Suggestions for new travel machine

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 5:28 pm

Hi,

I've been disgnosed for almost 6 months, and at the sleep lab I was prescribed a HC233 Fisher&Paykal humidified CPAP machine. I use the CL2 mask and have figured out how to make it work for me.

My hubby is in the military and when we transfer I'll need a machine that's easy to use and travel with...also for the occasional trips out of Alaska. I know with the massive amounts of knowledge, experience and wisdom in this forum I can be pointed in the right direction. Can anyone recommend a machine for me to use for travel and for a back up? I have no experience with any other machines and have no idea what I'm doing. I'll be buying this myself - thanks for any help!

Princess

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:10 pm

The lightest is probably a PB420 + H/H (has detached power pcak)

The there is the Respironics M series (new range from Respironics) has detached power pack

Then there is the Resmed S8 range (these are the heaviest of the 3 but cute ) has built in power

Good luck

DSM

#2 thought I should add that I used to use a PB420S for travel but now use an S8 Escape - the PB420 was very good - I liked it - but I sold it to a friend so then I started using an S8 Escape - it is excellent and as Chuck says is so easy to travel with in its niffty blue travel bag.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, resmed, Power

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:30 pm

I absolutely treasure my Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage as a travel machine. It comes with a nifty blue nylon travel case that looks like a modern laptop briefcase, and has fitted and padded compartments (that are removable) to keep everything snug and safe. Its TINY and occupies very little space on small hotel nightstands. Its reasonably quiet and very easy to use. No outboard power brick, just a standard power cord, so that's one more thing NOT to haul.

But here's the absolute best part: The data capable models in the range (S8 Elite CPAP and the S8 AutoSet Vantage APAP) will display useful efficacy data right on its LCD screen with simply a few touches of the controls. So, you can view and keep track of how you are doing with regard to the treatment WITHOUT THE NEED FOR AN OUTBOARD COMPUTER, READER OR SOFTWARE no matter where you are.

While its true that the Resprionics M series Pro and Auto will also display AHI and leak data in 7 and 30 day averages on its LCD screen, the ResMed will display 95% pressure, leak, AHI, AI and HI in nightly, weekly, monthly, six-monthly and yearly averages on its screen with simply the touch of a few keys. So, if ya wanna know how LAST NIGHT went while you're on the road, touch a few keys (BEFORE Noon) and the ResMed will cheerily tell you.

Hope this helps.

Chuck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:18 am

Thanks guys!
Most of the technical stuff you wrote Chuck, went right over my head. All I know is I set my machine at 9, fill the humidifier, wear the mask and sleep. I use the ramp button each time I put the mask on to give me some adjustment time before the thing is at full pressure. I do appreciate the info, and when I learn more I'm sure it will make perfect sense. Are these machines you mention for CPAP - or are they the APAP or BiPAP? I have just the CPAP. Does it matter?

I saw an ad for an Aura Travel - do you know anything about that?
Princess

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 5:40 am

Do you mean this one?

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

I just ordered this machine for travel and nights when the power goes out. It is a straight cpap machine, no c-flex or epr. Using the heated humidifier while on battery power will cut the use time down dramatically, so I plan to use passover humidity when on battery power. Eventually I may get a second battery so it won't be an issue. I usually sleep 6-7 hrs at a pressure of 9.5, so even with the HH on I should be fine.

Brenda

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 9:23 pm

Yes, that's the one I've seen lately and wondered about.

Using the heated humidifier while on battery power will cut the use time down dramatically, so I plan to use passover humidity when on battery power.

Does this mean using the battery and humidifier together uses the battery faster? What does passover humidity mean? Please let me know how you like it.

Thanks,
Princess

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 9:26 pm

Yes, that's what it means. I'm going to try it for the first time tonight. I'll let you know how it goes in the am!

Brenda

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:19 am

Well used the Polaris TR last night. I used the humidifier in passover mode. I slept for just over 8 hours and still have 2 of the 4 lines of battery power left. I did wake up just a little dry. I'll recharge it today and try it tonight with the humidifier set on 2.
It is a bit noisier then my remstar auto(tank). I'm not sure if it's louder but it is a higher pitch sound. Took about 15 minutes to get used to the sound and not having c-flex. I did use the ramp set at 6 for 30 minutes so I was asleep by the time it reached the pressure of 9 for the night. It was simple to set up and easy to program.
I usually sleep for about 6 hours a night, so I think I should be alright with the humidifier tonight. But I'll let you know tomorrow.
All in all...a very nice little machine!

Brenda

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:42 am

Hi Princess,

What are your needs?

Do you want it small for packing?

Do you want it to work from a battery?

Do you need the CPAP while traveling to a destination (in the car, air)

If are thinking small for size, the Remstar M machines without the humidifier are small enough. The oulet package is big.

I like the idea of the BreatheX Battery Powered CPAP Machine. Pressure is 5-12cm. No humidifier with it unless you get a seprate one. It is powered by rechargable batteries. Very basic, but good for on the couch or in a car use. Not sure how noise it would be.

There are a couple of reviews, click on the "User Reviews By:", to get to the different reviews.

viewArticle/Hoffman-Labs-BreatheX-CPAP- ... eview.html

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Hoffma ... -CPAP.html

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:46 am

Brenda,

Thanks for sharing your experience.

I wonder about not using CFlex or humidity.

bdp522 wrote:Well used the Polaris TR last night. I used the humidifier in passover mode. I slept for just over 8 hours and still have 2 of the 4 lines of battery power left. I did wake up just a little dry. I'll recharge it today and try it tonight with the humidifier set on 2.
It is a bit noisier then my remstar auto(tank). I'm not sure if it's louder but it is a higher pitch sound. Took about 15 minutes to get used to the sound and not having c-flex. I did use the ramp set at 6 for 30 minutes so I was asleep by the time it reached the pressure of 9 for the night. It was simple to set up and easy to program.
I usually sleep for about 6 hours a night, so I think I should be alright with the humidifier tonight. But I'll let you know tomorrow.
All in all...a very nice little machine!

Brenda

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 8:39 am

I was a bit worried about not having c-flex. I found out that although c-flex makes it a bit more comfortable, I CAN get along without it. I wouldn't want to do without it everynight, but I only got the polaris for power outages and travel. The BreatheX also seems to be a nice little machine but others who have it said it isn't very comfortable to wear around the neck, and takes up more space.
I did ask a trusted forum member about these machines and it was reccommended that if I could only afford one that the Polaris, with integrated HH, range of 4-20, ability to trickle charge the battery while using the machine, and small footprint, would be the better choice.
As I said The HH in passover mode was OK, but I think I'd be more comfortable with a little more humidity. I'll find out tonight.
So far I'm quite happy with the Polaris.

Brenda

SelfSeeker · Post by **SelfSeeker** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 9:05 am

Brenda thanks for explaining the suttle differences.

Did you buy the batteryf seprate?

Can the humidifer be turned on while usiong the battery?

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:43 am

I got the full package at cpap.com. You can use the HH while on battery, but it is supposed to cut the battery time about in half. I usually sleep about 6 hours. I've estimated that I used 1/2 the battery in 8 hrs with out the HH. So I should be fine for 6 hours with the HH.

Brenda

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:39 am

2nd night with the Polaris TR;

Humidifier on 2. Battery lasted 5 hours and 45 minutes. With the HH in passover I used about 1/2 inch of water, with it set at 2 I used about 1 inch of water.

The higher pitched sound didn't seem as bad, but I get used to things quickly.

If I'm using battery power alone, I will use the HH in passover mode. On stormy nights, when we may lose power I'll use it plugged into the wall, and I will use the HH on 2. That way if the power goes out it will switch to battery power automatically and I'll still get another 5 3/4 hours use without interruption. Usually the power is only out for 2-4 hours, when the power goes back on, it will switch back to regular power automatically and trickle charge the battery.

You do have to remove the HH tank to refill it. But it slides right out and slides right back in. Very little(if any) danger of spilling water.

If this machine had a longer lasting battery and c-flex it would be perfect! But it WILL suit my needs wonderfully.

Brenda

Princess · Post by **Princess** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:36 pm

SelfSeeker wrote:Hi Princess,

What are your needs?

Do you want it small for packing?

Do you want it to work from a battery?

Do you need the CPAP while traveling to a destination (in the car, air)

If are thinking small for size, the Remstar M machines without the humidifier are small enough. The oulet package is big.

I like the idea of the BreatheX Battery Powered CPAP Machine. Pressure is 5-12cm. No humidifier with it unless you get a seprate one. It is powered by rechargable batteries. Very basic, but good for on the couch or in a car use. Not sure how noise it would be.

Thanks for the reply. I'll need to use it while traveling across the country whene we move, and when I have to travel with my son for medical appointments. I don't think I need to use the machine for while I'm in the car or plane, and I guess having a battery isn't a bad idea - as a back up power source if needed. I have to pay for it myself - no help from insurance at this time so price will paly a part of the decision. I'll check out the thread you mentioned. I did try to search before I posted this as a new question.

Thanks,
Princess

Suggestions for new travel machine

Suggestions for new travel machine

Travel machines