I need to buy an automatic CPAP ... advice??

[lfmoy]

I just got my diagnostic:

Hypopnea index (in REM): 48
Hypopnea index (out of REM): 19
Apnea/Hypopnea index: 24
RERAs index: 6
Desaturation: 87

In a Nocturnal Polysomnogram, I had 24 obstructive apneas (max. duration 105 secs. and average of 34 secs.), 137 Hypopneas (max. duration 137 secs. and average of 29 secs.).

So my Dr. told me I need an automatic CPAP.

I've been doing some research and it seems that the best out there are the Resmed Autoset II and the Respironics Remstar Auto (but still don't get the difference between A-Flex and C-Flex). And the most popular mask seems to be the Quattro or the Ultra Mirage Full Face CPAP Mask. Any advices?

By the way, I'm thinking on buying it through https://www.cpap.com, any experiences on that?

Thanks,

Luis.

[jules]

the a-flex machine includes c-flex option so buy the a flex unless those few dollars matter

many of us here buy from cpap.com

beware that resmed restricts products so they can't be shipped out of the states is what I have read - you need to check that out if you want anything resmed (mask, machine, parts)

feel free to come back and ask more

[KatieW]

Welcome to the forum. I've purchased from cpap.com and they are great! I also have the S8 AutoSet II and am very happy with it.

Do you have friends/relatives in the US? You could have it shipped to them, if they are coming to visit, or if you're coming to the US soon.

[rested gal]

If you choose a ResMed autopap, I'd want the ResMed S8 Autoset II (not the newer S9 model.)

If you choose a Respironics autopap, I'd want the Philips Respironics System One REMstar Auto. It has both A-Flex and C-Flex in it. I like using A-Flex with my slightly older Respironics M series Auto. I wouldn't buy an M series model, though...I'd get the newer Philips Respironics System One REMstar Auto.

Just my opinion.

My list of machines that record "full data" (AHI and leak info) and those that don't -- updated through Jan. 2010:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

[gasp]

If you choose a ResMed autopap, I'd want the ResMed S8 Autoset II (not the newer S9 model.)

If you choose a Respironics autopap, I'd want the Philips Respironics System One REMstar Auto. It has both A-Flex and C-Flex in it. I like using A-Flex with my slightly older Respironics M series Auto. I wouldn't buy an M series model, though...I'd get the newer Philips Respironics System One REMstar Auto.

Just my opinion.

My list of machines that record "full data" (AHI and leak info) and those that don't -- updated through Jan. 2010:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

Now I'm curious why you like the Philips Respironics System One REMstar Auto versus the Respironics M Series Pro AFLEX <as I hug my beloved AFLEX> LOL

[hayeswildrick]

Hi Gasp,

I've had two Auto PAPs: The Respironics M-series Auto and the newer Respironics System One Auto.

Even though I've only been sleeping with the System One for three nights, I can tell you that it's far superior.

Several of us have given first impressions in this thread:
viewtopic/t49420/PR-system-One-auto--fi ... ssion.html

I can't speak about the S8, but I suspect that's what the Dr. is going to give my daughter in a couple of days. If so, I'll let you know what I learn - maybe even give it a try some night!

Jeff

[ronflon]

I can confirm that Resmed products may not be shipped outside the US. Must be some kind of protectionism, as the same product are sold in Europe (at triple the price )

Unfortunately, cpap.com doesn't tell you that when you place your order, only after you have paid and eventually some human starts to evaluate your order.

I had to go through a very friendly person in the US who received my parcel and then shipped it onwards to Europe. Way cheaper than what cpap.com wanted to charge me for shipment, too.

Bottom-line: Resmed policies suck, and it's good to have a friend in the States.

ronflon

[akeegan]

I am new to the ResMed AutoSet II but so far I love it. Even without the software it allows you to view some pertinent 95th centile data trending in APAP mode, so if you're so inclined you can make changes on the fly (or not.) You can also run it in CPAP mode if your doctor recommends it. I intend to run it in whatever mode gives me the best sleep.

ResMed export policies aside, I have had a ResMed since 2003 and would never choose another manufacturer. I'm sure Respironics users say the same thing.

I agree with rested gal: don't buy the ResMed S9 until it's been on the market for a while (like a year or so.) Let the bugs shake out of it.

Regards,
Al

[rosacer]

I can tell Respironics don't allow cpapc.com to ship outside from USA.

I spoke via chat with a very nice person from cpap.com and this person told me that they coudn't ship anything from Resmed outside USA, they could sell it to me but not to ship it to Canada. Ozj told in a post that's the same case for her because she doesn't live in USA. There is a gentlement from Malaysia who told me he needed to pay a second company to ship the items to Malaysia for him. We have enough witneses, it's a reality.

If you decide to buy Resmed you know you will have a difficult time each time you need to buy something at least you have comebody in USA who can receive the shipment at his/her address and ship it to you. The shiping company charges around $30 per half a kilo. and there is other fees depending on sizes, etc. It's not an easy one, take that in consideration.

Even if I don't have a Remstar Auto I think that machine shouldn't be a bad machine. It's like the case of what is better a Honda or a Nissan? I have had Nissans all my life and I find the relation between price and quality is completelly decent.

The other question is why do you need an auto machine? Do you really need that? There is another big debate on that subject too. I have a Cpap and I'm happy with it, but that's my case. I was never titrated, the doc used a formula to calculate the pressure and he was going to tweek the pressure until find the good one, why? Don't ask me My pressure is working super.

Only my oppinion...

rosacer

[gasp]

Hi Gasp,

I've had two Auto PAPs: The Respironics M-series Auto and the newer Respironics System One Auto.

Even though I've only been sleeping with the System One for three nights, I can tell you that it's far superior.

Several of us have given first impressions in this thread:
viewtopic/t49420/PR-system-One-auto--fi ... ssion.html

I can't speak about the S8, but I suspect that's what the Dr. is going to give my daughter in a couple of days. If so, I'll let you know what I learn - maybe even give it a try some night!

Jeff

Thanks for the link Jeff. I think I'll wait for the filter to work it's way out from underneath the machine. As to the cosmetics, that's what stickers and paint are for : ) The design makes it look like it's seriously old fashioned. Maybe they were shooting for a retro look. Some noted the exhale was more natural - I have my Respironics Pro AFLEX set to 3 and can't even tell it's on during ramp and can't imagine exhalation being easier. However, I'm not going to grow old with my dusty old AFLEX clutched to my chest. I love the latest tech gadgets and my machine should be no different.

-All I'll need is to be convinced the new machine is worthy.
-Have software to read the reports and the reports better be at least as good as mine are now.
-After I've tried it out first (like you're doing with the S8)
-Can pick my favorite color for the exterior of the unit (OK, well maybe not that)

[lfmoy]

Thanks to everyone that answered my post!

After reading everything I'm ordering an S8 (thank you Restedgal) AutoSet II CPAP Machine with H4i Heated Humidifier, ResScan Version 3.7 Software, USB Card Reader and a Mirage Quattro Full Face CPAP Mask. Let's hope it goes well with my apnea. I'm ordering to a friend's place in USA and she'll bring it to me.

I'll keep you updated with the news.

Thanks again,

Luis.

[jules]

I'll keep you updated with the news.
Luis.

Please do and don't be afraid to come back with questions - also lots to read here about this new journey of yours.

I am glad you have a US contact as with any Resmed product that can be a problem I hear. That was one of the first things that came to my mind last night after you posted.

[DoriC]

Just wanted to welcome you and glad you were able to work things out. My son-in-law's name is Luis and he was born in Lima,Peru but came to the states as a teenager 25yrs ago. Keep us posted.