What's everyone's thoughts?

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:42 pm

I'm not by any means trying to take advantage of my insurance company, but since they cover me 100% and there is no dollar limit on equipment, what machine would one get and why? And does the particular machine one would get record all of the important data so I could monitor my AHI, snoring, etc.?

sleepylady · Post by **sleepylady** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:09 pm

What features do you want on a machine? Did the sleep study results state you should use a BiPAP or would a CPAP be ok? What is the pressure you'll be prescribed at? Was it difficult for them to find a good pressure for you during the sleep study? Did you have problem exhaling during your test? It normally states if you seemed to struggle with it.

There are many types of machines that have different options. Just as when you go get a car you look at what you want for the options, we don't really know what options you're looking for. If you give us a little more information, I'm sure we can let you know what type of machine would work well in your situation. For instance, for me I had a pressure of 14 and then 16. When I requested info about APAP's and what worked best many thought the Remstar with C-flex would be ideal. Well I also need a small machine for travel. Since I don't have problems exhaling I opted for the P&B 420e APAP and absolutely love it.

It's great you're doing this research now. I didn't know anything when I was given a ResMed S7 Lightweight CPAP. I did try using it, but found it didn't work for my needs. If I had been more informed it would have been less aggravation for myself and the DME.

Melinda

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:53 pm

For the pressure you are at, the machine you have is very nice.

If you want an Auto, then the S8 Vantage is great and small. The Remstar Auto with cflex is great and heavier (but also very reliable). Or you could wait for the new M series Auto.

cpapjack · Post by **cpapjack** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:04 am

sleeplady wrote:

What features do you want on a machine? Did the sleep study results state you should use a BiPAP or would a CPAP be ok? What is the pressure you'll be prescribed at? Was it difficult for them to find a good pressure for you during the sleep study? Did you have problem exhaling during your test? It normally states if you seemed to struggle with it.

I'm not sure if this is a feature or not, but I want a machine that'll be able to record data other than compliance data so that I can use software to moniotr my therapy and make adjustments as necessary.

Also, without knowing alot about an APAP, from what I do know, I think an APAP would fit the bill for me. Sometimes I wak up and am really tired throughout the day and others I'm not. I don't have mask leaks, so I'm just thinking that maybe one constant pressure isn't enough. I dunno though.

sleepylady · Post by **sleepylady** » Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:19 am

CJ,

Now that we know you want an APAP we can break it down for you. If you want one with exhalation relief (Cflex) then you'll want to look at the Remstar Auto.

If size is a consideration, ResMed does make a small auto, however Puritan Bennett has the smallest with the P&B 420e APAP. I personally have the P&B and the cooresponding silverlining software. I love my little machine. It's very lightweight and the software gives me all of the compliance info and graphs I could want. I don't know anything about the ResMed auto so you may want to ask others about that.

I've heard nothing but great things about the Remstar, though I do see lots of questions regarding the software. I don't know if it's more complicated to use than P&B's 420e. I think Rested Gal has tried all three machines so you may want to check in with her and see. Either way you go I'm sure you'll find a great machine.

Melinda