Buying new BiPAP, looking for advice on model

I have been using my second Machine, a "ResMed S9 VPAP Auto BiLevel Machine" for a while now, and I would like to upgrade to get some nice features and also to have a backup. I would like to keep one packed up for travel, and to use for emergencies incase something happens to the primary.

Anyway, I am looking at a few candidates, but I am unsure as to what the real world benefits or detriments would to the these models. I'm looking for some insight from people who might have tried some of them, or why they prefer the ones they have 9or dislike the one they have).

ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir Heated Humidifier
ResMed AirCurve 10 S BiLevel Machine with HumidAir Heated Humidifier
Philips Respironics DreamStation BiPAP Auto Machine

First of all, I cannot find anything which tells me any difference between AirCurve 10 VAuto and AirCurve 10 S. They cost the same. Why would I choose one over the other?

The Dream Station has Bluetooth. This seems like it could be much easier to use than stupid SD Cards.

I guess I should list some features that I would like.

[*]I use a humidifier sometimes when I have a cold, but not all times. I would need that as a possibility.[/*]
[*]Quiet is very good[/*]
[*]I would like to get data that I could see without having to mess around with SD cards. I would like to be able to experiment and see what improves or hurts my therapy[/*]
[*]I want to be able to change settings so that I can experiment with pressure settings to determine how to improve my own therapy without having to pay thousands of dollars in sleep studies[/*]
[*]Easy to use[/*]

I think that all of these machines probably meet these requirements, but what advantages does one have over the other?

Some of the users will answer your questions, but for a start: http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/pr ... .html#VPAP

ChicagoGranny wrote:Some of the users will answer your questions, but for a start: http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/pr ... .html#VPAP

Thanks for the super quick reply! I have read that page, but that page gives one simple sentence for each machine.

AirCurve 10 S:
The ResMed AirCurve 10 S bilevel machine is ideal for sleep apnea patients who find it difficult to adjust to therapy on a continuous fixed-pressure machine.

AirCurve 10 VAuto:
The ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto is an APAP machine that uses our advanced technologies to treat sleep apnea patients who require enhanced pressure support.

This doesn't really tell someone how they are different, or what the consequences of those differences are. what would make someone choose one or the other?

KeyMasterOfGozer wrote:First of all, I cannot find anything which tells me any difference between AirCurve 10 VAuto and AirCurve 10 S. They cost the same. Why would I choose one over the other?

The S model has 2 modes of operation ...cpap mode and fixed bilevel mode...if you use auto adjusting mode on your current machine it won't do it.

The VAuto is essentially the same as what you have now...3 modes available...cpap, fixed bilevel, auto adjusting bilevel.

Of the 2...obviously get the VAuto even if you don't use auto mode now...never know when it might come in handy.

KeyMasterOfGozer wrote:The Dream Station has Bluetooth. This seems like it could be much easier to use than stupid SD Cards.

The BlueTooth is useless if you want any detailed data and use SleepyHead or ResScan software. It won't/can't communicate with your computer in a way to avoid having to pull the SD card and put it in your machine to use the software.
All the BlueTooth will do is allow you to maybe sync with your phone and the crappy DreamMapper Respironics software which shows you pretty much what you can see on the machine's LCD screen.
It's pretty much fluff...not worth much despite the hype.

Now if you want to avoid pulling the SD card...there is a way to have the data transmitted from a special WiFi card to your computer.
See this page down at the bottom where it says
Transfer data from cpap machines and follow the links
https://sleep.tnet.com/equipment

Of your 3 choices...I suggest you stick with the ResMed and get the AirCurve 10 VAuto.
You are used to the ResMed algorithm and way of doing things.
The Respironics algorithm is different and it might not suit you so well. I have used both brands in the auto bilevel model line and there is a difference and I prefer the ResMed.
Since ResMed is what you are used to...I would stick with it. Sometimes the body doesn't like us throwing new stuff at it.

Pugsy wrote:

KeyMasterOfGozer wrote:First of all, I cannot find anything which tells me any difference between AirCurve 10 VAuto and AirCurve 10 S. They cost the same. Why would I choose one over the other?

The S model has 2 modes of operation ...cpap mode and fixed bilevel mode...if you use auto adjusting mode on your current machine it won't do it.

The VAuto is essentially the same as what you have now...3 modes available...cpap, fixed bilevel, auto adjusting bilevel.

Of the 2...obviously get the VAuto even if you don't use auto mode now...never know when it might come in handy.

Thanks, that makes total sense. I still don't understand why the "S" model exists, since it is the same price, and the VAuto can accomplish the same thing with a setting. But, your explanation definitely helps me eliminate the "S" model.

Pugsy wrote:Of your 3 choices...I suggest you stick with the ResMed and get the AirCurve 10 VAuto.
You are used to the ResMed algorithm and way of doing things.
The Respironics algorithm is different and it might not suit you so well. I have used both brands in the auto bilevel model line and there is a difference and I prefer the ResMed.
Since ResMed is what you are used to...I would stick with it. Sometimes the body doesn't like us throwing new stuff at it.

Thanks! This was very helpful. Hopefully we can get some other comments to solidify the deal. Also, If I left any better choices out. Something you recommend over those 2, let me know.

xxyzx wrote:the vauto looks like it is better as it can do more

Because he is going to buy a critical medical device based on someone's guesses.

KeyMasterOfGozer wrote:I have been using my second Machine, a "ResMed S9 VPAP Auto BiLevel Machine" for a while now, and I would like to upgrade to get some nice features and also to have a backup. I would like to keep one packed up for travel, and to use for emergencies incase something happens to the primary.

Not sure what your 1st machine was?

I am a Respironics user but I always recommend that people get the exact same make/model the use on a daily basis. To me this makes sense for many reasons -
1. Supplies are all the same and interchangeable. Esp helpful if insurance is paying for them.
2. Parts are interchangeable if you have troubles you can swap a power supply, heated hose, or water chamber to see if that helps.
3. You are comfortable with it and already know how to use it already and hopefully know how to get into the settings. If nothing else you won't have to remember what things are different and sometimes different models within the same mfg will behave differently.

IF you are going to switch brands then 1st make sure it suits your needs then soon after buy the exact same make/model for the reasons listed.

I hope you get the point and HTH

KeyMasterOfGozer wrote:

AirCurve 10 S:
The ResMed AirCurve 10 S bilevel machine is ideal for sleep apnea patients who find it difficult to adjust to therapy on a continuous fixed-pressure machine.

AirCurve 10 VAuto:
The ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto is an APAP machine that uses our advanced technologies to treat sleep apnea patients who require enhanced pressure support.

This doesn't really tell someone how they are different, or what the consequences of those differences are. what would make someone choose one or the other?

I asked my doc the same question. He says they recommend the VAuto for patients like me that require pressures in the 20's. I guess that's what they mean by "enhanced pressure support". In the comparison chart, though, they all say they support pressure up to 25.

KeyMasterOfGozer wrote: I still don't understand why the "S" model exists, since it is the same price, and the VAuto can accomplish the same thing with a setting. But, your explanation definitely helps me eliminate the "S" model. .

The same reason the Elite exists alongside the autoset, because the customers (DMEs) ask for it.

Pricing varies from place to place.

xxyzx wrote:

KeyMasterOfGozer wrote:I have been using my second Machine, a "ResMed S9 VPAP Auto BiLevel Machine" for a while now, and I would like to upgrade to get some nice features and also to have a backup. I would like to keep one packed up for travel, and to use for emergencies incase something happens to the primary.

Anyway, I am looking at a few candidates, but I am unsure as to what the real world benefits or detriments would to the these models. I'm looking for some insight from people who might have tried some of them, or why they prefer the ones they have 9or dislike the one they have).

ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir Heated Humidifier
ResMed AirCurve 10 S BiLevel Machine with HumidAir Heated Humidifier
Philips Respironics DreamStation BiPAP Auto Machine

First of all, I cannot find anything which tells me any difference between AirCurve 10 VAuto and AirCurve 10 S. They cost the same. Why would I choose one over the other?

The Dream Station has Bluetooth. This seems like it could be much easier to use than stupid SD Cards.

I guess I should list some features that I would like.

[*]I use a humidifier sometimes when I have a cold, but not all times. I would need that as a possibility.[/*]
[*]Quiet is very good[/*]
[*]I would like to get data that I could see without having to mess around with SD cards. I would like to be able to experiment and see what improves or hurts my therapy[/*]
[*]I want to be able to change settings so that I can experiment with pressure settings to determine how to improve my own therapy without having to pay thousands of dollars in sleep studies[/*]
[*]Easy to use[/*]

I think that all of these machines probably meet these requirements, but what advantages does one have over the other?

===========


see the chart that compares them

s is not auto
but vauto can do S

both do cpap
all the other features are the same -

they all have humid, data, yada yada , quiet, modem, easy to use etc etc

the vauto looks like it is better as it can do more
and the s has no advantage unless it is price

Listen to Pugsy! DO NOT PAY ANY ATTENTION TO WHAT XXYZX SAYS!

And as for SD card, most of trhe choices mentioned use an SD card for detailed data you can look at with Sleepyhead, Rescan, Encore, etc. Bluetooth data is minimal.

xxyzx wrote:4Q2 is just a libtard bully

i said nothing except what resmed said

ignore me and you ignore the facts
who knows them better than resmed
4Q2 knows nothing which is why he is a braindead libtard bully

Bud, anyone who uses the term "libtard" as much as you do is definitely a bully, and most likely ignorant. I'm not a liberal myself, but use of terminology like that shows a tendency to completely ignore facts in favor of your ridiculously conservative agenda. That or you are just trolling.

The Resmed page you pointed me to (which I had already looked at) has no info on it, except a column for the "S" unit has "S" checked and the "VAuto" unit has "VAuto" Checked, and also "S" checked. I understand that these are "facts", but it tells me nothing of what the values of those are, or why I would choose one over the other. That is why I asked the question to begin with, since they both have the same price at cpap(dot)com, I don't understand why one would choose "S" over "VAuto".

Luckily Pugsy gave me the low down, which is apparently that the units have several modes of operation, and he explained which ones each have and what they mean. I'm cool with eliminating the "S" model now. I'm just entertaining the debate between The ResMed and Respironics, or any other that someone else might think I am leaving out.

When it comes to a bilevel machine I wouldn't consider any brand other than ResMed or Respironics.
I am sure they are fine but ResMed and Respironics have long been the leading standard in bilevel devices.

Between the 2 brands besides the different algorithm there is a difference in Pressure support.
ResMed has a fixed pressure support no matter what mode.
Respironics has a variable or fixed Pressure Support in Auto mode...meaning PS can have a range like 2 to 4 or a person can set it so it is fixed with min PS 4 and max PS 4.
Don't ask me if variable is better ...I don't know. I never could find any documents addressing variable vs fixed PS. I looked because I had a Respironics Bilevel Auto and was trying to figure out why there was a choice.