New to it all

rookie@47 · Post by **rookie@47** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 9:14 am

Greetings
I'm new to the CPAP world having just been diagnosed. I have been reading up on what's available & what's req'd. I saw the info about the M Series Auto w/C-flex and wonder if I can just buy this as my one and only machine, not just for travel. My insurance doesn't cover anything so I want to get one good unit with the best options. Is the software valuable, necessary, worth the extra expense?
Please help the new guy on the block!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 11:17 am

If you click on the yellow lightbulb icon above (Our Collective Wisdom) there is a lot of good information for you.

Yes, you could use any cpap or apap as your daily machine and not just for travel.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 1:19 pm

If your insurance doesn't cover anything, you definately want to buy online and avoid the pricey Brick and Mortar DMEs. APAP is a great choice for the underinsured since it will adjust to your pressure needs with out another stop at the expensive sleep center in the near future.

You can use an auto for a "regular machine", I do and love it. If you find you do better with a single pressure you can use your APAP like a straight CPAP.

I have to older (tank version) Respironics and love it. If price is an issue then you might want to consider this one. It is a little cheaper. Weighs slightly more but it is a great machine. If you want smaller the M is fine but hasn't been out there as long.

The M has some basic data on the LED screen and the older Auto does not (must use the software for data). You may want to study the differences there before making a decision.

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tooly125 · Post by **tooly125** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 2:08 pm

Rookie,

I would definitely recommend the Auto with the software.
The software will help you fine tune your therapy and in the future if there is a weight gain\loss the auto will be able to find your best pressure.

Cpap.com sells the machine and software in a bundled package so you can get everything you need.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 7:03 pm

I too think the RemStar Auto is a great machine. Furthermore, the
"other" top selling auto manufacturer, has distanced itself from those of us who treat ourselves. Get the software, by all means.
' '

hughusa9 · Post by **hughusa9** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 4:25 pm

You can save a lot of money with an auto cpap. No need for expensive retesting. My Dr did not like it when I bought an auto but I suppose if I had gone to school as long as he did I would not like loosing 60% of my business to a cpap machine with a small computer inside.
The software has helped me fine-tune my therapy. I would not be without it. I check my data every day because that way I can remember what went on and figure out what the results are telling me. It takes a while to get used to the equipment but hang in there and it can change your life. For the first time in my life, I am not drowsy all day. Sleep means something to me for the first time in my 61 years. Bedtime for me used to be 11PM and up at 5AM but after getting my machine I’m asleep before 9PM and loving it. This site helped me a lot when I was first getting started. Finding the best mask was the hardest part. People here will help you with a find the right one. I like my Activa nasal mask by ResMed best but their new pricing policy is no good. They are going to loose a lot of us unless they figure out that they have made a big mistake!!
Good Luck, Hugh in Chaska, MN

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 7:33 pm

rookie@47 wrote:I saw the info about the M Series Auto w/C-flex and wonder if I can just buy this as my one and only machine

Yes I think the M Series Auto is a excellent choice.

rookie@47 wrote: Is the software valuable, necessary, worth the extra expense?

I definitely recommend getting the software and smartcard reader (get it from Hong Kong for $24) so that you can monitor and adjust your therapy. I'd be still struggling along with the wrong pressure, large leaks, and higher than necessary AHI without it.

curtcurt46 · Post by **curtcurt46** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:19 pm

Don't forget a integrated heated humidifier. I think for the money the older model Remstar Auto with cflex is just as good a machine, only a slight bit bigger.
curtcurt46

rookie@47 · Post by **rookie@47** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 10:06 am

Thank you to all that responded. The collective knowledge out there is so valuable.
jskinner - How do I investigate the discounted software and smart card reader?

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 10:43 am

rookie@47 wrote: jskinner - How do I investigate the discounted software and smart card reader?

The $24 USD SmartCard reader can be ordered from http://two-factor.com/

They call it the 'Desktop USB Smart Card Reader' It's a Mako Technologies DT3500 device http://www.mako-tech.com/

New to it all

New to it all

auto cpap and software

Re: New to it all

Thanks, Hong Kong

Re: Thanks, Hong Kong