To be apap or not to be

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:37 pm

I'm starting to shop for machines. Does the vantage have the capability to download the software everyone talks about? I can buy it at a further time, right? Anyone feel like this machine is too aggressive while increasing pressure in auto? I do like my current resmed. I'm afraid that apap will be time consuming for me or too complicated. Does it need frequent monitoring or adjustments? I know you'll all say that apap is better and worth it even if it means more work for me and that's ok with me, but just want to know in advance. Trying to make sense of all that I have learned on here: B/c I slept on my back at the sleep lab and layed stiff like a board, chances are, that they set my pressure setting higher than what I really need at home?

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:45 pm

Any APAP has two advantages:

1) It'll titrate to the LOWEST pressure that you require to maintain patency (despite positional changes, ETOH,weight changes etc) (within the range you set) and this tends to improve compliance (significantly); and,

2) Any APAP can be set to CPAP mode, so you get two machines in one, basically.

Which APAP works best for you is a matter of trial and error. Though I like the Vantage and respect its scientific validations, I did find it to be TOO aggressive for me (the sharp attack it ahs led to arousals for me, and fragmented sleep as a result. But that's just me.

Cheers!

Chuck

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:47 pm

BTW, the Vantage will report efficacy data of AHI,AI,HI, 95% pressure and leak, right on its LCD screen WITHOUT any card, software or computer required. It will also download thru a SmartCard to a computer. But, Respironics EncorePro software is MUCH better and more useful than the skimpy data set reported by ResMed's AutoScan v5.7, in my opinion.

C

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:04 am

All the autopaps are bit different in how they respond and treat your events. Nearly all will function in straight cpap mode. My experience is the Resmed machines can be a bit too agressive especially if you snore and those snores are palatal. They trigger the machine into higher pressure when it is not really needed. The other machines pretty much do the same thing except the Remstars, it will limit pressure increases on snore, only machine that does that. Then if you had any CA or MA's noted on your lab PSG I suggest avoiding the Resmed Vantage machine as it can make your condition worse.

I think the Remstar Auto w/cflex has the current advantage with the cflex feature. The new M series displays sleep data results from the LCD but limited to a 7-day average. It will give you AHI and 90% pressure. If you want more detail you go with the EncorePro software and card reader then you get very detailed information including snore, Flow limitation and NR events.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 6:31 am

You really have to moniter LESS with an APAP. Set a range an leave it alone unless you think you range is off, which is much less likely than on a CPAP.

RemStar has CFLEX while in auto mode ResMed does not have exhale relief in auto mode

Resmed can provide some data on the LED screen without software, RemStar does not.

Both can be used in CPAP mode.

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:45 am

Ok, that's what I was wondering about the vantage, can you have it set on EPR while in auto mode? I guess not. Do all these different options make the machine more noisy? exhale relief, etc.

Respironics makes remstar? And the M series will display info on the LCD?

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:33 am

If you go to the part of this website cpap.com that has the machine listings and check the boxes for both machines and hit the compare the machine buttons, it is clear what differences the two machines have (for example the exhale relief in auto mode).

Yes a RemStar is a Respironics machine.

I can't help with what info is displayed on the M series as I have the older one.

I also have a Remstar Pro model (straight CPAP with Cflex) and I hear no noise difference between the two machines. Both are very quiet. I think the interface is more of a factor. I hear a tiny bit of difference when I exhale (and I am awake) but I don't know that it is less without CFLEX (both my machines have it and I have always used it on 1. I tried 2 and found it to be too much at that time and haven't bothered to go try another level again recently). Maybe someone else has input on this.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:39 am

No software is needed to see AHI, snore, and leak information on the LCD screen on the Respironics REMstar Auto "M" series machine.

The Encore Pro software and the card reader will give much more detailed data.

NyNurse33 wrote:Ok, that's what I was wondering about the vantage, can you have it set on EPR while in auto mode? I guess not.

EPR will not work when the ResMed S8 Vantage is being used in "auto" mode.

C-Flex will work in autopap mode with the Respironics REMstar Auto and Respironics REMstar Auto "M" series.

elliejose · Post by **elliejose** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 9:23 am

Don't know if anyone else has this, but my hubby will still sleep with me when I use the auto. Says I am too restless on the straight cpap for him to get any rest. So I went for the auto and loved my older Remstar DEFINITELY WITH C-FLEX. Until I needed bi-pap and he has had to move back to another bedroom. I hope to try the auto bipap soon as neither of us is happy with the straight bipap. I am not resting much either. I have to switch off between machines in the night.

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 12:38 pm

Thanks for all your help, I think I'm finally getting it! The true test will be if I finally get the machine I want!

To be apap or not to be

To be apap or not to be

APAPs

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