Which CPAP Machine Should I Ask For?

My old CPAP machine has breathed it's last on my behalf. My DME provider will, within insurance limits, allow me to pick a new CPAP machine. Manufacturers they support are ResMed, Respironics, and Fischer-Paykal. I need heated humidification, and would like to get a unit that has a heated tube to minimize rainout. My pressure setting is 7. Does anyone have a recommendation of make and model? Thanks in advance.

Check the links in my signature line for info on which machine to get.

Avoid the F&P. The ResMed S9 and Philips Respironics PRS1 have several advantages.

Do NOT accept the S9 Escape or Escape Auto. Do not accept the PRS1 PLUS or the unlabeled DS250 machine. Run like heck if it's the Philips Respironics SE machine.

The S9 AutoSet and PRS1 Auto are good machines, roughly matched. They're auto machines and can do everything the corresponding manual CPAP machines can do. Always get the auto if you can. The S9 Elite and PRS1 Pro are roughly evenly matched manual CPAP machines, if you can't get the auto.

All of these machines have a heated hose option, but the heated hose capable humidifier is optional on the PRS1, so be sure you get the humidifier that will power the heated hose.

Watch out for the old switcheroo from the DME. There is no S9 Auto, there is the good AutoSet and the Escape Auto that you should avoid. DME's will mislead you to give you a cheaper non data capable machine because they get paid the same in any case. Look at the pictures on CPAP.com to figure out how to spot the differences. Learn how the machines are labeled.

I would push as hard as needed to get an S9 Autoset with H5i Humififier and heated hose.
I you must settle for a PRS1, You would want the DS560TS. The TS gets the heated humidifier withh heated hose AND 80 watt powersupply necessary to operate the heated hose.

What is your current machine?
If it is ResMed, then you will likely get along nicely with a current ResMed S9.
If it is Respironics, then the current Respironics 60 series will do nicely.
The actual differences have to do with the feeling of the algorithm and they are slightly different.
Most folks can't feel the difference but some can. So stick with the manufacturer that is working for you right now.

Hi - The S9 Autoset is an excellent machine according to everyone, just a bit above my level in terms of its infinite technical possibilities which I don't feel the need of. I don't like the PRS1 and quickly traded it back for what I have now (see below), which I'm very happy with (discount the 'travel' stuff, it's as good as anything else fulltime and half the price and a lot of the weight).

I second what bwexler and the other say. I had an old ResMed and got a new machine 2 weeks ago. Did research and went with S9 Autoset with heated humidifier and climateline hose. I'm very happy so far. Nice to have access to all my sleep data! Everything is working great. Have been having some ear pain, but doctor discovered fluid in ear due to allergies, not machine. BTW, my pressure is 8, so just a touch above yours. I say go for that one! As a result of the good advice on this board, I had my sleep doctor spell out EXACTLY what I wanted on my prescription, so the DME wouldn't exchange products. They even put "patient choice" for mask, so I have the option of trying new masks.