Insights into machines and masks

[LordGrumpy]

I have a diagnosis and I m scheduled for a titration study in a few weeks. I have been looking at videos for various machine and mask combinations. My previous machine was a ResMed model from like thirty years ago and was probably little more than an air compressor compared to today's models. What really intrigues me is the data capabilities of today's machines. Being able to monitor my therapy in somewhat real-time is important to me. I am an iPhone user so being able to integrate it into that platform is also important. At this stage and I still have a lot of data to sift through I am leaning towards a Resmed Airsense 10 elite with an F30 mask. I have not ruled out a pillow mask but mouth leakage was a problem in the past so that is why I am leaning to a full mask.

What I am looking for is any pros and cons the users hear have experienced with this setup and the ease of accessing the data provided. Also if you feel another machine and/or mask might have additional benefits please let me know that too. The more information I have going into my titration study the better questions I can ask.

Also looking to possibly integrate a nighttime pulse ox monitor if possible as well. hat would be your recommendations on that?

[Pugsy]

The AirSense 10 Elite is a fixed pressure only machine which isn't a bad deal but there are times when having the ability to auto adjust the pressures might come in handy.

Like if you have different pressure needs when on your back or maybe during REM stage sleep (both of which it is common to worsen OSA and/or cause a need for more pressure for short periods of time).

I have REM worse OSA...and in REM stage sleep (which amounts to about 20% of someone's sleep night) I might need 6 to 8 cm more pressure during REM. If I was to use a fixed pressure machine then I would have to use around 15 or 16 cm pressure all night just to deal with the 20% of the time I am in REM. Now I suppose it is doable but it sure isn't much fun to use 15 cm all night when the other 80% of the night night I might only need 8 cm.

Your better option for a machine would be either the AirSense 10 AutoSet or the AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her.
The regular AutoSet has both fixed cpap and auto adjusting (apap) modes available so you can choose which works best for you.
The AutoSet for Her has 3 modes of operation...fixed cpap mode, regular auto adjusting mode and a special different auto adjusting mode that they market towards women but in truth men could maybe also benefit from it. Now you may or may not need that special mode but I always have felt it's better to have something and not need it than need it and not have it.

Insurance typically only pays by HCPCS billing code and the code is the same for all the models until you get to the bilevel models.
So if insurance is paying the same....get the most bang for your buck.
At a minimum...the regular AirSense 10 AutoSet is what I would suggest.
Absolutely do NOT accept the AirSense 10 CPAP model...it's a very limited data model and you don't want it.

If you normally breathe through your nose just fine during the day then take a close look at the nasal pillow masks. They typically have much less of a footprint on your face and less mask to skin contact area needing to be kept sealed.

Now if you have a lot of nasal congestion at night so you can't comfortably breathe through just your nose that you can't clear up then look at the full face masks.

[Dog Slobber]

I am an iPhone user so being able to integrate it into that platform is also important.

None of data capable CPAP devices integrate into iPhone's health app.

Getting a data capable ResMed or Respironics will allow you to import your data into OSCAR on a computer. They both also have a mobile app that is capable of displaying limited summary data.

[zonker]

At this stage and I still have a lot of data to sift through I am leaning towards a Resmed Airsense 10 elite

second pugsy's recommendation of the autoset instead of elite.

even better the "for her" model, even if you ain't a her.

[LordGrumpy]

even better the "for her" model, even if you ain't a her.

What features would make the "for her" even better if I am not a her?

[LordGrumpy]

Airsense 10 Autoset vs Dreamstation Auto w/ Humidifier

I see a $200 price difference between these two models. If anyone has experience with both please tell me what you thought the pros and cons of each model were. I have seen mixed reviews on each and on the Myair vs dreammapper software. I have already downloaded Oscar in preparation for whatever machine I get. I am trying to gather as much information and while I can find limited reviews on each machine I have been unable to find a head-to-head comparison of either machine or the associated software.

[zonker]

even better the "for her" model, even if you ain't a her.

What features would make the "for her" even better if I am not a her?

has one more algorithm which is it's named "for her" so you get three for the price of one.

you may never need it, but it's there.

[Pugsy]

Where are you located?
Are you using insurance or are you self pay?

The only real difference between the 2 AutoSet models is the for Her model has a second auto adjusting algorithm...it works differently and for some people it is a help and others it isn't. We have no way to know if you might benefit from it or not but if you are self pay and you would have to pay 200 more....It's probably not a critical need.
I have used both modes on the AutoSet for Her that I have and to be honest I couldn't tell any real difference.

You can read about it in the manual
https://www.respshop.com/manuals/ResMed ... %20her.pdf