Respironics and CFLEX

neverbetter · Post by **neverbetter** » Tue May 29, 2007 3:54 pm

someone told me today that respironics is discontinuing their CFEX's soon.
any truth to that?

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Tue May 29, 2007 5:41 pm

Well, they have introduced a new breathing relief known as A-Flex, so I wouldn't be surprised if they're planning on phasing out the old C-Flex machines. I don't see that happening overnight though.

To answer your next question, here's a thread about the differences between A-Flex and C-Flex.
viewtopic.php?t=19595

BrensTiredMom · Post by **BrensTiredMom** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:27 am

Hmmm...if I get a machine with C-flex now and get the software will I have to purchase new software when they phase out the C-flex and I get a new machine?

SithLord · Post by **SithLord** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:30 am

On the technology side, it seems A-Flex improves on how the motor is driven.

On 4/24, wol posted:

Apparently the C-Flex reduces pressure by using a square wave voltage to the motor, thus the voltage drops instantly and raises instantly when it is time to resume the pressure, this results in the motor slowing rapidly and speeding rapidly. Since motors are inductors it's not quite that simply however thats the basics. The motor makes a lot of noise when this happens.

The A-Flex uses a sinusoidal half wave to slow and speed up the motor thus the pressure drop is not so abrupt and the increase in pressure is not so abrupt either - and the motor is much much quieter.

That's essentially what a salesman told me, makes sense...

Makes sense to me too. I'm interested to see if anybody has confirmed the above.

I'll bet the new waveform eliminates the Activa mask's "pulsing" or Octopus Kiss.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed May 30, 2007 10:13 am

Maybe they just wanted to complete their "ABCs".

A-Flex - for use in "Auto" mode in APAPs.
Bi-Flex - for use in their "Bi-PAPs"
C-Flex - for use in their CPAPs

I thought I recalled someone mentioning/speculating that A-Flex was only available on the Auto machines and in Auto mode. ???

If that's true, then unless or until they make it available on CPAP machines, they would probably not phase out the C-Flex.

Durned if I know.

Den

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Wed May 30, 2007 10:32 am

I'll bet the new waveform eliminates the Activa mask's "pulsing" or Octopus Kiss.

SithLord, you KNOW you'd miss it!!

SithLord · Post by **SithLord** » Wed May 30, 2007 12:59 pm

As I replied in another thread ... Although I am looking for a long-term sleeping partner, my standards aren't low enough (yet) to include an Octopus

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Wed May 30, 2007 1:05 pm

The specs say:

MODES OF OPERATION
(five CPAP options available with Auto M Series with A-Flex): CPAP, CPAP w/C-Flex, Auto-CPAP, Auto-CPAP w/C-Flex, Auto CPAP w/A-Flex

So it looks like C-Flex remains available even on a A-Flex machine. I'm surprised there has not been more discussion on A-Flex.

Do we need it?
What benefits over C-Flex does it offer?
Is it actually quieter than C-Flex?
Should we be buying it?

I thought Johnny was going with his Dad to Vegas and kick Respironics in the chins and get our software back But it appears they stuck them in a box and shipped them off somewhere, should we be sending out a search party?

ChinaRider · Post by **ChinaRider** » Thu May 31, 2007 1:51 am

I'm by no means an expert and am pretty new to the whole CPAP thing (and this forum.) However I started using a lower level M-Series which did not work and my doctor upgraded me to the Auto with A-Flex.

Information on A-Flex is somewhat hard to find but from what I can tell (take it with a grain of salt) the way A-Flex works it will only be available on Auto models. It's basically combines C-Flex with an auto system. You have the C-Flex comfort and then with A-Flex the pressure level adjusts up and down during the night when you need it so you are not stuck at a higher level than you need all night.

My Dr. has me set on A-Flex with a range of 8-10. It seems that it only goes above 8 a few times during the night and then drops back down pretty quickly.

I've used the A-flex successfully to get me down from an average of an apnea every 50 seconds to 1 in the last week and a half.

Come Friday I am going to reset the machine with 8-10 but C-Flex only to see if I notice a difference.

EDIT: PS I can confirm that my A-Flex model has all modes of operation for the models below it. So you can use it as just a CPAP, add C-Flex, add Auto, Add A-Flex.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): C-FLEX, CPAP, auto

blarg · Post by **blarg** » Thu May 31, 2007 1:59 am

SithLord wrote:I'll bet the new waveform eliminates the Activa mask's "pulsing" or Octopus Kiss.

The activa is a balloon. You're not going to eliminate the pulsing until you stop inflating and deflating the balloon. That means no C-Flex or A-Flex.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 31, 2007 6:56 am

No, C-Flex is not being discontinued!!!

new2 · Post by **new2** » Thu May 31, 2007 7:28 am

Guests, check your facts.

I read on the respironics site that as of next year they won't be supplying parts for the C-Flex machines anymore (or something like that).
I saw it a few weeks ago trying to look up information on my machine and I was very surprised by the disclosure, although I'm not sure what it means (other than they are not making them anymore).

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 31, 2007 8:16 am

not true

Mask