Is C-Flex really that good?

Murkk · Post by **Murkk** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:35 pm

Hi there,

I've been on a CPAP for about 2 weeks now, and just got my prescription for an APAP. I'm more interested in getting the auto to check to make sure I'm getting the best pressure and not rely on the data collected by the sleep clinic where I slept horribly for 5 hours and doubt I even hit stage 3-4 sleep.

I like the idea of the S8 with the display right there - no need for software, etc. My pressure settings are 8-11 which I guess isn't a lot. Is the CFlex technology really that good for that pressure level?

I figure I might just use that auto mode to make sure that the pressure is the right amount, and then set it to CPAP mode. Then the EPR sounds better than using auto with cflex.

Cflex with auto sounds good when you have a high pressure setting like 12-18 or something like that, but for someone with mine will it make a difference?

I can rent till the Mseries comes out if needed... just wondering if anyone with my pressure settings can really tell the difference?

fujiinator · Post by **fujiinator** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:48 pm

I am using the M Plus and I like the c-flex feature. I am using a setting of 10 1/2 with the Mirage FF mask. I tried the Mirage on a Remstar plus with now c-flex on a setting of nine and I could feel myself fighting the airflow. The c-flex reduces pressure at the start of exhale and ramps back up according to a algorithm.

It comes down to personal preference on which is better. Some hate c-flex and vice versa on EPR. I wanted a Respironics brand so I am happy with mine.

I was given the M Plus by the DME and since it had 95% of the features I wanted I kept it. My future main machine will probably be a M Auto or Pro. I have not made up my mind on which yet. Although in talking with the DME when I mentioned wanting to get my own machine out of pocket they recommended the auto for versatility.

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 2:08 pm

I am much more comfortable with C-Flex than without. I bought a used Remstar Auto w/o C-Flex and after getting some stats was quite happy to get back to my Pro which gives only compliance data but does have C-Flex. I will get a Remstar Auto soon because of C-Flex.

YMMV

David

littlebaddow · Post by **littlebaddow** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 2:52 pm

I'm another advocate of the c-flex feature - it works for me and I notice the difference with a range of 6 to 11.

Only people who have tried both methods will be able to offer a comparison.

Anyone out there tried both c-flex and EPR?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:05 pm

What machine are you currently using Murkk? If you are doing fine without C-flex then I sure wouldn't let C-flex be the deciding factor. You might not like C-flex. Some of us don't. C-flex works for lots of folks, but not for all of us. On the other hand if you're struggling with exhaling against your pressure, then maybe C-flex could be important for you.

Just my opinion, of course.

Regards,
Bill

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:55 pm

At your pressure I don't think you'd need C-Flex or EPR. But that's just my opinion. If you'd like to see some data but avoid getting the software, go for the Resmed Vantage.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:08 pm

Get the CFlex machine, best thing since sliced bread, at 10cm and a Cflex setting of 2 you won't even notice the pressure. When you start above 10cm you really feel the difference.

The EPR feature on the Resmed machines ONLY work when set to straight CPAP mode it does NOT work in autopap mode.

Just wait until the end of the month, the M series Auto/Cflex should be out and you'll have the best of both worlds.

gulfpearl · Post by **gulfpearl** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:21 pm

My first machine was a cpap without cflexI then changed to remstar auto with cflex & found it was much easier to exhale with the cflex option even though my pressure is 7-13 I still feel the difference. I recomend the cflex option if you donot want to use the cflex option it can be disabled easily.

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:32 pm

another vote for cflex, it's great, the rt at medone had me try a resmed auto spirit or something when i went to go get my auto, he just wanted to show me the difference between having cflex and not, lol, and i gotta tell you, it was a noticeable difference, i doubt i would be 100% compliant without it, cause i sometimes have bad nights and max out my machine, 18 cm's is alot, at least to me.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:16 pm

I'm at 6 to 10 pressure and my old Remstar Auto didn't have cflex. My new one does. I can tell the difference - it is easier to exhale. But I had no problems without cflex because my pressures are so low.

Now, if you get use to cflex, and then don't have it, I think you would really notice it. With the Remstar Auto with cflex, you can have your cflex and auto at the same time. You don't have to choose one over the other.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:31 am

Murkk · Post by **Murkk** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:54 am

Right now I'm just using a REMSTAR AUTO machine. Yesterday they finally made it AUTO after they got the prescription for the sleep doc. My pressure was set between 8-11. FIrst time in two weeks I actually managed to sleep with my new nasal mask on all night. Exhaling doesn't really bother me ATM unless I'm at 10-11 pressure, and then it's slightly annoying.

I think I might go with the S8 just for the visual data at the end of the night. And if I set EPR to the 3 setting, I'll go with 11 pressure in CPAP mode. I do like that fact that the S8 has better "event" therapy than the REMSTAR.

Decisions decisions... blah.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 7:37 am

..what Linda said...

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:15 am

I've been using C-flex for 2 weeks. It's all I've ever known. I've tried all three settings. Last night I left it on 1 because that's the highest setting and I'm getting an S8 autoset vantage today to replace this. I think I'll like EPR better than C-flex but Linda's right, with Remstar Auto w/C-flex you get your cake and eat it too in auto mode. So, I can see why she prefers it. I'm not sure why EPR isn't offered in Auto mode but I'm hoping just the difference in pressures will be a big improvement for me. I need that thing to sense my needs rather than just turning it on and letting it whirl. And all the auto's seem to do that, just with different algorithms.

C-flex is great. I can feel it. Now, I'll bet if I was doing this whole process next month they would've got me into a Remstar Auto M Series with C-Flex but what can you do? I needed to make a decision.

pratzert · Post by **pratzert** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:51 am

I have the Remstar Auto w/C-Flex but have only had it a couple of weeks.

One thing I've noticed, is that unlike what I was expecting.... it "seems" to me, that I have exhalation relief throughout my entire exhale, and NOT just at the beginning.

It "seems" to make it much easier to breath, especially if I am talking shallow breaths.

I have it set in the middle setting of "2".

I have no experience with any other machine, so I can't say what the difference feels like.

But... I like the feeling of the pressure lowering when I exhale.

Tim

Machine	Mask

Machine

Is C-Flex really that good?

Is C-Flex really that good?

Remstar plus M with integrated humidifier