New guy in town with lots of questions

[Garyw]

I stumbled onto this site while doing a lot of research, and am pretty impressed with the comradrie of all. A little history I have been using a CPAP for the past 6 years an old Respironics Solo LX., various masks currently an Ultra FF, with an air over humidifier. During this time I have also been diagnosed with CHF which doesn't help with my apnea. I also have a neatly trimmed beard and moustache. I am up for my new sleep study on 4/03. Since it is coming up I have been trying to learn all about the newer machines and read a lot of the past posts. I seem a lot use the Remstars, M series or the S8 elite or vantage. Have the noise problems and leak problems been resolved with the M series? I have been leaning towards either the vantage or the M pro plus. Any up-to date comparisons would be appreciated. I have also been thinking of giving the Inno Hybrid a try for a mask any long time users pleased or have you gone back to a FF mask instead?

Thanks sorry for rambling
Gary

[NightHawkeye]

Hi Garyw! Welcome.

. . . a lot use the Remstars, M series or the S8 elite or vantage. Have the noise problems and leak problems been resolved with the M series? I have been leaning towards either the vantage or the M pro plus. Any up-to date comparisons would be appreciated.

Here's a link for some machine comparisons.
viewtopic.php?t=18232&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
The discussion was just a few days ago.

Regards,
Bill

[DreamStalker]

Hey Gary -

Welcome to the gang and not worry 'bout rambling.

If you are paying out of pocket ... your best value may well be avoid the ResMed since they jacked up their prices significantly a few months ago.

If insurance will be covering most of your costs, it will be useful for you to be familiar with your sleep study results. Make sure you get a copy of it for your own records and so that forum members can better aid you in any tweaking ... should you need it. Also make certain you get a copy of your "original" prescription from your doc ... it will provide you for leverage of selecting whom you will purchase your equipment from.

Folks sensitive to central apneas do not seem to do as well with the ResMed machine under APAP mode. Your sleep study should tell you whether or not you are sensitive to central apneas.

If you will continue to use the machine in CPAP mode then it generally will not matter since all of the machines will perform equally. However, you do want to make sure that you get a machine that is capable of providing you with efficacy data (either thru the LED or via PC and software).

Anyway, make yourself at home ... read some posts and ask lots of questions. Gotta go now ... Lost is about to start.

Take care and bst of luck!

[WearyOne]

Welcome, Gary!

I am new to this cpap stuff, about three weeks since I picked up my machine. I've tried a few masks, but now use only the Hybrid, as that has been the best for me as far as low or no leaks, comfort, etc.

I have the Respironics M Series Pro CFlex with heated humidifier. In the three weeks I've had it, it's been great--no problems at all.

Glad you found us!

Pam

[bdp522]

Welcome to the forum!
I started with the hybrid and still use it when I need a ff mask. I have exzema and any part of the mask that touches my skin leaves red patches. I have been using the CL2 and Optilife because there is less touching my face. But the hybrid is still the most comfortable for me. I use it when I'm a bit congested or if I really feel I might have trouble sleeping, I even used it a few nights just because it felt good. If you get the hybrid do a search for roosters post on fitting it. Best instructions out there!

Brenda

[TonyL]

Welcome Garyw

I have been on CPAP since 97 with a nasual mask and as of December
now on APAP with UMFF mask I like the full mask as it keeps my mouth closed and my numbers staying low. I am using a Resmed VPAP III but my insurance paid for because I was due for a new one and had to have a sleep study to get it. Like others here have said Resmed is very high in cost if you have to pay for it your self. Being able to monitor your own numbers and haveing a good doctor that understands OSA helps.
We are all here for you to enjoy life. Good luck on your study.
Tony

[Guest]

.......................I have also been thinking of giving the Inno Hybrid a try for a mask any long time users pleased or have you gone back to a FF mask instead?

Thanks sorry for rambling
Gary

_________________

I switched to the Hybrid mask as soon as my supplier could get one when it was introduced in August of 2006. I have used it every night since. It is an excellent innovation.

If you try one, we can help with adjusting the mask and headgear. Just ask.

rooster

[Lepeu63]

I'm about 2.5 months in with an M series. Noise - not bad. Some Darth Vader type breathing in Cflex mode but it doesn't bother me and my wife says its a lot quieter then my snoring so it's a win.

Leaks. About 2 months in I noticed some moisture on the seam line of the humidifier tank in the morning - where the two halves of the tank come together. Not much - maybe about 3-4 drops and only noticible when I pull the tank from the unit and hold it vertically - otherwise it stays in the seam. I'm not sure what the gasket life-expectency on that one is, but I'd guess its no more then 6 months. Note the seam doesn't leak when I fill it, ony when the unit's on and under pressure. I'm at 8cm so it's prettly low compared to some here. Not sure how well it would fare up around 12.

Overall, I'm very happy with the machine. I travel for business a lot so the compact size is a plus.

[Slinky]

Welll, I have the Resmed S8 Elite w/Humidaire 3i. I've used it since starting xPAP therapy in Oct 06 except for the almost 3 weeks I had a loaner classic Remstar Auto w/C-Flex. I liked the Remstar Auto - but I like my Resmed better. I'm trying to get an S8 Vantage in place of the Elite simply because I have COPD and I'd prefer to have an Auto for "those" times I need the pressure adjustment.

I don't use the EPR or the Ramp anymore so the C-Flex in Auto mode w/the Remstar isn't important to me. If I "can't" get an S8 Vantage thru my local DME then I'll self-purchase a classic Remstar Auto w/C-Flex.

The one problem I had w/my S8 Elite is that the integrated Humidaire 3i heated humidifier couldn't keep up w/the low humidity in the house during the below freezing, high wind weather for a couple of weeks here in MI. If you have been using and doing well w/just a passover humidifier that shouldn't be of any concern to you. I've heard of the Remstar integrated heated humidifiers having the same problem BUT NOT to the degree the Resmed's have encountered, especially given the Remstar's are more popular here than the Resmeds.

There's more support and more detailed software available for the Remstars. But the Resmed software and reader cable are easier to install and are easy to use. There is more data more readily available via the LED screen w/the Resmeds than w/the Remstars. W/the Remstars you have to unplug, plug back in whilst holding a button or buttons. With the Resmeds its just a matter of pressing buttons and the LED screen is a good size and EASY to read. The M series does provide more data than the classic and I understand the LED screen is better than the classic as well - but there is still the unplug, plug, botton bit to go thru.

Since you've done well w/the Respironics to now you probably would be happiest w/the "classic" Remstar Auto and give the M series a chance to "grow up" and get all the bugs out. You know you do well w/the Respironics algorhythm, its been said here that there are those who do better w/one company's algorhythm than another's on an individual basis is the only reason I say that.

And ... as others have said if you have to pay out of pocket or have a good size copay its considerably cheaper to go w/either of the Respironics Autos. In case you can't guess I prefer the Resmeds. But if I have to selfpay to get an Auto, I can't handle 1/3 again as much in price for the Resmed S8 Vantage.

[Garyw]

As I have noticed monitoring this board you are all very helpful amd curteous. Since I have the UMFF mask to fall back on I will probably give the Hybrid a try the problems with being a mouth breather. Still up in the air on a machine guess I will have to wait for the sleep study results hear recommendations or which way I can lead the DR. I have mild COPD to cope with to so maybe even a BIPAP may come in to play. I have 2 insurances so the cost won't be a problem. But thanks to all


gary