Pretty in Pink

I just saw the email sent by CPAP.com about the pretty pink S9. It really brought out the deeply buried girly-girl in me : ) I then went to the CPAP.com site to see the specs on this machine and compare it to other new machines and found that I am way out of date on my XPAP machine knowledge! The industry has been really busy since I took home my fabulous new Respironics AFLEX June of 2007!

I value this forum's individual member and collective knowledge and once again find myself so grateful to be a member. Thanks in advance for any help/information you have on this tempting pink machine.

Questions:
- Is the S9 state-of-the-art? If not, what machine is?
- Is the ResScan software available for the S9 and if so does it work with Windows 7?

Machine Comparison: Respironics AFLEX to the S9 (I compared each specification on my current machine with the S9 and have a few questions:)
- Is the SD Memory card preferable to the SmartCard?
- Respironics AFLEX has a 31 decibel rating. Is the S9s 24 decibel rating significantly lower creating a noticeable difference to the user/spouse?
- Respironics AFLEX machine w humidifier weight is 5.5 lbs and the S9 7.4 lbs. The S9 weighs 1.9 lbs more. The machines respectively are 1.8/2.2 so most of the weight 1.5 lbs appears to be in the humidifier. What beneficial structural differences are in the humidifier that explains the weight increase?
- Is the S9 "EPR with Easy Breath" essentially the same as the Respironics AFLEX function, or better technology?

Basically, if my 'old' AFLEX is as good as the pretty pink S9, then I'll save my money even though I'm sorely tempted. However, if I would enjoy a quieter and better technology/therapy then I'll buy it. Thanks in advance for helping me decide : )

gasp wrote:- Is the S9 state-of-the-art? If not, what machine is?
- Is the ResScan software available for the S9 and if so does it work with Windows 7?

Yes, all above.

gasp wrote:- Is the SD Memory card preferable to the SmartCard?

Yes... no special card reader is required. If your computer has a SD slot (like for camera SD) nothing is needed. If no SD slot then a cheap generic card reader adapter for USB port is needed.. $8 to 10 depending on where you buy.

gasp wrote:- Is the S9 "EPR with Easy Breath" essentially the same as the Respironics AFLEX function, or better technology?

They are both forms of exhale relief but they go about it differently.
EPR is a straight per cm reduction of pressure during exhale.

Respironics "Flex" technology is not a per cm reduction. There is a reduction but not as much and the timing is different. Explained a bit here. http://aflex.respironics.com/

Your sound and weight questions...I don't have an answer for. Different people perceive sounds differently.
I think my machine is quiet. Someone else might think differently.

Pugsy said it well.

gasp, I think you'd find either of the newest models of the two major brands (ResMed and Philips Respironics) to be quieter than the Respironics M series machine you're using.

Good to see you posting!

Here's some more about the difference between the way ResMed's EPR and Respironics (now Philips Respironics) "flexes" each go about their way of reducing pressure during exhalation. They do it quite differently from each other:

Jan 2010 - "Cflex 1-3 Levels"
my post(s) describing my understanding of how C-Flex works
and how EPR works differently.
viewtopic.php?p=436054#p436054

Nov 2009 - "EPR"
my post answering a question by Paul56
viewtopic.php?p=310021#p310021

gasp wrote:- However, if I would enjoy a quieter and better technology/therapy then I'll buy it.

de lure of de machine, it calls to me.
It's shiny and glows, like baubles and beads.
All silver and blue, it calls out,
"I'm better....I'm new."

I have all my reasons, in order, of course:
I need to be first,
it fits my scene,
it's a much better scheme,
it will tell me all of the things,
that I need to know, while I sleep.
This....this is the one.

As I lie here and ponder, wonder and wake,
it gnaws at me....

it's a much more primal need.

It's not de lure of de machine,
that calls to me.....
it's not the glow of baubles and beads,
that beckon to me....

On the edge of the desperate, black inky night, it lurks,
it's the burning eyes of the beast....

it's de lure of sleep.

I remember your marvelous poem - it's so true! lol

rested gal wrote:Pugsy said it well.

gasp, I think you'd find either of the newest models of the two major brands (ResMed and Philips Respironics) to be quieter than the Respironics M series machine you're using.

Good to see you posting!

Here's some more about the difference between the way ResMed's EPR and Respironics (now Philips Respironics) "flexes" each go about their way of reducing pressure during exhalation. They do it quite differently from each other:

Jan 2010 - "Cflex 1-3 Levels"
my post(s) describing my understanding of how C-Flex works
and how EPR works differently.
viewtopic.php?p=436054#p436054

Nov 2009 - "EPR"
my post answering a question by Paul56
viewtopic.php?p=310021#p310021

Thanks, I read about the differences in the machine response to strong vs soft exhalation and the exhalation setting/pressure setting association is interesting enough that I'm going to change my current machine to 1 (least relief) vs the current setting 3 (most relief) to see if it lowers my events - interesting . . . anyway . . .

So far here are my advantages and I don't know if they are enough to warrant shelling out that much money.
The new machine reports can be read on my current laptop instead of having to keep an XP laptop running JUST to read my reports.
The new machine may result in slightly better therapy due to how it handles EPR. (Question: would therapy be better due to how it handles events?)
It's so Pretty in Pink : )))
Oh, what to do, what to do?

gasp wrote:- Respironics AFLEX has a 31 decibel rating. Is the S9s 24 decibel rating significantly lower creating a noticeable difference to the user/spouse?

While I have no personal experience, 6 decibals is a pretty hefty decrease. Similar to a ceiling fan on medium vs. a ceiling fan on low.

gasp wrote:- Respironics AFLEX machine w humidifier weight is 5.5 lbs and the S9 7.4 lbs. The S9 weighs 1.9 lbs more. The machines respectively are 1.8/2.2 so most of the weight 1.5 lbs appears to be in the humidifier. What beneficial structural differences are in the humidifier that explains the weight increase?

Capacity. The H5i has 380ml tank compared to your 315ml tank. Also, some of the weight is probably added by additional technology needed to run the ClimateLine (another good reason in favor of the S9 btw).

Also, the newer machines (both Respironics and ResMed) come with TSA-inspired bags. So getting through the airport usually means unzipping the front flap and running it through the x-ray without taking it out, they also attach themselves to your carry on roller bag like a laptop bag does. Don't know how much that means to you, but it's my favorite part.

I think the pink machine returns a $50 donation from Resmed to breast cancer charities.
--but maybe only through October.
Support the boobies!

*sigh* Before you get any more excited by the pink skin cover of the S9, Gasp, be aware that you have a choice of many skin covers, even patterns, for the S9s - if you wanna pay some $45-$50 extra for them. They have them in cammy, several football team logos, various colors, etc. I saw one just this past week that was simulated wood grain. The original S9 is a silver gray where you are seeing the pink.

Slinky wrote:*sigh* Before you get any more excited by the pink skin cover of the S9, Gasp, be aware that you have a choice of many skin covers, even patterns, for the S9s - if you wanna pay some $45-$50 extra for them. They have them in cammy, several football team logos, various colors, etc. I saw one just this past week that was simulated wood grain. The original S9 is a silver gray where you are seeing the pink.

To provide some clarification:

The S9 Auto - comes with the metallic finish that people are used to with the S9 series of machines. This is not a skin cover that can be removed.

The S9 Auto for Her - comes with a pink finish. This is not a skin cover that can be removed. This is the same price as regular S9 Auto.

The SkinIt Machine Cover is a partnership between http://www.skinit.com and ResMed. These are sticky covers you can purchase to put on your S9 machine - think book cover. You can select either already made designs or make your own. All participating Resmed dealers (online and off) can provide $10 off coupons to anyone interested. Just call or email your dealer for a coupon code. The skinit covers can be removed and a new one added. They do not leave a residue. We played with them, it is like putting a protective covers on a iphone, if you have done that before.

- Carolyn

Thanks for the replies! I learned a lot. And, have decided to get the machine - unless anyone else comes up with good reasons why another machine is better therapy which regrettably I would choose over pretty any day.

Alshain wrote:While I have no personal experience, 6 decibals is a pretty hefty decrease. Similar to a ceiling fan on medium vs. a ceiling fan on low.

That is significant to me! And more so to my husband who is more affected by sound than me.

Alshain wrote:Capacity. The H5i has 380ml tank compared to your 315ml tank. Also, some of the weight is probably added by additional technology needed to run the ClimateLine (another good reason in favor of the S9 btw).

While I rarely have rainout issues now when I do it would be a nice option!

Alshain wrote: Also, the newer machines (both Respironics and ResMed) come with TSA-inspired bags. So getting through the airport usually means unzipping the front flap and running it through the x-ray without taking it out, they also attach themselves to your carry on roller bag like a laptop bag does. Don't know how much that means to you, but it's my favorite part.

I travel a lot and it is a nice feature! I just went through security a few weeks ago and they wanted me to put the machine on the belt to which I replied "Can I keep this piece of medical equipment free from germs and bacteria that may be present on the belt?" to which they replied yes . . . but how nice to have an appropriate bag.

chunkyfrog wrote:I think the pink machine returns a $50 donation from Resmed to breast cancer charities. -but maybe only through October. Support the boobies!

You made me laugh : )))

Slinky wrote:*sigh* Before you get any more excited by the pink skin cover of the S9, Gasp, be aware that you have a choice of many skin covers, even patterns, for the S9s - if you wanna pay some $45-$50 extra for them. They have them in cammy, several football team logos, various colors, etc. I saw one just this past week that was simulated wood grain. The original S9 is a silver gray where you are seeing the pink.

Oh Slinky! How wonderful! The pink is pretty and was a much wanted relief from the black brick by my bed or worse yet someday having a cream colored something. Not something I look forward to! Having color is great! Thanks for letting me know - it makes a difference. I'd vote for the covers anyday versus shelling out $50 for pink.

carolyngoodman wrote:The SkinIt Machine Cover is a partnership between http://www.skinit.com and ResMed. These are sticky covers you can purchase to put on
your S9 machine - think book cover. You can select either already made designs or make your own. All participating Resmed dealers (online and off) can provide $10 off coupons to anyone interested. Just call or email your dealer for a coupon code. The skinit covers can be removed and a new one added. They do not leave a residue. We played with them, it is like putting a protective covers on a iphone, if you have done that before.- Carolyn

Thanks for the clarification. I have used skins but had NO idea someone would make them for an XPAP machine! It's nice there is no residue and may make the price worth it over using something like contact paper lol.

Thanks everyone!

Thanks for clarifying my mis-information, Carolyn!