So, what is the best, small, travel size machine with C-Flex

Well, it appears that the Respironics M Series isn't very well liked. I have the Aeiomed's Everest which is a nice little machine, but doesn't have the c-flex technology. I don't like the constant pressure. I am used to the Pro-2 with cflex and I'm wondering when I travel is there a light weight travel cpap machine with cflex, other than the "m?"

Only Respironics products have c-flex. Don't know where you got the idea that the m series isn't well liked, from what I read here, the opposite is true.

I know some dislike the M-series Pro with C-Flex, but I'm perfectly happy with mine. It doesn't seem loud to me. I had no problem taking the humidifier off, though it is secure when on, so you do have to pull fairly hard. Not a problem, I don't think, you just have to know how hard to pull. I like the look of it, too--not too medicinal. I've had no problems with it.

After several months ujsing a ResMed S8 Vantage AutoSet, I switched to a REMstar Auto and experienced an immediate improvement in my sleep. I belive this is because I (and this is valid only for me) responded better to Resprionic's more temperate step-wise algorithm than I did the ResMed's more aggressive algorithm which, I believe, has a sharp rise-time for pressures that would arouse and even wake me. However, I found the REMstar to be large, ugly and NOT very travel friendly.

So, when I had to travel to Minneapolis this past week for meetings, I went back to my ResMed S8 AuotSet Vantage. I HAD A DELIGHTFUL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE WITH IT!!! Its is TINY and comes with a wonderful travel case that looks exactly like a modern laptop briefcase, and has plenty of room to hold flow genrator, humidifier (each in their own fitted and VENTED) cases, hose, mask and power cord (even an extension cord for those who really plan well). Its VERY lightweight as well.

Beyond those factors, I again rediscovered just how wonderful the ResMed's human facttors design was! Its just SO EASY to use. The humidifier fills with the flip of a lid, and the reservoir is easily removed for the purposes of draining/cleaning. It occupies a very small footprint on the hotel's typical center night stand. With SmartStart, you simply don the mask and it turns on in under a secnd, and in the morning, taking the mask off turns the blower off in about 5 seconds. And, the best part is, of course, that I can then IMMEDIATELY view how my night went by simply pressing two keys to get an instantaneous display of the night's pressure, leak, AHI, AI and HI, without needing to download to card, invoke software and the computer I would need to have along with the Snart Card reader that I would have had to remember to pack and haul.

However, here's the kicker. Having used APAP for several months now, and with the help of Respironic's EXCELLENT Encore Pro software, I've been successfully able to determine my IDEAL pressure (actually within 0.5 cms of what I was originally titrated to during my original PSG at the start of this adventure). So, I used my S8 AutoSet Vantage in CPAP mode. And, I used EPR for the FIRST time. I LOVED IT!!!! I found EPR to be MUCH more comfortable (and comforting) than C-flex (though I do find C-Flex to be VERY effective). I find, as others have reported, that I feel slightly "rushed" in my breathing with C-flex. With ResMed's EPR, I found that its exhalation pressure relief lasting THROUGHOUT the entirety of my exhalation was VERY relaxing, and sort of lulled me off to sleep. I had several GREAT night's sleep throughout my trip, for which I am SO grateful!

Now, I returned last evening and used my REMstar Auto last night, and also had a great night's sleep. However, given the MANY human factors advantages that the ResMed has over the Respironics machines, I intend to switch back to my ResMed S8 AutoSet Vantage (in CPAP mode with EPR) as my standard machine. I'll reserve the REMstar Auto for loyal and faithful back-up purposes.

There's no doubt in my mind that I owe the ultimate success of my xPAP experience to my REMstar Auto. My current numbers according to Encore Pro are AHI=0, AI=0 and HI=0. I wouldn't have (and wasn't) able to achieve this with my ResMed in auto-mode, and I certainly used Encore Pro to help determine my ideal pressure. But now that I know where I need to be, sleeping with (and using) the ResMed S8 Vantage w/EPR. So, since the S8 has proven to be MUCH MORE CONVENIENT TO USE, I'm gonna bow to convenience and go back to it. And, in my opinion, its is the IDEAL TRAVEL MACHINE.

BTW, I have NOTHING to do with ResMed, Respironics or any other SDB-industry commercial concern, and I've received NO inducements to offer these coments. I'm a state government slug. And, these comments are valid ONLY for me. Your experience may be (and probably WILL be) entirely different.

Hope this helps somebody.

Chuck

Damn, Chuck! Ya just had to wait until the higher prices kicked in, didn't ya. If you'd posted that two weeks ago I just might have picked up an S8 Vantage. Too late now, though. Not that I'm boycotting or anything . . .

Regards,
Bill

I've had ResMed's S8 Elite for about 2 months, and I LOVE it, especially for travel. It has EPR, which is Resmed's anser for CFLEX. You can set it to 0, 1, 2, or 3 CM of expiratory relief pressure, and I find it works very well and comfortably.

This machine has an integrated yet removable Humidifier, and packs into it's case that is smaller and similar to a Laptop padded case. I took it on a trip for 2 weeks and loved how easy it travelled.

That's my 2 cents.