Another new user-trying to determine which machine to get.

I can't help but notice that a lot of people are using the "REMstar Auto C-flex CPAP" machines. What are the advantages to using this machine over the "Resmed S8 Vantage". I used a resmed s7 at the sleep lab, so my immediate feeling is to just stick to that brand (also because it just looks cool and streamlined and seems to be a nice small machine), but my mom uses a REMstar that she's had for around 3 years or so and seems to be doing very well. I guess I'm stuck at this decision. Why is it that so many people seem to prefer the REMstar? Which machine would be the best if cost weren't a consideration?

Also, my little brother (he's 18 and I'm 30) was diagnosed too (we both went to the sleep lab on the same nights), so we'll be getting 2 machines. The amount of information in this forum is impressive, already it has been a big help to me and I think that we're both lucky to have found a community of people to ask for honest advice.

Check the poll. I just bumped it to the top of the list.

Regards,
Bill

leaveye wrote:What are the advantages to using this machine over the "Resmed S8 Vantage".

The one and only advantage (imho) of the Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex over the ResMed S8 Vantage with EPR is that the Respironics machine can give some exhalation relief (C-Flex) while operating in auto-titrating mode. The ResMed machine cannot use its exhalation relief (EPR) while operating in auto-titrating mode....can use EPR only when the Vantage is operating in CPAP mode.

If a person has no problem exhaling against whatever pressure he/she is prescribed, there's no compelling reason to get the Respironics machine over the ResMed machine...or over the Puritan Bennett 420E, for that matter. The PB autopap has no exhalation relief feature in either mode.

On the other side of the coin, the ResMed S8 machines are much smaller than the Respironics machines. But that's about to change, and very soon, with the coming out of the Respironics "M" series machines with a small footprint compared to the Respironics REMstar Auto.

If a person doesn't want to get software, and a card reader, to look at detailed data, then the ResMed machine is a cut ahead of the others, imho, with the way it can display some data (AHI, etc.) in the display window on the machine. That wouldn't be a selling point to me, though, as I do use software with any autopap I use. I want to see the details -- charts, graphs.

Which machine would be the best if cost weren't a consideration?

If you are talking about wanting auto-titrating capability, then the best, imho...most versatile, anyway, and a machine I'd love to have even though I don't really need it... the Respironics BiPAP Auto with BiFlex.

rested gal wrote:

leaveye wrote:What are the advantages to using this machine over the "Resmed S8 Vantage".

The one and only advantage (imho) of the Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex over the ResMed S8 Vantage with EPR is that the Respironics machine can give some exhalation relief (C-Flex) while operating in auto-titrating mode. The ResMed machine cannot use its exhalation relief (EPR) while operating in auto-titrating mode....can use EPR only when the Vantage is operating in CPAP mode.

If a person has no problem exhaling against whatever pressure he/she is prescribed, there's no compelling reason to get the Respironics machine over the ResMed machine...or over the Puritan Bennett 420E, for that matter. The PB autopap has no exhalation relief feature in either mode.

On the other side of the coin, the ResMed S8 machines are much smaller than the Respironics machines. But that's about to change, and very soon, with the coming out of the Respironics "M" series machines with a small footprint compared to the Respironics REMstar Auto.

If a person doesn't want to get software, and a card reader, to look at detailed data, then the ResMed machine is a cut ahead of the others, imho, with the way it can display some data (AHI, etc.) in the display window on the machine. That wouldn't be a selling point to me, though, as I do use software with any autopap I use. I want to see the details -- charts, graphs.

Which machine would be the best if cost weren't a consideration?

If you are talking about wanting auto-titrating capability, then the best, imho...most versatile, anyway, and a machine I'd love to have even though I don't really need it... the Respironics BiPAP Auto with BiFlex.

Also to for the record the New "M" will require new software. Bummer!

Wow, that "M" series looks pretty sleek. Any idea when it's going to be available?

It probably will be out soon, it's been vaporware for quite a while. My old Pro 2 shoebox gets pretty good gas mileage, I doubt if sleek will give me any more MPG.

And having to buy new software to get the good out of it would be a big factor in my puschase. I'd probably get the old APAp if I had the chance.

Touché

I was in the same dilemma as you when I first started CPAP therapy. I settled on the Respironics REMstar Auto and would second what rested gal posted. My reasons for the REMstar auto were:

1. For the C-flex which allows me to have some pressure relief when breathing out.

2. The fact that I can record and manage my own treatment.

3. It is by far the most popular machine if you check NightHawkeyes's poll or just view the registered users who have included their equipment in their profile.

4. Because my sleep doctor uses Respironics units in his sleep labs. So if I ever need him to see how my therapy is going I can just get him to down load my data card.

5. I can turn this unit into a straight CPAP and still be able to record data but of course that is standard with any APAP you buy now.

You may be further ahead with the Resmed S8 since your doctor uses them in his sleep studies plus as rested girl has posted you can get some data from the liquid crystal display without having the software. A BiPAP may yield a different suggestion.

Thanks for all of the fantastic advice.

I think that (as cool as the Resmed S8 looks) I'll have to roll with the REMstar. It really seems as if the C-Flex feature (during auto mode) is a major comfort to those who currently use this machine. I think I might just have to get 2 of them (one for my little brother) as soon as the prescriptions come in! Now to begin the hunt for a good mask/nose interface.

Great forum.
Levi

Goofproof wrote:Also to for the record the New "M" will require new software. Bummer!

I was wondering how you figured that out. I may be in the market this summer for an APAP, so I'm interested in what might happen there. Checking the part numbers for the Encore software it is the same number when ordered for an M as it is for the current APAP.

Something I'm overlooking?

Thanks

I read here their is a new version Encore Pro v. 1.6, to support the "M". Where did you order your "M" from since they are not on the market yet?

"Encore Pro vs 1.6 is only needed if you are going to use the New M Series machines from Respironics. This version is to accomodate the M Series.

To date, this is my understanding. "

Ted

Site Administrator
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Encore Pro

Slight miscommunication there, I might be getting an APAP this summer, looking over my options at the present time. Don't have one yet, not an "M", nor a classic. I followed the links from cpap.com under software and then found what you're referring to. Thanks for that, probably means the 1.6i software is backwards compatible with 1.5, and that's why they can use the same part number at the Respironics site.

Arghh. Guess I'll have to see if Aetna will cover the software if I go the "M" route.

I am confused about you needing a CPAP, but not until this summer. If you have a bad case of apnea, your brain cells are dying off a little at a time. You might HURRY things up, even get a rental machine if necessary to hold you until the new model comes out. There are plenty of good effective machines currently available.

Moogy

Hi Leaveye,

I didn't have a choice on what machine to get, when I went in to pick it up they gave me the remstar pro2 w/cflex. It was already programmed. I chose only a mask. Good Luck!

Brenny