[Equipment] Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?

[chrysos]

Not sure the best place to post this as it's kind of complicated.
I received a Dreamstation 2 as replacement for my recalled Dreamstation 1
Didn't even try to use it. I have severe arthritis and having surgery on my thumb in a couple of weeks, the way that it works there is no way I could use it
Contacted Philips and they sent me a refurbished machine. No humidifier was included, I would have to pay out of pocket to get a new one if even available.
Questions about what to do with the machine below.
I have an appointment with my sleep doc next week, my DME says I will likely be able to get a new machine rather than deal with Philps.
I liked the Dreamstation but haven't tried anything else.
Looking for a recommendation for a new cpap machine that is easy to handle, only very gentle force to assemble, use and attach mask, humidifier and tank. 
He recommended a Resmed 10? Is that the best one?
I would like to be able to use computer software to connect to the new machine, it's been a while but I have used sleepyhead in the past.
I would like a machine that is easy to use but gives me a lot of adjustment options (I'm a techie) and will try different things until I find the right settings.
Lastly, now I have my old machine to return, the refurbished Dreamstation and the Dreamstation 2 to return as well.
think there would be no problem keeping the Dreamstation 2 and perhaps reselling it, it did not come with a memory card, not sure if someone else could use it?
So that's my story
Ideas and recommendations welcome!

[chrysos]

Meant to also say that I will continue to use the Dreamwear mask. Love it, it is the only mask I will ever use

[OpalRose]

It's always good to hang on to a machine in case you need a backup.

You can also list your machine on places like MarketPlace, Craig's List, etc......
just not here on Apnea Board as that is against our rules.

[Deborah K.]

I used the Dreamstation 1 for about a year.  It was fine, but due to the recall, I bought a ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset.  It is so much better and more comfortable!!  I love it!  I kept the replacement machine as a backup.  I would suggest that you do the same.

[Brazen]

Download the free OSCAR software. It's my understanding it replaced sleepyhead and is very good.

Resmed Airsense 10 or 11 AUTOSET machines both seem to be well received, are compatible with OSCAR, and have many adjustable settings.
I don't know how difficult they are in terms of your arthritis. 
My DME walked me through a whole hands-on tutorial of the machine, which would allow you to see limitations related to your arthritis, but I know not every DME does that. Maybe you could ask before taking the machine home?

You can purchase an SD card for the DS2. (Doesn't have to be a Philips SD) I agree with keeping it as a backup.

[pholynyk]

Any DME worth dealing with should allow you to test drive humidifier access in the store, especially if you mention your arthric hands.
My experience with the AAS10 is that it may take a good squeeze to remove the tank and to open or close it.
I haven't heard reports on the AS11 ease of use.

Definitely worth an in-store test.

[SideSleeper]

i have an Airsense 10 and the humidifier is a bear to release--you have to squeeze with a thumb on top and other fingers below--the distance isn't large even for my small hands. If you have one thumb that works you might be OK. I have a fused left thumb (3 surgeries on that one) and my right thumb is only about half functional but not too painful--no surgery yet. I'm able to get the the humidifier on and off with either hand, but my dominant right hand works better. If a squeezing motion hurts it might be difficult. I use pass over humidification (heated hose off and no heat from humidifier) most of the year so only fill humidifier once a week when I clean it and can manage. Do you have someone in your household that can do it for you?

[DaveCar]

How about humidifying the room air with an automatic humidifier, instead of having to pull the humidifier chamber off an on all the time ?

For the DS2, I can see some difficulty with pushing the release and pulling the tank body out and then fiddling with the lid.
If I recall on the AS-10, the tank just pulls out with a friction fit. How about using superglue to attach an ergonomic handle or strap to the end of the tank body ?

[Lucid]

Hi, Chrysos  The ResMed AirSense 11 has one big on/off button on top  and a touch screen for access to all the information and functions.  You can get some results from the phone app but cannot control anything with it.  

I find the tank a bit finicky.  It doesn't take great hand strength but finding the right angles to get it in and out of the machine and to open it.  It would be well worth testing that out and also insertion of the hose into the machine.  

I've heard that the ResMed AirMini is controlled via app.

[chrysos]

Thank you! This is just the information I was looking for I will be sure to have my DME let me play with one before I choose