REMstar and Puritan-Bennett Goodknight) require the purchase of software and either a card or a cable to download to a computer which you also have to have. The ResMed S8 is also super quiet. I used its big brother, the S8 AutoSet Vantage (same machine except the Vantage is an APAP) last night for the first time on a trip. Not only is it a delight to travel with, but it is MUCH quieter than I remembered. I had a delightful experience with it! And finally;
3) The Respironics REMstars are also fine CPAPS. You ought to confine your considerations to the data capable models, the REMstar Pro 2 or the M series Pro. Howver, these do require the purchase of software, card and card reader. The M series displays VERY limited efficacy data on its LCD screen. What it displays is really not useful. The REMstar Pro2 is large, ugly (in my opinion), not particularly travel friendly and has a rotten human factors design (again, only my opinion). The new M series is somewhat more user and travel friendly, but only slightly so (I have to tell you that I have no direct experience with the M series). It is reported by many to be noticeably noisier than its predecessor.
Two other factors to consider:
A) If you do decide to purchase software to aid you in tracking your progress, the Respironics suite of software called EncorePro is, in my opinion, MUCH more useful than ResMed's AutoScan v5.7. However, many have reported difficulty both instaling and using the software,a nd you won't get any help from Respironics or any other retailer since it is designed for professional use only, and teherfore, support is NOT offered to end users like us. I however, had NO problem installing or using EncorePro, and;
B) Lots of fols here will tell you to forget a CPAP and go right for an APAP (auto-titrating CPAP). I disagree with this. I will tell you that APAPs can be set to run as CPAPs, but CPAPs can't run as APAPs.
I will NOT recommend an APAP since I believe that the differences in the algorithms that govern operation, between the manufacturers, make suitability for a particular eprson impossible to predict. You really have to try them all to find which one works best for you. I started APAP with a ResMed S8 AutoSet Vantage, but improved IMMEDIATELY when I switched to a REMstar Auto.
But for a staright CPAP, I recomemnd the ResMed S8 Elite without hesitation. Its small size, quiet design , excellent human factors design and its capability of displaying data on its screen makes it the hands down winner!!!
BTW, both the S8 Elite ad the REMstar offer expiratory pressure relief, which many find to be helpful and comfortable. The REMstar offers C-flex which is a momentary reduction in pressure as you begin to exhale, of a user-selectable but indteerminate amount. The S8 Elite offers EPR which is a reduction in pressure that last for the entirety of the exhalation at a user selectable reduction of 1, 2 or 3cm. In this regard, the S8 Elite acts very much like a mini-bilevel PAP at approximately a two-thirds savings in cost. I find C-flex to be VERY efective, but I used EPR last night, and found it to be GREAT!!!!
Hope this helps!!!
Chuck
I've used variations of all three of the machines that you mention. Here's my 2cents:
1) The F&P hc604 is a FINE, sturdily built, super-quiet CPAP with an outstanding chip-controlled, well-integrated humidifier. It is also currently the ONLY CPAP that comes with an integrated, chip-controlled heated hose to prevent rain-out. It has a wonderful human factors design. It is a good choice! However, it is not particularly travel friendly. And, I found that the heated hose would amke the air stuffy when it cycled on, which would awaken me. I wasn't able to adjust it using its comfort or climate controls to prevent this. I understand however (though I'm not sure ) that a firmware fix has corrected this. The WORST aspect of the HC604 is that it will only supply compliance (usage) data. As you gain more experience here, you'll come to understand, no doubt, just how important it is to have a machine that suppleis efficacy data to allow you to track how well your treatment is working. Alas, none of the F&Ps will do that, so;
2) The ResMed S8 Elite is also a FINE CPAP, with a WONDERFUL human factors design and interface. It is TINY and therefore, VERY TRAVEL FRIENDLY!!!! It is also the ONLY line of CPAPs that will supply both usage and efficacy data right on its LCD screen with just the push of a few buttons. The others (Respironics REMstar and Puritan-Bennett Goodknight) require the purchase of software and either a card or a cable to download to a computer which you also have to have. The ResMed S8 is also super quiet. I used its big brother, the S8 AutoSet Vantage (same machine except the Vantage is an APAP) last night for the first time on a trip. Not only is it a delight to travel with, but it is MUCH quieter than I remembered. I had a delightful experience with it! And finally;
3) The Respironics REMstars are also fine CPAPS. You ought to confine your considerations to the data capable models, the REMstar Pro 2 or the M series Pro. Howver, these do require the purchase of software, card and card reader. The M series displays VERY limited efficacy data on its LCD screen. What it displays is really not useful. The REMstar Pro2 is large, ugly (in my opinion), not particularly travel friendly and has a rotten human factors design (again, only my opinion). The new M series is somewhat more user and travel friendly, but only slightly so (I have to tell you that I have no direct experience with the M series). It is reported by many to be noticeably noisier than its predecessor.
Two other factors to consider:
A) If you do decide to purchase software to aid you in tracking your progress, the Respironics suite of software called EncorePro is, in my opinion, MUCH more useful than ResMed's AutoScan v5.7. However, many have reported difficulty both instaling and using the software,a nd you won't get any help from Respironics or any other retailer since it is designed for professional use only, and teherfore, support is NOT offered to end users like us. I however, had NO problem installing or using EncorePro, and;
B) Lots of fols here will tell you to forget a CPAP and go right for an APAP (auto-titrating CPAP). I disagree with this. I will tell you that APAPs can be set to run as CPAPs, but CPAPs can't run as APAPs.
I will NOT recommend an APAP since I believe that the differences in the algorithms that govern operation, between the manufacturers, make suitability for a particular eprson impossible to predict. You really have to try them all to find which one works best for you. I started APAP with a ResMed S8 AutoSet Vantage, but improved IMMEDIATELY when I switched to a REMstar Auto.
But for a staright CPAP, I recomemnd the ResMed S8 Elite without hesitation. Its small size, quiet design , excellent human factors design and its capability of displaying data on its screen makes it the hands down winner!!!
BTW, both the S8 Elite ad the REMstar offer expiratory pressure relief, which many find to be helpful and comfortable. The REMstar offers C-flex which is a momentary reduction in pressure as you begin to exhale, of a user-selectable but indteerminate amount. The S8 Elite offers EPR which is a reduction in pressure that last for the entirety of the exhalation at a user selectable reduction of 1, 2 or 3cm. In this regard, the S8 Elite acts very much like a mini-bilevel PAP at approximately a two-thirds savings in cost. I find C-flex to be VERY efective, but I used EPR last night, and found it to be GREAT!!!!
Hope this helps!!!
Chuck
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NightHawkeye
- Posts: 2431
- Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:55 am
- Location: Iowa - The Hawkeye State
Hi GMoney,
Rather than those machines, I'd recommend stepping up to the APAP models. An APAP can always be used as a regular CPAP but an APAP adapts to your changing pressure needs. (Yes, your pressure is guaranteed to change from night to night. For some of us the pressure needs even vary greatly from hour to hour. Unfortunately, your sleep lab won't tell you this.) Both the Respironics APAP and the ResMed S8 Vantage are good APAP machines. As an added bonus, both machines will record your breathing disturbances during the night. Many of us use this information to fine-tune our own therapy.
As for masks, the bad news is that most of us end up buying several before finding one that works well. We're all enough different that we really need different masks. It does sound like a nasal mask might work for you with a little effort. Although I was a mouth breather prior to xPAP, by performing nightly nasal irrigations using the Grossan nasal irrigator, I manage to keep my sinuses open all night and can use a nasal mask. The Comfort Curve is the best mask I've found, but many folks have had problems with it. I've also used the Comfort Lite 2, but had a few problems with it and eventually had to give it up.
Good luck.
Regards,
Bill
Rather than those machines, I'd recommend stepping up to the APAP models. An APAP can always be used as a regular CPAP but an APAP adapts to your changing pressure needs. (Yes, your pressure is guaranteed to change from night to night. For some of us the pressure needs even vary greatly from hour to hour. Unfortunately, your sleep lab won't tell you this.) Both the Respironics APAP and the ResMed S8 Vantage are good APAP machines. As an added bonus, both machines will record your breathing disturbances during the night. Many of us use this information to fine-tune our own therapy.
As for masks, the bad news is that most of us end up buying several before finding one that works well. We're all enough different that we really need different masks. It does sound like a nasal mask might work for you with a little effort. Although I was a mouth breather prior to xPAP, by performing nightly nasal irrigations using the Grossan nasal irrigator, I manage to keep my sinuses open all night and can use a nasal mask. The Comfort Curve is the best mask I've found, but many folks have had problems with it. I've also used the Comfort Lite 2, but had a few problems with it and eventually had to give it up.
Good luck.
Regards,
Bill
I don't think that nasal pillows would actually cause a nose bleed normally. BUT if someone already gets nose bleeds I would think that the force of the air directly into the nose would be an issue, even with a HH. I use the hybrid which difuses the air going into the nose a bit. But full pressure could be a problem IMHO.
_________________
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
| Additional Comments: Love my papillow, Aussie heated hose and PAD-A-CHEEKS! Also use Optilife, UMFF(with PADACHEEK gasket), and Headrest masks Pressure; 10.5 |
Thanks, everyone. Ran into a slight delay getting the initial setup due to the pollen
count. Decided that being stuffed up wasn't a good way to begin CPAP (and to sample
machines and especially masks). So I'm in a slight holding pattern right now but I
will keep you posted. In the meantime, any and all further feedback is welcomed!
count. Decided that being stuffed up wasn't a good way to begin CPAP (and to sample
machines and especially masks). So I'm in a slight holding pattern right now but I
will keep you posted. In the meantime, any and all further feedback is welcomed!
12 posts
• Page 1 of 1