Respironics M series Bipap vs Resmed

[Gerryk]

Ok, I am hoping some people out here can tell me the difference between the Respironics M series BiPap Auto and the Resmed comparable unit. I know Resmed only has one unit that has a pressure up to 25 like my M series.
I am trying to see if they are comparable. I am having terrible problems with my M series and I am ready to demand a different manufacturer. This is my second unit since December that is defective. It shuts itself off and restarts automatically when I am sleeping, and also shuts itself off with a small mask leak. I do have the Auto off mask off function turned off. It is definitely a malfunction because the button lights are flashing on the unit.

I will be talking to my DME again today and have to figure this out today.

Thanks Gerry

[Gerryk]

I just spoke with my DME. She called the Manufacturer and they are sending a new unit out. They said that the old one was dropped or something that it had damage on the bottom which I know it didn't. They also said it may have gotten water into the blower which would damage it and give that error code. Well I never dropped the unit and my clinician didn't find any damage on it before she shipped it back and it never had moisture in the blower.
My clinician was told my the manufacturer that if their was moisture in the blower and it still worked it would show up as black bands on the print out and their wasn't one black band on it.

I am wondering if I should just demand this unit be returned and possibly get the comparable Resmed unit.

[Slinky]

Well, you really can't call me unbiased. I'd go for the Resmed VPAP Auto 25 if you can convince them to make the switch. No PITA power brick, no touchy integrated humidifier, no PITA blue lights, no dropping data one or two days a month, more data availabe via the LCD screen, 1 lb lighter when traveling ..... but, then like I said, I'm predjudiced in favor of thr Resmeds.

[lktnky]

I just spoke with my DME. She called the Manufacturer and they are sending a new unit out. They said that the old one was dropped or something that it had damage on the bottom which I know it didn't. They also said it may have gotten water into the blower which would damage it and give that error code. Well I never dropped the unit and my clinician didn't find any damage on it before she shipped it back and it never had moisture in the blower.
My clinician was told my the manufacturer that if their was moisture in the blower and it still worked it would show up as black bands on the print out and their wasn't one black band on it.

I am wondering if I should just demand this unit be returned and possibly get the comparable Resmed unit.

GerryK,
Just go ahead and ask them for a ResMed. You'll thank yourself over and over again.
I went through 3 of them and finally got a ResMed VPAP Auto which I have NEVER regretted. It's all around a better little machine, just like CrohnieToo said. No brick, no lights, quiet, records lots of data. Ask for the 25 as I believe the Auto has been discontinued. You can get a cleanable chamber for the humidifier, too.
All the best,
LKTNKY

[Gerryk]

How do they compare as far as data recording? Is there a card reader or just use the cable? Is that a standard null modem cable or a special cable I have to locate?I have the software for the M and the card reader. I don't have a problem with not using the card reader if I do switch.
Gerry

[Gerryk]

Which humidifier works with the auto 25 is it the 3 or 4? I understand the 4 holds more water is that correct?
Gerry

[JimW203]

Which humidifier works with the auto 25 is it the 3 or 4? I understand the 4 holds more water is that correct?
Gerry

The H4i has the larger capacity compared to the H3i; in addition I understand that the heater surface area is larger, too. It is substantially larger capacity than the M's integrated unit. It is also extremely easy to detach from the machine and is very easy to clean and fill. It has one downside in that it requires a pure sine wave power source if powered by battery. When I got my S8 Elite II in early December I had been trying to convince the DME to give me an M Pro. The RT convinced me that the ResMed was all around a more reliable unit - time will tell.

JimW203

[lktnky]

How do they compare as far as data recording? Is there a card reader or just use the cable? Is that a standard null modem cable or a special cable I have to locate?I have the software for the M and the card reader. I don't have a problem with not using the card reader if I do switch.
Gerry

You have the option of the card reader or connecting directly to your computer. Data includes AHI scores, length of time in usage, volume, resp and leak rates, and a couple of others. My machine has been much more reliable than the M and easier to travel with. The machines are so much easier to breathe against and the VPAP Auto 25 can be set in CPAP, Bilevel or Variable modes. I'm very happy with my ResMed.
As for the humidifier, it came with the 4i and a chamber that comes apart for easier cleaning. There appears to be a kit to modify a 3i but as noted, the 4i has a larger chamber (30% larger) and a larger warming plate.

All the best,
LKTNKY

[Gerryk]

Thanks for the input so far. I will talk to my DME Monday and tell them I want a different machine the auto 25. I have just had too many problems with it and the manufacturer.
Gerry