What is the features of automatic CPAP machine?

[cpaphome]

Im planning to buy an automatic CPAP machine as per my doctor's suggestion, but have no idea about its feature. Please share if you have any experience about this machine.

Thanks in advance.

[Sheriff Buford]

They all offer different bells and whistles, so it depends on the brand you purchase. Be sure you purchase a data capable machine.

Sheriff

[ChicagoGranny]

Read the section here on autos - http://cpap.1800cpap.com/blog/differenc ... -machines/

[archangle]

Welcome to the board.

There is some info on which CPAP machine to get in the useful links in my signature line below.

[Pugsy]

Automatic CPAP machines are just cpap machines with a mode for auto adjusting single pressure instead of fixed single pressure.
Otherwise they have the same features as the fixed cpap machine that a particular brand might offer in terms of features.

Generally Auto adjusting pressure machines are full efficacy data machines with the exception of the half assed brick from ResMed called the S9 Escape Auto (avoid that model).

Each brand may have some minor differences in their bells and whistles....like the form of exhale relief or a data point that is available in auto mode and not cpap mode (like PR S1 flow limitation flags being turned off in cpap mode and turned on in apap mode).

Sometimes having auto mode available is a great boon to therapy and sometimes it isn't so great for some people but it is nice to have available just in case because an auto adjusting machine will also have cpap mode available but a cpap only machine can't do auto adjusting mode. I always say it is better to have something and not need it than need it and not have it especially with these machines. Sometimes that apap mode is a blessing for some people.

[VVV]

Generally Auto adjusting pressure machines are full efficacy data machines with the exception of the half assed brick from ResMed called the S9 Escape Auto (avoid that model).

I don't have time to keep up with the models. Is it then correct in the ResMed and Respironics product lines, any auto machine will give full data to SleepyHead except for the half-assed brick Escape?

That would be an easy thing for me to remember when friends ask about machines.

[Pugsy]

Is it then correct in the ResMed and Respironics product lines, any auto machine will give full data to SleepyHead except for the half-assed brick Escape?

Yep. I can't think of any auto machine that won't give us full efficacy data except the half assed brick Escape Auto.
Now some of the brands will have different data collection...like I don't think DeVilbiss flags centrals and I don't know about the new F & P Icon + Autos...but to keep it simple....yes, pretty much avoid the Escape Auto in the auto adjusting machines and there will be full efficacy data.

To keep it really simple I tend to concentrate on ResMed and Respironics brands because I prefer their data collection.
Then I just say....no ResMeds with Escape in the model name and no Respironics below model #450.

[palerider]

Generally Auto adjusting pressure machines are full efficacy data machines with the exception of the half assed brick from ResMed called the S9 Escape Auto (avoid that model).

I don't have time to keep up with the models. Is it then correct in the ResMed and Respironics product lines, any auto machine will give full data to SleepyHead except for the half-assed brick Escape?

That would be an easy thing for me to remember when friends ask about machines.

that is correct! avoid any resmed machine with 'escape' anywhere on the top...

[archangle]

Yep. I can't think of any auto machine that won't give us full efficacy data except the half assed brick Escape Auto.
Now some of the brands will have different data collection...like I don't think DeVilbiss flags centrals and I don't know about the new F & P Icon + Autos...but to keep it simple....yes, pretty much avoid the Escape Auto in the auto adjusting machines and there will be full efficacy data.

I think the DeVilbiss machines don't record airflow waveforms, but I'm not sure. What do we call "full" data collection?

I've been meaning to compile a list of what data the various machines record, but I haven't gotten far with that. I guess I need to find an owner of each type and get them to feed me SleepyHead reports information.

[Pugsy]

I think the DeVilbiss machines don't record airflow waveforms, but I'm not sure. What do we call "full" data collection?

Technically I still consider the DeVilbiss a "full" data machine even without the waveforms or the central notation. It still offers the basics of what I consider full data. We can usually live without flow rate waveforms...they are nice to have but we can live without them.
Since the other 2 main brands both offer waveform...that's mainly why I still prefer the ResMed and Respironics brands at least for newbies. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
DeVilbiss doesn't seem to be all that common for DMEs to be dispensing though so it usually isn't a machine that most newbies will be receiving... now for a lot of not so new to cpap therapy the DeVilbiss is an attractive option.