CPAP recommendation (DS1 alternative)

Janknitz wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 04, 2024 6:05 pm

I disagree with the premise that some algorithms can't be "more comfortable" than others. My first machine was a PRS1 and I felt like I had to fight it every single night for 6 years. I eventually got used to it, but would never have called it comfortable. And in terms of "aggressiveness" of the algorithm, I always felt it was trying to force me to breathe to its rhythm instead of my own.

I was apprehensive when I first switched to a ResMed 10 autoset, but from the first night it was very comfortable. I never feel like I'm fighting it.

If it helps at all, I don't use EPR. No need for it comfort-wise, and it's quieter and smoother without it. My AHI's were great with my first ResMed, they are somewhat more erratic with my new machine, I'm not sure why. But what that means is that instead of 0.2 or 0.3 at most, I'm having some nights with an AHI of 1.0--but only intermittently. So still very good treatment.

babydinosnoreless wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:24 pm

I have the Air Curve 10 vauto. I much prefer the higher pressure support available. I have tried setting the PS to 3 which is what a regular autopap set to an epr of 3 would mimic and I just can't sleep.

vandownbytheriver wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 04, 2024 11:46 pm

+1 on ResMed... I own three of them, an S9 (first machine), an AS10 Autoset (22000 hours on it!), and a new AS10 C2C. I feel sorry for those that got on the Philips/Respironics bandwagon and got hit by the multiple recalls etc... I don't think I could trust that company again myself.

There are a few features about the AS11 that are nice... bluetooth pulse/ox for one... but it's only available for the Nonin™ 3150 WristOx2 which is big and clunky and expensive (1000$). I've heard complaints about the water tank, I've heard that it's not quite as quiet, I've heard that it has a smaller motor in it than the machines I have.

RM did have to pay out big fines for a kickback scheme... there's video by the CEO that might curl your socks unless you follow his politics. Not a fan of him... love his machines... particularly the AS10. I can field-strip one using a T10 power screwdriver in 5min! Been through every chip nut and bolt... they're very solid units... if you replace the motor every five years, no telling how long they'll last.

If you're buying, I'd go for an AS10 Card-to-cloud (C2C)... they're under 400$ brand new from Supplier #1 oh, wait, here we can mention them! cpap dot com. If money's no object (insurance etc) I'd try to get an Aircurve 10 vAuto bi-level machine... as we get older and our condition progresses we may find ourselves needing the added capabilities, that's kinda where I find myself after 14 years on the hose.

And I can't help but recommend that you use Oscar along with a pulse-ox like the O2Ring to manage your therapy and get a handle on it. This condition is one where the provider will often leave you in the woods... and the machines are programmed to phone home with smiley faces on them every day. You're already watching some Nick... find Lanky Lefty and watch his stuff, he's not selling his own web solution alternative to Oscar, and his analyses are spot-on... that is, if you want to learn more.

GoodNightRestGuy wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 06, 2024 11:47 pm

Wow, thank you so much! I will check Lanky Lefty. Btw, what's the benefit of C2C? Easier analysis?

Do you plan to get AirCurve soon? Which one will you get, AirCurve 10 or 11?

Janknitz wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 07, 2024 4:10 pm

EPR is "Expiratory Pressure Relief". I can't remember if that's the term used on Philips machines, but all machines allow you to adjust the settings to have up to 3 cm of pressure relief during exhalation since some people find it uncomfortable to exhale against pressure. This is something most people use, but I found it very uncomfortable and noisy on the PRS1 and stopped using it. Every time I see the sleep clinic, they want to turn it on "for my comfort" but I don't need it or want it anymore.

ozij wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 07, 2024 10:37 pm

It's very different on Philips machines. They call it "Flex" - I too found it intolerable.

vandownbytheriver wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 08, 2024 1:26 am

GoodNightRestGuy wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 06, 2024 11:47 pm

Wow, thank you so much! I will check Lanky Lefty. Btw, what's the benefit of C2C? Easier analysis?

It is *exactly* the same machine as the other AS10 Autoset except there is no modem, so no MyAir. In fact, the series of serial number/unit numbers are *locked out* of MyAir/AirView. Since I use Oscar I really don't care... when the machine is less than half the price of one with, there really is no downside... brand spankin' new! I have to take my card into the doctor for him to generate an AirView report... and the data *does not* move to MyAir.

Do you plan to get AirCurve soon? Which one will you get, AirCurve 10 or 11?

There is no AirCurve 11. Here's a big clue that Nicko hipped me to... the AS10 and the AC10 are *exactly* the same hardware... the only difference is the firmware. Uncle Nick also hipped me to Airbreak... an open source project to hack the AS10. They were *remarkably* successful, let's leave it at that. Google Airbreak github and read up if you like... let's just say I'm intimately familiar with the insides of an AS10.

I see, thanks! Is PRS1 = PR SystemOne? It was my old machine.

GoodNightRestGuy wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 11, 2024 5:36 pm

ozij wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 07, 2024 10:37 pm

It's very different on Philips machines. They call it "Flex" - I too found it intolerable.

Ah I see, so that's what "Flex" setting is.
Did you turn it off? Does it mean your machine doesn't lower the pressure when you exhale?

Janknitz wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 11, 2024 6:10 pm

I see, thanks! Is PRS1 = PR SystemOne? It was my old machine.

Yes, that's correct PRS1- PR System One and "flex" on Philips machines = EPR on Respironics.

I turned it off after a time because it increased the noise (that PRS1 was noisy compared to the ResMed) and I didn't need the pressure relief.

The humidifier on the PRS1 also died about 3 years into my 6 year use. The DME replaced it, but the problem was not in the humidifier itself but in the main unit which they did not replace or fix. I just got used to going without a humidifier.

IMHO that was a lousy machine. I had ZERO issues with my first ResMed the entire time I used it. The second one seems fine, too.

ozij wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 11, 2024 10:45 pm

GoodNightRestGuy wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 11, 2024 5:36 pm

ozij wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 07, 2024 10:37 pm

It's very different on Philips machines. They call it "Flex" - I too found it intolerable.

Ah I see, so that's what "Flex" setting is.
Did you turn it off? Does it mean your machine doesn't lower the pressure when you exhale?

With "Flex" off you have no exhale pressure relief.