Resmed S8II or S9 - advice sought

[Gadget_OSA]

Hi
I was diagnosed with OSA in early January. The following is the summary results from the sleep study –
• Average supine AHI : 29.8
• Average Lateral AHI : 2.3
• Total AHI : 14.6
The vast majority of events were Hypopnoea with only 2 obstructive when supine and 0 central apnoea’s. My average Sp02 was 95% with 1 minor event at 87%.
My follow up titration study resulted in the following prescription –
• CPAP to commence at 10cmH2O as an interim pressure via a fixed pressure CPAP preferably with a humidifier.
• A small size ResMed Swift FX mask was recommended as that was what was used on the titration study
• A follow up sleep study in 2 months to check progress

I have been doing a lot of research on CPAP since January particularly here due to the excellent discussion and information offered and have a preference for the Resmed auto CPAPS based on what I’ve read. The question that I would appreciate your advice on is is it worth spending the additional AUD$500 for an S9 autoset instead of the S8 autoset II? I have noted comments that the S9 is easier to use and not operationally as harsh (easier on the senses) as the S8 although the S8 is considered a very good unit and many people continue to use and recommend them. I also understand the S9 has additional monitoring data and reporting via ResScan V3.10 although some possible bugs have been reported with data skewing, incorrect screen data and SD card problems which suggests firmware that still requires some work.

So S8II or S9, advice, comment or criticism welcome.

[bigk]

The S8II is a fine machine - no doubt about it. However, the S9 seems to have many advantages - and I'm not so sure of the "problems" you are seeing reported. I also doubt the end user will see any firmware updates either.

The thing is, the S9 is the latest and greatest. You will most probably not be replacing any CPAP you buy now any time soon so I'd get the most up to date which is the S9. It seems to me to be giving me better therapy.

I also think you have quite mild sleep apnea. Is there any way you could just make sure you sleep on your side rather than your back? Them you may not need CPAP at all?

Lastly, if you're interested in a second hand S8II......

[ozij]

The S8's algorithm, by design, does not respond to events it deems to be hypopneas.
I have an S8 -- and many many times, when it records a hypopnea it will not respond to, my pulse oxymeter records a drop in oxygenation.
Considering the fact that "the vast number of evnets" in your breathing were hypopneas, there is a high probability that you will be better served by the S9.

O.

[bigk]

The S8's algorithm, by design, does not respond to events it deems to be hypopneas.
I have an S8 -- and many many times, when it records a hypopnea it will not respond to, my pulse oxymeter records a drop in oxygenation.
Considering the fact that "the vast number of evnets" in your breathing were hypopneas, there is a high probability that you will be better served by the S9.

O.

That's not quite an accurate statement.

It doesn't respond by design to events over 10cmH20 that are not proceeded by flow reduction as they may be "Central Apneas" In practice hypopneas are usually proceeded by flow reduction so this is not an issue.

There is nothing wrong with the S8 algorithm at all really - I used it for over 2 years and every time I checked with a pulse-oximeter, my Oxygen levels were in the high nineties for the night.

[Gadget_OSA]

"I also think you have quite mild sleep apnea" - bigk

That's what I also thought based on other reports I've read here however it was enough make the last couple of years miserable and be put on anti depressants. I'm currently trying a mandible alignment device and have ordered an oximeter to positively gauge my SpO2 levels while I figure out what to do about a CPAP device.

I'll PM you regarding your S8II bigk.

Rgds Gadget

[bigk]

Well if it's bad enough to cause those issues it should be treated. Getting a pulse oximeter is a good move re: determining the effectivness of the treatment anyway. I believe an AHI of between 5-20 is classed as mild. I think from memory in my sleep study I scored 22 or something in that order so I was classed as moderate. CPAP took it down to around 2.4 and lately with the S9 it is 0. Not that I feel any better after 2 years on CPAP mind you but my wife can sleep as it's cured my snoring. LOL.

My S8II has a lot of hours on it - I haven't missed a night in 2 years and 60 days and have averaged 8 hours a night - so you do the math. I was kinda joking about selling it as I think it's worth more to me as a spare than you would be prepared to pay for it.

[Gadget_OSA]

Cheers bigk I understand and appreciate your input.

It's been reported here that you should expect good reliability from these units with 5+ years operation. Have you had any service issues with your S8II?

[Gadget_OSA]

.........also thx to ozij & bigk re comments on S8 hypopnoea programming. I'll do some more research on this.

[bigk]

S8 hasn't missed a beat in 2+ years. The only reason I went for the S9 now is I got such a good price and even with my health fund rebate I would have achieved nothing by waiting. I love new stuff anyway! Plus I see advantages in having a machine I can travel with (and not wake my wife packing machine up at 4am etc)

[billbolton]

I haven't missed a night in 3652 years and 60 days......

WOW, that's amazing compliance!

Cheers,

Bill

[bigk]

I haven't missed a night in 3652 years and 60 days......

WOW, that's amazing compliance!

Cheers,

Bill

Hahahaha. Yeah - forget the 60 days. LMAO!

[KatieW]

This is my experience.

I was quite happy with the S8 AutoSet II, for the 1st 5 months of my therapy. Like you, I did my research at this forum. And bought out of pocket, since my insurance deductible is high.

I found I did better on cpap than apap, because of aerophagia, and the upper limit of pressure I could tolerate was 10.6 cm H2O. At that pressure, my average AI was .2, HI 3.7. My one challenge was mask rainout which would wake me up several times a night. The Aussie heated hose helped, but did not completely solve the problem. And it made the air too hot.

I received my S9 AutoSet on March 18, and feel a big difference in comfort in how it "breathes", and have had no rainout with the Climate Control. I set it at Auto, which is 80% humidity, and 78 degrees. It feels completely natural and comfortable, and has solved the problem for me.

After a week, I set the S9 on apap, to see if I could tolerate it, and am happy that I can, with no problems. My 95% pressure is 11.9 which is higher than I could tolerate on the S8. The numbers are still settling, but the last few nights, AI is 0-.2, HI O. So, my numbers are about the same, but I feel much better rested, since mask rainout and aerphagia is no longer a worry.

And I love the software, the additional data, and that the S9 identifies centrals. There has been a learning curve, and a few minor glyches, like "unknown apneas", (but it only happened once), and skewed data of up to a minute, but the computer gurus here have been working on that.

Yes, pay the extra money and go for the S9.

[Jaggles]

If nothing else, the S9 is the quietest machine ever. I am not sure how it can be so quiet. Add that to your equation if noise is a factor

[Slinky]

I haven't missed a night in 3652 years and 60 days......

WOW, that's amazing compliance!

Cheers,

Bill

It sure is!!! And even more amazing is that S8 II has held up so well for so long! Says a lot for Resmed quality and durability!!! *wicked grin* I'd use the S8II for travel, BigK. My S8s travel WONDERFULLY!

[bigk]

It sure is!!! And even more amazing is that S8 II has held up so well for so long! Says a lot for Resmed quality and durability!!! *wicked grin* I'd use the S8II for travel, BigK. My S8s travel WONDERFULLY!

Yeah - that is my intention Slinky. I don't think the S9 is as robust so I will travel with the S8.