What is the best CPAP for the money?

Hi everyone,
I am wondering what is the best CPAP, mask, hose, software and heated humidifer for a price that won't kill me. My insurance has given me from what I have read junk equipment. What I have doesn't seem to be working. I'm willing to go into debt if need be but I want to know what works that's not too expensive. Any idea's? Thanks.

For machine:

you want one that will at minimum give you efficacy data such as AHI, AI, and leak values (these type of machines allow you to monitor and tweak your settings for optimum treatment) -- after that an "auto" adjusting machine would be nice (makes it easier to tweak and may also improve treatment if you have frequent weight change or or flop around in bed when you sleep).

For mask:

you want a full face if you need high pressures (> 12 to 14) or if you mouth breathe or if you cannot keep air from leaking out of your mouth ... otherwise nasal and pillow type interfaces may be more comfortable but in general, masks are a very individual thing and you will just have to find what works best for YOU.

For heated humidifiers:

if you are on a budget, get the humidifier that is made for the machine you select .... otherwise get the F&P HC150.

The sponsor of this web site seems to offer the best prices ... although you may find other site that sell for a few dollars less, you may end up paying more by the time you include shipping ... and cpap.com has a very good service reputation.

best of luck!

- r

Almost any XPAP can be made to give you correct treatment, It's just something you can't get out of the Box.

I like my setup, the Remstar APAP (Tank), but the Remstar Pro 2 (Tank) will do just as good. They use the Encore Pro software and DT3500 card reader.

Your current machine will provide good treatment when set correctly, and used without excessive leaking. It's nice to be able to see how your treatment is doing, but what you have will work.

As far as the best mask there is no correct answer for everyone. The main thing is the treatment must be kept inside to keep the airway open.

I think you should seriously consider spending just a bit more and go apap. If I recall, from some of your other posts, you have a relatively high recommended pressure setting and have been struggling with mask leaks. The higher the pressure the more trouble you are going to have maintaining a good seal with the mask. With straight cpap you are going to have that high pressure to deal with throughout the entire night, probably not so with an apap. Also - I personally have a hard time sleeping through the night constantly on my titrated pressure of 11.5, you may be experiencing this same thing. With my apap, instead of spending the entire night at my recommended pressure of 11.5 most of my night is spent at around 9 or 10, which I have no problem with - and the 11.5 pressure is still available for when it is needed. Also, there have been times where the machine has had to bump the pressure all the way up to 13 to alleviate an event. My current setting is 9.5 - 13 and my AHI has been averaging between 1 and 2, most often on the lower end. I would probably lean towards the Remstar APAP - the 'Tank' as Goofproof has always called it. I do love my series M APAP and have had absolutely no problems with it (knock on wood) - but others have had some troubles. To be honest I don't believe I have ever read a single complaint about Goofproof's 'Tank' though, it's a favorite for many. There is also software available. Additionally, you need to stop the mouth leaks. You need the air pressure to maintain the airway and open it when needed, when your mouth is open you lose the pressure that is needed for the therapy to work. I also have a full beard and I successfully mouth tape. I use the 1" 3M Durapore tape, drink whatever water I need prior to tape up, dry my lips, curl my lips in slightly, and put about a 2-3 inch strip of tape directly on my lips and rub it on real good. Most of the time that lasts all night long with no problems. In the morning I loosen the tape completely from my lips with the tip of my tongue - this happens real quickly because this tape cuts loose with just the slightest bit of moisture. What's left sticking is just barely stuck to the ends of the facial hairs and doesn't even really hurt to pull free. You don't want to be pulling the tape loose from your lips - only from your beard and stach. I generally throw on some good lip moisturizer a couple of times a day also, but not to close to bed time. If your lips are to sensitive then this may not be an option for you, but it has been working very well for me. The next step in your solution is 'THE MASK'. Unfortunately if the above suggestions have helped, you still have this biggie to conquer. I am one of the fortunate ones and have had very good luck from the very beginning with the ComfortLite 2. But this has to be taken with a grain of salt as masks are a very individual thing and what works well for one doesn't work at all for another. I think that this is probably the biggest stumbling block when it comes to compliance. Generally a person can get used to the noise and pressure over time, but not a mask that just doesn't fit or work properly. Sorry to say that this is just a trial and error thing that just has to be worked through. Hopefully I've helped shed a little light - you certainly are at the right place to be getting the answers you need though. Best of luck. --- BT

DreamStalker wrote:you want a full face if you need high pressures (> 12 to 14)

At very best, that's just a maybe.

It evident from the various sleep forums that there are many successful users of nasal mask on higher pressures.

Cheers,

Bill

I am quite happy with my swift nasal pillow at my titrated pressure of 13.

I disagree with the 12-14 needing a full face mask.

billbolton wrote:

DreamStalker wrote:you want a full face if you need high pressures (> 12 to 14)

At very best, that's just a maybe.

It evident from the various sleep forums that there are many successful users of nasal mask on higher pressures.

Cheers,

Bill

snoregirl wrote:I am quite happy with my swift nasal pillow at my titrated pressure of 13.

I disagree with the 12-14 needing a full face mask.

Apologies for my mistake ... For some reason I thought I had read somewhere on this forum that those with high pressure usually had to settle for FF masks in order to control leak issues. I guess high pressure (however it is defined) generally causes leak issues with any interface type.

I consider myself lucky with a pressure of 10 to 12 cm and have recently been checking out FF masks only for potential nasal congestion.

PAPpy Holidays!