Re: What's the best CPAP machine?
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 9:55 pm
Hyperlexis, the OP was in the sleep lab 7 months ago - I sincerely hope they are already fixed up with their machine!
Eric,SuddenlyWornOut45 wrote:Straight CPAP machine? Honestly, a lot of them are "best." Straight CPAP is pretty straightforward. I think it mainly comes down to things like the quality of the humidifier that hooks to the CPAP and "comfort features" if needed.
Its obvious that a "best" CPAP will be fully data compatible. I dont even think any company makes a CPAP anymore that does not have data (chip) compatibility.
If I had to choose one best CPAP, it would be the Resmed S9 CPAP. Whatever is Resmed's current highest level straight S9 CPAP. I dont keep up with just straight CPAPs anymore, as I use APAPs and once in a while, Bipaps/VPAPs.
Why Resmed S9 CPAP? In my experiences, the Resmed S9 machines have the best humidifiers, the best comfort feature...its called EPR or Expository Relief. Resmed S9 machines also allow you to get the tightest, most exact adjustment in the machine for the amount of pressure. The settings are in small .2 increments, whereas all other companies adjust pressure in large .5 increments. A .5 increase or decrease is a big change, a .2 increase or decrease not so much a big change. Therefore, you can get closer to your exact prescribed pressure with a Resmed S9 CPAP. For things like sufferers of aerophogia and people who are generally more sensitive to pressure side effects, that ability to adjust in .2 increments can be a big deal.
Finally, Resmed has a longstanding reputation for making THE best masks. In particular, Resmed has the best reputation for making the best full face masks, but their nasal masks have excellent reps as well. Using a Resmed mask with a Resmed CPAP syncs everything perfectly. So many people use a Resmed mask with a Fisher and Paykel or Phillips/Respironics CPAP or an Intellipap CPAP. I never understood that. Why not just use a Resmed CPAP as well????? <shrug>
So, after a ton of experience with two brands of machines, Resmed machines and Phillips Respironics machines and two brands of masks, I personally swear by Resmed.
Eric
Super helpful post, thanks for writing it. I especially had no idea PR and Resmed differed in pressure increment. Thanks!