Getting an APAP tomorrow (yay)! Need advice please!

him downstairs · Post by **him downstairs** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 8:54 am

I could use some advice on APAPs.

After having my 2nd overnight sleep study in 2 years, my doc prescribed an Auto PAP for me, and the good news is that my old insurance company already bought the CPAP, so my new company will approve the new machine.

The woman from my new DME is coming tomorrow, and I have my choice of...

ResMed Vantage (I used this one for a 2-week test a few months ago, and thought it was pretty good)
Respironics M Series
Puritan Bennett (or Mallinkrodt, she wasn't sure) 420E

Thoughts? I asked about getting one that would let me download and analyze my sleep info on my own, and she wasn't familiar with that, but she said she'd look into it. Is there another machine I should add to the list?

Thanks very much in advance.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:11 am

I suggest you goto CPAP.COM, and see the features of the machines, the one I'd wan't isn't on your list, it's in my SIG. Jim

I would have the machine I wanted not the one they want to give you. Especally if you want data.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:12 am

I'd personally choose one of these in this order if I wanted a small size autopap:

Respironics M series REMstar Auto with C-flex and heated humidifier.

Puritan Bennett 420E auto and heated humidifier.

ResMed's Vantage wouldn't be on my list at all for several reasons, not the least of which is that I don't like the Autoscan software. I want to use software with any machine I have.

Mile High Sleeper · Post by **Mile High Sleeper** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:31 am

As usual, Rested Gal has well informed information.

You might really like C-Flex exhalation relief, available only in some Respironics machines like some of the M series.

For basic info including selection criteria, see Machine Choices at CPAP Machine Choices, http://smart-sleep-apnea.blogspot.com/2 ... oices.html

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 1:25 pm

One advantage of the PB 420E is that you don't need to buy an extermal card reader. The software comes on a disc, load it into your computer and then all you have to do is hook up your computer to your PB 420E using the supplied cord. Course, the disadvantage is that if your computer is not near your PB, then you have to unplug the PB, tote it's 3 lbs or so alllllll the way to your computer, plug it in, download the data, then when you're through, you have to lug that weight allllllllllll the way back to your bedroom and hook it up again. All in all, this is not a terribly hard thing to do.

I've used my little PB 420E for about 18 of my 19 months and love both it and the software.

Kajun

This therapy WORKS!!! But sometimes, my tongue tends to stay in my cheek after I'm awake.

him downstairs · Post by **him downstairs** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:15 pm

Thanks for the replies/advice.
I'll do some research tonight.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:16 am

I would get a "M" series Remstar Auto w/cflex, it seems to work better for the majority of patients. It will give you AHI and pressure information from the LCD without any software (so does the Resmed Vantage). If you are into reports, the Remstar and the EncorePro software gives about the best detailed reports you'll find.

But I think the Remstar Auto algorithm is far superior than the other two being considered. Just look at all the posts here, much fewer complaints from those using the Remstar Auto than any other machine. While I don't have an exact count, most of the questions we get here are from those using the S8 and disturbed sleep. The S8 is a good machine has lots of features but can cause problems if you are a heavy snorer and/or if your SDB includes CA & MA type events.

wahooker · Post by **wahooker** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 1:39 pm

Other than appearance/form factor of the device, is there any reason a respironics M series Auto Cflex is better than the equivalent Remstar Auto cflex?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 1:50 pm

wahooker wrote:Other than appearance/form factor of the device, is there any reason a respironics M series Auto Cflex is better than the equivalent Remstar Auto cflex?

No.

Den

Getting an APAP tomorrow (yay)! Need advice please!

Getting an APAP tomorrow (yay)! Need advice please!

APAP choices