Choosing an ASV machine

[reeldreams]

Hi all,

I've been reading the forums a bit since I got a CPAP about 9 months ago. Recently my doc realized my numbers are still very high (in fact higher than my first few months of therapy) and that they are predominantly central apneas. I just had my titration for an ASV a week and a half ago and am about to schedule my appointment with my DME.

I apologize for not having the time to fully research if this has been answered, but I am wondering the pros/cons of a Resmed vs Respironics adaptive servo-ventilation type machine. I have been using the Respironics for my CPAP and I do like it for the most part. My sleep clinic uses Resmed, and I have always found it harder to get used to, but thats probably because my experience is based on the two titrations I have had versus months of Respironics use.

Can anyone lead me directly to a good discussion on which machine seems to benefit more folks having significant trouble with centrals? I want to be firm with my DME on which machine to bring to my appointment, and am leaning towards Respironics simply out of habit. I need to schedule in the next day or two, hence the lack of time to fully research.

Thanks to all who contribute to the board. It really helped me out when I was first getting used to therapy, and I have accessed it as a resource from time to time since. Would love some input on ASV choice, since now is my chance to make one.

Much appreciated,
RD

[JohnBFisher]

Greetings RD! Sorry you had to join the rank of those of us, who use ASV machines. But the good ness is that they are VERY effective at what they do.

I have two older units. One is a Resmed unit. The other is a Respironics unit. Both manufacturers now offer smaller units.

I personally prefer the Resmed unit. The reason is that the Resmed unit is a little easier to breathe with. Resmed developed their EasyBreathe technology to make it less disruptive to have pressure changes while breathing.

Many people find that the Resmed unit is more 'insistent' that you breathe regularly. I explain it as having tighter steering than the Respironics unit. Since I have a lot of problems with not initiating my breathing, I find this very reassuring.

On the plus side for Respironics ... It is easier to use the data program and analyze the data. Resmed seems to be making it hard to access your own data. The Respironics unit has more settings. That can make it more difficult to get 'just right'. It can also allow it to meet your exact needs. The Respironics unit can easily use AC or DC power. The Respironics unit can use a fine filter.

Still, I prefer my Resmed unit. But I would be willing to change to a Respironics unit. But given the choice, I would buy a Resmed unit.

Hope that helps.

[ozze_dollar]

I have a new Resmed S9 VPAP Adapt SV and so far I am very happy with it. It keeps my AHI down below 1.0 most nights. I have had it for four months now.

[priya123]

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[JeffH]

I too use this machine and I really like it. (Resmed S9 VPAP Adapt SV) I've used it about 5 months now and my sleep has made a real improvement. I fear about the "other" machines is I owned two of them and neither one lasted to three years.

JeffH

[ameriken]

I really want to say how much I love my machine (respironics asv), which I do, however I think I am a bit envious of the others using the Adapt SV. I like John's description of 'tighter steering' and knowing my machine, I think that would help me. I've tested my machine when awake, and if I hold my breath it takes some time (a few secs) before the respironics machine kicks in giving me that extra push in pressure. And that push is almost more like a punch. From his description the push comes a lot quickerin the Adapt SV.

My AHI's still suffer and perhaps I'd have the same issues with the Adapt SV, I just don't know. I wish I could say I've had wonderful success with my machine. Maybe one day I'll get there.

[Bons]

The new version of the Respironics machine is supposed to be much better and more natural breathing than the old one. If you get a Phillips Respironics machine, make sure they give you the System One version, not the older one (SV advanced). Some DME's will be trying to dump any of the older ones that they have in stock.

[JohnBFisher]

The new version of the Respironics machine is supposed to be much better and more natural breathing than the old one. If you get a Phillips Respironics machine, make sure they give you the System One version, not the older one (SV advanced). Some DME's will be trying to dump any of the older ones that they have in stock.

I had heard the same thing.

The good news is that very few DMEs carry an ASV unit in stock. It's so expensive few can afford to do that. With FedEx and UPS most just order these as they need them. The good news is that they will tend to provide the newer models.

But your warning is a good one. The more we (as the consumer) know, the more likely we are to get the product we want.

[moresleep]

I would agree with the previous comments, at least for the legacy ASV machines--the Resmed is more controlling and the Respironics has more controls. I have the legacy Respironics BiPap AutoSV Advanced, and like it more than the legacy Resmed Adapt SV, which I also now have. For me, the Resmed tries to hurry up my breathing, or so it feels, and I am not as comfortable with it. A bit of tweaking the settings of the Respironics ASV, and I find it quite comfortable and effective. I also like the many alarms. I have it set so that a long apnea will sound the alarm, as will too few BPMs. There's even an alarm for if the AC power goes off, so I guess there's a small battery in there somewhere--or a large capacitor. I no longer use the latter, as I now run the machine through a DC-DC converter (Respironics) connected to a large deep cycle AGM battery set-up, a la Archangel's design.

But, as has been pointed out, the new Respironics System One Bipap ASV is a completely redesigned machine, so it may not even have the features I like in the old model. If it's more like the Resmed Adapt SV, as some have reported, I might not like it But, I can think of two improvements it has: the System One will run directly on 12 volts; and it records waveform data, a big plus. I doubt, though, given its size, that the new machine has as powerful a motor/blower system as the legacy model...

[ignorant1]

While I usually root for & support the underdog in any corporate battle (i.e., AMD versus Intel) I must give a solid thumbs up in favor of the Resmed unit.

As noted above, the Resmed unit definitely seems to force the issue about breathing, but of course that's it's purpose. ASV takes a little bit of getting used to, as at first it may seem like the machine wants you to breathe at a faster rate than you feel is "normal". Once you get used to it, that sensation completely disappears; once acclimated, you will feel like it is much more natural to breathe with it than CPAP (despite potentially much higher pressures for the ASV).

[ozze_dollar]

While I usually root for & support the underdog in any corporate battle (i.e., AMD versus Intel) I must give a solid thumbs up in favor of the Resmed unit.

As noted above, the Resmed unit definitely seems to force the issue about breathing, but of course that's it's purpose. ASV takes a little bit of getting used to, as at first it may seem like the machine wants you to breathe at a faster rate than you feel is "normal". Once you get used to it, that sensation completely disappears; once acclimated, you will feel like it is much more natural to breathe with it than CPAP (despite potentially much higher pressures for the ASV).

As I mentioned previously I saw my sleep specialist yesterday. Now I dont know if this is true or not but he says the VPAP gets used to your breathing(ie Adapt) from the start every night. I find it hard to believe it doesnt retain the data from previous sessions???
I have noticed a period for the first 10 mins where the machine and I have to come to terms with each other.It is supposed to be that the machine gets used to you not the other way around.Who knows whats true?

[moresleep]

While I usually root for & support the underdog in any corporate battle (i.e., AMD versus Intel) I must give a solid thumbs up in favor of the Resmed unit.

As noted above, the Resmed unit definitely seems to force the issue about breathing, but of course that's it's purpose. ASV takes a little bit of getting used to, as at first it may seem like the machine wants you to breathe at a faster rate than you feel is "normal". Once you get used to it, that sensation completely disappears; once acclimated, you will feel like it is much more natural to breathe with it than CPAP (despite potentially much higher pressures for the ASV).

As I mentioned previously I saw my sleep specialist yesterday. Now I dont know if this is true or not but he says the VPAP gets used to your breathing(ie Adapt) from the start every night. I find it hard to believe it doesnt retain the data from previous sessions???
I have noticed a period for the first 10 mins where the machine and I have to come to terms with each other.It is supposed to be that the machine gets used to you not the other way around.Who knows whats true?

I think you are rooting for the underdog, here, not that it matters.

To clear up any misunderstanding, both machines "force" the issue of breathing, although "nudge" might be a better term, since this is non-invasive ventilation. The legacy Respironics is capable of slightly more pressure than the legacy Resmed (not sure about the new models). Both machines have an algorithym for doing the "nidging," based on the last several minutes and backup rates. The Resmed machine gives you fewer choices. The Respironics machine allows more tailoring. As for which machine works best, that varies by individual. For me, it's the Respironics. They are both good machines.

[Kody]

The new version of the Respironics machine is supposed to be much better and more natural breathing than the old one. If you get a Phillips Respironics machine, make sure they give you the System One version, not the older one (SV advanced). Some DME's will be trying to dump any of the older ones that they have in stock.

I'm getting a little confused with the Phillips Respironics machines. I brought mine out and took a picture of it. So is this the "older version?" I just got mine from the DME about 3 Months ago.
So what exactly is the difference between the newer model and the older one. Since I'm just renting mine, would it be more beneficial to see if I could get the newer unit? Thanks for the info.

[ameriken]

The new version of the Respironics machine is supposed to be much better and more natural breathing than the old one. If you get a Phillips Respironics machine, make sure they give you the System One version, not the older one (SV advanced). Some DME's will be trying to dump any of the older ones that they have in stock.

I'm getting a little confused with the Phillips Respironics machines. I brought mine out and took a picture of it. So is this the "older version?" I just got mine from the DME about 3 Months ago.
So what exactly is the difference between the newer model and the older one. Since I'm just renting mine, would it be more beneficial to see if I could get the newer unit? Thanks for the info.

Yes, that's the older version, same as I got, and I got mine 4 months ago.

[reeldreams]

Thanks all for the input! I had to deal with a mixup in which my doc office thought my new insurance wouldn't work with my current DME and tried to switch me to Apria. After reading many posts I knew I wasn't going to be happy so I have been sorting that out. Long story short, staying w current DME and getting the Respironics System One ASV. They worked closely w my doc and being that I was already used to a Philips machine I decided to go with what they are planning. This was great input nonetheless. Will always be curious about the Resmed, but will report back on what I get. Not looking forward to the copay but such is life.

Cheers,
RD