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Request for Machine Recommendation
#11
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation
(03-01-2015, 08:38 PM)archangle Wrote:
(03-01-2015, 06:37 PM)Shvitzer Wrote: Current machine is S8 "Compact"....8 years old. Will post as soon as I find out what my ResMed options are. Thanks.

I believe the S8 compact is a manual CPAP with very limited data collection.

The Philips Respironics PRS1 PRO is an excellent manual CPAP. Be careful that they don't switch you out for a PRS1 Plus, DS260, or PRS1 SE model. Insist on the Pro or better. The Pro has good data collection, which gives you and your doctor enormously better tools to manage your therapy. Other models collect "data," but it's often virtually useless.

The PRS1 Auto model would be better, but the Pro is OK. The Auto has an auto mode, but it will also work as a manual CPAP.

For ResMed avoid the S9 Escape and Escape Auto. Avoid the A10 (AirSense 10) "CPAP" model. Get at least the S9 or A10 Elite. The S9 or A10 AutoSet is better, and the A10 AutoSet for Her is even better. (The "for her" model also does "for him" modes.)

S9 machines have the model name by the power button. A10 machines have the name in the lower right corner near the humidifier tank.

Back with more info on my two options--
1 - Respironics DH 460 HS REMstar Pro C-Flex w/Humid System One 60 Series. (This is exactly what's printed on the box.)

2 - ResMed S 10 Elite.

The person I'm dealing with says the advantage to the Respironics 460 is that it has AHI capability. She also claims that the only difference between the 460 and 260 is the AHI.

Don't know if I can push my doc for an auto model.-??? If so - is that tough to get used to after 17 years with a fixed pressure? Would an auto model overcome any occasional nasal congestion.

OK - that's all the info I have at the moment. Thanks.






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#12
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation
Some DME will tell you want they prefer to provide, not what they can provide. Most can order anything you ask. Might take an extra 24-48 hours. My DME ordered my AirCurve 10 VAuto from ResMed Friday, Monday was a Holiday, they got it Tuesday morning and shipped it the same day. They had it in 24 hours. Do some research, find what you want, then get your Doc to write you a script for that.
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#13
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation
(03-02-2015, 12:35 PM)Shvitzer Wrote: Back with more info on my two options--
1 - Respironics DH 460 HS REMstar Pro C-Flex w/Humid System One 60 Series. (This is exactly what's printed on the box.)

2 - ResMed S 10 Elite.

The person I'm dealing with says the advantage to the Respironics 460 is that it has AHI capability. She also claims that the only difference between the 460 and 260 is the AHI.

Don't know if I can push my doc for an auto model.-??? If so - is that tough to get used to after 17 years with a fixed pressure? Would an auto model overcome any occasional nasal congestion.

OK - that's all the info I have at the moment. Thanks.

The ResMed models are S9 or AirSense 10. They're probably talking AirSense 10 when they say S10. Many people refer to it as the "S10" because it's one model up from the S9 models. We tend to say "A10" around here.

Either the S9 or AirSense 10 are good machines. The A10 is new and somewhat improved, but the S9 is darn good and has a long, good track record. The 460 is a "PRS1" machine, which has about as good a track record as the S9.

Both the 460 and A10 Elite are excellent manual CPAP machines with full data. I'd probably go for the A10, given that choice, but there's no clear winner in general.

They're roughly a tossup, each with their own minor advantages and disadvantages.

If you plan on using the CPAP on battery power, for instance when camping, you have to pay about $100 for the overpriced DC-DC converter on the ResMed machine.

TLBig GrinR It's roughly a tossup between the PRS1 460, and the "S10" Elite machine.

"She also claims that the only difference between the 460 and 260 is the AHI." AVOID the 260 at all costs. The 460 is fine. They both blow air basically the same way, but the 460 is like having a poor man's sleep test every night. It records every breath and apnea you have all night long. If anything goes wrong, you or your doctor can look at the data and figure out if the CPAP is working and figure out specific problems. The 260 only records the time you use the machine.

The 260 vs. 460 is like treating diabetes without checking your blood sugar at home.

I'd rant further, but looks like you won't be stuck with the 260 anyway.
Get the free OSCAR CPAP software here.
Useful links.
Click here for information on the main alternative to CPAP.
If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check it yourself.
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#14
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation
Okay, I have not read through the thread but as for machine recommendation:
I recommend only ResMed APAP machine because got fantastic display of nightly data on the LCD screen including 95% percentile unintentional leak which I find very helpful

APAP machine is recommended because it gives you a choice ... either CPAP fixed mode or APAP mode (two machines in one) and only cost $40/$50 more than fixed machine .... no brainer

AirSense 10 comes in two APAP choices: AirSense 10 AutoSet and AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her
AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her is same price but gives extra "AutoSet for Her" mode and report RERAs in all 3 modes
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#15
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation
.
1 - My ResMed S8 no longer works, so am authorized for a new machine. My choices are: another ResMed S8 (or equivalent) or a Respironics One Remstar PRO with C-Flex. I'm looking for recommendations as to which one to choose...opinions, evaluations, etc. BTW - I'm not new to CPAP world....been using one for 17 years...started off with a Sullivan V.

2 - Have also been given the option of going with the Wisp Nasal Mask, instead of the traditional ResMed nasal mask.

Would appreciate input from the group on both of these questions. Thanks.
[/quote]

Many thanks to all who provided input on this question. Can't see my doctor until sometime next week, so we'll see what we come up with.

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#16
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation


My ResMed S8 Compact no longer works, so am authorized for a new machine.

After reading all the posts from the group, I've decided to go with a ResMed Air Sense 10 Autoset, and will try the Wisp Nasal. Expecting arrival on Monday, 4/27.

Now I have a problem--my doc has written a prescription for 11/11...my previous pressure...so it looks like the tech will set up the machine in fixed pressure mode, per the script. AFAIK, this Autoset is switchable from fixed to Auto mode. So - my question is - is there info in the manual available on the Apnea Board that will enable me to switch from fixed to auto mode on my own? My sole purpose in requesting this model was to have the auto set capability.

Thanks.


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#17
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation
The Autoset will indeed operate in auto mode as well as fixed pressure. You can request the clinicians manual via the link at the top of this page. Armed with the manual you will be able to change the mode and set the pressure according to your needs. It's pretty straightforward, and we can provide any additional help you may need.
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#18
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation
(04-25-2015, 12:23 AM)Shvitzer Wrote: So - my question is - is there info in the manual available on the Apnea Board that will enable me to switch from fixed to auto mode on my own?

Yes and it's so easy to do, too. Usually you just hold down a pair of buttons simultaneously until you hear a beep. Then you're in a whole bunch of on-screen menu choices where you can change a whole bunch of stuff.

Of course, the medical industry will carefully warn you that you are not qualified to make these choices. Well, in many cases they may be right, so make sure you educate yourself about what each setting does before you alter it. In all cases, if you don't know, leave it be.
Sleepster

INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#19
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation
My doc wants to see technical info on the A10 Auto, since he says that only someone with inhalation issues (is that Central SA??) can benefit from an Autoset. Since I have Obstructive only, he feels it's not needed. What's the best place to get this info for him?

I'm concerned that, if all I get is a scrip for fixed pressure, Medicare will not pay for the Autoset. Thanx.


(04-25-2015, 11:13 AM)Sleepster Wrote:
(04-25-2015, 12:23 AM)Shvitzer Wrote: So - my question is - is there info in the manual available on the Apnea Board that will enable me to switch from fixed to auto mode on my own?

Yes and it's so easy to do, too. Usually you just hold down a pair of buttons simultaneously until you hear a beep. Then you're in a whole bunch of on-screen menu choices where you can change a whole bunch of stuff.

Of course, the medical industry will carefully warn you that you are not qualified to make these choices. Well, in many cases they may be right, so make sure you educate yourself about what each setting does before you alter it. In all cases, if you don't know, leave it be.

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#20
RE: [split] Request for Machine Recommendation
(04-26-2015, 12:17 AM)Shvitzer Wrote: My doc wants to see technical info on the A10 Auto, since he says that only someone with inhalation issues (is that Central SA??) can benefit from an Autoset. Since I have Obstructive only, he feels it's not needed. What's the best place to get this info for him?

I'm concerned that, if all I get is a scrip for fixed pressure, Medicare will not pay for the Autoset. Thanx.


(04-25-2015, 11:13 AM)Sleepster Wrote:
(04-25-2015, 12:23 AM)Shvitzer Wrote: So - my question is - is there info in the manual available on the Apnea Board that will enable me to switch from fixed to auto mode on my own?

Yes and it's so easy to do, too. Usually you just hold down a pair of buttons simultaneously until you hear a beep. Then you're in a whole bunch of on-screen menu choices where you can change a whole bunch of stuff.

Of course, the medical industry will carefully warn you that you are not qualified to make these choices. Well, in many cases they may be right, so make sure you educate yourself about what each setting does before you alter it. In all cases, if you don't know, leave it be.

i agree with zonk and respectfully disagree with your doc. with an autoset, there is a pressure range so if you need a higher pressure occasionally during your sleep, the autoset will provide it rather than having a fixed pressure. If your pressure is fixed at say 10 for example and during the night you have an occasion to need a higher pressure, you won't get it with the fixed pressure of 10 but you will with an autoset because you will have a pressure range from say 10 to 15.

I started out with a respironics many years ago and didn't use it much. Then I got a Resmed s9 elite at fixed pressure of 12 I think. Had problems with it as well as the FFM. Nobody ever told me that there were other choices in masks so I suffered with the FFM.

Then I got the S9 autoset but was still stuck with the FFM and was not doing well with the machine. Had a sleep study and doc told the tech that if I got to 15 to try vpap but they didn't do it. I was very angry with the tech to begin with because I got tired of being trapped with her putting all the wires on me and telling me all about her medical issues etc but yet when I was trying different masks, she was not very patient with me.

Then I went to another sleep doc and he said that he wanted to do a titration only sleep study with a vpap. Prior to the study, the manager met me at the facility with a whole lot of different masks for me to try (new ones still in the original packaging). He hooked them up to the machine and let me try the masks I wanted to try. I choose the wisp and he gave me a chin strap (a really nice, sturdy one) because I thought I was a mouth breather. I had the opportunity to use them both for a week or two to get used to them before my titration which was really great.

So, during the titration, for the first time in all the tests I had, I only woke up once very briefly and went right back to sleep. Probably had to do with the dead roach in the bathroom lol

Anyway, the only complaint other than the roach was that the tech used too much glue and when he pulled one of the wires off, it made me bleed. Small issue. I got my vpap auto (my doc didn't want to give me the auto but I got it anyway) and I still use the wisp and it has been over a year now. I no longer use the chin strap; I guess it trained my mouth to stay shut ha ha. I really like the wisp a lot. Leaks are good; AHI is really good; not having the difficulty that I had with the other two s9's. Some people just have trouble on fixed pressure or for whatever reason they do better with the vpap auto and I am one of those.

If it were me, I would get the autoset, insist on it. If doc won't give it to you, I would find another doc. things change when we get older, lose or gain weight, have additional medical issues, change in medication, etc. etc. so it is worth it to have the option of an autoset even if you don't use it at the beginning. Someday you may need it and you won't get another machine for 5 years or longer depending on what the rules are at the time. That is my advice to you. As far as the masks go, as it has been said, it is an individual thing and what works for me may not work for you. Some swear by the pillows; some nasal masks, some FFM and some total face masks. It can't hurt to give the wisp a try and if you don't like it, try a different one. I do like that it is less intrusive than a FFM and the wisp works well for me.

let us know what you end up getting and how things are going for you.
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