AUTO CPAP RESMED or RESPIRONICS?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 25, 2006 3:08 pm

Newly diagnosed and newly confused!

I just got my first script for an Auto CPAP. Now I am trying to decide between the Resmed S8 Vantage Auto CPAP and the Respironics REMstar Auto C-Flex. My decision between the two comes down to the compact size of the Resmed and the REMstar C-Flex technology.

Is there anyone who has had experience using both machines? I was wondering if the C-Flex technology on the REMstar really makes a difference to the user during exhalation.

Any insights on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Nancy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 25, 2006 3:22 pm

The S8's EPR does not work in Auto mode, go with the Respironics Auto w/ C-Flex.

OR

Buy a 420G (cheap) now and buy the new M Series Auto that is coming out in late June.

Scota4570 · Post by **Scota4570** » Thu May 25, 2006 3:54 pm

I just swapped my S8 for a S7. The S8 was noisy. I had the Swift nose mask. The machine made a whirring noise the went up and down as I inhaled and exhaled. There was also a high pitched whine. Another S8 did the same. The S7 is much quieter. I would rather have big and heavy yet quiet. My wife was going to leave the bedroom if I kept the S8. I now have the S7 and a regular mask.

Hey they stuck me for the humidifier, they won't take it back. I have no use for it since it only fits the S8. Now I have a humidifier I can't use. Shouldn't the insurance company have a mechanism for that situation? They told me it costs 600-bucks. CPAPMAN has the same thing for 230. What is up with that? Is it normal for them to gouge the insurance? What is the best way to get a humidifier, at this point ? I tried calling the insurance. They told me to call the doctor, doctor does not return my calls.........

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, swift

DME_Guy · Post by **DME_Guy** » Thu May 25, 2006 6:11 pm

Both Resmed and Respironics make excellent auto machines and I think you'd be happy with either one. I prefer Respironics because of their C-flex technology.

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Thu May 25, 2006 6:38 pm

respironics all the way, c-flex is awesome, but i might be a little biased,

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Thu May 25, 2006 9:20 pm

I just got my respironics after recently being diagnosed so I don't have a comparison base but if this unit is as good as everyone seems to think it is, then I'm glad this is what the sleep center gave me.

I'm also glad to see this forum exists. I like to hear how other people are doing with the same machine and what they're experiencing overall. I'm sure most have had to "get used" to this machine because it's quite a bit different that no mask/no machine. I actually have to use the chin straps to hold my mouth closed which adds to my claustophobia but I just try to relax and keep breathing. I'm normally a mouth breather so this keeping my mouth closed all night business is definitely taking some getting used to.

A month from now I hope to look back and say no problem! Last night was my first night with it. My main concern was disconnecting it and reconnecting it easily to go to the bathroom or just to get up and get a drink of water or whatever. It was easy. It's still new to me though.

JamesCPAP · Post by **JamesCPAP** » Fri May 26, 2006 3:22 am

Nancy, it all depends on whether you think EPR/CFLEX is a requirement in AutoTitration mode.

To be honest I was originally looking at Respironcs but in the end after seeing how small the S8 was, fell in love with it because I do a lot of traveling. For me I liked the idea of EPR/CFLEX but also knew that I could contend exhaling against a pressure of 12cm, so although I liked the idea of EPR/CFLEX and wanted it as a feature, it wasn't one of the features that made or broke which machine I chose.

Eventually I went for the S8 because it was so small and still packed full of features. If you are sold on Respironics you may want to check out the new 'M' series. I believe the AUTO machine will be available soon (if not already) as it's been a while since I last checked.

birdiebaby · Post by **birdiebaby** » Fri May 26, 2006 8:42 am

It is a very small machine and comes in a small travel bag about the size of a very small laptop carrier. Very handy for travel. Very handy for not taking up much space at bedside!

If you are at all interested in monitoring the progress of your treatment, the S8 shows you daily statistics -- mask fit, avg pressure, usage time -- without having to buy the expensive software. In order to see all of the graphs that you sometimes see posted here, you still need to buy the software, but at least you can see a basic level of data without having to shell out $$.

IMO, I don't think the S8 is loud. It's not as loud as the fan that like to have on at night. I have a nose mask, though, so perhaps that makes a difference.

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Fri May 26, 2006 9:18 am

I also have the S8 Vantage AutoSet and I really like the tiny size, the rich array of features, and its neat, sorta hip design. Respironics looks sort of industrial, and the new M series is designed to look like a clock radio, while the S8 definitely looks hip.

The two manufacturers use VERY different algorithms. The ResMed algorithm is notorious for detecting hypopneas in a very different way than other manufacturers do, and therefore, may be guilty of over-detecting and over-titrating hypops. But it is VERY effective nonetheless, in my opinion.

What impresses me the most about ResMed though, is their willingness to list quite a number of scientific journal articles reviewing their products, and provide links to the actual articles so that I can read and review them myself. Respironics also provides a number of references, and their own abstracts of the articles they reference, but no link to the actual articles. As a scientist myself, I respect any enterprise that is confident enough about its product to encourage potential consumers to access the body of juried scientific literature so that they can evaluate the product based on empirical data and evidence, themselves. ResMed therefore, has won my confidence as well.

Hope this helps.

Chuck

Scota4570 · Post by **Scota4570** » Fri May 26, 2006 9:21 am

"IMO, I don't think the S8 is loud. It's not as loud as the fan that like to have on at night. I have a nose mask, though, so perhaps that makes a difference. "

My S7 is much quieter than the S8s I tested. This was a side by side comaprison. The S7 is almost inaudible. The S8 with the nose mask was unusable. It probably depends on the settings. I would test whatever is being offered. Don't rush, be critical. Keep in mind if you get a humidifier you can not take it back. I am being told I am on the hook for a hugely inflated price for my huidifier, that I can't use. Beware, good luck.

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Fri May 26, 2006 10:20 am

I find the S8 Vantage AutoSet to be virtually silent, as in NO AUDIBLE NOISE whatsoever.

Chuck

JamesCPAP · Post by **JamesCPAP** » Fri May 26, 2006 10:29 am

TBH I don't find the S8 loud, but what I did find irritating for the first week until I adapted was the difference. I was used to a fixed pressure device humming at a constant decible level, but with the S8 on Auto mode I found that it seems to increase the more you inhaled. Sort of a stressed out motor type noise which got louder the more you inhaled.

Once I got used to this, it was fine, but I was surprised it took me a whole week where as getting used to CPAP took me no time at all.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Fri May 26, 2006 11:42 am

Anonymous wrote:Newly diagnosed and newly confused!

I just got my first script for an Auto CPAP. Now I am trying to decide between the Resmed S8 Vantage Auto CPAP and the Respironics REMstar Auto C-Flex. My decision between the two comes down to the compact size of the Resmed and the REMstar C-Flex technology.

Nancy, I don't know if you've made your decision yet, but you might want to consider the new Respironics M-series Auto with C-Flex. It would give you the compact size you're looking for, as well as the exhalation relief in auto mode. I thought I read somewhere it would be available in June, but you could call or email cpap.com to find out for sure.

dpwozniak@comcast.net · Post by **dpwozniak@comcast.net** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:40 pm

I have both machines, and used both, the most comfortable to use is the Resmed S8. It adjusts automatically a little easier than the Respironics. I have about 1200 hours on the Respironics, and about 80-100 hours on the S8. I only use the S8 when I go on vacation, and it is a little easier to carry.

Rastaman · Post by **Rastaman** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:59 pm

Well, tomorrow will tell the tale. It appears I'll be switching out my Respironics Remstar Plus with C-flex technology for a Resmed S8 Autoset Advantage. I'm keeping the same mask. I wanted an APAP for various reasons and a call this morning didn't get me anywhere but after I offered to pay the difference in cost to switch it out, they're offering me what I consider to be a better machine.

On a side note I think the Remstar Plus with C-flex is a fine machine. Compact. I hear the s8 is even more compact. Time will tell.

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