Best CPAP/APAP bundle for $600?

[Tom2572]

Hi All,

First post! I've been reading a number of posts trying to catch up and had a few questions. While I have insurance, this whole process has soured on me especially the time it's taken from the first referral for an at home sleep study in March until now. I won't bore you with the details but it's been a slog. I'm just tired of waiting and want to purchase a machine and work on reimbursement later. My study showed 34 apneas per hour and my prescription is for 10 cmH2O. If my budget is around $600-$650 all in, what's the best CPAP/APAP for that budget?

[Pugsy]

I would suggest the ResMed Airsense 10 AutoSet or the AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her.
Check secondwindcpap.com for a gently used machine.

[zonker]

Hi All,

First post! I've been reading a number of posts trying to catch up and had a few questions. While I have insurance, this whole process has soured on me especially the time it's taken from the first referral for an at home sleep study in March until now. I won't bore you with the details but it's been a slog. I'm just tired of waiting and want to purchase a machine and work on reimbursement later. My study showed 34 apneas per hour and my prescription is for 10 cmH2O. If my budget is around $600-$650 all in, what's the best CPAP/APAP for that budget?

welcome aboard! i second pugsy's recommendation.

and if you are a guy, please don't be put off by the "for her" part. it's just another algorithm the machine uses.

it's not even decorated as a "feminine" machine. i'm a guy and i swear by it.

good luck!

[Pugsy]

If you want to go ultra cheap for now and let your insurance buy you a machine when everyone finally gets off their butts and gets you processed....I have an older model Respironics machine that is auto and full data with about 1500 hours or so on it that I would sell for $200. It's a Respironics PR System One BiPap Auto..model 760...heated hose, humidifier, SD card, travel case...all in one package.
Send me a private message if you are interested or want more information on it.

I might even have a mask you can have just for free. Do you know what kind you are wanting to use?

Once your insurance buys you a machine you can delegate the System One to back up or travel status if you wish.

[Tom2572]

Thanks Pugsy I don't know the mask just yet I am researching. The main issue for me is that I have been a stomach sleeper for decades not sure if there is anything out there for that. I do sleep with my head to the side but I am on my stomach most of the night. I appreciate the offer of the machine but, while not a germaphobe, I do want all new gear I'm just that way. Is there any love out there for the Dreamstation Auto CPAP? It seems to fit into my budget.

[babydinosnoreless]

Thanks Pugsy I don't know the mask just yet I am researching. The main issue for me is that I have been a stomach sleeper for decades not sure if there is anything out there for that. I do sleep with my head to the side but I am on my stomach most of the night. I appreciate the offer of the machine but, while not a germaphobe, I do want all new gear I'm just that way. Is there any love out there for the Dreamstation Auto CPAP? It seems to fit into my budget.

This is from another thread and IMO explains it well....

"Someone once compared them to 2 automobiles....one a sports car (ResMed) and the other a nice Cadillac (Respironics) and both will get you to where you want to go. Some like fast and forget it and some like slower with more things to fiddle with to get you there.

HAH, I'd say the Respironics is more like a chevy chevette... it'll get you up to highway speeds.. (eventually) but it'll take a while, and you're holding up traffic and being passed by annoyed people, and it makes a lot more rattling noise getting there."

[Pugsy]

The DreamStation APAP is a good machine...not quite as good as the ResMed IMHO (and I have had the chance to use both brands extensively).
It's not a crap machine though...a little slower auto adjusting algorithm so sometimes people need to use a little more pressure for the apnea prevention than they would need with the faster responding ResMed.

I started my own therapy back in 2009 on a Respironics APAP....and used it until I got a chance to try a ResMed machine in 2012 or 13 (I forget which) and found out about the differences. I still have a Respironics machine as a back up machine...that BiPap...so it's good enough that I keep it for travel and back up in case my AirSense dies.

The ResMed has superior exhale relief IMHO...at pressures 10 and above IF someone needs exhale relief. You may not even need any exhale relief...and the Respironics does offer a form of exhale relief...it's just quite as good as the ResMed.
The ResMed is a little more quiet in terms of machine motor noise and also with mask breathing noises for some reason...for some people these 2 issues are a critical thing...others no issues at all.

Now if you happen to be someone who likes to camp and go off the grid...the Respironics works off batteries a bit easier and with less cost for special adapters because they run off 12 volt and ResMed runs off 24 volt....plus it seems that the ResMeds are a bit more power hungry than Respironics so batteries will last longer with the Respironics.
I don't do the camping thing anymore...so I don't always remember to mention that.
But if you do a lot of camping....Respironics probably is a bit easier for battery usage...that ResMed will do it but requires a special converter to change to 24 volt...and it runs around $90 for that little converter.

[Cpapian]

While I agree with you about the yuck factor of a second hand machine, when I first started xpap, I used a rental machine and masks for about 5 or 6 months. I tried about three different masks - 2 of them previously used. That is the way my sleep doctor arranges things and the DMEs were familiar with the this. I didn't have the time to think about whether or not I liked it. And I survived. I washed everything with soap and water when I brought it home. I believe the DME autoclaved the masks, but they didn't wash them, as evidenced by the dirty water when I did.

I am just saying this so you can see another side to it.

Also, as it turned out, they gave me a Respironics and I quickly found out I didn't like that machine. As a result, I purchased the Resmed which is a much better machine for me.

[palerider]

I appreciate the offer of the machine but, while not a germaphobe, I do want all new gear I'm just that way.

Every single one of my cpaps has been bought used. There's absolutely no reason not to get a used one and save a bundle.

Is there any love out there for the Dreamstation Auto CPAP? It seems to fit into my budget.

They're a fine second class machine.

They're noisier, don't hold as much water, don't give as good a nights sleep... but they're better than most other brands.

[Jas_williams]

Thanks Pugsy I don't know the mask just yet I am researching. The main issue for me is that I have been a stomach sleeper for decades not sure if there is anything out there for that. I do sleep with my head to the side but I am on my stomach most of the night. I appreciate the offer of the machine but, while not a germaphobe, I do want all new gear I'm just that way. Is there any love out there for the Dreamstation Auto CPAP? It seems to fit into my budget.

If you must have new take a look here slightly over your budget but a great machine


https://www.sistemmacpap.com/autoset-ai ... 10-for-her

[CapnLoki]

Thanks Pugsy I don't know the mask just yet I am researching. The main issue for me is that I have been a stomach sleeper for decades not sure if there is anything out there for that. I do sleep with my head to the side but I am on my stomach most of the night. I appreciate the offer of the machine but, while not a germaphobe, I do want all new gear I'm just that way. Is there any love out there for the Dreamstation Auto CPAP? It seems to fit into my budget.

I'll put in a few good words for the DreamStation over the AirSense. It's quieter on paper, and in fact I find it essentially silent with the humidifier - I use a "muffler" when I don't use the humidifier. I get a good night's sleep - my AHI has been 0.3 or better for the last 5 years. The water tank is 15% smaller, which might be an issue in a very dry climate, but I never run out, so its a non issue for me.

The DreamStation is a pound lighter and has a lighter power supply. Its about the same size, but with the removable humidifier it can be half the size. I usually travel to humid areas (such as Florida or DC) so I leave the humidifier behind - my minimalist carry on with cpap and 2-3 days clothes can fit under the seat. The DreamStation uses almost half the power of the AirSense, so if you're considering running on battery power for camping, boating, or battery backup for outages, the DreamStation is a big winner. And the AirSense uses a 12/24 voltage converter when running on batteries - it actually weighs more than the DreamStation pump, which runs on 12v directly.

[NoOnesPerfect]

Regarding used machines - another way to view the issue - whenever you go for an in-lab study, you are using a “used” machine. The clinicians’ manual includes instructions on how to disinfect the machine between uses.

[Pugsy]

Some people have a problem with the idea of anything being used...that's fine...whatever trips their trigger..it's their money and their life.
I have bought well over a dozen machines in the past 10 years for various reasons and all but one had some hours on it. Obviously not a big deal to me but I don't feel slighted when someone doesn't feel the same way about used.
It's their money and their life and I know how much I hate it when someone tries to tell me how to spend or not spend my money.
When they feel that way though....they either have to maybe make a compromise in what they want to use or increase the budget.
I simply don't have the budget for new in most cases so I have no choice...buy used or don't buy.

Fortunately a decent machine is available new at the price point the OP is willing and able to spend. At least he didn't come here with a $300 budget and wanting a decent machine brand new for that.

And the Respironics is more than just "decent"....for some people it might work out as a better solution anyway especially if they like to go off the grid. The slower algorithm if it is a problem...it's fixable easily with a little higher minimum.
All the Respironics machines I have had over the years have been essentially silent but it does seem like that we have more people complaining of machine noise using Respironics than with ResMed. Did those people just get a lemon or are they just super sensitive to the least little bit of noise??? Dunno....everyone is different in how they perceive anything.

I have personally seen more software/firmware issues with Respironics than with ResMed....not common but I have seen them.
Actually experienced one myself from a machine bought new from cpap.com that went to Australia...it ended up having to be returned under warranty because of its problems that I verified with my own use of it.
IMHO the chances of getting a lemon are higher with Respironics but it's not like they are crap machines and all lemons.

But if someone only has X amount of dollars to spend and they simply can't stand the thought of used anything....Respironics is the logical choice and for that person might very well end up being the best choice. In all likelihood they won't get a lemon and maybe they find the idea of off the grid use appealing....and if money is tight anyway...the cost of that special converter could be a problem.

My job is to point out options and potential drawbacks to those options and let the person decide...after all...it's their money and their life and if they simply can't stomach the idea of used...then that limits their options but they still have options. They get to decide how to spend their money. I am thankful that he didn't come here wanting to get the Chinese knock off Apex...now that is a crap machine.

[Tom2572]

Thanks for the replies and wow wasn’t expecting such strong feelings here on used equipment. Should have mentioned that I’m a little more prone to bacterial infections than the average person which is why I plan to purchase new. I’ve never purchased a new car in my life so I’m normally not adverse to used items.

[Pugsy]

The machines themselves can't harbor any pathogens...nothing in the machines to give any pathogen, germ, virus etc...to live on.

Now the water chamber, hose or mask...maybe a chance there and those items that will directly be touching your skin or breathing....might be a potential risk there and for that reason my usual recommendation is to...

1. wipe down the outside of the machine with an alcohol wipe....or spray disinfectant on a cloth and wipe down the outside (never spray anything into or around the machine).
2. change air filters
3. get a new water chamber, hose and mask.