Thinking about getting a new CPAP (Auto?)

Good evening everyone.

I currently own a REMStar M Series CPAP with a Comfort Gel mask which I received when diagnosed with sleep apnea. I've been using commitely since May 2009, actually purchased May 2008. Next week I go in for my physical and would like to discuss with my primary care physician about getting an auto cpap, since it adjusts to your breathing. The last couple of nights i've been reading the posts here and the information is literally overwhelming! Is there such a thing as fine tuning a good match for me? There is literally a bazillion to choose from it seems and I'm drowning in the information *cries*.

Starlette

If you are willing to foot the bill, then just get the Rx and order it online (for example at cpap.com) however if you expect insurance to pay on it, you need to check your benefits closely. Most insurance wants 5 years between machines unless it is medically necessary to change machines.

The five year limit applies to replacing the old machine with a similar one. A new prescription specifying an Auto will trump the insurance company schedule. That's exactly how I got my Auto after only 2 months.

But, more to the question; since you are already familiar with the brand, an M-series Auto w/a-flex would probably serve you nicely. In fact, you could even use your existing humidifier and just replace the blower, if cost is an issue.

If you are willing to monitor the numbers (and it appears you are), finding the optimal setting for you is easier with an Auto than a CPAP. And when (not if!) anything changes, you'll know by the numbers that a change is in order...and what that change should be!

You'll also have the option to run it in CPAP mode if you find that works better for you. Many people do.

Also, I have read from so many of you is that I want a fully data capable machine that allow you to track my compliance (time I've used it), my leaks, my apnea and hypopnea events. Would that M Series also do that? Starlette

Absolutely! The M-series Auto is fully data capable and uses a standard SmartCard.

In addition to the machine you will need a card reader and software for your computer. If you get that specified on your prescription, you MIGHT get your insurance to pay for it. But, if not, the reader is only about $40 or so. You'll need some way to read the data no matter which machine you go with.

you'll need some way to read the data no matter which machine you go with.

The exception is the Intellipap Auto, which uses smart codes. One may enter them into the code reader at cpap.com, or use the DeVilbiss website to read the data. The data may then be downloaded as .pdf files and saved No additional software is necessary, nor does one need additional hardware. This is useful for Linux and Mac OSX users.

Starlette wrote:Good evening everyone.

I currently own a REMStar M Series CPAP with a Comfort Gel mask which I received when diagnosed with sleep apnea. I've been using commitely since May 2009, actually purchased May 2008. Next week I go in for my physical and would like to discuss with my primary care physician about getting an auto cpap, since it adjusts to your breathing. The last couple of nights i've been reading the posts here and the information is literally overwhelming! Is there such a thing as fine tuning a good match for me? There is literally a bazillion to choose from it seems and I'm drowning in the information *cries*.

Starlette

Which specific model? If it's the "Plus", it's not data capable. If it's the "Pro", it IS data-capable.

Of course, the "Auto" is data-capable and it does have a single-pressure (CPAP) mode, but keep in mind that all that "adjusting to your breathing" can disturb a person's sleep......and leave them feeling un-rested. Also, if you have leak issues with your mask, it will be adjusting (increasing) the pressure to compensate for that......and then, as the pressure goes up, it may leak even more (because the mask may not be adjusted for the higher pressures).
Bottom line is......some people can sleep with an Auto in a range of pressures and some people can't.

"Data capability" is of primary importance.


Den

 
Also can someone explain to me in laymens term the difference between A-Flex and C-Flex?  I’m not getting it.  Thank you.
Starlette
 

Starlette wrote:... can someone explain to me in laymens term the difference between A-Flex and C-Flex? ...

I'll do the best I can.

• A-Flex and C-Flex make things easier for you to breathe. It softens the pressure when you breathe.
• A-Flex appears to be based on both C-Flex and BiFlex.
• BiFlex was developed for the Respironics BiPAP units. Hence, BiFlex. This was the first "flex" developed.
• C-Flex was initially developed for CPAP. Hence, C-Flex. This was developed next.
• A-Flex was developed for the Respironics APAP units. Hence, A-Flex.This was developed last.

They all essentially do the same thing, make it easier to breathe when using different forms of xPAP therapy.

http://aflex.respironics.com/

A-Flex is designed to work with our clinically proven auto CPAP algorithm to improve comfort even more by matching pressure delivery to the patient’s entire breathing cycle. Like C-Flex, A-Flex provides flow-based pressure relief at the beginning of exhalation. Like Bi-Flex, A-Flex softens the pressure transition from inhalation to exhalation to provide additional comfort in an auto-CPAP mode. The pressure profile mirrors the patient’s breathing, and with the auto algorithm intelligence, it will respond to the patient’s therapeutic need throughout the sleep session.

http://cflex.respironics.com/

C-Flex pressure relief technology makes sleep therapy more comfortable by reducing pressure at the beginning of exhalation and returning to therapeutic pressure just before inhalation. The level of pressure relief varies based on the patient’s expiratory flow and which of the three C-Flex settings has been selected.

Bottom line is I have no issue with my cpap, or mask. With it almost being a year (in May) of use, I feel pretty comfortable with the whole thing.
More Info: M Series model #1038863 - I can't tell if it's a Pro or others.

The only reasons I wanted to change to something different is the following:
- I'm not getting any data readings as in fully data capable that I know of. I want to know what's going on while I sleep, so I know my cpap is doing what it's suppose to be doing and I'm getting the maximum treatment.
- I don't know if I'm always getting the right amount of pressure throughout the night.

I thought going auto would be a step in the right direction.

Also, John thank for the explanation on the different levels. I have a better understanding.

Starlette

you are listing a number for a humidifier not a cpap

does your machine have 2 or 3 buttons on the front? and is there a name on the top of it?

bottom machine - 2 buttons

next machine up the line - no enhanced data however - 3 buttons (and the word Plus on it too)

*blush* Sorry about that.

Thank you Jules! I took it off the humidifier and found out the following:

REMStar M Series "BiPap"
Model 100M

no problem - that model is called "basic" DS100 - and we have seen that number for humidifier posted before as cpap number -

so are you trying to use insurance for a new machine or pay out of pocket?

are you in a HMO?

At this point, uncertain. I was just going to discuss this with my Primary Care Physician next week.

Starlette