Which machine is better?

pberg3571 · Post by **pberg3571** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:08 pm

Hi all! I have been using a Fisher & Paykel HC604, and started to feel like the pressure was to low. I contacted my DME, and they let me use a Resmed S8 auto set Vantage with a H3i heated humidifier in auto mode, to see what kind of pressure I need over the coarse of a month. It was 11.8, so my F.P. machine needs to be bumped up a little. It sounds like I can change machines if I'd like, but I don't know which one is better and why. I like both machines, but was told the Resmed would be placed on Cpap instead of Apap, as Apap is hard on my cheast and heart...is this true? Hopefully someone can help me here! Which machine is better and why?

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:07 pm

I've never used the Fisher & Paykel. I have two Resmeds, the Resmed S8 Elite and the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage, the one you are using now. I'd grab that Vantage in a heartbeat! Let them set it on straight CPAP, that's fine. I'd still grab the Vantage while they were offering it! But then, I'm predjudiced. Did I say I LOVE my Resmeds? I do!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:22 pm

pberg3571 wrote:Hi all! I have been using a Fisher & Paykel HC604, and started to feel like the pressure was to low. I contacted my DME, and they let me use a Resmed S8 auto set Vantage with a H3i heated humidifier in auto mode, to see what kind of pressure I need over the coarse of a month. It was 11.8, so my F.P. machine needs to be bumped up a little. It sounds like I can change machines if I'd like, but I don't know which one is better and why. I like both machines, but was told the Resmed would be placed on Cpap instead of Apap, as Apap is hard on my cheast and heart...is this true? Hopefully someone can help me here! Which machine is better and why?

Sounds like you're dealing with ignorance, stupidity or prejudice (or all of those).
IF the APAP is configured up "properly", it shouldn't make much, if any, difference.
Unfortunately, some of these idiots are clueless about properly configuring an APAP.
On the other hand, many/most people get better results from straight pressure.
In Auto mode, the S8 does not have exhale relief (EPR) in Auto mode (only CPAP mode) whereas the Respironics (REMstar) Auto machines DO have that feature which is called C-Flex.

See if you can get a REMstar M Series Auto with A-Flex. (more options for the user)

Den

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:24 pm

Maybe I should log in.....

Den

billbolton · Post by **billbolton** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 10:41 pm

pberg3571 wrote:as Apap is hard on my cheast and heart...is this true?

Do you have any general pulmonary health conditions, or are you just dealing with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Cheers,

Bill

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 11:58 pm

Any data capable machine (like the Vantage) is better to own than one which is not.

Any automatic machine (like the Vantage) can be setup on fixed pressure. No fixed pressure machine can be setup to self adjust.

Your humidification with ambient tracking on the FP is much better that you'll get from either the Vantage or the Remstar.

If you change machines you may have to buy an FP humidifier.

So what it boils down to is this:

Research indicates that fixed pressure seems to be better than changing pressure for people with a heart condition (PM me for links if you need them).

Do you think you will need exhalation relief?

Do you want to pay for a humidifier in order to hava a data tracking machine?

O.

pberg3571 · Post by **pberg3571** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:37 am

I have no pulmanary problems nor any heart problems, just apnea. Was told that Apap is harder on my chest and heart because you have to actuall have to have an apnea for it to kick in, while with coao you don't. (not real sure how that works) I was also told that both machines hold data. A large advantage on the F.P. machine is a factory heated hose, but I keep the humisity fairly low, so I don't know how much that would affect me.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 8:55 am

pberg3571 wrote:I have no pulmanary problems nor any heart problems, just apnea. Was told that Apap is harder on my chest and heart because you have to actuall have to have an apnea for it to kick in, while with coao you don't. (not real sure how that works) I was also told that both machines hold data. A large advantage on the F.P. machine is a factory heated hose, but I keep the humisity fairly low, so I don't know how much that would affect me.

What they told is true only when they fail to set the machine up correctly ... but the same thing can happen when CPAP is set up incorrectly.

A correctly set APAP should not need to allow an apnea to occur in order to work. An APAP machine provides just as effective treatment as a CPAP, but provides more options than a CPAP. The Respironics APAP w/ AFLEX provides the most of options of all APAPs.

The F&P HC150 is a "better" humidifer than any of the integrated ones.

Good luck in getting your equipment!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:51 pm

I was told bu my DME that my FP is pretty much the best one out there. Not really sure what to think now. If given the choice (not sure if I can still choose) what one would you guys get?

pberg3571 · Post by **pberg3571** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:54 pm

Sorry, forgot to log in!

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 2:00 pm

I'm not real familiar w/the F&P CPAPs - BUT - I'm pretty sure that NONE of them, except possibly an absolutely new on the market auto or bi-level, are NOT fully data capable but ONLY compliance data capable so I would thoroughly check that out w/someone OTHER THAN your current DME supplier. Perhaps a PM to KansasRT or SplitCity, two DME RTs who frequent this forum, would get you the answer. Certainly it would be an honest answer.

Rather than rock the boat, I'd accept the offer of the Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage and there should be no problem w/your insurance paying for an integrated humidifier or the F&P stand alone heated humidifier since there is no humidifier option w/your current F&P given it is built in.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Why initiate a battle of wills that you might lose? Or go thru the frustration of trying for something not offered when you've been offered a "gift" w/no hassle?

Which machine is better?

Which machine is better?

Re: Which machine is better?

Re: Which machine is better?

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Additional Comments: Airmini, Medistrom Pilot 24, CMS 60C Pulse Oximeter, ResScan 6