Survey Says? Which machine do I get?

[snardo]

So I'm on the brink of getting my first replacement machine after using the same one for over 6 years and almost 18000 hours. The DME that I've been referred to has two models in stock and for anything else the individual I spoke with would have to "ask her manager" if they could order it. So here are my choices:
1) Respironics PR System 1 Remstar Plus https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/respi ... cflex.html
2) Resmed S9 Escape https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... chine.html

I welcome comments and suggestions.

On a related note, I've noticed that Respironics is discontinuing my nasal mask, the comfortgel series! For my last sleep study a few weeks ago, they let me try a set of nasal pillows (Resmed Swift FX) and they were pretty good. What I'm seeing around here though suggests that they pillows themselves only last about a month or so - is that true? I'm not sure I want the hassle of replacing them every month (I've been using the same ComfortGel mask for about 18 months now with little to no degradation as far as I know), so feel free to comment on this as well. Thanks!

[cflame1]

you really don't want either one of those... both of them are non-data machines (other than hours used).

[Pugsy]

you really don't want either one of those... both of them are non-data machines (other than hours used).

Ditto.

[Bluecat]

If I'm not wrong, these two machines only record and show compliance data.
If you want to be able to monitor your treatment (AHI at the very least!!), you will need either the S9 Elite ou the PR System One Pro (or higher model).

[cflame1]

and leak data isn't on them either... and you'll need that in order to know if your mask is fitting appropriately!

[Slartybartfast]

Why would you NOT want an automatic machine? Even if you're happy running straight CPAP mode, that might change over the next 6 years adn 18,000 hours, and any auto machine can run in constant pressure mode no-problem-o. And the price differential between an auto and cPap is almost trivial.

Inquiring minds want to know, and all that.

[Pugsy]

let me try a set of nasal pillows (Resmed Swift FX) and they were pretty good. What I'm seeing around here though suggests that they pillows themselves only last about a month or so - is that true?

I used the Swift LT nasal pillows for my first year of therapy and last summer changed to the Swift FX. I can get months out of one set of pillows. I know many others aren't so lucky but there are a few of us who don't have any particular issues with the life of the pillows. See my thread about bragging rights. That April 22 leak line of zero was with the XSmall that I got last summer. I do not have the mask tight at all to get that leak line. I alternate between the XS and Small. I have tons of replacements but I get good leak lines still, why change.

If you want to try the Swift FX long term and like it, buy some replacement pillows on Ebay. Cheap and buy in bulk, then not so much of a hassle should they tend to fail after a month or so.

I don't know why I have been so lucky with the LT pillows and the FX pillows but I always have been able to use them a long time. Even if I did have to change them once a month the comfort of this mask alone would be worth it.
Add the Paddacheek barrel cozy for the FX pillows and it is almost like having nothing on your face.

[snardo]

This is exactly the type of feedback I was hoping for. I was not aware that neither of these two systems provides the kind of data that is actually helpful for self management. Of course, at this point I've never had a scrap of data to review anyway, so I wouldn't really be changing anything, but as it seems to help so many folks to have data to look at, I'd like to be able to upgrade to something that actually collects helpful info.

I noticed that the Resmed software is no longer available. Does this hamper one's ability to review data from Resmed machines? Or can the software be found on-line (even if the source is in the gray area)? In the absence of appropriate software, would it make more sense to go with the Respironics model (PR System 1 Remstar Pro)? Also, is there any major difference in what data is collected or how it's displayed between these two brnads? Thanks again.

[Pugsy]

I noticed that the Resmed software is no longer available. Does this hamper one's ability to review data from Resmed machines? Or can the software be found on-line (even if the source is in the gray area)? In the absence of appropriate software, would it make more sense to go with the Respironics model (PR System 1 Remstar Pro)? Also, is there any major difference in what data is collected or how it's displayed between these two brnads? Thanks again.

Software for both is available easily.

ResMed machines show more data on the LED screen than the Respironics machines do (they suck on that part).

http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/resscan_tutorial/ This link shows the ResScan software reports and explains how to use it.

I don't have tutorial available for Encore Viewer 2.0 or Encore Pro 2.4xx for Respironics machines.
Member Janknitz has some explanation here, scroll way down to get to it. http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
Encore Viewer 2.0 is available for purchase $99 Encore Pro is available from the software good fairy.

Encore Pro offers wave form data that Encore Viewer does not. An example of a daily report is shown in my Bragging rights thread on front page of the forum today. To give you an idea. There are other reports but this is the main important one. ResMed has a similar daily detailed report.

Cpapdork has perfected on online PR S1 data analyzer (Onkor). Pretty cool. Here is an example of a nightly report I got for that same same April 22 night via Onkor online analyzer.


If I had no software available I would go with ResMed because on screen data is more comprehensive.
But software for both is available and so up to you which you seem to like the best.

[Emilia]

Call you insurance and find out what DME's they contract with in your area. Call each one and find out what machines they handle. Before you deal with any of them for a transactions, read the wonderful blog post by our forum member, Janknitz here: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/

You want a fully data capable machine that provided efficacy data in addition to compliance data. There are several choices of machines that fall into this category. RestedGal, another wonderful forum member updated her list of machines in Jan. Here is that post: viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

[Janknitz]

The DME that I've been referred to has two models in stock and for anything else the individual I spoke with would have to "ask her manager" if they could order it.

As far as dealing with the DME . . .

1. Find out how your insurance covers machines. If it's by HCPC's codes, then:
2. Find out what other DME's are in the area and call around to see if any of them WILL supply the machine you decide that you want.
3. Go back to the first DME (if you even still want to do business with them) and tell them exactly what you want. If they pull the "ask the manager" routine, tell them that XYZ DME across town will get you exactly that machine but you'd prefer to do business with them. If they can supply your request without further ado, then they need to do so, or lose a customer.

Avoid the usual stupid DME games:
1. Your Rx does NOT need to specify data capability or even APAP if that's what you prefer (it always helps if it does, though)
2. You do NOT have to pay a penny extra for a better machine
3. They CAN order anything you want, if they want your business.
4. A ResMed Escape Auto does NOT have sufficient efficacy data--don't accept one!

[Slinky]

You do NOT want ANY Resmed w/Escape in the model name. You do NOT want ANY PR (Respironics) w/Plus in the model name.

Resmed S9 Elite or S9 AutoSet, PR (Respironics) SystemOne (S1) Pro or SystemOne (S1) Auto are what you want.

[chunkyfrog]

Add my voice to the choir. My Autoset has allowed me to maintain effective therapy through ongoing weight loss.
A dumb machine would have totally sabotaged my weight loss efforts. I need my energy to fix and eat the right food and do my exercise.