I need help finding the right CPAP machine

[wsputnam]

I just got the results from my sleep study and I'm a mess. I'm a 57 y/o male with severe apnea (70Xhour up to 70 seconds.) I've got good insurance and would appreciate your suggestions on which machine to buy. Realistically am I better off spending the bux for a BiPap or does a cheaper unit do the same with less out-of-pocket? I'm new to this site and any serious suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance. The HHC will be getting their order from the hospital on Thursday 5/19, and I'd like some help making an intelligent decision.

[limpy]

Welcome! You've come to the right place but have a lot of reading to do! Seems like I type of these out every day - I wonder if cpaptalk would let me maintain a "what should I buy" Autolink entry.

There is a lot of helpful stuff that goes with CPAP treatment, but three parts are most critical: Machine, Mask, Humidifier.

Machine Info

There are three types of CPAP machines. Click the links to learn more:

CPAP AutoPAP (APAP, Auto Adjusting PAP) BIPAP (BiPAP, VPAP)

If you're Rx doesn't say "BiPAP" on it, then you are looking at choosing between a CPAP and an APAP. CPAPs blow one constant pressure, APAPs adjust to blow the minimum pressure to keep your airway open.

cpap.com has a "rank by popularity" feature that is helpful. The good stuff floats to the top.

CPAP Machines: 420G, Remstar Plus w/ C-Flex

https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-p ... ected=CPAP


APAP Machines: Remstar Auto w/ C-Flex, Autoset Spirit, 420E

https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-p ... d=AUTOCPAP


CPAP Masks: Activa, Swift, Breeze, ComfortCurve

https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-p ... /cpap-mask

Humidifiers: H2O, HC150, remstar heated,

https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-p ... HUMIDIFIER

You must choose between heated and non-heated (also called passover humidifiers). If you've got the money go heated, cold air usually means sore throats.

Also, either go with the Fisher and Paykel unit (which fits every CPAP) or buy the same brand of humidifier as cpap - as many are integrated.

This is a favorite topic around here as everyone has their favorite stuff. Your job is to do some reading of old posts, check out those pages, and ask more questions. Remember, it takes a while to ease into this treatment and everyone that this works for slowly tweaks until something works for them. There are better products and worse product, but no "great for all" products.

Good luck!

[limpy]

It didnt autolink my machine terms. Use this link and look up CPAP, APAP and BiPAP:

cpapedia.php?mode=view


Or just click the blue book above.

[rested gal]

Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex and heated humidifier.
or
Puritan Bennett 420E Auto with heated humidifier

One of these masks:
Swift
Breeze
Activa
Ultra Mirage FF (if you need to breathe through your mouth instead of through nose.)

Optional very useful extra to have with either machine - the software.

Remstar Auto uses Encore Pro software and a card reader.

420E Auto uses Silverlining software and a cable.

_____________________________________
My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.

[wsputnam]

Thank you for your posts. I chose a ResMed Auto Set Spirit APAP with built in heated humidifier and RedMed Mirage full face mask. I used it for the first time last night and other than having a low setting for initiation (4) everything went reasonable well. I imagine that this is what ones first night with orthodontic headgear would have been like had I had that experience. I woke up a bit lite headed but everything else went ok. One hour to go to sleep and I just woke up once.
Only one confusing event: I coughed last night and that got the machine to wheeze a bit for the rest of the evening. After shutting it off and restarting it appears to have stabilized.

Thanks again for your post.