Get a used older CPAP or get a New model CPAP?

As I have just completed my first trial day, and I have to admit the Respironics System One REMstar Auto is really good.... machine is silent enough for me, it was comfortable, and the humidifier was great for my nose... so it seems to be the machine for me...

However, the price for getting one will be a limiting factor... the original discussion with my RT gave me a price range that was slightly (ok, extremely) hurtful to my pocket... I know, i should not put a price on my health... but unfortunately, finance is tight, and I have to make the best of what I can.

I have discussed this with my RT, and he is understanding of my situation.... He has suggested that once the trial is completed after 4 weeks, he would be in a position to advise if I will need a fixed or Auto CPAP, and if its a fixed, then it will be more affordable. But if my average reading is needed to be over 10cm, then it would be more comfortable for me to use an Auto.

With the increased in cost, he has also suggested some trial units he has sitting around in his office, that are used but still in good condition and under warranty. Its the Respironics M Series Auto... and he said it would be available at the same price as the newer fixed CPAP.

I have seen the comparison on CPAP.com, but as Im pretty new, I am not sure if the missing features will make much difference.

So the question is, would the M series work just as well as the new REMstar or I am better off taking the pain now and buy the new one?

*sigh* I wish I can affort the Resmed, as it seems like the ferrari of CPAPs

G'day Okitoki
Everybody was happy with the superceded machines until the newer ones came out. I don't think it is necesary to always have the newest and the best. my 8 yr old F&P is still going strong, touch wood. Have a look at the Aussie Thread a little further down, discusses buying from the US.
Good luck

kenD
bris Oz

thanks for the reply... it does make sense I guess that last year's top model doesnt not become instant crap as soon as the newer model comes out.... but its always nice to have the newest and shiniest toy around

joking aside, I have looked at the cost of bringing in an S9 with all the additional accessories and a mask... with the total cost less that a new machine would cost me if I bought it from my RT....

However, I do have question about who is going to do my settings and review my measurements... since most sleep clinics would require my original script wont they? so if I were to bring one in myself, then no one is willing to touch it?

can't imagine it being a problem. Some sleep clinics are aligned to cpap retailers but you are not obliged to buy therough them. If you have an auto data capable machine most people on this site seem to do everygthing themselves. I have never taken my machine in for sleep studies or for any other pyurpose.

kenD
bris

When finances are a problem I would always suggest a good, lightly used, device. However, it would seem that the only "used" ones being suggested to you are the M Series, and the M Series was NOT Respironics "finest hour". Yet you don't want to start out w/your first PAP being a used pre-M Series (the Legacy series, or the "tank" as they are so fondly called in this forum) since they are so far back that the usage would most likely be pretty high.

Its too bad the Respironics are your only choices since you are caught between a used M Series or the new not yet proven to stand the test of time SystemOne series.

If your choices were the Resmeds w/o batting an eye I would suggest going w/a used S8 AutoSet Vantage or S8 AutoSet II and forego the S9 which hasn't been out long enough yet being even newer than the PR SystemOnes.

Cleaning is a concern, I took a used one apart, but it failed after a few days in typical RemStar Classic fashion (pressure sensor problem).

Certainly be careful of what you pay for a used one. Some sellers try to price relative to what they paid that included setup, advice etc. from the provider, rather than what the machine was worth net. I would not pay more than half of new price, because of financial risk.
I would give consideration to a competent provider who knows the machine.

No warranty of course, it was two years on new RemStar Classic ones when they were current.

There are issues with the M series? Is there a link to a thread on these issues?

Thanks.