Newbie Equipment Preferences - Questions

Good morning/afternoon/evening.

I'm completely overwhelmed at the choices for machines. Completely. I'm going out on a limb and guessing that there's MUCH more too it than pumping air (or humidified air) at my face. I see a lot of folks using the ResMed S9 or a particular unit. Masks seem to me to be where more problems may occur. After all, as long as the machine pumps at Xcm then the interface between human and machine (via the mask) seems to be more critical from a systems engineering perspective. I.e. even the best clubs in the world won't help me beat Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson. I have to actually know how to USE them (I do, but not as well as those guys!).

Rather than asking folks for answers as to what means what when checking out the machine specs, can folks link me to their threads on how they came to make the machine decisions they arrived at? (I'm sure that's easier and more time-effective for everyone).

Thank you very much.

Here ya go:

http://smart-sleep-apnea.blogspot.com/

Well, reading thru the forums for some time I realized that I was NOT going to accept anything less than a fully data capable CPAP. The Respironics pre-M Series Pro 2 or Auto seemed to be "the rage" at the time. The Respironics M Series had just recently come out as I was being scripted for a PAP. I thought I wanted an M Series Pro or Auto. BUT THEN I became aware of the ease of access to and amount of data available via the LED screen on the Resmeds and the S8s had just come out. So much more data so much easier to access via the LED screen. I opted for the Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR and NEVER regretted it! I bought a new Respironics pre-M Series Auto w/C-Flex out of pocket as a backup and out of curiosity. I got as good therapy w/it as w/the Elite - but - I preferred the Elite and its data and ease of accessing it. And after getting the Resmed AutoScan software and the Respironics EncorePro software I DEFINITELY preferred the Resmeds!!!

I've since been switched to a bi-level and INSISTED on the Resmed VPAP Auto. Each "step" has been an improvement - but due to my COPD and varying needs we still haven't quite found the pressure settings I need. (I didn't sleep enough during my last bi-level titration). I opted to trial a new PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/B-Flex. I'm getting as good therapy w/it as I was getting w/my VPAP Auto - but - I really dislike EncorePro vs ResScan software. *sigh*

The Resmed S9 and the PR SystemOne are very new devices, both w/some new features that make them difficult to compare w/their predecessors.

My experience has been tho that you really can't go wrong w/either manufacturer's PAP - as long as you insist on a fully data capable model. To my way of thinking data capability is much more important than an auto titrating device.

AND DeVilbiss, Fisher & Paykel and Sandman (Puritan Bennet) have all come out w/fully data capable PAPs now. I've never had the opportunity to try and of their devices and can only speak for the Resmeds and Respironics (PR).

Thank you both, PetrusKy and Slinky.

PetrusKy, I'd actually seen most of that blogpost before. Seems that a lot of Mile High Sleeper's content made it to the CPAPWiki as well.