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GatorMan wrote:Thanks for the info. The S8 being offered is the Elite. However, I am sure I could talk them into the Vantage if that is a better machine than the M series with AFlex. Has anyone had problems with the M Series w/AFlex?

Respironics C-Flex vs. Resmed EPR: There Is A Difference

Many similarities exist between Respironics C-Flex and Resmed EPR but they are NOT the same thing! Both are easy breathing, expiratory pressure reduction systems. Both decrease the pressure to the patient at the beginning of each exhalation and both have three comfort settings. However, major differences exist in the availability and effectiveness of these features.

Here are a list of the major differences:

Auto Mode Pressure Adjustments. C-Flex works when the machine is in the "Automatic Pressure Adjust", or "Auto" mode. EPR only works in "Constant Pressure", or "CPAP" mode. EPR will not work when an S8 Vantage machine is in the "Auto" mode.

Length Of Pressure Drop. C-Flex decreases pressure at the beginning of each breath. The decrease lasts for less than a second and then returns to the base pressure. EPR decreases the pressure at the beginning of each breath also but keeps the pressure low throughout the exhalation.

Relative vs. Exact Pressure Drop. C-Flex settings reduce the pressure relative to the patient’s exhalation strength and the machine pressure setting. EPR reduces the pressure by one, two or three centimeters of water pressure.

Sleep Disordered Breathing Event Handling. EPR has an Event Detection Circuit. When a sleep disordered breathing event is expected or has occurred, EPR stops until the event concludes and normal breathing resumes. C-Flex is of such short duration it is thought that is has no negative effect on sleep disordered breathing events and does not need to stop.

Ramp Mode Pressure Relief. EPR can be limited to work in the ramp mode only. C-Flex can not be limited in this way.
So, if EPR reduces the expiratory pressure by a controlled 1, 2, or 3 centimeters, what is the difference between EPR and BiPAP (tm) or Bilevel?

Bilevel machines are categorized as "ventilatory devices". They use rapid pressure changes to expand and contract lung volume. EPR uses slower pressure changes, so there is little ventilatory effect. However, EPR does feel very much like a Bilevel to the patient.

Slinky wrote:..... snip .....

Nor did I say that the fully data capable Resmed S8 II AutoSet w/EasyBreathe technology is a better AUTOPAP than the Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex. I said it is the EQUIVALENT of.

Yes, I, personally prefer the Resmed over the M Series. And I believe, have legitimate reasons for doing so.

You Respironics fans are quick enough to jump on how the Respironics "tank" or Legacy series were so much the better device than the M Series and what a step backwards the M Series has been other than the introduction of A-Flex. But that gets conveniently forgotten when a Resmed is mentioned.