Buy a new CPAP Machine

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Josepr

Buy a new CPAP Machine

Post by Josepr » Tue Jul 04, 2017 9:28 am

I have to change my old CPAP Remstar Auto A-Flex system one from Phillips. What you recommend to me to buy? The Dreamstation Auto from Phillips or the Airsense 10 Auto from Resmed and why? Thank you

D.H.
Posts: 3535
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2016 7:07 pm

Re: Buy a new CPAP Machine

Post by D.H. » Tue Jul 04, 2017 9:48 am

I have a Phillips Respironics Dream Station Auto CPAP. It’s my fourth machine since 1999; the others were all “bricks.” Here are my observations, the good and the bad.


Advantages:
• Automatic means that it will raise the pressure as needed when it senses distress. I think I fell more refreshed than before.
• Good statistics are generated, so you can see how you slept, and make adjustments as needed. In addition, stats are good for your doctor to see how you are doing.
• Machine is very quiet.
• Heated hose is very good, never had rainout despite full setting on humidity.
• Automatic altitude adjustment (good for travel).
• Leak compensation.
• Auto/on and auto/off can be activated and deactivated separately.
• Humidifier is fully integrated, but detachable. It can be replaced/repaired independently of the main unit. It can also be left behind to save space (if you can live without the humidification).
• Humidifier chamber is wide open on top, making it easy to fill, empty, and clean. The unit is sealed when the door over the chamber is closed.
• Puts out the prescribed pressure more precisely than my old machine (yes, I verified this).


Disadvantages:
• Machine is a bit larger than the major competing machine.
• Sometimes, there is a burning smell, especially after a potty break. I’m pretty sure it’s harmless.
• Frequently, the water does not last the whole night. I generally wake up at least once overnight, so I refill it at that time. This might not work for everybody.
• Some have complained about the brightness of the display when you turn it off and back on, such as for a potty break. I don’t find this a problem. In fact, I use the light to reattach my mask to the hose.
• The “full” line on the water tank is hard to see.
• The machine is somewhat noisier when used without the humidifier attached.
• The power cord has a proprietary signal, so you cannot use a different cord, even if the voltage, wattage, amperage, and fitting are all identical. This means that if you need a replacement cord (or a spare cord), you have to get the cord specific to Dream Stations. If you want to use a battery (such as for camping and electrical outages), you have to buy an $80 proprietary device to generate this signal.

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Additional Comments: Auto PAP; 13.5 cmH2O min - 20 cmH2O max

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Okie bipap
Posts: 3567
Joined: Thu Oct 15, 2015 4:14 pm
Location: Central Oklahoma

Re: Buy a new CPAP Machine

Post by Okie bipap » Tue Jul 04, 2017 10:12 am

If your current machine has been able to control your apnea, and you are happy with it, then I would recommend you stay with the Phillips line.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Evora Full Face Mask - Fitpack
Additional Comments: IPAP 20-25, ps 4, OSCAR software
Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.

josepr

Re: Buy a new CPAP Machine

Post by josepr » Tue Jul 04, 2017 3:14 pm

Thank you all for your comments. They are very helpful. I think I will buy the Dreamstation