Need Advice on a new machine

[jonquiljo]

My CPAP machine (PR System One Auto with A-flex) bit the dust and I am now using my back up machine. I therefore want to get a new machine to replace the old one. I really liked the (older - original) PR system one Auto with A-flex, and do not need a heated tube, etc. as I live in California. Besides, when it does get colder here my wife cranks up the heat anyway.

Are the newer Series 60 machines worth it if you don't need heated tubing? As far as I can tell, that's about the only difference I can see. Are there any other differences, or is it a PR game to sell new machines? I like the original machine, it has served me well, and the original System One's are still available. I do need to keep two of them, as I keep one on hand for trips out of town, etc. Thanks. Jon

[robysue]

Other differences between the Series 50 and Series 60 machines include:

Series 60 has 1-day AHI and leak data on the LCD.

Series 60 has hose diameter setting available in patient set up menu (choice of 15 or 22 ml).

Series 60 allows the patient to control both ramp time and ramp pressure; Series 50 machines only allow the patient to control the ramp pressure.

Some Series 60 machines appear to allow preheating of the humidifier.

[jonquiljo]

Other differences between the Series 50 and Series 60 machines include:

Series 60 has 1-day AHI and leak data on the LCD.

Series 60 has hose diameter setting available in patient set up menu (choice of 15 or 22 ml).

Series 60 allows the patient to control both ramp time and ramp pressure; Series 50 machines only allow the patient to control the ramp pressure.

Some Series 60 machines appear to allow preheating of the humidifier.

I guess the answer for my purposes is "not much difference", unless I move to a colder climate and that's not likely. Thanks.

[JDS74]

Its possible that other Series 50 models don't allow for control of Ramp time but the 750 Auto BiPap model allows for setting the Ramp time duration. When I was using mine, I started out at 40 minutes, then reduced it to 10 minutes, and finally to zero.

[jonquiljo]

I just read that the series 60 machines will only use a heated tube if the humidifier is used. Is that true?

If so, then their standard 6 foot heated tube is included. I use an 8 or 10 ft tube (tossing and turning all night long). What do you do then? I can't seem to find any "additional products" from Respironics such as an 8 foot tube for the system 60. Is there a way to put a non-heated 8 foot tube on the humidifier.

Can anyone please give me clarity on this? Thanks in advance.

Jon

[library lady]

You can get standard non-heated tubing for the Sys 1 60 and it's less expensive than the heated tubing. I think it is the same tubing that you would use without the humidifier.

[archangle]

I just read that the series 60 machines will only use a heated tube if the humidifier is used. Is that true?

If so, then their standard 6 foot heated tube is included. I use an 8 or 10 ft tube (tossing and turning all night long). What do you do then? I can't seem to find any "additional products" from Respironics such as an 8 foot tube for the system 60. Is there a way to put a non-heated 8 foot tube on the humidifier.

Can anyone please give me clarity on this? Thanks in advance.

Jon

Usually: Full size non heated tubes will work with any humidifier (heated or not) or blower unit. Brand of tube or CPAP doesn't matter. Heated tubes only work with that particular brand of humidifier. The small diameter or slimline unheated tubes will usually fit, but the pressure control, apnea detection, etc. may suffer if the machine doesn't have a "small diameter" hose setting.

I vaguely recall that some of the heated tubes won't fit on some machines unless the humidifier is attached. The connector is in the way. Even if they do fit in terms of air flow, ResMed and Philips hoses won't heat if the humidifier is absent.

Note that not all PRS1-60 humidifiers support a heated hose. You have to have the "heated hose" model of PRS1-60. There's also a "heated hose" version of the power supply brick. If you end up with the "no heated hose" version of the machine, there's an upgrade that involves a new top for the humidifier and a new power supply.

[Pugsy]

Even with the heated hose lid on the 60 series machine humidifier a standard 22 mm diameter hose can be use and it doesn't matter the length. The coupling for the hose works fine even with a non heated hose. I just used my PR S1 60 series machine last month without the heated hose.

[archangle]

If the hose is too long, it can affect some of the more subtle things such as pressure regulation, apnea detection, and exhale relief/bilevel/ASV. I think the exhale relief/bilevel/ASV can be a particular problem. It's mostly a problem with really long hoses, such as when someone hooks up two 6 foot hoses together.

I don't know what the official spec is of hose length for PRS1 machines.

[palerider]

I just read that the series 60 machines will only use a heated tube if the humidifier is used. Is that true?

If so, then their standard 6 foot heated tube is included. I use an 8 or 10 ft tube (tossing and turning all night long). What do you do then? I can't seem to find any "additional products" from Respironics such as an 8 foot tube for the system 60. Is there a way to put a non-heated 8 foot tube on the humidifier.

there's no reason to use a heated hose without the humidifier, given that the whole point of the heated hose is to prevent the humidified air from condensing inside the hose.

if your 60 has the heated hose option (not all do) then you can use the heated, or non-heated hose on the humidifier, if you pull off the humidifier, then the only hose that fits is a regular plain, been around for years hose.

[jonquiljo]

Excuse my confusion, (I did get a good night's sleep last night too) -- a PR S1 Series 60 can use a regular (standard) non-heated hose?

There are the older PR S1's still out there for sale, but I am now thinking that it might be best to have a newer model with a newer firmware, etc. The price is only a difference of a few dollars, I think (with all the discounts out there).

[palerider]

Excuse my confusion, (I did get a good night's sleep last night too) -- a PR S1 Series 60 can use a regular (standard) non-heated hose?

There are the older PR S1's still out there for sale, but I am now thinking that it might be best to have a newer model with a newer firmware, etc. The price is only a difference of a few dollars, I think (with all the discounts out there).

not all prs1 60 series have the heated hose lid on the humidifier, mine doesn't, so of course, those only use a standard hose.

if the heated hose lid is attached, then you can use either type, just like on the resmed s9 series, the contacts for the heated hose don't get in the way of attaching a regular hose.

[jonquiljo]

Thanks. Probably best to get the newer model. I think the discounted price difference is less than $25.

Jon

[sc0ttt]

Excuse my confusion, (I did get a good night's sleep last night too) -- a PR S1 Series 60 can use a regular (standard) non-heated hose?

There are the older PR S1's still out there for sale, but I am now thinking that it might be best to have a newer model with a newer firmware, etc. The price is only a difference of a few dollars, I think (with all the discounts out there).

Clarification - for 60 series:
1. There is a particular model of heated humidifier for the PRS1 that does not have the heated hose option... it's a current model.
2. There is another particular model of heated humidify for the PRS1 that can be used with or without the heated hose option. It's usually sold as a package with the power supply and heated hose together... you can turn the heated hose option off.
3. There are no models of heated humidifier for the PRS1 that cannot be used with the regular unheated hose.
4. There is an unheated humidifier for the PRS1 that can only be used with the regular unheated hose.
5. The heated hose is intended only to prevent condensation - which would happen with warm humid air inside the hose, and cold air outside the hose (in the room).
6. The heated hose has an electrical connection outboard of the tube connection, but it'll still fit on an unheated hose humidifier - it would be unusual to find yourself in that situation though. I'm not sure if it'll fit on the CPAP without the humidifier.

[jonquiljo]

Clarification - for 60 series:
1. There is a particular model of heated humidifier for the PRS1 that does not have the heated hose option... it's a current model.
2. There is another particular model of heated humidify for the PRS1 that can be used with or without the heated hose option. It's usually sold as a package with the power supply and heated hose together... you can turn the heated hose option off.
3. There are no models of heated humidifier for the PRS1 that cannot be used with the regular unheated hose.
4. There is an unheated humidifier for the PRS1 that can only be used with the regular unheated hose.
5. The heated hose is intended only to prevent condensation - which would happen with warm humid air inside the hose, and cold air outside the hose (in the room).
6. The heated hose has an electrical connection outboard of the tube connection, but it'll still fit on an unheated hose humidifier - it would be unusual to find yourself in that situation though. I'm not sure if it'll fit on the CPAP without the humidifier.

Thanks. I will probably go for the model with the heated hose option and just not use it. If I take the machine anywhere where it ever gets cold, I will have that option (better than not having the option). Since you are from the Bay Area also, you'd know it never get that cold here. I've been here so long that I don't think I could live in a cold state anymore - even though California is getting a bit pathetic these days. Good luck.

Jon