Getting a new machine after a decade. Which one?

Good afternoon, all. I'm a noob to the forum, but not to OSA. I've been using a Remstar M for a decade now, and it's time for a new machine. My pressure is fairly low (9-10), I don't use humidity, I can't stand C-Flex since it makes me feel like I'm choking. I've been lurking on the forum and I'm impressed with everyone's reviews, but a lot of the attention leans towards the "fancier" aspects of the machines. I see reports about how loud/quiet the machines are, and it seems that YMMV, but they usually seem to be generated from a machine using some sort of c-flex, and I'm trying to eliminate that variable.

What I'm looking for: a reliable machine, smaller than a loaf of fancy artisan bread (or a Remstar) that's no louder than my Remstar. I'm torn between an S9 (sans humidifier) and the new Remstar line but if there are other brands that fit the bill, I'm game. Can't say that I'm all that interested in an auto-set.

Why, pray tell, should anyone help the new guy who joins and starts off by asking everyone to do his work for him? Well, I really didn't want to do such a thing, but last week I got accepted to medical school (!!!) which begins in...holy cow, exactly one month. I have a month of decent health insurance from my employer left, so I'm scrambling to get a new machine before that lapses. Thus, I humbly ask for the assistance of everyone who's had more experience with the different machines than I.

TL;DR: I need a quiet machine w/ no cflex or humidity. Which one?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the forum and congrats on getting into Medical School!!! yay!!!!

You can turn c-flex OFF on the Respironics units. Hey, I think the Resmed S9 is a great buy and extremely quiet. If you hear anything, it's the air hitting the tube or the mask. The MAIN advantage of the Airsense 10 is that the wave data is saved much longer (months vs. 1 week). While the S9 is now out of production, parts will be available for 7 years. You don't need the humidifier? Don't need to get it then and it won't get in your way. Good choice!

What you WANT is a machine that gives you data capability and not just compliance. While you aren't all that interested in auto, you may find that you prefer it once you try it. If not, it's ok because all the auto machines can be set as cpaps at one pressure.

Before you get the machine, call the insurance company. If they don't buy outright, then you will need to purchase the machine yourself or you will be paying BIG BUCKS. These days, most insurance companies have it set up that you rent the machine from the DME for a period of time before it's yours. However, after 1 month, you won't have insurance. So, ask them (insurance company) if you can apply a purchase from an online supplier to your insurance for partial reimbursement.

The S9 Elite or Autoset would be the quietest machines. Exhale relief can be turned off if you prefer,
but it is there in case you want to try it. Any auto machine can be run on straight cpap mode if you prefer.
Avoid any Resmed S9 with the word "Escape" in the name, of any Respironics ("Remstar") labeled "Plus" or
with a reference number less than 450.

I have purchased 4 machines and an oxygen concentrator from 2 different DME's. Both places are set up for a 13 month rental, but I called my insurance company for pre-authorization on an outright purchase and in each case, it was approved. The DME's were happy not to have 13 months of paperwork.

Since you have a track record of using the CPAP, you have a good argument for outright purchase. You need to find out if your ins. co. will permit it.

Got my S9 VPAP Auto in Sep to replace 6yo machine. Started out with rental but no out of pocket. Jan Insurance changed, told them I wanted to purchase and they converted it to a purchase with credit for what was already paid.

Never used the equivalent AirCurve 10 Auto so I really can't compare, but I like the ability to remove the Humidifier if I need to travel and it is quite quiet. I used an M-Series BiPap Auto before that, which was a good machine but nosier than the S9.

Comparisons of S9 to AirSense 10 by another user:
https://sleep.tnet.com/equipment/cpapma ... e-aircurve

Thanks for the assistance, gang! Funny enough, but I was a sleep tech for a couple of years. I found that a lot of people liked the cflex during their initial titration, but when I went back in for a titration of my own, I couldn't stand it after 8 years of straight CPAP