cflex or no cflex?

TerryFlower51 · Post by **TerryFlower51** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 5:43 pm

It looks like I may have the option of getting either:

a Remstar cpap (not auto) w/cflex and heated humidifier

OR

a PBGoodKnight 240G w/heated humidifier.

Anybody out there NOT like the cflex? I'm leaning towards the PBGK because it is lightweight and seems less intrusive, esp when we travel.

HOWEVER, for some people, it sounds like the cflex feature makes a real comfort difference. I have been told that the 1-3 adjustment on cflex to relieve breathing on exhalation for most people shouldn't even be noticable unless their cpap has a very high setting.

What do YOU think? Terry

2listless · Post by **2listless** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 6:13 pm

I have the Remstar Auto with CFLEX. The CFLEX does provide an amount of relief on exhalation. I could NOT use the regular CPAP or AUTO because I could not exhale against it and thought I was suffocating. I also suffer from asthma. My numbers range between 5 - 12 - depending on headgear.
I would ask to do a 2 week rental with a CFLEX and see if I liked it. You can shut off the CFLEX feature and try it both ways. Personally, if the insurance will cover it, I would go with the CFLEX.

coffee · Post by **coffee** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 6:16 pm

As you said:

I have been told that the 1-3 adjustment on cflex to relieve breathing on exhalation for most people shouldn't even be noticable unless their cpap has a very high setting.

If your pressure is moderate to high you may benefit from the c-flex.
If it's low, it may not be an issue.
It also depends on the individual:
how annoying is it for you to exhale against the pressure?

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 6:57 pm

If you value portability, get the PB 420

nodding off · Post by **nodding off** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 7:50 pm

Hi Terry,
I personally have not tried c-flex, because it was not available when I started cpap in 1995 and I no longer have any issues exhaling against the pressure (using an auto, usually around 13). However, I also remember having a difficult adjustment period and I struggled to stay in compliance for a very long time. The most important thing about this therapy is that you use it, and a lot of folks really like c-flex and it helps them to stay in compliance. If I was starting over I would give the c-flex a try.

DaveMunson · Post by **DaveMunson** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 7:58 pm

My insurance required me to rent for a while before -we- would pay for it. I had the resmed machine for about two months before I changed.

After a while, doc upped the recommended pressure. I woke up with the mask laying on the floor or leaking.

I changed to the remstar auto cflex. Cflex really really makes a difference. Especially at higher pressures.

Ionizer · Post by **Ionizer** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 9:44 pm

Get the PB GK420 E Auto unit. Don't settle for the G. Don't let them tell you you can't have it. The 420 G sells for $299 . 420 E about $450. Thats $150 more profit for them if they can sell you the G model straight cpap. Don't bite on their little trick.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 11:05 pm

Its not simply a matter of the dme...its the doctor too...he has the power to write the prescription for an auto cpap and at this point he's not convinced its what I need. Terry

loonlvr · Post by **loonlvr** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 3:26 pm

I would try and do some convincing with your doc concerning the auto. After all, things change. Maybe down the road your will need higher pressures, but not all the time. We use these machines about 1/3rd of our lives. Whats a few hundred dollars. The auto can always be set to straight pressure if needed. As far as the c-flex is concerned, I love my Remstar auto with c-flex. Its wonderful when my pressure gets into the teens. The bottom line is that you will have this machine for a long time. And things may change which require higher settings. Why not be already set up with a versatile machine that covers all the possibilities that may arise 1 or 2 years down the road..

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 5:00 pm

Go with the Cflex: Its a God-send.

My 2 cents.

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: SleepyHead, ResScan 3.16, ClimatelLne Tube, Hosehuggie in Plaid (it's so cool)