IntelliPAP Auto 19, M Series Auto A-Flex 11

[SharkBait]

Yeah, both graphs and both descriptions show the exhalation pressure relief being "C-Flex", and A-Flex affecting only a different part of the curve.

I don't know why it is, though...maybe just my imagination... ... but I don't feel that "BOOM, here it is again!" feeling of pressure rushing back in toward the end of my exhalation with A-Flex, like I do with "just C-Flex." I had learned to ignore that with C-Flex, but if I'm using C-Flex and thinking about it, I can definitely feel it.

Anyway, all of it, exhalation and inhalation...all the transitions up or down...just feel smoother and more natural to me with A-Flex turned on than with C-Flex turned on. Maybe it's just me!

I think the C-Flex "rush" is due to the fact that it just feels like the machine has turned off. At least with A-Flex you can still feel the machine is on so the move back to pressure isn't as extreme. While my results with C-Flex are as good as with A-Flex, I just can't get past the fact that it feels like it's backing off too much. The "C" in CPAP makes me want to feel like the machine is maintaining a little pressure during exhale. I know, weird...

I presume you know that you can adjust the A-FLEX and C-FLEX settings to 1, 2 or 3 to reduce or increase the effect of the feature.

Yes, I use setting of 1. Even at a setting of 1 the C-Flex feels like it backs way, way off. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and the AHI numbers are still good so it's not like it's letting the airway close. I just prefer A-Flex with less of a difference...

[RipVW]

Figured you knew, just wanted to be sure. I use A-FLEX set at 3, and it feels "just right." Funny how different we all are regarding what feels comfortable.

[dieselgal]

I apparently am just one of the lucky ones because on regular CPAP I definitely require EPR, It would drive me crazy without it but with both the M-Series and the Intellipap, I can use both of them without A/flex or any EPR. It appears that the sensitivity to my breathing gives enough relief that I am comfortable.

[El Pap]

I just noticed that there is updated SmartLink module firmware on the DeVilbiss website here: http://marketing.sunrisemedical.com/DeV ... Index.html

It looks like this firmware is dated 2/12/09 and was posted to the website on 3/5/09. (I'm not sure whether the participants in the challenge already have this firmware on their modules.) Release notes indicate that this version "Made various translation corrections based on customer feedback.", "CPAP settings and SmartCodes are now stored on the data card." and "Added the ability to clear SmartLink memory using a hidden key sequence."

I'm curious what "Made various translation corrections based on customer feedback." means...

Unlike upgrading machine firmware, this upgrade requires no cable. Apparently you just download and run the update on your computer with the SD card in the reader, and the firmware on the module will be updated next time the card is inserted. I plan to give this a try tonight.

[feeling_better]

Hi,

I have been away from the forum, just came in to do a post and saw this. Have not read much of this thread, but did read some of the original feedback of participants in the trial. I am preparing for a trip, so have to run off; so at the risk of being rude, going to ask a couple of questions:

1. Is there a comparison photo somewhere, side by side, of the units with HH? I want to see the relative sizes.

2, What is the weight of each, again with HH?

3. What is the price of each?

BTW, please do read my new post about Dr. Jones article, I think this is a major new view about sleep apnea. I will read the discussion when we get back; unless from the airports

[Hawthorne]

I think, if you go to cpap.com, you can see the 2 machines with the humidifers - not side by side but I think all the information is there about both machines. Just look up each machine separately.

[El Pap]

I think, if you go to cpap.com, you can see the 2 machines with the humidifers - not side by side but I think all the information is there about both machines. Just look up each machine separately.

Problem with the cpap.com listing is that despite having 5 pictures and two graphs of the M series, they never show the much-derided power brick, or even mention it in the listing. It's also not clear whether it's included in the weight and dimensions specifications.

[DeVilbiss Marketing]

"I'm curious what "Made various translation corrections based on customer feedback." means...

The changes we made are actually edits to our language translations for French and German.

[feeling_better]

I looked at cpap.com, I could not find the weight with HH for either one of them there. Perhaps it is there, but cleverly or unknowingly concealed My guess is the DeVilbliss is about the same size as M series in weight and dimension when both are looked at with the HH.

Somebody here who has both probably can provide a side by side photo, and measure the weight of each with the required power brick and post here please. I would consider that unbiased; one thing I have learned over the years is that there is no unbiased spec from a marketing dept

[El Pap]

"I'm curious what "Made various translation corrections based on customer feedback." means...

The changes we made are actually edits to our language translations for French and German.

Thanks for the info. I'm happy to report that the upgrade went smoothly and was very easy to perform.

[johnnygoodman]

I think, if you go to cpap.com, you can see the 2 machines with the humidifers - not side by side but I think all the information is there about both machines. Just look up each machine separately.

Problem with the cpap.com listing is that despite having 5 pictures and two graphs of the M series, they never show the much-derided power brick, or even mention it in the listing. It's also not clear whether it's included in the weight and dimensions specifications.

We agree and are working to fix this.

[DeVilbiss Marketing]

I looked at cpap.com, I could not find the weight with HH for either one of them there. Perhaps it is there, but cleverly or unknowingly concealed My guess is the DeVilbliss is about the same size as M series in weight and dimension when both are looked at with the HH.

Somebody here who has both probably can provide a side by side photo, and measure the weight of each with the required power brick and post here please. I would consider that unbiased; one thing I have learned over the years is that there is no unbiased spec from a marketing dept

Our stated weight with humdification is 4.45 lbs. The dimensions we state are 6.5" wide x 8.4" long x 6.4" high. The overall area of the IntelliPAP should be slightly smaller than the Respironics M Series (not including the power brick)

[DeVilbiss Marketing]

The Intellipap does have a feature where you can adjust the sensitivity for detection of sleep events. I'm not sure if it changes the therapy it provides, or just changes the way it reports the therapy, and plan to look into this in case I can "adjust" the machine to provide better therapy for me. Georgio

Just to calrify this point, the IntelliPAP AutoAdjust does allow you to change the apnea/hypopnea % which will alter the way to unit detects and responds to events.

[feeling_better]

Our stated weight with humidification is 4.45 lbs. The dimensions we state are 6.5" wide x 8.4" long x 6.4" high. The overall area of the IntelliPAP should be slightly smaller than the Respironics M Series (not including the power brick)

Thank you very much for that data. I assume you meant the overall volume instead of area above? Area (footprint) looks definitely much less, but DeVelibiss is much taller than M series.

I assume there is no external pwr supply (aka brick) needed for DeV? That is the power supply is built into it? How does the battery pack operate? Is there a separate DC v input socket, or the battery pack unit up-converts to 110v ?

[-SWS]

The Intellipap does have a feature where you can adjust the sensitivity for detection of sleep events. I'm not sure if it changes the therapy it provides, or just changes the way it reports the therapy, and plan to look into this in case I can "adjust" the machine to provide better therapy for me. Georgio

Just to calrify this point, the IntelliPAP AutoAdjust does allow you to change the apnea/hypopnea % which will alter the way to unit detects and responds to events.

Would you mind expanding on this treatment feature a bit more? Here are a couple questions that come to mind:

1) Is that residual or pretreated apneas/hypopneas that are supposed to be entered?

2) I have mostly hypopneas. Based on adjustment of this parameter, how would the Intellipap AutoAdjust treat me differently than someone who has mostly apneas or someone with a hypothetical 50/50 ratio?

Any other points you would like to make about this feature are most appreciated.