M Series Question

SleeplessInVirginia · Post by **SleeplessInVirginia** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:19 am

I know that there are several posts about Resmed vs Respironics, but I have a simple question. I have gone back and forth about C-flex and EPR but that is not my dilemma. The question I have is about the power system. I need something compact and am going back and forth between the M Series Pro and the S8 Elite. I thought I had read some place that the power cords on the M Series were very bulky and that on the Resmed they are very compact. This might seem like a silly question, but I travel every week and it's very important to me. I think that both of them have one power cord (also very important to me) for both unit and humidifier.
Anyone have either one of these units that can respond? I really appreciate it! I'm expecting a call from my DME to see which unit I want to order some time later today, hopefully I can make up my mind quickly.
Thanks!!

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:26 am

Is this going to be the "trial" unit, or one that you will be buying?

I read earlier that the M unit is more noisy than the older Remstars. But I've also read that it is quiet. Hmmmmmmmm.

Don't take just anything yet. Read what has been written on your other thread.

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:35 am

From my understanding, the M series has a power brick with separate cords for the blower and the humidifier, but a single cord for the power brick itself (3 cords total). The S8 has a single thin power cord (no brick) for the blower which, in turn powers the humidifier which mates with the blower in front without any cables (it directly plugs into a power port on the blower).

I agree with Linda though. I normally am skeptical about everyone's mad rush to auto, simply for the toy factor or because everyone else has one (including myself). But in your case, since you have SUCH posiitonal differences, I'd fight a battle til I got a script for APAP, and then, given your career, I'd choose an S8 Autoset Vantage/H3i cause its tiny.

Just a thought.

Chuck

SleeplessInVirginia · Post by **SleeplessInVirginia** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:40 am

Linda,
I had read that the M series was noisier, and I'm keeping that thought with my considerations. I just want the best of all worlds. LOL I would love to get the Remstar as it sounds like a wonderful unit, but I think the size is what's turning me against it.
I had my heart set on the Resmed Auto Vantage to have the option of cpap, auto, EPR, etc., but I don't know if I'll be able to get that or not. My doctor did write "patient's preference" on the machine and the mask so I'll just have to wait and talk to the DME when they call. They are supposed to call me later today, but with my track record I'll be lucky to hear from them by July!
I'm just getting very frustrated with the entire process, but I will continue to pursue every avenue possible because I just want some relief. You have been so good to reply to my posts and I really appreciate all of your valuable insight. Thank you!

SleeplessInVirginia · Post by **SleeplessInVirginia** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:42 am

Chuck,
You have the exact system I need, machine and mask too! Can I just have yours? LOL
Thanks for the info, I need all the help I can get!

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:45 am

At this point, the only problem I see is your insurance company. The DME doesn't make the rules you have to follow.

So, contact your insurance company yourself. Find out what they will cover, etc. What your co-pays are. If they will allow you to buy outright and submit a bill to them yourself. If so, get it in writing, then buy from cpap.com

Don't let the DME tell you a bunch of crap about what your insurance will and will not allow. Talk to them yourself.

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:50 am

OK, here's the story. First of all it is anything BUT noisy. I don't know where that rumor started but frankly when I push the power button to fire it up if a mask is in place THAT is what you would hear. The machine itself is quiet to say the least. For me all I can say is it is about the size that matters. I travel way too much on planes and from hotel to hotel to lug around some monster. As far as setup and power, the power brick, while a good size on it's own, is no real issue. It has nice grippy rubber feet at all corners on it's own so it stays put. There is ONE single cord that comes out of the end which would go into the machine. The other end of course goes into the power brick. The power brick at the other end has a small normal cord extension to go into an outlet. I have found the humidfier unit on the M series superior to others in that you get NO rainout, or excess humidity outside of the machine whatsoever. It is easy to adjust and the light on the knob gets brighter to indicate a higher level of humidity set. The entire setup is very logically laid out. It is very well made and not flimsy. I did find the ResMed equivalent to feel a bit cheaper made in this regard, but no doubt works just fine. I went with Respironics for their reputation in the CPAP arena. The M unit does not dissapoint that's for sure. When packed in it's nicely supplied custom padded ballistic nylon bag, it is so easy to carry on your shoulder around airports and such. It even has a separate compartment for the hose if you wish. But I prefer to just pack the machine as it is such a nice small profile and no burden to carry. I don't feel it's just getting a "cutting edge" design with no proven track record. Do you really think Respironics is experimenting with this machine?............I think NOT..........

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:59 am

Roadwarrior--thanks for a competent and accurate (finally) review of the M Series on this site.

fujiinator · Post by **fujiinator** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 12:55 pm

I would agree! I have not traveled with mine yet. I will be taking a flight tomorrow so I will see.

I did bump my pressure up to 20 see how loud it was. It was not much louder then my 10.5 setting. I would think the noise issue would probably be the mask, like the swift. It could also be a bad bearing in the machine which can happen to any of the units out there regardless of how NEW they are.

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 6:20 pm

Indeed most of any noise you'll hear will come from the mask. I am somewhat aware that the Swift is a tad noisy as it's ouput port for air sure does crank it out. I don't really notice as I wear ear plugs all the time when sleeping anyway. I travel for a living and can't tolerate the morons that slam their hotel doors, nor the typical hotel noise in general. As for portability it doesn't get much better than this. The nice ballistic nylon carry bag that it comes with is flat out wonderful and durable to say the least. Even has a pop up area for the hose if you wish. I prefer to carry the peripherals in my suitcase as it makes the bag so darn small and manageble. The power brick has a cord that goes into the wall. The other end has ONE plug that goes into the main unit. The docking humdifier works on it's own once it is docked with the main unit and does NOT require a second plug. It is so darn easy and fits so nice and compact into it's custom carry bag. Gotta love this little gem........

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