CPAP Machine Choices - read this before you accept a new machine

[longtermsufferer]

Why is BIPAP good for UARS? Does that include mild apnea?

[Gideon]

BiLevels have a greater range for the amount of Pressure Support (EPR) that can be applied. CPAPs are limited to 1,2, or 3 cmw difference. Also it can be applied in smaller increments, 0.2 vs 1.0, for fine tuning.

Bilevels are good for all obstructive apnea, I including mild.

[kevinjones 54]

I have been told by my clinic to try a German made device. I wonder if this will make a difference to energy levels.

[Crimson Nape]

Hi kevinjones 54!  -  
This is the first time I have ever heard of this.  I would ask them to elaborate on what the differences are.  If they do, please post it here. . .
Inquiring minds want to know!  

- Red

[kevinjones 54]

I think it is called Lowenstein?

[Crimson Nape]

I was referring to why it makes a difference.

- Red

[Jay Belmont]

I have a Lowenstein (aka Weinmann) Prisma Smart. They're much more common over here in 220v land and gaining recognition overall because in empirical testing they were only of the only manufacturers on the market whose machines actually responded well to bench testing simulated events. As in actually hooking the hoses up to a fake "patient" that mechanically simulated various scenarios. Their design of having the motor run at constant speed and adjusting pressure mechanically using other means also allows for a faster reaction, although personally I still find it never quite lines up with my actual breathing cycle.

The downside is Oscar can't read their data and they lock down their proprietary software. Even though it's available here I was never able to get it working myself. They DO offer an online site that lets you get an extremely simplified readout, giving you a basic timeline of obstructive vs central events and some general statistics, but it's nothing close to what the techs can read with the real software or Oscar could give you.

I've got other minor gripes but they're off topic. Blazingly bright automatic display that can't be dimmed or disabled, humidifier has tons of nooks and corners that are obnoxiously hard to clean, etc.

[Crimson Nape]

Jay Belmont - OSCAR may be in your future. Recent developments from several OSCAR contributors has provided more support to the Prisma models. Since this is still under construction, I can not provide a release date. I thought I would give you something to hope for.

- Red

[cpap2994]

I got the Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset, didn't got an opportunity to choice it tho, maybe is different by country I suppose, but here seems like they choice all and don't let us decide on anything.

Still for what I been reading seems like is a good machine, so hopefully I can get to find the config that work for me.

[SoupforBert]

I got lucky and got a resmed 11 from the hospital affiliated dme. Having read here I was ready to argue but glad I didn't have to.