What is the best CPAP equipment to buy?

[Sleepy Eagle]

Hi All!!!!

I'm a newly diagnosed patient and is still uncertain which is the best CPAP machine to buy? Is it better to get an autoset or the normal CPAP machine? Will I need to upgrade my machine regularly? Please help with some suggestions of tried and tested and this is the best option to go....

Happy sleeping
Regards
Sleepy Eagle

[DreamStalker]

You will want an auto CPAP it at all possible and it is very possible so long as you demand it from your providers. At the very minimum you will need a data capable machine that provides efficacy data like AHI and leak rates ... the compliance data only mahcines are useless except for emergency backup machines. You also need to get the software for which ever machine you end up getting.

The hardest part of the therapy is finding the right mask which will be comfortable to sleep with all night long every night and that wont leak ... this take lots of time and trial and error unless you just get lucky.

I would highly recommend getting the HC150 separate heated humidifer but the ones that are integrated with the machines are generally ok for most.

[PetrusKy]

Start here:

http://smart-sleep-apnea.blogspot.com/

[GumbyCT]

Hi All!!!!

I'm a newly diagnosed patient and is still uncertain which is the best CPAP machine to buy? Is it better to get an autoset or the normal CPAP machine? Will I need to upgrade my machine regularly? Please help with some suggestions of tried and tested and this is the best option to go....

Happy sleeping
Regards
Sleepy Eagle

THE very BEST is the machine you have or can get the software for.
JMMO - Just My Meaningless Opinion

Note - This is a self help forum with tons of info and opinions regarding the BEST cpap equipment.

[Slinky]

Number one priority should be a fully data capable device; full data capability means data for Leak, AHI and AI.

Until recently that pretty much meant a Resmed or a Respironics w/the Resmeds providing easier access to and the most data via the LCD screen.

Fortunately, DeVilbiss, Fisher & Paykel and Sandman (Puritan Bennet) are now providing fully data capable CPAPs as well as APAPs. Unfortunately, w/Respironics and Resmed currently dominating 80% of the xPAP market there is less experience and support available in the apnea support forums for the DeVilbiss, F&P and Sandman devices. Hopefully, these other manufacturers will expand their markets and gain greater market share on the two leaders. Resmed and Respironics (now called Philips Respironics or PR) NEED the extra competition as they get too complacent and too pricey and inclined to charge what the market will bear.

[roster]

The single biggest and most common mistake is to buy a machine without data capability and software.

Make sure you can answer these questions:

Questions to ask about your PSG and Titration Study
by CPAPtalk member rooster

1. Did I have any central apneas? How many?

2. Were there any comorbidities? What were they?

3. Did I breathe or leak through my mouth? How often? What do you recommend to prevent it?

3. Did I exhibit Positional Sleep Apnea (PSA)? Was my apnea more severe in one sleeping position as compared to others? Is my pressure requirement higher in one position as compared to others? (Often sleep apnea is more severe when sleeping on the back.)

4. Is there anything else unusual about the results?

5. How will I know my therapy is preventing apneas?

6. I am determined to own a data-capable machine and software to monitor apneas, hypopneas and mask leak. This will allow me to call your office with specific questions if I have problems with the therapy. Will you help me with the appropriate prescription?

In addition to the questions:

1. Get a copy of your PSG. It is your legal right to have one.

2. Get a copy of your CPAP prescription.

3. Make sure the prescription calls for a humidifier with the machine.

wiki/index.php/Sleep_study

[KatieW]

viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

viewtopic.php?p=344265#p344265

There are many recent discussions on different machines, chose posts about that topic, and keep reading.

[sleepy eagle]

Thank-you all for your replies!
I have read them all and is thinking them over, weighing each trying to make the best possible decision.

I will keep you posted.
Regards
Sleepy eagle