ResMed or Remstar Auto CPAP

spartan · Post by **spartan** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:50 pm

I am done with my 2 sleep studies. Doc recommended me an APAP and it is covered by my insurance provider. Which apap model do you recommend..

Remstar M Series Auto C-Flex CPAP
Resmed S8 Vantage EPR Auto CPAP Machine

Sleep center has resmed, which comes with a card reader, in stock. At the sleep center, I will be able to view data from card reader for free. They don't have remstar in stock, it would take up to 2 weeks to get remstar.

I read some posts and it looks like renting one is a best option, but I would prefer not to rent. It doesn't sound logical, but i am hard wired that way .. I know APAP vendors use different algorithms. I am willing to go with which ever one is a popular choice.

Reading the posts, I gathered that remstar M series Auto is better than resmed s8 Vantavge except for humidifier leak. Do you think it is wise to go with remstar?

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 4:59 pm

Get the classic Remstar Auto and avoid the leaky humidifier. The classic auto is great.

Resmed has insisted that online vendors jack up their prices that are dictated by Resmed. Not popular here.

Resmed auto doesn't have exhale relief Remstar Auto does

Resmed won't sell patients its software so you can read your card at home, resprionics (Remstar) does.

My choice Respironics.

Amazing and great that your doc suggested auto

Buy, don't rent, especially with the new year and possibly a new annual insurance deducatble. Get the order in now and you probably have paid your deductable via your sleep studies. Unless that is you plan to max out your 2007 deductable due to other things. If insurance will cover it buy online and get reimbursed. If they don't cover that then buy from the DME.

Be careful that your copay and deductable doesn't come out to more than buying cash online Remstar classic auto online with heated humidifier $689.

Check out prices of masks and tubing online vs overpriced DME for next year if you don't plan to meet your deductable. Replacement stuff may be cheaper online cash.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:05 pm

Yup! What "snoregirl" said!

Best wishes,

Den

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:37 pm

Yep, I'd go with the Respironics REMstar Auto with C-flex.

Either the "regular size" or the "M". I'd choose the older regular size one at this point in time.

Jeeper · Post by **Jeeper** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 6:27 pm

Early this year I spent a lot of time debating which APAP to buy. I narrowed it down to the Remstar unit. And since the M series was due out shortly I planned on waiting and get the newest and best. After some delays with the scheduled release date for the M, I decided to go ahead and make the change from CPAP to APAP. I bought the Remstar "tank". I have nothing but good things to say about it and would buy another should I need one. I also want to thank, Laura for her guidance in my decision. It was a good one!

Good Luck!

Jeeper

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GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 6:46 pm

We CAN't give you advice on which APAP will be best for you. They operate with VERY different algorithms, and some folks respond FAR better to the ResMed algorithm than do to the Respironics, while others respond best to Respironics. Its a very particular thing, personal to each and every user individually. While it is true that Respironics has a form of expiratory pressure relief in APAP mode while ResMed doesn't, that EPR won't do you ANY good if you don't respond as favorably as possible to the essential algorithm of the machine.

In my case, I started with a ResMed S8 AutoSet Vantage and had a miserable four months. I switched to a Respironics Auto w/C-flex TANK edition, and improved IMMEDIATELY and have been sleeping well since. I celebrated my 1000th hour on it last night.

But, THAT IS JUST MY EXPERIENCE. I point it out to you only to illustrate how dramatic a change can occur simply by switching machines between these two manufacturers with their VASTLY different algorithms. MANY others here have had EXACTLY the opposite experience, greatly improving when they have switched to a ResMed machine.

This site seems to be very skewed towards adoration of Resprionics flow-generators. Please do yourself an enormous favor and realize that the fit of an APAP to a particular user is a VERY PERSONAL AND INDIVIDUAL matter, despite what so many others here will tell you.

The very best thing that you can do for yourself is to find a DME that will allow you a fair trial of BOTH a REMstar Auto AND a ResMed S8 Vantage (and even an P-B 420E if you can swing it) and then choose the one that works BEST FOR YOU. This is especially true if you plan to purchase. Many folks are struggling on APAP simply because they are stuck with the wrong machine and algorithm, by mistakenly following advice rendered to them here.

But please understand, NO ONE CAN RECOMMEND AN APAP FOR YOU IN ANY MEANINGFUL WAY.

Good luck to you!!!

Chuck

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 10:02 pm

spartan wrote:I know APAP vendors use different algorithms. I am willing to go with which ever one is a popular choice.

If you're wondering which is a popular choice, I'd agree with GoofyUT's observation:

GoofyUT wrote:This site seems to be very skewed towards adoration of Resprionics flow-generators.

I personally like the Respironics Remstar Auto with C-flex too.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 10:25 pm

GoofyUT wrote:NO ONE CAN RECOMMEND AN APAP FOR YOU IN ANY MEANINGFUL WAY.

Meaningful?

Respironics REMstar Auto:

Less cost (better price performance),
available/purchase-able software and card reader,
software easy to interpret,
additional software available (MyEncore and Encore Pro Analyzer),
C-Flex in Auto mode,
no switching settings every time you change masks,
can be ordered from outside the U.S.A.

Those would be pretty "meaningful" to me if I were about to buy one.

Den

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 10:41 pm

Ditto the votes above.

In case you haven't guessed, the Classic and the Tank are one and the same. It's the "old reliable" model just prior to the M series. However, I'm sure you will be very pleased with either Remstar Auto with c-flex.

Just make sure your DME will stand by you if the M series humidifier leaks. And be sure to place your machine on a cookie sheet the first few nights just to protect your nightstand in case of leaks.

Paul B · Post by **Paul B** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:03 pm

Chuck(Goofy UT) has expressed the choice very well. Nothing is more important than the efficacy of the algorithm which will treat your individual characteristics, never mind all the other ancillary feelings, emotions, and beliefs of the users of any other device. Test the Resmed Vantage against the Respironics, both of which are excellent instruments and, if you can rent both over time, choose whichever one works best for you. They both do respond differently to sleep events, and your particular physiology may adjust better to one than the other.

I use the Resmed Vantage, and am exceedingly happy with it, but Respironics makes a good device also. They both have tradeoffs, and neither one is perfect. Do a test drive and then make a choice.

Good luck.

Paul

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:28 pm

I agree with Snoregirl, get the Remstar Auto w/cflex even if you have to wait for them to order it.

The M series Auto actually has more features, the leaky humidifer tank is being fixed, I wouldn't let that deter me from getting the machine, probably has the best treatment algorithm on the market. The M series also has LCD reporting of AHI info (the classic doesn't).

The older Classic version is rock solid reliable and also not a bad choice. I wouldn't touch the Vantage with a 10foot pole especially if you snore, sucker will blow the top of your head off.

They may have the Resmad in stock, but your dealer cannot sell you the reporting software without violating their US policy.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:49 pm

I agree with Chuck.
Some people, a minority, but you might be one of them, respond better to one kind of algorithm than to another.

Do your best to get trial time on different APAPs before you make the buying decision. The time to follow the majority is after you know which machine treats you best. Or when you know all treat you just as well.

I need low pressure, no expiratory pressure rerlief, and am very happy with my Puritan Bennett 420E, which I could set up to fit my needs.

O.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:48 am

I have the M series and am very happy with it. The leaky chamber has been fixed. The new replacement chamber has not leaked once. I like the ability to download my stats every day and adjust the machine accordingly. Also, Jskinners software is fantastic, and that works with the M series only I believe. My AHI's have been in 1-2.0 range and the CFlex is great...all in all, a great machine.

skiziks · Post by **skiziks** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 3:12 am

Just started out with this. I'm s Newbie.

My situation is similar to yours.

My DME recommended the Vantage. I went wiht M Series Remstar Auto. Have had it five days. NO issues. Works perfectly. And bonus it doesn't look like a hospital bedside device, the single largest reason I made my own choice contrary to the DME's recommendation.

Good luck!

Why am I up at 4:30 am? I've just work up with nasal conjestion and watery eyes, seems I'm coming down with a cold. I came to this board looking for advice on dealing with this. Seems I may have to suffer.

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 7:48 am

If you plan on independently monitoring your apnea, rather than relying on your DME, keep in mind that Resmed no longer sells their software to "patients". So, if this is the case, you should probably limit your choice to either the Puritan Bennet 420E or the Remstar (Classic or M Series) Auto.

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