Want to move to APaP data capable machine, suggestions?

[geno89]

Hi,

Thought I'd get some opinions from this fine forum on the the top three sellers on cpap.com.
I'm a 7yr CPAP user (F&P HC221) and it's time for a new machine that can travel easier, is quieter and provide data on my therapy.

Between the Intellipap, S8 Autoset II, and M Series Auto, I'm not too sure which one delivers the most bang for the buck.
I'm leaning towards the Intellipap but if the S8 or M Series provide more detailed data that would be beneficial to my therapy, I'd rather
go for one of them.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

[Pugsy]

Are you going to be purchasing or want to purchase or use the software available for whichever machine you decide on? If not, then pick the machine that gives you the most information available on the LED screen.
If you want to use the software, then pick a machine that you like how the software presents the data.

I am new. The only machine I have known is my Respironics M series with CFlex. I have no problems or complaints with it whatever and I use the software for it. The data available on the LED screen alone, is sorely lacking though.
If I wasn't going to use software I would likely opt for the ResMed AutoSet II because it offers more data on the screen.

[jimlux]

Group, Which software provides the most useful output?

[geno89]

Are you going to be purchasing or want to purchase or use the software available for whichever machine you decide on? If not, then pick the machine that gives you the most information available on the LED screen.
If you want to use the software, then pick a machine that you like how the software presents the data.

I am new. The only machine I have known is my Respironics M series with CFlex. I have no problems or complaints with it whatever and I use the software for it. The data available on the LED screen alone, is sorely lacking though.
If I wasn't going to use software I would likely opt for the ResMed AutoSet II because it offers more data on the screen.

Hi Pugsy... I have no preference either way and can purchase the software / card readers if that is the best combo...thanks for the feedback

[Pugsy]

If you are wanting to have software data available, then you need to look at the reports that are generated by each product. I opted for Respironics because it offers Flow limitations and Vibratory snore indexes in addition to AI, OA, and AHI values. The daily detailed graph (I have a post today showing examples) is easier to understand for me.
There are other pages in the report also. I just mainly look at each days detail. Only thing that I find lacking with the Respironcis Encore Viewer software is I wish I could really see the length of time for each apnea event. Not that it is that big of a deal, I just wonder because I had 40 sec events during the sleep study and my O2 dropped very low.
There are several images here of the software and the graphs that are produce. Gives you an idea.
https://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?PNum ... Cover2.jpg

I can't help with ResMed. The software is available only from Australia since ResMed prohibits sale to end users.
Someone else that has the software can explain what it shows. I find it harder to understand but then that is me. Those that use it don't care for Encore. Personal preference.

Intellipap??? New kid and in the minority here. I don't know what all is involved with getting and using its software.

[Wulfman]

Hi,

Thought I'd get some opinions from this fine forum on the the top three sellers on cpap.com.
I'm a 7yr CPAP user (F&P HC221) and it's time for a new machine that can travel easier, is quieter and provide data on my therapy.

Between the Intellipap, S8 Autoset II, and M Series Auto, I'm not too sure which one delivers the most bang for the buck.
I'm leaning towards the Intellipap but if the S8 or M Series provide more detailed data that would be beneficial to my therapy, I'd rather go for one of them.

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

You forgot one other (excellent) machine:

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

Each machine manufacturer has their own algorithms for their Autos. Some work better for some people than others.

You didn't say what your pressure has been with your F&P machine. For some of us, the changing pressure of the Autos can disrupt our sleep and single-pressure may work best......but if you want an Auto, there's nothing wrong with getting one as all of them can still be run in CPAP mode.


Den

[Hawthorne]

You can always use ANY auto in straight cpap mode so, whichever auto you choose you will have 2 machines.

The Resmed and Respironics machines have exhalation relief. You have not had that available on your current cpap so may not want it BUT if you buy a Resmed or a Respirincs auto you can use the exhalation relief or not but you can try it.

The Respironics even has 2 different exhalation relief features so, you may like one better than the other or neither!

There are a lot of options. You need to think about what features are available on all the autos and which you want to at least try.

[Engransan]

I use my S8 Autoset II with software and reader purchased prior to Resmeds ban on selling their software to patients. I would normally recommend this machine except for this companys attitude toward keeping their patients/customers at arms length.
Engransan

[Muse-Inc]

OK, I want the ResMed Auto so I'm biased . It's the quietest. It has Easy Breathe technology designed to more closely minic natural breath flow plus has no or 3 levels of exhalation relief (EPR) that reduces pressure as you exhale. I think it's the lightest (could be wrong). It has the most efficacy data on it's display compared to the other Autos; however, you can't buy the software for the detailed sleep info in the US, you can buy from Australia as others here have done. You define your mask (if ResMed or one that mimics one of theirs' intentional venting or use STANDARD) so that the reported leak is really the overnight leak...no calculation involved. Has a convenient travel case. ResMed on their website has a letter for the airlines making travel with xPAP somewhat easier. There are 2 types of humidifier tubs, one that has a flip-top that allows easier cleaning. Plus the new humidifier provides more humid air with a larger tub.

PS You should know that ResMed and Respironics are planning to introduce new models this October....no one knows the details yet.

[twokatmew]

I don't know what kind of data the IntelliPAP Auto displays on the LCD, but it uses SmartCodes to provide reports without additional software. The data provided in the SmartCode reports IMO is more detailed than what a ResMed LCD shows. Here's an example of the SmartCode reports: https://www.cpap.com/SmartCode-Report-A ... s-Used.pdf If you buy the SmartLink module and software, you'll get more detailed reports. The IntelliPAP uses a standard SD card, so you can either buy a bundle with the SmartLink module, software, SD card, card reader and USB extension cable -- or you can save a few $$ and buy just the SmartLink module and software if you already have the other items. (I'm not sure what file format the IntelliPAP uses. I know there was a discussion of it previously, and IIRC it uses FAT16, but I can't find the thread to know for sure.)

Although this unit doesn't have exhalation relief as do the ResMed AutoSet II and the Respironics Autos, it sure has a lot of features and a great price, not to mention an extra year on the warranty.

[geno89]

Thanks for all the feedback so far, it's been an eyeopener.
I'll take a look @ the Sandman as it looks like another solid choice. Good info on the new model introductions this Oct. I think I might wait and see, I'm not in a huge hurry but need to purchase before year end (FSA)

I think I'll spend some time looking up the information that each unit provides...lots of detail can be found in these reports...

[rested gal]

Given what ozij has reported about her experience with the DeVilbiss autopap and its software, that brand (DeVilbiss) would probably be the last one I'd choose. That's not to say that machine cannot treat people quite well. It's just not the machine I'd choose for two reasons that are rather important to me, but might not matter as much to someone else:

lack of any exhalation relief feature
poor software

viewtopic/p380304/viewtopic.php?p=379882#p379882

viewtopic/p380304/viewtopic.php?p=379961#p379961

[El Pap]

Rested Gal, remember that Ozij was using the SmartLink software with a internationalized (Hebrew) version of Windows, which was causing her some compatibility issues that those of us in the US don't face. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43294&p=385213#p384183 Also, remember that Ozij doesn't own an IntelliPAP, she rented one for a couple weeks to evaluate it.

You are absolutely correct that the machine doesn't provide exhalation relief, but I think your characterization of the software as "poor", due to the review of a single person that doesn't own the machine and was known to be experiencing software compatibility issues is a bit unfair. I'd encourage people to read the comments in the CPAP.COM product challenge for a wide range of views, both pro and con.

I like my IntelliPAP. I like the fact that DeVilbiss participates in this forum, and utilizes customer feedback to help with product development. And although I could give DeVilbiss a pretty large laundry list of improvements I'd like to see made to SmartLink, it does give me sufficient information to evaluate and dial-in my treatment.

[timbalionguy]

I will throw in another vote for the IntelliPAP. No, its reporting software isn't as nice as the other two big names. But, it is IMHO more than adequate for most users. I am sure the software will improve in time. It is a fairly new product.

Otherwise, the IntelliPAP is small, quiet and has an internal HH. It runs on AC or DC, with the ability to have DC back up AC.. Has an internal power supply, so there are no big bulges in the power cord. (Internal supply runs HH as well.) It travels very well. I just finished my fifth trip traveling with it since April.

The SD card uses a standard file format easily read by any major OS. A previous poster mentioned FAT 16, and could be right. Other possibility is it is FAT 32. FAT 32 is more logical because of the large capacity of the SD card used.