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Snoredog wrote:You forgot to mention anything at all about the "brick" power supply? Oh thats right you never have used cpap before these two machines. But it looks like the Classic Bipap uses a similar brick power supply just as the M series does where the Classic Auto and Pro has none.

I think you figured out in the very next sentence why I didn't mention it. Please feel free to create your own post with pictures that compares the M Series Auto and Tank Auto and covers the points I missed. I think that'd be even more helpful to new users than my post was.

Snoredog wrote:

blarg wrote:

WearyOne wrote:snoredog, the SmartCard data download procedure, what about the procedure is stupid?

1) Remove the card from the machine.
2) Put it in the reader.
3) Start download.
4) Remove card.
5) Replace in machine.

Sounds pretty sane to me.

If he means that there are missing days from time to time, then yes, that does happen with the Autos, but is supposedly fixed with Encore 1.8i. There's no way we can be sure though until the M Auto users are on Encore 1.8i for a few months and haven't lost any days.

Great post Blarg. Needs to be in the FAQ section, IMHO.

Sorry the old flame war flared up.

No worries.

Nice post Blarg,

I tested the M series for Respironics back in late '05 early '06 and the size of the humidifier chamber was an issue even then. When I heard they weren't going to change it for the production model I decided to stay with my tank instead of a smaller model. Humidification is everything to me.

Blarg,

I am happy to do a compilation of this thread & remove the posts that diverted attention. I too think it is good enough for a permanent link.

PM to discuss

DSM

We just need someone with magical lightbulbing powers to come along.

I really am not very bothered with any posts in this thread. New users might as well find out who does what around here.

blarg wrote:We just need someone with magical lightbulbing powers to come along.

I really am not very bothered with any posts in this thread. New users might as well find out who does what around here.

This thread has been educational from several perspectives.

One other category of comparison that I would suggest that a potential purchaser of Respironics "Classic" -v- M series flow generators ought to consider is travel-friendliness. I have a REMstar "Classic" Auto which i use as my everyday machine very successfully. But, I do find it to be large, clunky, and not at all travel friendly. It is perfect for fixed, home use though, at least clinically. I still find ResMed S8 machines to be far better in terms of human factors design, convenience and aesthetics.

I recently acquired a new Respironics M-series Auto in replacement for my ResMed S8 AutoSet Vantage which was involved in ResMed's recent recall. I had often used the Vantage for travel purposes, using it in CPAP mode with EPR VERY successfully. It is a WONDERFUL travel machine, in my opinion, because of its petite size, it's very well designed travel case, and the convenience it offers in making comprehensive data available on its LCD screen without the need for an outboard computer, software or card reader.

I have not used the M-series on a trip yet (though i will this weekend). I do find however, that it appears to be much more travel friendly than the "Classic" with its smaller size and weight and its redesigned (though still ugly) travel case. Even the power brick seems to me to be an advantage since it extends the overall length of the power cord while still requiring only one outlet to plug into. And, I know that I respond well clinically to the Respironics algorithm so I'll be able to use it in Auto-titrating mode, whereas I was sadly confined to using my beloved S8 Vantage in CPAP mode only, since I did not respond well to the ResMed algorithm.

Anyway, I'll be using the M-series Auto for the first time this weekend, on a trip to Utah's beautiful Monument Valley to see the spectacular Red Bull Air Races, and I'll let ya know how it went when I return next week.

Hope this helps someone.

Chuck

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, resmed, CPAP, Power, auto, Travel

Chuck -

So did your DME replace your Vantage with an M Auto?

My DME has yet to notify me about my Vantage.

Yup, they did. Without question, on the very first morning after the recallw as announced (at least here). As soon as I told them that I never responded well to the ResMed algorithm.

They have always been WONDERFUL in that regard. Kinda makes up for the fact that I've NEVER received a follow-up call from them asking me how I was doing, or even whether I was using the stuff or needed any consumbales replacements.

But, I'm not complaining.

Chuck

I've owned two machines over the last seven years...a Sullivan Elite V and the M series. That's a pretty big jump. All in all I like my M series. I agree that the lights are too bright, but a blue bandanna laid on top cures that. I've owned the machine since 12/06 and been using the software since about 2/07 and I've missed one night of data.

Nothing on planet earth is perfect, but compared to my old Sullivan, I like my M APAP.

JeffH

JeffH wrote:Nothing on planet earth is perfect, but compared to my old Sullivan, I like my M APAP.

Oh, I like mine too. I like it a lot. I just like the tank's design for a few things better.

I don't think the M Series machines are bad, or anything of the sort, just that they have a few areas where I think they took a step backwards just to have "less medical" styling. Personally, that's not a priority for me, and that's all I'm trying to say.

They're both great machines.

I think for a number of us, it was the fact that the "Classic"/"Tank" was our first machine (some of us are sentimental slobs....others aren't) and they have served us well. Many of us have purchased additional (backup) machines and so it's "why switch horses in the middle of the stream?" logic......and we have spare/interchangeable parts, too.
I haven't done any "traveling" since I started therapy, so that hasn't been an issue.....yet.
I don't really care whether it looks like a piece of "medical equipment" or not. Personally, I don't think it does.....but when one puts the mask on, that's what gives it away.

AND, as long as the card is in place, mine keep recording my nightly stats.
(no nights off and the older software still works)

Den

Wulfman wrote:I think for a number of us, it was the fact that the "Classic"/"Tank" was our first machine (some of us are sentimental slobs....others aren't) and they have served us well.

This is one of the reasons I felt compelled to do the post. The M was my first machine, so if anything, I should be sentimental to the M Series.