Various questions from a rookie

Hi everyone,

I was recently diagnosed with mild OSA with an AHI of around 11. My doctor has recommended using an AutoCPAP machine. I'm still coming to terms with how this will affect the rest of my life (I'm only 23) and so I'm planning how to make this as painless as possible.

I'm looking at the Resmed S8 Autoset series and I have a few questions that I hope some of you may be able to answer.

1. What is the difference between the S8 Autoset II and S8 Autoset Spirit II- what does the Spirit mean? From what I can gather the Spirit version is what is sold outside of the USA but I'm not sure.

2. I'd like to have as much exhalation comfort as possible so I want the Easy Breathe Technology with EPR (as Resmed calls it). Do both the regular S8 and the Spirit version have these? Their website is a bit ambiguous. Also, are there any disadvantages to leaving this feature on all night?

3. I've had some fitting problems with the FFM I was loaned for the test (I cannot use a NM because of nasal obstruction- Turbinate Hypertrophy to be exact). Will I be able to find a comfortable mask with a good fit? Also, most importantly, is there any way to get rid of the cheek inflation when breathing through the mouth?

4. My doctor told me that I am obligated to bring the machine whenever I travel. Is it not acceptable to spend a few nights (2-3) without it? Why is this?

5. How is the Resmed H4i heated humidifier? I heard there were some complaints about the H3i...

6. Is it cheaper to buy from an online store like cpap.com instead of directly from Resmed? Is this reliable?

Sorry for all the questions. I appreciate your help.

Welcome to the forum!

1] I "think" you are right. But since I'm in the USA I tend to forget which names outside the USA coincide w/which USA name. DSM or one of our other "other than North American" members can probably clear up the matter - yet again.

2] The EasyBreathe technologhy is only available in the Resmed S8 II models which just came out in 2008. The previous Resmed S8 models don't have it. It is not a feature that can be turned on or off.

3] I'm outta my league on this question except that many fairly quickly develop the ability to eliminate the "chipmunk cheeks" phenonemom. For some of us it is necessary to use some form of chin strap or lip sealing w/tape or thin layer of PoliGrip Denture Gel or Strips.

4] CPAP therapy is NOT a cure, it is a TREATMENT like wearing glasses. As long as you wear them you can see adequately, when you don't you can't see as well. Its your option to travel w/o your xPAP and not sleep for beans or travel w/it and sleep well. Your call.

5] Nah, I'm using the Humidaire 3i, matter of fact, I've used two different 3is w/o problems (3 different Resmed devices: 38 Elite, S8 AutoSet Vantage and S8 II VPAP Auto bi-level. Are you sure you aren't mistaking it for the Respironics M Series integrated humidifier? To the best of my knowledge, the only difference between the 3i and the 4i is the somewhat larger capacity of the 4i.

6] Yep, almost always cheaper to buy online and cpap.com is VERY RELIABLE and well-liked. The "catch" is the insurance/no insurance issue. cpap.com does not work w/insurances. If your insurance will consider you "in network", there are those who successfully buy from cpap.com out of pocket, submit the paid invoice w/proper codes and are reimbursed either at full cost or at a percentage of cost. And I believe there is also an "affiliate" called "billmyinsurance.com" you can check into.

wba204 wrote: 3. ... Also, most importantly, is there any way to get rid of the cheek inflation when breathing through the mouth?

As far as mask fit goes, I wouldn't be of much help. I'm on my first mask, and I find it comfortable enough, although I do tend towards a little too much leaking. I'm planning on working through that with the doctor and the DME-R/T.

As far as "chipmunk cheeks" (I called it the "rocket sled guy" effect at first, but I don't think anyone understood what I meant) goes, I haven't found a way to abate that. But, after almost 3 months in, I've found that in the middle of the night I don't notice it. Sometimes I revert to mouth breathing when I have sinus issues. So I'll wake up in the middle of the night, and it feels like the overall pressure is really low, and I'll open my mouth, and my lips will spring open to give me the chipmunk cheeks. I don't really notice it.

When I first turn on the machine at night, I concentrate on breathing deeply, and exhaling against the pressure. I usually don't remember much after a minute or two, and I assume that's because I drop off rather quickly. But the key is that I feel like I am exhaling against pressure. Later on, when I wake up in the middle of the night, everything is very comfortable and feels natural, I guess because I have adapted to the pressure. I don't feel like it takes extra effort to exhale at that point.

Guy