I Need Advice on Which Machine

I posted yesterday about my discovery that my S8 Vantage could not provide EPR while in Auto. My doctor wanted me to try the EPR (or C-FLEX) to see if it helped relieve some of my discomfort and claustrophobia.

I have only been on treatment for about 50 hours and I am still struggling with exhaling against the pressure of the machine. I contacted the DME and they are going to correct their mistake by giving me another machine.

It looks like my only choice for both Auto and C-FLEX is the RemStar Auto. I am trying to determine:

1.) How beneficial is C-FLEX or EPR is. Should I just keep working with my S8? I am afraid that I may not adjust any better to a different machine.

2.) Is Auto the best choice for me? I don't know if straight CPAP will make my problems difficulty tolerating treatment worse (Auto pressure is usually around 11 - 12 all night).

3.) If I decide to go with the RemStar Auto, should I wait until the RemStar Auto M is released? I don't know how old the current model is, but if I am going to have it for some time should I get the machine least likely to become obsolete?

Here is an ordered list of important features.

1.) Treatment is tolerable and successful in preventing apneas.
2.) Software - I plan to be active in monitoring my treatment.
3.) User interface - i like the LCD information of the S8
4.) Size - I travel for work quite a bit - I don't need anything else to lug through the airport

I need an objective opinion. Thanks in advance.

The difficulty of exhaling against the pressure will pass with time.... to the point you will hardly even notice it... even when you first hook up at night. What pressure are you starting at... ie: what is your S8 set at for the low side?

On straight CPAP I ran at 13cm and now since I got my Vantage, my range is 8-16cm. Most nights I will run the "warm-up" or ramp for 10 min. on start-up. After the first few breaths, I don't even notice the pressure anymore. You might want to start with a lower lower-end pressure for your "break in" time. Please stick with it.... DO NOT get discouraged! Keep in mind your body was used to things being a certain way for YEARS..... don't expect it to make this change very fast, but adjust it will! Give it time and above all, when you go to bed..... try to RELAX and try NOT to fight it!

Tumbleweed has summed it up well.

DSM

To answer one of your questions, the Remstar Auto with cflex is very nice. And if and auto isn't what you ultimately need, you can set it to a straight cpap. Also, you can get the card reader and software for the Remstar Auto - which is what I use.

I think you might need different software for the M series. Don't know for sure since I don't have the M.

The Remstar Auto with cflex should work well for you unless your pressure is very high or you need a Bi-Pap.

It probably is heavier than some other models - but heavier isn't necessarily a bad thing either.

In response to your numbered questions:

1. EPR only functions in the straight CPAP mode (kinda like a BiPAP) whereas C-flex operates in both Auto and CPAP modes or can be turned off completely. Some people like me find good benefit to using C-flex where others don't. You will have to try it to see if it is right for you.

2. The auto may be a very good choice for you. I think if your doctor wanted you on a bipap we wouldn't be having this discussion for lack of a better word. Sometimes the machines algorithm dictates the quality of treatment. This may be a factor for you as well.

3. The old model is tried and true, a great work horse from what I have heard. I haven't had mine long enough to know. It would be your choice on which model to go with, the newer or the older. The older may reduce in price as well.


1. The treatment is tolerable and successful for me and many others on this and other forums. The software is what will tell how successful the treatment is and you can get all kinds of help here.

2. You will need a card reader and the software. I am not sure that the myencore software will work with the new M series but it will sure work with the old unit. Just in case you are not aware, the myencore software is a program developed by Derek, another user on this forum, which makes it easier to understand your nightly data sampling.

3. You will not get any information in the LCD screen of the Respironics unit other than hours of use. But having the software and card reader makes this point moot.

4. The unit is a little heavier than the new M series but not by that much. Heck it only weighs in at 3.96lbs.

The only other information I can supply you with is to get a heated humidifier for the unit you end up getting.

Hope this is objective enough. .