CPAPtalk.com

People here are very familiar with the problems with their own machines. We're also pretty familiar with qualitative differences between models. e.g. which machine has heated hoses, which machine collects what data, who sells machines with non-washable humidifier tanks, which one has software available, which one uses a non standard data card that you can't get a card reader for, which one uses 12V DC power, etc.

@Slarty : 47 if you are dent arthur dent.

ParanoidAndroid wrote:As a total newbie, I'm watching this thread to see if any overwhelming opinions surface. But I do have a pertinent question... how many people have tried multiple machines? I'm happy with mine, but it's been a total of three nights. But I wonder if, like a computer, you have your own experience and others descriptions of theirs. And unless you own multiple at the same time, you really cannot compare because by the time you replace it, the technology has evolved enough that you're comparing old to new, not model to model.

It's true that most people only have experience of one machine from each generation, but when I was doing my research, I did find quite a few who were able to compare. Some of these were part of a trial sponsored by our hosts, though that compared the M series and Intellipap, which are arguably of different generations. Others had problems with one machine or the other and switched. Of course, those folks aren't exactly a random sample, but I found their posts very useful. And there were a few who had two modern machines, usually because they travel a lot and have different criteria on the road than at home. For a poll like this, though, I think people will mostly respond by selecting either the machine they chose for themselves without trying any others, or the machine they now wish they'd gotten but have never actually used. Hence it probably reflects perception more than actual experience.

But if you just got thrown into the cpap pool, and your first goal is not to drown, you could do worse than go with what a bunch of experienced users think is the best machine. The current standings weed out the unknown PR1, which given the way most DME's operate is probably the most basic/hamstrung model, and the S9 Elite which is obviously inferior to the S9 Autoset. The front runners are the two I wound up choosing between after quite a bit of research, and the S9's current lead is consistent with the fact that nearly every post I found by someone who had switched from one to the other favored the S9. That doesn't mean that the S9 is superior for all or even most users, but it does indicate that the S9 is a safer bet for a newbie who will need to get some sleep before he can think straight and who doesn't want to risk being stuck with a machine that won't work for him.

OTOH, the OP already has a PR1 Auto, so that's probably not why he started this thread. What is your goal here, brinho? The more you tell us about your situation, the more on target the responses will be. It should even make the poll a little more useful to you, especially if you go back and edit your first post so that people are more likely to read what you're after before voting.

Totally loving the HHGG references. I'm amazed at just how prolific something 30 years old still remains (because I still maintain the radio series is *the* proper way to experience it!).

"What do you get when you multiply six by nine?"
42... provided you do the math in base 13!

OK, back on topic... I am really loving my PR1 after only a few days, but it's making me face a harsh truth... I frequently give myself only 6.5 hours in bed many nights. Its logging is accurate, but simple as the math has always been, I've been padding my numbers. haha

I like the argument that this is comparable to a "Ford vs. Chevy" discussion. I am very familiar with owners of both and agree that brand-loyal owners tend to see the strengths of their brand as the key benefits that place one over the other. That is the beauty of variety. What you find important is likely to be a priority to at least one manufacturer, and they will become your favorite.

iv nothing to compare with,got my first machine 2 twos ago...and its comfy,as for as they go,id rather do without and not have this horrible OSA, anyway my machine is good!! and its doin its job,cant feel mega benefits yet! still tired..but im hopefull, x x

Am a newbie looking to get my first machine. Are the S9s reliable? Am from the Philippines and warranties don't apply here since PAP manufacturers have no reps here. Whatever unit I choose, I have to have somebody hand-carry it here. Any warranty claim means the same trouble for a friend who will have to hand-carry it back to the US. Am very tempted to get the S9 Autoset due to the reviews and the result of this poll. Also, am set to see a pre-used S9 (particular model not yet known) tomorrow. It is also very tempting since aside from the discounted price, I don't have to wait a month or so before I can get it since the unit is already here, ready for pick up. Just in case, is there any additional comment regarding the DeVeilbiss vs the S9? Thanks.