Your Opinion Needed Please!

vicinsb · Post by **vicinsb** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:58 am

My Doctor gave me an an open ended prescription for whatever equipment I choose. I am going to start at 7 pressure. I have great insurance that will cover it all...want to make a smart choice and could use some veteran input! Thanks so much...I can't wait to feel better!

Vicky

littlebaddow · Post by **littlebaddow** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:51 am

Hi Vicky

Did the doc give you any guidance on what type of machine would be best for your treatment? On the assumption that he/she didn't steer you towards a bi-pap, then the most flexible solution is the go for an auto machine.

There are several models available and those of us who have only used one of them are less able to do a fair comparison between them of course, but in my case I'd recommend the Remstar auto. I'd also suggest you go for the c-flex model, the heated humidifier and the encore pro software so that you can monitor your own treatment. If you go for a different manufacturer, I'd still suggest the same (or equivalent) features.

Getting the software doesn't mean of course that you shouldn't keep talking to your doc and involving him/her in monitoring your treatment, but it's reassuring to be able to check for yourself more frequently.

Perhaps more important will be your selection of the right mask. This really is trial and error as it's a very individual thing. Hopefully your insurance cover will allow you to experiment a bit.

Finally, stay as upbeat and positive as you sound and you'll be better able to cope with the inevitable adjustment period

Good luck

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:32 am

Did you have a sleep study? Where does the 7 come from. I too like the my RemStar Auto/ C-Flex. However, others swear by the S8 Vantage. Its
probably a Ford vs. Chey thing. However, only the Remstar Auto gives you exhale relief and auto operation at the same time..

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:06 am

I'm another one for the Remstar Auto with cflex. However, most insurance companies won't pay for the card reader and software (if you want to monitor your own progress). The software/reader costs $200 at cpap.com

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:54 am

I also have the Remstar Auto and it works nicely. You say you have great insurance that will pay for all of it. Great. I assume that you checked on their coverage of Auto? That can be a sticky point for even those with "great insurance".

I really hope yours does pay for it!

vicinsb · Post by **vicinsb** » Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:53 pm

Thanks so much everyone for your input!

The pressure of 7 was what the Dr. told me. He pretty much said I could use a CPAP or APAP, did not need a BiPap. The DME told me which machines my Dr.'s office usually goes with but that my prescription was "patients choice" so for me to let her know which one I want.

Now with the software...what is the card reader? Is this something that I download to my personal computer and see the same things the Dr. will see?

I am going to go with the Mirage Swift Nasal Mask which sounds and looks like I might like it. I'm sure it will be the first of many.

Again...I really enjoy the input and thanks!

Vicky

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:29 am

Remstar Auto with C-Flex, I'd wait until the end of June when the new M series comes out.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 6:10 am

With a pressure of only 7 cm/H2O, I suspect any machine will do. Because you may not need exhale relief. I think I would take a look at the ResMed Auto Vantage before I bought one. I think its the one that 'plays back' your night's readings on the display. Therefore, no Windoze PC necessary..

Are there any Vantage users that could discuss this feature...

tomjax · Post by **tomjax** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 6:26 am

I also vote for the remstar auto, not only that I now have one, but it seems to be the choice of most here.
RG seems toprefer the Resmed and it is probably an excellent choice.
I would vote for c-flex even though you would not need it at 7.

Your doc does not seem all that much informed if he gave you a set pressure, then allowed an auto. I would think he would give yo a RANGE.

With the software you can determine your range much better than a titration to a single pressure, which. imho, is subjective guesswork.

Better advice is to go back and read up on the many discussions of this topic.

Good luck.

littlebaddow · Post by **littlebaddow** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:51 am

vicinsb wrote:
Now with the software...what is the card reader? Is this something that I download to my personal computer and see the same things the Dr. will see?

To monitor your progress with the Remstar machines you will need the software, the smaart card (like a credit card, but designed to be plugged into the machine) and then the card reader, which is a small device to transfer the data to a pc.

You can then look at the same detailed info that your sleep doc can see.

Don't worry that you may not understand the information as there are planty of people here who can tell you what it all means

OwlCreekObserver · Post by **OwlCreekObserver** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 11:09 am

But if you purchase and install Encore Pro and its card reader, be sure to do this before you download data from your smartcard to your computer (courtesy of Sleepy-in-AL):

------------------
Keeping EncorePro from erasing your SmartCard
Although this is not strictly necessary, most people want to keep encorepro from automatically erasing the SmartCard after it downloads it. (this is the default behavior)

51. In my computer, double click the C: drive
52. Double click "Program Files"
53. Double click "Respironics"
54. Double click "EncorePro"
55. Double click "Utilities"
56. Double click "Don't Erase Data after downloading.reg"
57. Answer "Yes" to "add the data to the registry"

------------------

If you don't do this, then your card will be erased after each download, which will make it impossible for your doctor or DME to view the data directly from the card.

Trust me on this.

OCO

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 11:41 am

As Tomjax correctly indicated, the one GREAT advantage of the ResMed S8 AutoSet Vantage is its ability to display efficacy (AHI,AI, HI, Pressure, leakage) as well as compliance (usage) data on its LCD screen every day without the need to purchase any software or a card reader, or even have a PC for that matter. It'll give you the previous night's data, as well as weekly, monthly, six-monthly and yearly averages all directly on the LCD screen. What it will NOT do is give session detail data (time/pressure/events graphs) on the LCD screen, though that is available by either SmartCard or cable download using ResMed's AutoScan v5.7 software. However, this software is NOT well thought of, compared to Respironic's Encore Pro and Derek's My Encore software combo.

I really like the S8 AutoSet Vantage and have enjoyed really good clinical results from it: I'm sleeping MUCH better. Plus, its VERY tiny, packs easily for travel and comes with a nifty carry case that looks like a laptop case. Also, NO powerbricks like the new Respironics M series (and older Respironics machines as well) has. But most of all, I trust the ResMed auto algorithm which has been well studied.

See my review of the S8 AutoSet Vantage/H3i combo on our host's website at https://www.cpap.com.

Hope this helps.

Chuck

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 11:43 am

It was actually OldGearHead, not Tomjax who reported on the S8's ability to display data on its LCD screen.

Sorry OGH!!!!

Chuck

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 2:28 pm

The big three APAPs makers are Respironics, Resmed and Pruitan Benett. They all have their plus and minuses. I opted for the Resmed over the Respironics becasue my Doctor was more familiar with the software, so you might take that into consideration.

Besides the LCD readable display the Resmed has a better integrated Heated Humidifier. It powers on with the unit and if power goes out it powers back on with the unit. The Respironics humidifier has a separate on off switch and you need to reactivate it if the APAP goes off. Not a major thing but just another feature.

The main thing is get an APAP with a Heated Humidifier.

nosbig-nosbig · Post by **nosbig-nosbig** » Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:03 pm

I chose the ResMed Spirit because it had the capability of recording my pulse and saturated oxygen levels.

Machine	Mask

Machine	Mask

Your Opinion Needed Please!

Your Opinion Needed Please!

machine

S8 AutoSet Vantage

Sorry!