Good board, this.

[RonWessels]

The bias towards autoset machines is very easy to understand. Typically, they are only slightly more expensive than fixed pressure CPAP machines, they can be configured to do everything a fixed pressure CPAP machine can do, plus they allow the extra possibility of automatic adjustment throughout the night. They are, objectively, the biggest bang for the buck. If I had done more reading of this forum before I got my CPAP machine, I would have paid the difference out of my pocket to get the AutoSet machine.

[zonk]

I do wish my Icon used a standard memory chip rather than a proprietary one.

You've answered the question, both S9 and PRS1 uses SD card

I have not used other than S9 but I like the amount of data the S9 shows on the screen and the way unintentional leak displayed
Other machines including the Icon display total leak which for someone like me is too complicated to work out

Unlike S9 or PRS1 ... the Icon do not differentiate between obstructive and central apnea (clear airways events) or flag central apnea either

Plus ResScan (proprietary software) is freely available for the S9 user, while F&P InfoSmart is not and cost money around $80

ResMed put heaps of information about the S9 including ResScan guide to assist the S9 user

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Zork,

I'd have to disagree with you, except you're right. There is definitely a bias toward ResMed and autoset machines in particular on the forum.

Slight clarification: a bias towards autoset with detailed data capabilities.

[SuperSleeper]

I would spend more time here if the answer to every question seems to be "Get a ResMed S9."

I think this statement is a bit misleading. The advice to many newbies here generally is directed to those who have ignorantly accepted a "dumb brick" (non-data capable CPAP machine) from a DME who is primarily interested in maximizing their profit. The advice given here is seldom "get a ResMed S9" but rather more often, "return your brick and get a good, data-capable machine". Which brand is not as important as making sure that you can easily and cheaply read and analyze the machine's data.

The only reason I recommend S9 AutoSets over other brands is because I truly believe they are superior in quality, cost, functionality, convenience and complete data collection.

Also, as mentioned before, using an inexpensive, non-proprietary SD data card and the free ResScan software package for data analysis adds a heck of a lot to the plus side of things.

There's a reason why many OSA patients here go with ResMed S9 AutoSets or PR System One REMstar Autos. They're simply better overall than the competition.

That doesn't make us "biased" - rather, it makes us good, logical consumers who use our brains for product selection.

[archangle]

I would spend more time here if the answer to every question seems to be "Get a ResMed S9."

That's simply not true.

You need to "get a ResMed S9 AutoSet, and avoid the S9 Escape or Escape Auto."

[RonWessels]

I would spend more time here if the answer to every question seems to be "Get a ResMed S9."

You need to "get a ResMed S9 AutoSet, and avoid the S9 Escape or Escape Auto."

I would jump in here and suggest the Philips Respironics System One 60 Series REMstar Auto, but I know I would get flamed to a crisp by all the ResMed fanatics.

[SuperSleeper]

I would jump in here and suggest the Philips Respironics System One 60 Series REMstar Auto, but I know I would get flamed to a crisp by all the ResMed fanatics.

Okay, that's it, Ron. You've been banned from the forum....


... okay, just kidding....


Actually the PR System One 60 Series REMstar Auto is an excellent machine. It would be right up there next to the ResMed S9 AutoSet, IMHO.

[RonWessels]

Actually the PR System One 60 Series REMstar Auto is an excellent machine. It would be right up there next to the ResMed S9 AutoSet, IMHO.

Yup, and just that little bit ahead ... :ducking:

Actually, to be serious for a moment, the PRS machines do have one significant flaw - it takes a trip to the repair depot (or the DME shop if you're lucky) to correct the clock, whereas the ResMed clocks are user-settable. Other than that, according to Respironics (who might just be a bit biased), the PRS systems are quieter than the S9's. Former complaints against the PRS machines about heated tubes have been addressed by the latest PRS 60 Series humidifier. There are claims that the ResMed EPR is "better" than the PRS CFlex, but I wonder how they are against the new CFlex+? According to my DME, the PRS machines are more reliable than the ResMed devices, but (a) that's the DME's opinion, so take it with large helpings of salt because it might just be a little bit biased, and (b) there are no similar systematic claims being made on the Internet.

[SuperSleeper]

Yup, and just that little bit ahead ... :ducking:

I might have chosen the PR System One REMstar Auto back when I bought my S9 AutoSet, if only there was a solid free software program developed to offer good data analysis back then. Now that SleepyHead has been tweaked to being a good software package, I may have chosen the PR machine if I had to make that same choice today. It's cheaper than the AutoSet and that would be a bigger factor for me today than it was a few years ago.

:grin:

[Paptillian]

Philips Respironics System One 60 Series REMstar Auto

Too many words. If I can't easily Google it, it's not showing up on my radar!

Okay in all seriousness, is anyone else vein enough to admit they like the S9 series for its looks? I know I'm not alone in thinking the competition just screams "medical device."

(as if masks and hoses aren't a dead giveaway!)