ResMed VPAP III vs III-ST, III ST-A or new S9

[ldj325]

I need to pay out of pocket for a CPAP machine for OSA with setting of 10-12). I've got listings in my area for VPAP III ($500) described as "new", VPAP III ST + mask($700) described as used 5 times, or VPAP III ST-A + 2 masks ($750) described as new. (Each person has a plausable reason why each would be new or little used so I'll give the benefit of the doubt unless there's evidence to the contrary.)

OR a new S9 (which will be more expensive and the additional cost of a mask).

I am new to all of this but have thought that due to comfort level something with adjustable rate might be better tolerated by me.
Money is an object for me right now and since it's all on my dime, I thought it best to start with something adjustable rather than to move up the ladder if a standard CPAP isn't tolerated.

Any advice would be appreciated as to where price/value best meet?

Thanks.

PS. I just read the about the blow up about the new (lucky me) ResMed internet pricing policy. So maybe instead of the S9, I should be considering the Respironics PR System One REMstar AUTO APAP.

[dsm]

ldj325

If you can go the extra yard & get the S9, that is likely the better choice.

The Vpap III & Vpap III S/T are ok but take a bit of setting up compared to the help you can and will get if you choose a new machine.
The Vpap III S/T would be the better of the Vpaps (tha STA is for small hospital use as it comes with alarms etc: )

The prices you have mentioned are on the high side - I have seen similar for quite a bit less.

Have you been watching http://www.cpapauctions.com ? - I have seen real bargains come up there but if you want to bid you need to register a prescription in advance and it needs to state the type of machines your doc is approving (I got my doc to list all major types - cpap, autocpap, bilevel, auto bilevel, bilevel S/T, & ASV).

Good luck


DSM

[ww]

Since you have never had a sleep test, but have self diagnosed that you have OSA, your first assignment is to talk to your family doctor and get them to write you a prescription for an Auto CPAP machine and a mask and a pressure set from 6 to 20cm so you can use it for diagnosis. The Respironics System 1 Auto with Humidifier sells for $650 without software (Requires Encore Viewer Software for $99.00). It is a good machine, though. For a mask, get a ResMed Quattro, or ResMed Mirage Full Face Mask or the Respironics Comfort Series Full Face Mask. This eliminates a lot of leakage issues that other types of masks can prevent you from getting good therapy and good diagnosis. There is an element of risk in doing self diagnosis without a sleep test, but for many people that is the way it will probably be done in the future as funds get tighter for healthcare. If it turns out you do not have OSA, you can probably get back 75% of your investment and your costs will be less than $200 for use of all the equipment! Keep us posted on your progress.

The S9 with humidifier is a slightly better machine, but not a $400 better machine IMHO unless cost is not an issue! Do NOT buy a bi-pap machine as they are quite specialized in their use.

[ldj325]

To both responses, thank you. My sleep test is scheduled, but may not be able to happen before another, more urgent. medical issue is addressed. But there is pretty clear objective evidence for the apnea--just not all the specifics yet. Getting help with the apnea would assist the other procedure so it would support me to get started early. Your advice is taken regarding the BiPAP/VPAP and I will look for the APAP--and I appreciate the specific recommendations.

[alainkhoury2010@hotmail.com]

I need to pay out of pocket for a CPAP machine for OSA with setting of 10-12). I've got listings in my area for VPAP III ($500) described as "new", VPAP III ST + mask($700) described as used 5 times, or VPAP III ST-A + 2 masks ($750) described as new. (Each person has a plausable reason why each would be new or little used so I'll give the benefit of the doubt unless there's evidence to the contrary.)

OR a new S9 (which will be more expensive and the additional cost of a mask).

I am new to all of this but have thought that due to comfort level something with adjustable rate might be better tolerated by me.
Money is an object for me right now and since it's all on my dime, I thought it best to start with something adjustable rather than to move up the ladder if a standard CPAP isn't tolerated.

Any advice would be appreciated as to where price/value best meet?

Thanks.

PS. I just read the about the blow up about the new (lucky me) ResMed internet pricing policy. So maybe instead of the S9, I should be considering the Respironics PR System One REMstar AUTO APAP.

[Breathe Jimbo]

I would wait until after the sleep test to get a machine. You may learn that all you need is CPAP, which should be substantially less expensive than the bilevel machines.