Suggestions for my new replacement APAP; (nonREMstar)

HI all. I've reached the 5-year mark of religious CPAP use and still have sleep problems (trouble remaining asleep more than 4 hours). I'd like to try a new Auto-PAP brand now that I can get a new one through insurance.

I currently have a Respironics REMstar Auto M Series with CFlex. I'm hopeful a new brand's algorithm might be better suited for me.

--I'd love my new machine to be more travel-friendly (less bulky, and without a big power-brick to lug around).
--I only ever use the first setting of the Heated Humidifier, so maybe I could live without Heated, but would like a Humidifier of some sort.
--An SD Card for data would be alot more convenient than my current SmartCard.

(Question 1.) Does anyone have any suggestions for data-capable Auto-PAP machines I should consider, that you've had good luck with?

(Question 2.-- ANSWERED) My original prescription from 5 years ago read: "Obtain REMstar M Series (Auto) CFlex machine, 7cmH20, heated humidifier, CPAP mask of choice, HEPA filters. Dx: OSA." Will the DME consider this Rx to be good to get a different brand/model (non-REMstar), or will I have to make a new sleep doctor visit just to get a more "generic" Rx written?

Pugsy wrote:The RX...might be too specific now especially if "dispense as written" was checked

johntee wrote:Thanks for mentioning that... The (stamped) signature of the Doctor is on the Substitution Permissible line... So I guess that should open the door to a non-REMstar machine.

Thanks all for any advice! (And for all the advice over the past 5 --can't believe it-- years!!
John

You might look at the Resmed S9 Autoset.
I have used both ResMed and Respironics PR S1 brands in the bilevel models.
Both brands are great machines..some minor pros and cons with either but I do well with either.
It is the only other APAP that I would recommend other than the Respironics PR S1 APAP...because I like the software better for these 2 machines.

The RX...might be too specific now especially if "dispense as written" was checked when using a DME so that you can use your insurance. You will just need to ask. Find out which DMEs are in your insurance network (if you have one) and call each one of them and just ask...
Online purchase...wouldn't be a problem but you can't use your insurance online.

SleepyHead software...information links found in my signature line at the bottom of my post will work with either the ResMed S9 or the PR S1 machines because SD cards are now used and easy to get the data.

johntee wrote:HI all. I've reached the 5-year mark of religious CPAP use and still have sleep problems (trouble remaining asleep more than 4 hours). I'd like to try a new Auto-PAP brand now that I can get a new one through insurance.

I currently have a Respironics REMstar Auto M Series with CFlex. I'm hopeful a new brand's algorithm might be better suited for me.

What issues do you have with the M-series Auto algorithm? There are differences between the Resmed and Respironics Auto algorithms. But whether you'll like the Resmed S9 more or less than the PR System One Auto depends on what you dislike about the M-series.

--I'd love my new machine to be more travel-friendly (less bulky, and without a big power-brick to lug around).
--I only ever use the first setting of the Heated Humidifier, so maybe I could live without Heated, but would like a Humidifier of some sort.
--An SD Card for data would be alot more convenient than my current SmartCard.

Both the PR System One APAP and the Resmed S9 AutoSet will satisfy you on all three of these, with the possible exception of the size of the power-bricks both machines use.

robysue wrote:

johntee wrote:I currently have a Respironics REMstar Auto M Series with CFlex. I'm hopeful a new brand's algorithm might be better suited for me.

What issues do you have with the M-series Auto algorithm? There are differences between the Resmed and Respironics Auto algorithms. But whether you'll like the Resmed S9 more or less than the PR System One Auto depends on what you dislike about the M-series.

I don't have any specific problem with the REMstar algorithm, per se, but since I am not sleeping through the night (and have addressed so many other possible causes), I wonder if some of it might be related to my body's response to the way the machine increases pressure, how long it holds it there, etc.
Since I'd be getting a new machine, I'd rather sample a non-REMstar model, in the hopes that that may hold the key (or a portion of the key) to my early awakenings.
Thanks!
John