I can't get no ..... satisfaction!

I am new at all of this (I don't know my pressure yet) and after reading much of your good advice I am still undecided regarding the purchase of a machine I will be buying my own machine, accessories and masks, which frees me from worrying ab out what an insurer will pay for. I have been comparing info on the Respironics M Series with A-Flex - the Respironics Remstar with C-Flex - and the Resmed S8 Autoset Vantage. It seems most of you hate the bright blue lights, the noise and the awkwardness of the humidifier on the M, but most importantly the dealbreaker being the unavailability of the software, however the comfort of A-flex and the algorithm is praiseworthy. The older Respironics model the Remstar isn't available with A-flex, it sounds as if it isn't as noisy, doesn't have the bright blue display, but it does have the software and the same awkward humidifier. And finally the Resmed has a good physical design, poor algorithm, and no exhale relief in auto and I'm still confused about the software. Is this correct ? If so what I want is the Resmed physical design with the Respironics algorithm, exhale relief in auto and software!!!!! But since I can't get no satisfaction please tell me your thoughts on the next best thing.

I am confused about your comment on the older Remstar model having "the same awkward humidifier".

I don't find it awkward at all and it is different than the M series humidifier.

The blue lights on the M Series doesn't bother my husband or I. The machine itself is very quiet.

Just my opinion.

Take a look at the Good knight 420E. It is quiet by all accounts and has easily available software. Our host has a nice bundle package of machine humidifier and software for about the same price as the other machines youa re considering. This is the one I am going to get.

Thanks everyone. This is just what I need. I figured I misinterpreted some of what I read. What can you tell me about software availability and would some of you sacrifice some comfort for the ability to have detailed access to data?

Software for both Respironics and ResMed machines is more difficult to find than it used to be, but does seem to still be available, at least at the present. Last I checked, both types were listed by at least a few internet vendors, with some vendors charging really high prices for Respironics' Encore Pro. It's just necessary to look a little harder to find it. The 420E software is, again at present, much easier to find, as the manufacturer has not, to date, issued any edicts about not selling it to the public.

If you intend to run an Auto as an Auto and want some sort of exhalation relief, Respironics is really your only option. I've found no difficulty in exhaling against my Auto set at 6.8 to 11, and may turn to CPAP mode in the near future, where exhalation relief will be available, if needed.

Consider the Resmed S8 Elite if you don't need AutoPAP and want full data.

And the Resmeds (S8 Elite and S8 AutoSet Vantage) have the Respironics' beat all to heck when it comes to data EASILY available via a good size, easy to read LED screen until such time as you do get the software.

The problem? Resmed has jacked their prices up for their xPAPs via online venders so they are considerably more expensive than a comparable (other than easy LED data access) Respironics.

Much as I love my Resmeds (I have both the S8 Elite and S8 AutoSet Vantage) your get more for your money w/the Respironics when buying out of pocket rather than thru insurance - and thus I would suggest the Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex. The key word here is A-Flex. Only $11 more than the Respironics M Series Auto w/C-Flex machine only or only $20 more if bundled.

buying cash I would definately spend just a little more and get APAP. Because if you are buying cash due to not so good insurance, you are probably paying too much for sleep studies too. With APAP you can avoid more sleep studies for longer.