Respironics PR System 1 users ??

[The Texan]

Now that the Respironics PR system 1 has been on the market over a year, what are the thoughts of those using it, good or bad. What do you like and what do you dis-like about the machine? Is it worth it to upgrade from an M Series Auto to the PR 1 and keep the M series as a backup? Thanks.
Bob

[Slinky]

I had the good fortune to be able to use a PR S1 BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex and got EXCELLENT therapy w/it. I was NEVER a fan of the M Series altho the previous Legacy series (the "tank") was a great CPAP. I am not a fan of Respironics' LCD screen that has no backlight and the limited data that is available via the LCD screen as compared to Resmed's well-lighted LCD screen and easy access to more data via that screen. But ... Respironics has developed a patient software whereas w/the Resmeds there is no option BUT the professional software. The PR S1 was quiet and I had no problems using it in either straight bi-level mode or auto bi-level mode whereas w/the Resmed S8 VPAP Auto I did have difficulties w/using it in straight bi-level mode. Those problems most likely could have been overcome if I had had access to someone familiar w/the comfort features in straight bi-level mode but since I didn't, I just used it in auto mode and did well w/it and really liked it.

[Hawthorne]

I really like the System One auto better than my M Series Auto.

The air delivery is "softer". I don't know how to describe it any differently.

The humidifier holds more water in the chamber and is a better humidifying system.

I like the Encore Viewer 2 (works with both System One and M Series) because it gives more details.

Dealing with getting into the Setup menu is easier (no unplugging and plugging in while holding buttons down). You just hold down the 2 buttons until it beeps and then choose "Setup".

The data card (now a SD memory card) is better since I no longer need the special card reader.
The swivel hose is better to for people who move around a lot in their sleep.

That's all I can think of at the moment and, of course, those are only my opinions.

[diboja]

Now that the Respironics PR system 1 has been on the market over a year, what are the thoughts of those using it, good or bad. What do you like and what do you dis-like about the machine? Is it worth it to upgrade from an M Series Auto to the PR 1 and keep the M series as a backup? Thanks.
Bob

I have had my PR 1 for 6 months and prior to that used the M series.
I am pleased with the functionality of the unit, easy to use with the one button control. I cannot think of anything that I do not like and it was a definitely worth the upgrade.

I recently purchased the software which now puts me in control of my therapy and I don't feel like I am driving a car without a speedometer any longer, as my old M series was a "dumb" machine.

I use my old M series as a backup for travel.......

Edit to add:
A good visual review of the PR 1 System is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQt00Tb ... re=related

[ChelseaChestnut]

I am very new to OSA, but I have had absolutely no problems with my system. It is very simple to use. My DME said this was a very good system and I should never need another system because this one is soooo good.

[jonquiljo]

I never had an M series - just an old Respironics solo - so I don't have much reality to compare against. But I find my S1 easy to work with and very very comfortable. I really can't think of how Resmed could beat it beyond a point. The price is good too - so good that I finally bought a travel/back up machine ( a second APAP). I've had OSA for about 15 years but have only been using the S1 (or any CPAP) routinely for about 3 months. But I'm convinced its a good machine.

Now the Respironics masks ........... buy a Resmed.

[Hose_Head]

Now that the Respironics PR system 1 has been on the market over a year, what are the thoughts of those using it, good or bad. What do you like and what do you dis-like about the machine? Is it worth it to upgrade from an M Series Auto to the PR 1 and keep the M series as a backup? Thanks.
Bob

I upgraded from an M Series Auto to a System 1 Auto in April of this year. I can second the comments made by Hawthorne. I would add:

- I hate the ergonomics of the System 1's humidifier. It's harder to fill (I frequently spill) that the one for the M Series. However, it is larger capacity.
- The carry bag for the System 1 is a piece of junk. While I'm also no fan of the case for the M Series, it is far better design that than for the System 1.
- System 1 is quiet (I can't hear the blower). However, it tends to transmit noise down the hose to the mask. It's still quieter than the M Series.
- System 1 has fewer bright led's on it, but not all were eliminated. I still throw a sock on it to keep the room dark.
- Love the single, large on/off button. Can hit it without having to remove the sock
- Humidity control works well, and on most nights, I don't need to use my aussie hose.

I've kept my M series as a backup and also use it for travel. That means my System 1 is permanently set up at home.

As a final point, you should note that I'm on my second System 1 since April. The first one died in August. PR replaced it under warrantee with a brand new machine.

[Madalot]

I have a viewpoint on this that a lot of people won't have because they haven't experienced it.

My bipap was a PR1. When I began noticing problems with it NOT switching to the inhale pressure consistently, they switched it to an M Series to see if that was any better. It was worse. The problem turned out to be ME and not either machine, BUT, the PR1 had less trouble recognizing my breathing pattern than the M Series. In that situation, the PR1 sensitivity was much better and able to recognize my breathing much more frequently than the M Series, which couldn't handle my breathing at all.

Since the PR1 problems were only sporatic (where as the M Series was pretty constant) I kept using the PR1 until we could get me switched over to the ventilator about a week later.

Just another opinion based on my circumstances.

[Slinky]

There are some "comfort settings" in the PR S1 that might help w/the breathing transition problems but I don't understand them enough to make any suggestions for you. I ran into similar w/the Resmed S8 VPAP Auto in straight bi-level mode and none of my "sleep professionals" knew enough about the VPAP Auto's "comfort features" to get the adjusted properly for "me". This "may" be the situation for you w/the PR S1 and its "comfort features". Maybe getting your hands on a Clinicians Manual for your PR S1 would allow you to figure out how to fiddle w/and adjust the "comfort features" for you. W/my VPAP Auto all I had to do was switch to Auto mode and set the Pressure Support to the exact setting of the difference between IPAP and EPAP and the pressure transitions became SMOOTH and EASY and COMFORTABLE for "my" needs. There were a very few others who encountered the same w/their VPAP Autos and VPAP Auto 25s. Altho the PR S1s Pressure Support works differently than Resmed's Pressure Support it may well be that there are still adjustments to the PR S1s "comfort features" in straight BPAP or in auto BPAP mode that can make the difference for you. Just be sure to write down your present settings that are working the best for you so far so you know what settings to go back to if none of your experimenting w/the "comfort features" help.

[Tired Linda]

- I hate the ergonomics of the System 1's humidifier. It's harder to fill (I frequently spill) that the one for the M Series. However, it is larger capacity.

I solved that buy getting a collapsible funnel at the dollar store. Haven't spilled since, and can fold the funnel up and put it in the travel case.

This is the only machine I have used so I can't add much, except that my family is surprised at how quiet it is. And, as someone mentioned earlier, the large on/off button is really handy and it's easy to reach over and turn up the humidifier durng the night if necessary.

[diboja]

Filling the Pr system is not a problem....
I simply refill the machine from a sports bottle with a collapsible spout which contains enough distilled water for about 4-days..

[blusaber]

- I hate the ergonomics of the System 1's humidifier. It's harder to fill (I frequently spill) that the one for the M Series. However, it is larger capacity.

I solved that buy getting a collapsible funnel at the dollar store. Haven't spilled since, and can fold the funnel up and put it in the travel case

Please help me understand. I take the tank out remove the lid (1/2 second) and fill to line why are people having so much dislike for the system one tank its less than a minute to fill and put the tank back without spilling, Do you not want to or recommend not taking the lid off?

Gary

[Tired Linda]

Please help me understand. I take the tank out remove the lid (1/2 second) and fill to line why are people having so much dislike for the system one tank its less than a minute to fill and put the tank back without spilling, Do you not want to or recommend not taking the lid off?

I figure why take it apart when I can just shove the funnel in the top and pour in the water....

[Slinky2]

I didn't bother taking the tank apart either. What a PITA to do so! I just kept a funnel w/my distilled water in the bathroom cupboard, took the tank out of the humidifier, took it into the bathroom, filled the tank (or topped it off) and put it back in the humidifier and voila! Ready for use.

[diboja]

[quote="Slinky2"]I didn't bother taking the tank apart either.quote]


DITTO!