07-28-2013, 09:48 AM
An observation on quality
This month I switched from a Fisher and Paykel ICON Auto+ to the ResMed S9 Autoset. There wasn't anything wrong with the ICON I just like the data gathering and EPR features on the S9 better. Build quality, however, is another matter.
My mate has been on CPAP for almost seven years. She still uses her first machine--a F&P Sleepstyle 200. Because of its age it doesn't have the features of my S9 but it still does the job. It has another plus, however, as did the ICON, when compared to my S9. They are just flat built better.
Both F&P machines--especially the Sleepstyle 200 have the feel of high quality instruments and appear to be virtually indestructible, My wife has hauled her's all over the globe --from China to Budapest and it has never as much as hiccuped. And the exterior looks as good as the day she got the machine.
The S9 looks more high tech and you can even get skins for it with the colors and insignia of your favorite sports team. But the build isn't at the level of the F&P machines. I would compare it to the difference between the build of the old, virtually bullet proof metal Kirby Vacuum cleaners and today's plastic models that have to be thrown away rather than repaired.
The F&P machines also remind me of the products produced by Hewlett Packard back in the days when they manufactured scientific instruments. I think you could have driven nails with the first computer I ever used -- an HP-85 portable, back in the late 1970s.
That being said, I am happy with my S9. Wouldn't want to trade. And given the speed with which technology advance today, maybe the F&P machines outlive their usefulness. Still, I think it's too bad their aren't machines with the best features of both.
My mate has been on CPAP for almost seven years. She still uses her first machine--a F&P Sleepstyle 200. Because of its age it doesn't have the features of my S9 but it still does the job. It has another plus, however, as did the ICON, when compared to my S9. They are just flat built better.
Both F&P machines--especially the Sleepstyle 200 have the feel of high quality instruments and appear to be virtually indestructible, My wife has hauled her's all over the globe --from China to Budapest and it has never as much as hiccuped. And the exterior looks as good as the day she got the machine.
The S9 looks more high tech and you can even get skins for it with the colors and insignia of your favorite sports team. But the build isn't at the level of the F&P machines. I would compare it to the difference between the build of the old, virtually bullet proof metal Kirby Vacuum cleaners and today's plastic models that have to be thrown away rather than repaired.
The F&P machines also remind me of the products produced by Hewlett Packard back in the days when they manufactured scientific instruments. I think you could have driven nails with the first computer I ever used -- an HP-85 portable, back in the late 1970s.
That being said, I am happy with my S9. Wouldn't want to trade. And given the speed with which technology advance today, maybe the F&P machines outlive their usefulness. Still, I think it's too bad their aren't machines with the best features of both.
"Sometimes the magic works . . . and sometimes it doesn't" -- Chief Dan George in the movie Little Big Man
