Which APAP?

I have been renting a Remstar Pro 2 from a local DME, set at the pressure of 12 for the past 2 months, as a result of a sleep study done in August. I have had fair results from using this CPAP machine, but feel that I would likely do better with an APAP. In reading this board and literature about APAP machines for the past 2 months, I have reached the point that I am inclined to choose either the ResMed Auto Vantage 8, or the Respironics Auto with C-Flex. (I know that there are a number of readers who also like the Puritan-Bennett APAP.)

Can anyone help me decide which APAP to purchase? I understand that the algorithms differ between the 2 companies, but I don't know which would be better for me. I use an Activa mask with pretty good results. I have C-Flex set at its lowest setting, but don't know if I need it---I realize that the ResMed Vantage 8 would not have expiration relief in the auto mode. (I would like to purchase the machine from an online vendor such as CPAP.Com.)

Thanks for your thoughts.

Hi

I have been using the Resmed S7 autoset spirit for a while and love it! It works really well and is quietly effective. But just recently I got the S8 autoset spirit and that seems to work well also! It is small but still quite weighty. I think that the S8 is a little more aggressive than the S7 version, but that could be because it is new.

In my opinion I don't think you will go wrong with a Resmed machine they are well built and work very well.

Just a note on noise. A new machine will make more noise than a machine you have been using for a few months. I think that when they are new, the components are so tight, that it takes them a little while just to settle down. My S7 was reasonably noisy when I first got it, but now it is really quiet. The S8 is also a little noisy with a few higher pitched noises, but I expect them to go within a month or so. And remember, that whatever you buy, you will be keeping it for many years!

So I vote for Resmed. And either the S7 or the S8 autoset spirit. The S7 is bigger, but it is also a really good machine. The only reason I would consider the PB machine is because it is lighter than the S8 - but apart from that I can't see any other benefits in choosing it. The S8 may be a little heavier, but it is a really solid and well made machine.

sir_cumference

I have a Spirit and a PB420E. They are both good machines. I'm sure the Respironics Autoset is also a fine machine. Whichever machine you buy, they will all serve you well. There are subtle differences in how they sense your need, but in the end, they all are proven to deliver safe treatment for OSA, or they wouldn't be approved by the FDA for patient use. Although I don't have one, I think my next machine will probably be the Respironics Auto with C-Flex. I've never had a problem requiring expiratory relief, but I'm curious, and the feature can always be turned off. If I were you, I would probably investigate that as well. Remember, if the machine doesn't offer a feature, you don't have the option to use it or turn it off! Good luck, but as long as you use what you buy, you win!

I vote for the 420E> Why ? Smallest, cheapest, Software is cheap and easy to use. Most important . It runs on 12 volts. Just plug it into your car lighter and go to sleep if you need to. Or purchase a deep cycle battery .

IMHO

:twis ted:

You should give the good folks at cpap.com a call or e-mail and discuss your wants and needs, they offer good advice and experience!