AutoPap Recommendations

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:40 am

Hello All,

I just found this great forum and I'm hoping some of you might be able to give me some direction on what autopap I should get. I am currently using a Remstar Plus w/ C-flex at a pressure of 12. I've tried the Resmed Autoset Spirit twice (two-week trials) and the first time it said my ideal pressure is 12 and the second time (a few months later) it said 8. I liked the Spirit better than my Remstar Plus and seemed to sleep better and had much less mouth leakage (with or without a chinstrap). With my Remstar, I HAVE TO wear a chinstrap and I still breathe through my mouth on occasion.

Anyway, long story short, my insurance is going to partially cover a new Autopap and I'm currently planning to get the new Resmed S8 Vantage. I'm just wondering if anyone has tried both the Autoset Spirit and the Remstar Auto and preferred the Remstar. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Ryan

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:44 pm

I've tried the RemStar Auto, ResMed Spirit and the PB 420E. I found that although all three machines delivered similar pressures, the treatment that I received from the RemStar Auto left me feeling tired during the day.

Treatment from both the Spirit and 420E left me feeling really awake during the day. I think (my opinion only) that the RemStar Auto was just not quite aggressive enough with the treatment it delivered.

I was going to purchase the ResMed Spirt but, it is alot bigger than the 420E and, the 420E has the advantage of allowing some tweaking as some of it's triggers are adjustable. I also harbour the notion that the 420E is the most accurate of the bunch as it has an integrated pressure sensor line. This, of course, is a matter of conjecture as I'm sure that all of the manufacturers would say that their respective machine is most accurate.

So, for what it is worth, please try to trial all of the different machines before you buy so that you get the one that gives you the best treatment. If several give the same good treatment, look at the features/options and, look at your lifestyle. If you are going to be travelling alot, a small machine might be of great appeal.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:46 am

WillSucceed,

Thanks for your input. I really hadn't given much thought to the PB 420E but it sounds like a very good machine. Whichever autopap I go with, I'm just hoping see a noticable improvement over my current cpap. What a joy it would be to get a solid night's sleep every night!!!

Ryan

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 11:35 am

I considered the RemStar Auto but ended going with the PB420e based on recommendations here. You can read all about it (and the recommendations) in the thread Should my first machine be an APAP? (Opinions sought)

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:10 pm

Definitely consider the 420E. cpap.com has a great package deal for the 420E, heated humidifier, software and carrying case. I travel about once a month and the 420e is lightweight, portable and doesn't slow me down in the airport....also, the TSA folks are familiar with it as a medical device and don't give it a second look.

This therapy WORKS!!!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 12:32 pm

Like WillSucceed, I've tried all three major manufacturers' autopaps:

Puritan Bennett Goodknight 420E
Respironics REMstar Auto (two of them, without C-Flex, one with it)
ResMed Autoset Spirit

All gave me equally good treatment. At my usual pressure range which at most briefly touches 13 or 14 on occasional nights, all were comfortable to use.

So, for me it boils down to which one has features and software I like best.

The PB 420E wins out for me. The first autopap I ever had. Gave it to a friend a year ago, who especially needed its advanced settings.

Happily, I've now bought another 420E - from one of our fellow message board posters. Should be here in a week. Looking foward to using my favorite little machine and favorite software again.

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:55 pm

Rested Gal wrote:[/quote]The PB 420E wins out for me.

Be still my heart!

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 10:03 pm

Hey Rested Gal!
Mazel tov on the 420E!!!
O.

Darth Ryan · Post by **Darth Ryan** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 11:39 pm

I appreciate everyone's input. I see that the PB 420E is very popular around here! I wish I could try one out for a few weeks and compare it to the S8 Vantage but unfortunately, I don't think that will be possible. I called my DME today and inquired whether they carry the 420E and whether they allow "test trials." Unfortunately the answer was no to both. She said they (and a couple other DME's in my area) no longer carry the 420E because of noise issues - especially with pressures above 7. Any truth to that? I didn't get the feeling that she was trying to steer me away from it just because they didn't carry it since she suggested I could buy it online if I wanted to.

Anyways, as of right now, I'm scheduled to pick up a S8 Vantage tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be very happy with it since my limited experience with the Autoset Spirit was quite good. Wish me luck!

Ryan

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:45 am

She said they (and a couple other DME's in my area) no longer carry the 420E because of noise issues - especially with pressures above 7

Rubbish! They may well of had a lemon that made noise, but I've have two 420E machines and both were very quiet. Quieter, in my opinion, than my RemStar.

However, I do notice that the 420E has a distinctive sound that can be heard if you are not using a humidifier with it. I used one of mine for a few weeks without a humidifier and I noticed a sound that seemed to work its' way right up the hose to my face. When I attached the humidifier, the sound was gone.

Now, I don't even hear the machine at all, even when I listen for it. Neither does my better half. And, perhaps best of all, no snoring!

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 6:52 am

She said they (and a couple other DME's in my area) no longer carry the 420E because of noise issues - especially with pressures above 7. Any truth to that?

It's true of my machine - in an environment with very little ambient noise (no air conditioning, little traffic noise).

Mine was bought in April this year - but not in states, I wonder of we'll learn anything from comparing serial numbers - will chech and let you know mine when I'm at home.

O.