What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

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Sova
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What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by Sova » Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:02 am

My Dreamstation 1 was a part of the recall, but I didn't learn about the recall until OCTOBER. Needless to say, I'm not getting a replacement for a long time, and even if I did, not sure I want to use a Phillips machine after all this. Plus, I'm seeing rumblings that Dreamstation 2s might be recalled also? Is this true?

My DME sent me the Dreamstation 1 and it seemed to work for me so I didn't do much research. Looks like ResMed is the other big company out there. Apparently they use a different foam, but do we know that it won't have the same issues? What would be the best machine to purchase out of pocket from ResMed or another company?

I LOVE my Dreamwear nasal mask with gel pillows, but since the gel pillows are being discontinued (UGH) I'll probably have to change my mask anyway. How do I figure out which masks/tubings are compatible with a certain machine? I assume Dreamwear masks are only compatible with Phillips machines? Are there any other masks with a hose that attaches at the top of the head like Dreamwear? I've tried other masks but toss and turn a lot and hate dealing with the hose when it doesn't attach to my head out of the way (I'm a side sleeper but switch back and forth from side to side).

Thanks for your help!

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by ChicagoGranny » Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:13 am

Sova wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:02 am
What would be the best machine to purchase out of pocket from ResMed or another company?
Any ResMed AutoSet depending on availability. The AirSense 11 is the newest model and the 10 would be fine also.
Sova wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:02 am
How do I figure out which masks/tubings are compatible with a certain machine? I assume Dreamwear masks are only compatible with Phillips machines?
Except for some travel machines, all masks and hoses are compatible with the major brands of machines.
Sova wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:02 am
Are there any other masks with a hose that attaches at the top of the head like Dreamwear?
Yes, ResMed has the AirFit N30i. cpap.com, our forum sponsor, has a webpage with photos, specs, ratings and reviews on most masks. It's a good place to browse. Also, there are many reviews of CPAP masks on youtube.

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Pugsy
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by Pugsy » Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:16 am

Sova wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:02 am
I LOVE my Dreamwear nasal mask with gel pillows, but since the gel pillows are being discontinued (UGH) I'll probably have to change my mask anyway. How do I figure out which masks/tubings are compatible with a certain machine? I assume Dreamwear masks are only compatible with Phillips machines? Are there any other masks with a hose that attaches at the top of the head like Dreamwear?
You assume incorrectly that mask brands are specific to machine brands.
With the exception of a couple of special masks made for just the AirMini ResMed travel machine all masks are compatible with all machines.
Sova wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:02 am
Are there any other masks with a hose that attaches at the top of the head like Dreamwear?
ResMed offers one but they don't offer anything in the gel pillows. Respironics is the only brand offering the gel pillows.

Look up the ResMed P30i or N30i...it connects at the top of the head and uses a similar frame as the DreamWear.
Whether you would like it better or not....up to you. I found it annoyingly noisy myself but others love it.
Sova wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:02 am
Looks like ResMed is the other big company out there. Apparently they use a different foam, but do we know that it won't have the same issues? What would be the best machine to purchase out of pocket from ResMed or another company?
All these brands use some sort of foam. We don't have a crystal ball to know for sure if any brand's foam might end up having the same problem as the Respironics foam at some unknown time in the future. So while we don't know with 100% certainty that ResMed foam will NEVER have this problem...the same can be said for all the other brands.

Depending on exactly which model DreamStation 1 you are using....ResMed is still probably your best option.
DeVilbiss is discontinuing cpap machine product next month.

Exactly what model DreamStation 1 are you using?

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Sova
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by Sova » Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:26 am

Thank you all so much, this is incredibly helpful. Looks like CPAP.com doesn't have Airsense 11 in stock. Is it available yet, and does anyone know if it's worth waiting for? Good to know that I can mix and match masks and brands.

I assume I can access the menus to adjust my own pressure/settings on the Airsense machines like I can on the Dreamstation, right? My sleep doctor is on board with me doing this, though I've been doing great on my existing pressure settings for over a year, but it's nice to be able to adjust if I need to. Looks like there is a new program out for tracking data? I'd been using SleepyHead until I settled into settings that worked for me then kinda stopped tracking.

I'm not sure how to tell exactly what model of Dreamstation 1 I have, it has a humidifier and is auto-adjusting. It's a few years old, I think I got it in the summer of 2018. Looks like most of the pictures I see when I google "Dreamstation 1" (here's an example that looks like mine I found, same case, etc: https://www.theperfectcpap.com/products ... th-autoset)

Sova
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by Sova » Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:30 am

Also Pugsy- I see you use the Bleep Sleep mask, have there been any improvements to it over the past year? I tried it when it first came out (despite the hose not attaching on the top of the head) and liked it a lot, but the venting was way too strong and loud for my partner (and actually almost too loud for me) so I stuck with Dreamwear. If it's quieted down any or there's less forceful airflow out the venting (not sure if this is the correct term hopefully you know what I mean) I might give it another try. My partner is the world's lightest sleeper so silence is a huge plus for me.

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by ChicagoGranny » Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:41 am

Sova wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:26 am
Is it available yet, and does anyone know if it's worth waiting for?
I haven't seen any new features that would prompt me to rush for an 11, but let's see what others say. However, if you are the type that likes the latest/greatest ...

Sova wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:26 am
I assume I can access the menus to adjust my own pressure/settings on the Airsense machines like I can on the Dreamstation, right?
Right. The "secret handshake" is revealed in several youtube videos.
Sova wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:26 am
Looks like there is a new program out for tracking data? I'd been using SleepyHead until I settled into settings that worked for me then kinda stopped tracking.
OSCAR is the new, improved version of SH.

Note: The dirty dogs, to put it mildly, at Philips have encrypted the data on the DreamStation 2. OSCAR/SH is not able to read the data.

Sova
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by Sova » Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:49 am

ChicagoGranny wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:41 am

Note: The dirty dogs, to put it mildly, at Philips have encrypted the data on the DreamStation 2. OSCAR/SH is not able to read the data.
Oh geez, ok well my mind is made up then I think, no ability to read data is a dealbreaker for me. Happy to hear what other people have to say if anyone else sees this though! Good to know I don't have to wait for the AirSense 11, I'll probably go with the 10 so I can get it ASAP.
Last edited by Sova on Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:51 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Pugsy
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by Pugsy » Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:50 am

You probably have the DreamStation 1 AutoCpap...Model number DSX500xxx...but look on the bottom of the blower and confirm. Model number is clearly shown.
If so...AirSense 10 (or 11) AutoSet would be a comparable machine in terms of functions.

AirSense 11 models are scarce online because there's not very many of them and brick and mortar DMEs seem to be getting first dibs since there is a shortage of cpap machines due to the foamgate recall.
From what I have read about the AirSense 11 model I don't see it being all that much of an advantage worth waiting for.
No major changes in terms of function other than the for Her Auto mode is now included and not a separate model purchase.
That mode isn't a deal breaker for most people anyway.
The AirSense 11 models I have seen online...you have to wait for it to get "in stock" and it is VERY pricey.

As far as the Bleep....did you ever try the diffuser to reduce the annoying venting??
https://makesleepeasy.com/products/drea ... eq=uniform

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Sova
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by Sova » Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:53 am

Pugsy wrote:
Mon Nov 22, 2021 11:50 am
As far as the Bleep....did you ever try the diffuser to reduce the annoying venting??
https://makesleepeasy.com/products/drea ... eq=uniform
I didn't! I tried it when it was SUPER new and this wasn't even available yet. There were some instructions for do-it-yourself diffusers made out of filters or something but I didn't have time to figure that out so I just went back to Dreamwear. Maybe I'll give it a shot!

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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by Deborah K. » Mon Nov 22, 2021 1:04 pm

Sova, I had the Dreamwear pillows mask and the Resmed Airfit P30i. I liked the Resmed better, but the mask is not gel. I now use the Bleep and like it best by far. The new ones come with the diffuser Pugsy showed already in place. It is not top of the head, but I put mine up on a hose holder that is above my head, so it's not down on my chest anyway. I love having no straps on my head or face and nothing needing adjustment during the night.

Just this week I got the Resmed AirSense 10 Autoset For Her machine. I don't know how to describe it, but it is WAY more comfortable for me. I slept like a baby from the first night. I guess the different algorithm Resmed uses is simply better for me. My ahi readings are lower than ever too, which makes me happy. :)
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by D.H. » Mon Nov 22, 2021 2:38 pm

There are several other makes of CPAP, such as Fisher & Paykel (New Zealand), Resvent (China), Transcend (they make mostly travel-specific CPAPs), and Apex Medical.

I had a Fisher & Paykel in 1999 and replaced it with another F&P in 2005. The one I got in 2005 still works and I was able to use it when I learned of the recall, until the replacement came.

Except for a few oddball cases, you can use any mask with any machine.

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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by ArchiePeters » Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:18 pm

When I did my rental trial after my at-home apnea test, I was given a F&P SleepStyle - the mob did have both machines for rental, but the man said he preferred the F&P. It did have a slight whine on the inhale,but I got used to it. I rented it for 2 weeks and in the meantime checked out reviews on the web and looked for 2nd hand machines. One review I read said the F&P was the quietest. I purchased a 2nd hand machine locally, but it had a VERY annoying whine on the inhale. Luckily the seller accepted it banck and refunded my money. So I then purchased a brand new machine from a CPAP shop (Ashmore, GoldCoast) and wouldn't you know it - whine on the inhale. They were happy to swap it for another new one - ALSO whiney noise. They then swapped it for an AirSense 10 which has been great. The motor noise on the Airsense is even quieter than the F&P.

Things I like about the ResMed AirSense - basic figures are uploaded automatically to the ResMed website for viewign - although, not more detail than what is on the AirSense display. But we have Oscar for the finer detail anyway. F&P offer no web site readings. Even though my rental trial was only 2 weeks - during that time I did not have any 'dry mouth' mornings. Since my AirSense I have had two - but now I use a bit of mouth-tape, that problem is solved. I don't know if it has anything to do with the pressure or the algorithm or the fact that I was still getting used to it. Quieter motor noise than the F&P - you can just hear the fan on the inhale, but it's not bothersome - and I have very sensitive hearing!

The F&P has a larger water chamber than the AirSense.

I use a Philips DreamWear with Nasal Pillow - very comfortable.
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by chunkyfrog » Fri Nov 26, 2021 10:21 pm

Instead of the "mask resistance numbers", used by Respironics,
The Airsense models have settings for mask type--intuitive to set.
I always suspected that the Respironics sytem is intentionally misleading,
--intended to lead one to believe that you have to use only THEIR mask.
Beyond sneaky!

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Sova
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Re: What is the best non-Phillips Machine? Want to replace my recalled one out of pocket.

Post by Sova » Tue Dec 14, 2021 8:41 am

Thank you all for the great advice! I ended up ordering an AirSense 10 and am setting it up now. What would I do without these forums! Y'all are the best :)