Question about using my new Resmed S9Auto...pulsating

I'm just getting used to my new machine. Its still on the dining room table. But I hooked my usual mask and tubing up to the machine (not using the humidifier for this test). I have my usual settings on it, and when I turned it on, it feels like the inhalation and exhalation are pulsated. And right before I inhale, it feels like the EPR is on, but its not. Is this just getting accustomed to a new machine? Seems like the inhalation and exhalation should feel as smooth as my previous machine (Resmed 8 autoset ). Also.......is it possible that my previous pressure setting is actually higher on this machine? It feels higher.
This pulsating is awful. I couldn't tolerate apap because the shifting in pressure would wake me up. This pulsating seems very similar. I'm not sure I can keep this machine. :(
Thanks.

Anyone?

When I researched this Resmed S9 autoset, I saw nothing but rave reviews. Lots of people here seem to love it. But now that I'm feeling lots of pulsing with each breath, and googled "Resmed S9 Pulsing"...... I'm finding that it can be a problem for some people.
Do you think I could get used to it? I guess I thought it would be just like my older machine.......very smooth air.
If I don't want to keep this, it presents some problems, since I HAD to buy the humidifier straight out. I'm feeling bummed.

Don't mean to keep bugging you all, but I need to make a decision about this machine very soon.
Anyone out there experience this pulsing/choppiness and seeming hyperactivity of the S9 Autoset on the straight cpap function? Will I get used to it? I don't even want to use it for a night, in case I have to return it. I've just been trying it out without the humidifier during the day.
PLEASE........give me some input.
Thanks.

Obviously with the dozens of S9 users on this board...none have noticed this. WE cannot tell if you will get used to it.

I would take it back and see if they think it's normal. Mine doesn't do that.

LSAT......but people who noticed the same thing and got used to it, might be of help to me.
I tend to notice everything about everything. This might be another one of those things. Just not sure it won't wake me up all the time......which is why I changed from APAP to straight CPAP. I'm not sure the DME would even be able to notice it, even if it WAS there.
With all the S9 people here, I would have thought there'd be more replies.

I haven't ever seen someone mention their S9 pulsating while trying it while awake.
If it has been noticed by someone...it must be rare and they sure didn't come here to this forum wondering about it.
Most people say they love their S9.
Now, they did change from the S8 algorithm to the new S9 Algorithm.
Lots of people traded their S8 machines for new S9 machines...I don't remember ever reading a complaint. Not to say it didn't happen but it didn't happen here on this forum.

The only thing I can remotely think of is the FOT part of the algorithm used to tell the difference from OAs and centrals and that little jewel is only supposed to do its job when there's some sort of event and the machine needs its help determining event category .....so you should NOT be able to feel it since you are awake and no events are happening so there is no need for FOT to even work.

FOT Forced Occilation Technique
http://www.resmed.com/us/products/s9_se ... toset.html

Now if you told me that you kept waking frequently during the night because of strange pulsations...then I might think FOT
but you say that you tried it while awake and without the humidifier..is that correct?
Attach the humidifier with water in it and see if that makes any difference. At this point it can't hurt.

Yay! I was hoping you'd show up Pugsy!

Yes, I've read about the FOT and it sounds like that's what I'm perceiving during my experimenting during the day. I didn't want to use my humidifier, in case I could return it, unused. But I have the feeling returning anything to Lincare will be even more hassle. I guess its good I didn't buy the machine outright......but am "renting to own". Although I was required to buy the humidifier.

I guess I need to just bite the bullet and use it at night. Maybe I'm just too conscious during the day, and notice everything, that I might sleep through at night.

When I say "pulsating"......the flow of air feels really rough. You know how anti-locks brakes work in a car? It thumps really fast, when engaged? Well that's how I feel the air delivery is in this machine.
Plus, it feels like it has its EPR turned on, but its off. I feel like this machine is hyperactive, and jumps in to fill my lungs before I even take a breath.

Also.....the same pressure I've used with the S8 feels ALOT higher in this machine, and the end expiration pressure feels higher. Maybe my old machine was just not doing well? My AHI with the older machine is 5-7, which the doc says is fine.........but I feel like I could do better. When I first started on this machine 7 years ago, it was 3-5.

Another concern with the "hyperactivity/aggressiveness" of this new machine is it almost feels like auto pap.........which used to wake me up all night, so I switched to straight cpap and did fine.
I guess I could guess constantly about how this is going to work.......and need to just try it out at night. I was worried about returning it used.

I was totally looking forward to this new machine.....so I really want it to work.
Thanks Pugsy! I value your input.

I have an S9 auto & love it. Something you should try though, hook up the humidifier the way it should be and try your test again. The humidifier may act like a storage to hold the psi and give smooth breaths where as hooked up just to the machine may be choppy as u describe...hey it won't hurt anything. Good luck

Thanks knothead. I was wondering that! I think I need to quit trying to keep everything unused, in case I want to return it. I don't think I can really tell what's going on, without connecting everything up.
Thanks for your suggestion.

Country4ever wrote:Thanks knothead. I was wondering that! I think I need to quit trying to keep everything unused, in case I want to return it. I don't think I can really tell what's going on, without connecting everything up.
Thanks for your suggestion.

Let us know how it works out...good luck.

Well Shoot. I filled the humidifier and got things going and it was just the same, if not worse. I felt real air hunger for some reason.
And I feel that pulsating on exhalation too.
Is it normal, if you take a little breath in (like a little sniff) , it blasts you with a huge blast of air?
I had it on for a couple minutes, and after I took it off, my head felt really pulsing, as did my neck.
Am I an alien or what??
I guess its time to call Lincare.

If it's FOT you mean there are more people who do not like it. I breathe very slowly and FOT time to start before my exhalation is complete. My wife has been taking my ResMed S9 and myself, I bought a Philips APAP.
Here is a picture I had previously put in here.

It sure sounds like there may be something wrong in the machine. Someone (DME?) with a manometer should be able to tell if the pressure out of the machine is pulsating. You could even make your on if you have a couple of feet of clear plastic tubing.

Actually I have seen more complaints about Respironics pressure pulses than I have seen with FOT.

AND FOT should not be a factor while awake unless the breathing is unstable or erratic and the machine thinks you are asleep and having all sorts of apnea events.
FOT only happens when there is a reduction in air flow and the machine needs help in determining what is happening...tissue collapse or airway staying open.

FOT should NOT be happening at the very beginning of turning the machine on...it is NOT a constant thing at all.
That's why I said "remotely think it might be FOT"....
While awake...near the Respironics or the S9 should not be doing any pressure pulses or FOTs...

FOTs can easily be seen when zoomed in on air flow rate graphs

Air hunger...most often pressure starting out is too low...ramp maybe or if using nasal pillows too small in volume...which I know you know the difference.

If you aren't using the ramp...and aren't using EPR and having this much difficulty and really so stressed out that you feel like you are suffocating...take the machine back and ask to try a different model just to see if it is the way the S9 does things now or maybe you have a lemon.
What you are describing...while awake and I presume pretty much experiencing from the second you take the first breath is not normal at all.