BIG UPDATE: NEW RESPIRONICS PR Series Auto CPAP Released!

[socalmonkey]

Is this new? Did this machine just come out today? Yes, It did - August 17th 2009 - a NEW machine from Respironics!

Respironics introduces "System One" and C-Flex Plus through a new line of CPAP machines. The PR Auto CPAP Machine is an intelligent solution that knows when, why, and how changes should occur to consistently and effectively provide optimum sleep therapy. New System One technologies like Humidity Control with Dry Box and Resistance Control for use with any mask, all are helping users achieve effective therapy. The PR Auto comes standard with carrying case, bag, memory card, manuals.... etc.

CPAP.COM Scoops everybody on this: https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/respi ... -flex.html

The design of the humidifier looks very interesting. I wonder what kind of memory card it uses?

[socalmonkey]

SD Memory card!! Way to go Respironics! Finally, they figure it out!

[socalmonkey]

Pictures....







I love the placement of the hose outlet! This is a BIG improvement!!!

And it's got something new called C-Flex Plus (C-Flex+).

Also A-Flex... I WANT ONE!

[2ndGenCPAPgal]

Looks like they're also expanding the amount of data and making it easier for us to get.

Interesting contrast with the direction another maker has taken...

That being said, I won't be following you into this obsession. Maybe if I'm in the market to make my current machine my "backup" a couple years from now.
(must.resist.new.tech)

[socalmonkey]

Here's another description of it (not from cpap.com). Once again, this thing is so new... even Respironics doesn't have anything on there website yet.

Check this out:

New automatic CPAP machine from Philips Respironics.
Philips Respironics Sleep Therapy System uses advanced intelligence to deliver optimum care.

Beyond anything previously possible, this new system is the true definition of intelligent therapy. Through advancements in software algorithms, humidification management, and the marriage of proven technologies,the Philips Respironics Sleep Therapy System thinks for itself, carefully monitoring your sleep patterns and recongnizing when therapy needs are changing. Armed with that knowledge, it then provides you with the intelligent information you need for improved patient care.

The Philips Respironics CPAP System:

Knows when, whey and how changes should be made to consistently and continually provide optimum therapy
Knows how to maximize patient comfort for improved long-term compliance
Knows what essential information you need and how to get it to you in a form you can use
It's a thinking platform that gives you more control. And one more way we're working with you to arrive at better solutions for better living.
Five components of intelligent CPAP therapy:

System One humidity control and Dry Box technology
Better humidification management to prevent rainout and water damage

System One resistance control
Optimized pressure delivery, no matter which mask is used

Advanced event detection
Identification of complicated and changing conditions that may indicate alternative therapy

Flex Family technologies
Improved patient comfort with proven pressure relief

Encore data management and reporting
Intelligent patient management for improved compliance

[Maple Leaf]

Hmm, looks interesting. Does this new machine claim to detect centrals... anyone??

[socalmonkey]

Hmm, looks interesting. Does this new machine claim to detect centrals... anyone??

Well it says the following about it's new Advanced Event Detection:

"Respiratory Effort-Related Arousals (RERAs) differ from a Hypopnea event in that a RERA shows increasing respiratory effort with each breath, culminating in a shift in brain wave activity and not necessarily a result of obstruction. Periodic breathing conditions such as Cheyne-Stokes respiration and central apneas are distinguishable from obstructed apnea or snoring events" [emphasis added]

I'm not sure if that answers your question.

[SleepyNoMore]

Hmm, looks interesting. Does this new machine claim to detect centrals... anyone??

Well it says the following about it's new Advanced Event Detection:

"Respiratory Effort-Related Arousals (RERAs) differ from a Hypopnea event in that a RERA shows increasing respiratory effort with each breath, culminating in a shift in brain wave activity and not necessarily a result of obstruction. Periodic breathing conditions such as Cheyne-Stokes respiration and central apneas are distinguishable from obstructed apnea or snoring events" [emphasis added]

I'm not sure if that answers your question.

Right, it just says it distinguishes the difference between them, it does not say it treats the Centrals, I'm thinking it just adds them into the Data just like apneas & hypopneas, very interesting though!
Thanks for the info on the new machine, you've been doing your homework...

[Pugsy]

We no longer get past the lure of "the Mask" and we have the lure of the latest technology in the form of a brand new machine. The Mask didn't peak my interest but this does.
I don't see the software explained though. Software is not listed with product information that we normally see.

So which software, end user or the DME??? It talks about what is included but doesn't say if it will work with Encore Viewer or if it must use Pro. Anyone seen this addressed?

[socalmonkey]

I was wondering the same thing Pugsy.

It simply states: "Use Encore Software to monitor therapy..."

And it also says this under the specs: "Device Set-Up LCD/Control Wheel or Encore Software".

I assumed (and we know what that can get you)... I read that as working with the current software. But that is the number one on question on my "to be answered list".

Here are my top three questions I would like answered.

1. Does it need a new version of software to get reports?

2. How bright is the LCD display? Does it dim (or shut off) automatically when not in use?

3. Is the power supply still a "brick"? (I think so judging from the 12 volt mention in the specs).

Those are the questions I'll be seeking answers to tomorrow.

[jskinner]

1. Does it need a new version of software to get reports?

Yes.

[Hawthorne]

This new machine certainly looks interesting! I have the same questions others have raised.

Also, I was reading about the fact that the water in the water chamber will stay in there in spite of movement of the machine. Given the history of the M Series integrated humidifier, I would wait to see if that is in fact true.

Is Resprionics going into making only auto machines? No other models have been mentioned so far.

I'll wait until the machine has been tested by a good number of real cpap users!

[socalmonkey]

Here is the answer on the software!

The new PR Series will require Encore Pro Software 2.1 to work. No Encore Viewer software, according to Respironics! It's only going to work with the Pro (unless that changes).

This is a bummer. I don't understand them. Adding great new features, expanding data... but they are taking access away from us!

A deal breaker for me! (unless I can score the software).

This info via talking with Respironics.

[Pugsy]

The new PRI Series will require Encore Pro Software 2.1 to work. No Encore Viewer at this time, according to Respironics! It's only going to work with Pro!

This is a bummer. I don't understand them. Adding great new features, expanding data... but they are taking access away from us!

A deal breaker for me! (unless I can score the software)

Alas, a deal breaker for me also unless I can get my hands on the needed software. Somehow this turn of events didn't surprise me any. I kinda expected this to be the case.

[cinco777]

socalmonkey wrote

The new PRI Series will require Encore Pro Software 2.1 to work. No Encore Viewer at this time, according to Respironics! It's only going to work with Pro!

Without software (Encore Pro 2.1) availability to users at a reasonable cost, I wouldn't touch this new Respironics product with a 10-foot pole - even if it was offered at half the "low" price shown on CPAP.COM.