Replacing my 15 y.o. C-pap:

Suggestions on machines based on personal use? Or a web site that reviews them? Reading this forum is pointing me towards Dreamwear masks.

Go to cpap.com and look at the machines...there are hundreds of reviews on each. I think you will find that ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset and Dreamstation Auto are the most popular.

If your current machine has server you well you may want to stay with the same brand. There are algorithm differences between brands.

Many of us like ResMed masks, particularly the P10 nasal pillows if they work for you.

I hope you haven't been using a fifteen year old mask!

Your choice of masks should be independent of your choice or machines (in almost all cases).

Note that a fifteen year old machine is probably not data-capable and probably not "automatic." I suggest that you get an automatic, as I find that even though I though I was fine with the old one, I do have the need for higher pressure at peak moments during sleep.

You can use any mask with any machine,
with the exception of some micro-sized travel machines.
But we are working on that . . .
For the time being, most only use a "full-sized" machine.
Probably just a frog thing, but to me, teensy = TOY.

Go with either ResMed or Respironics ... I personally love ResMed and have tried both ... So many reviews out there .... it comes down to personal choice and comfort .. For masks I say hands down the P10 nasal pillows ..

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


Advantages:
• Automatic means that it will raise the pressure as needed when it senses distress. I think I feel 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.
• The humidifier door was not closing properly after about eighteen months. The DME replaced the humidifier at no cost to me. There was a viable workaround in the meanwhile, so it was not an emergency.
• 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.