I went to [Commercial Link Deleted. Please refer to posting guidelines]  and found a 6 foot AC Power Cord Extender for $6.50 which I ordered. Thanks for the comments.

I need help choosing CPAP machine.. The choice I was given is Resmed S8 compact or Respironics remstar M series.. Is one better than the other? Is there a technology advantage? And who makes ligher/better nose mask? Any help is appreciated..Thank You..

MMG,

There are 2 things to think about with this. The first is whatever machine you get, get one that is data capable. Not just compliance data capable, but a machine that can monitor you therapy. In the Respironics "M"s that unit is the "PRO" model and above, and NOT the PLUS.

I have a Respironics PRO M. I think the M's are a bit on the loud side. I do breathe heavily when I first lay down, so that is part of it. I have wanted to try the ResMed S8 Elite II, it is data capable and whisper quiet. I do not know what the lowest data capable ResMed model is, but if you go thru their website you can find it.

If you insurance will pay for the high-end machines or if you have to put a little out of pocket it’s worth it. Don’t take “we don’t carry that one” for an answer, they can order it.
I hope that helps...

McBrian33



Last edited by mcbrian33 on Sat Dec 19, 2009 2:50 pm; edited 1 time in total
_________________
Retitrated 2/10 to 10cmH2O
Respironics SystemOne, FlexFit 407
Wife & I became hoseheads 30 days apart
I also got a "I TOLD YOU SO" nine years in the making.

The Resmed S8 Compact is a bare bone CPAP, able to provide absolutey no useful data. That being the case, most likely the Respironics REMStar M Series you are being offered is nothing but a bare bone, no useful data capability too. Probably an M Series Plus. You do NOT want the Resmed S8 Escape either, nor any Resmed w/Escape in the name. And you do NOT want any Respironics w/Plus in the name!

You want a fully data capable CPAP. Don't settle for anything less. Your insurance pays by HCPCS code, NOT by brand or model.

Insist on the Resmed S8 Elite II w/EPR (or the Resmed S8 Elite w/EPR) or the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex. They are all fully data capable and you will get as good therapy w/one as the other. I prefer the Resmeds, personally, simply because of the ease of access to and amount of data available to me via the LCD screen.

The Resmed S8 Elite is a 2006 model, the Resmed S8 Elite II is a 2008 model and scuttlebutt has it there is a new Resmed S9 series due out in 2010.

The Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex is a 2008 model and Respironics has just come out w/a new series, the PR SystemOne, but I'm not sure of the various model names w/in these new SystemOne series.

The CPAPs I've mentioned are ALL HCPCS code e0601 as are the bare bone, not capable of providing any useful data CPAPs you are being offered. Keep in mind 1] you might have the option of other local DME providers (ask you insurance what local DME CPAP providers they are contracted with, 2] YOU are paying for this equipment, whether thru insurance or out of pocket is immaterial YOU are still the one paying for it, 3] this is YOUR therapy, YOUR sleep, YOUR health. INSIST on a fully data capable CPAP - and don't let the DME provider pull the wool over your eyes. Just because a CPAP has a data card does NOT mean it is fully data capable.

Keep these model names in mind: Elite, Elite II, Pro (the Pro MUST be an M Series tho). They are the fully data capable models. And don't let the DME provider try to B.S. you that you have to pay an upgrade fee to get the Elite, Elite II or Pro. If they want your business bad enough you'll get a fully data capable CPAP from them. Remember, they are the SAME HCPCS code as the bare bone CPAPs they are trying to pawn off on you.


_________________
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, ProBasics Zzz-Mask full face, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.
Currently trialing PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex, EncorePro 2.2, ConTec CMS-50D+ oximeter

The reason for a data capable machine is so that you can tell how your therapy is going. These machines will record information that you can view at home. So you don't need to wait to feel really tired again to tell if you are having events.

They will show you things like a AHI number, based on averages right on the LCD display. Or if you want to see more detailed information you can get the software and the card reader that matches the machine you're using.

Basically, these machines get you informed.

McBrian33


_________________
Retitrated 2/10 to 10cmH2O
Respironics SystemOne, FlexFit 407
Wife & I became hoseheads 30 days apart
I also got a "I TOLD YOU SO" nine years in the making.

I want to thank everyone on these forums for your sound advice regarding data capable bilevel machines. The reviews of the Hybrid mask convinced me to order that with my REMstar Auto A-Flex machine. I knew more about the mask and machine setup than my RT, asking her to call home base to find out how to activate the alarm and several other options I wanted. I just got my setup a couple of hours ago, tried it out and adjusted for comfort and I am ready to go. With the ramp up I am sure I will be able to do this. Thanks to each of you who took time to post.

Fully Data Capable  Fully data-capable machine collect a lot of data regarding therapy.  In addition to compliance information, AHI data, leak information, pressure information is included.  A Fully data-capable machine will give a lot of information about how the therapy is progressing.

My personal opinion is every CPAP user should have a fully data capable machine.  Compliance-only machines offer very little information and do not allow you or your doctor to see what types of events (apneas / hypopneas) may be happening when you use the machine.


why would any sleep center give you anything but this type?

ElixirGuy, just to clarify: the Respironics REMStar M Series Auto w/A-Flex is NOT a bi-level device.

A bi-level has a set inspiratory pressure (IPAP) and a set expiratory pressure (EPAP).

An APAP (auto PAP) is a CPAP that has an upper limit and a lower limit of pressure and the pressure can range anywhere w/in those limits.


_________________
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, ProBasics Zzz-Mask full face, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.
Currently trialing PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex, EncorePro 2.2, ConTec CMS-50D+ oximeter

I'm sure glad I've been reading this forum. In December I was diagnosed with SA and last week finally received my prescription for a Resmed S8 Elite II w/EPR and the Swift LT mask.

Today I went to the DME and he brought out an Escape Auto. I told him that wasn't the one prescribed and that I was told not to accept an Escape. He was definitely a salesman and kept going on that it was a better machine and had all the same data as the Elite. I was persistent in denying that fact. Well he ended up calling the rep and found out that I was correct. He's ordering me the correct machine. He lent me a Respironics  machine until mine comes in. I know his company has just started working with my insurance company this week so that may be part of it. But if it wasn't for what I learned here, I wouldn't have known to question what he tried to give me.

Good on you, Blondie. Which Respironics did he loan you until your Eite comes in? How did you do w/it last night? Which Respironics model is it?


_________________
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, ProBasics Zzz-Mask full face, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.
Currently trialing PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex, EncorePro 2.2, ConTec CMS-50D+ oximeter

Not sure if this is the right place to let people know, but here goes. I changed insurance companies on the first of the year (forced on me by my employer). I have a Respironics Remstar Pro M Series, which is giving me an AHI over the last 30 days of 1.9 (how cool is that!). I am having a hassle with the new DME (the old one hasn't complained yet). I went to the new place on MLK birthday and they brought out a Remstar Plus as a replacement. I refused it, saying I wanted the full data capability of the Pro. We don't have those in stock. Well, I still haven't got the new machine.

Yesterday, I called the new DME, and was told that the Remstar Pro has been discontinued. I need to get .... I didn't catch the details because she said it very fast, and I was driving (hands free!) at the time. Bottom line, I have to wait for them to order the new machine (which will have all the bells and whistles I need) and have it delivered. Maybe the end of next week???!

When I said I have an AHI of around 2, the tech said "Oh my goodness, do we need to get your pressure increased?" I said no, not at this stage, because my doc is not concerned with AHIs below 5, and the trend is actually down (despite not losing any weight!). However, ma'am, this is exactly why I need the data capability so I can support any claims of feeling real good, or the opposite. I think she is beginning to understand. I am left wondering how some of these people are able to keep their jobs, when they know so little about apnea? Maybe I am being harsh, but 4 weeks to get the machine of my dreams is making me very frustrated!

Now the only other thing I have to be concerned about is keeping the mask on all night - removed it for 2 hours last night. Maybe my chinstrap was too tight? Maybe I was too tired when I went to bed? Maybe, after 4 months, my body is saying enough already?


_________________
SleepyToo
Philadelphia Area
Diagnosed September 2009, Respironics System One w/ C-flex and humidifier
Opus 360 Nasal Pillows (previously used nasal masks)

I'm looking for a data machine, after 10 years of CPAP.  No real issues, but I've lost a lot of weight and suspect the pressure may need adjusting. I don't want another sleep session, even assuming the new bare bones insurance company would pay for it.  (I am very allergic to tape, which made two sleep sessions quite memorable daily for another six months while I treated my hives.  Yes, glue works better for me, but ICK.)  The Sandman apparently has no proprietary database, and I could use the data with my usual programs.  I travel almost continuously, so the size was appealing, as well.  I had very a very good experience with this manufacturer before its name change.  

If there is a compelling reason to look elsewhere, please be blunt.

All information and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

CrohnieToo wrote:

Good on you, Blondie. Which Respironics did he loan you until your Eite comes in? How did you do w/it last night? Which Respironics model is it?

It was the SystemOne Remstar Plus. I picked it up Friday evening and then I had to work 3rd shift Saturday. So by the time I got home that morning I had been up for over 24 hours so I slept 7 hours straight with it. Since I didn't have a change to buy distilled water I used it without the humidifier. I also slept a good 6-7 hours Sunday morning with the humidifier. Not sure if it made that much of a difference.  The only thing I've noticed is that my nose is a little tender. I've loosened the headgear and it seems a bit better.

Well, one step at a time. The nose is tender like in bruised? Or tender like in rubbed a bit raw? If the latter pick up some Ayr Saline Nasal Gel or Ayr Saline Nasal Spray at the drug store when you pick up the distilled water.


_________________
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, ProBasics Zzz-Mask full face, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.
Currently trialing PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex, EncorePro 2.2, ConTec CMS-50D+ oximeter

Hi all - just diagnosed and will be going in shortly to be set up with a cpap, so trying to do my homework beforehand.  (Which after reading a lot of posts here seems like the best way to get a better understanding of what to expect and what to look for and what not to get.)

So far I have concluded that getting anything but full data-capable is a waste of time and that as I travel for work occasionally some of the models auto-adjust for altitude, which makes sense to me.  Oh and my job involves reporting, pulling data and analysis - so the geek in me would like to be able to review my own data just to try and learn more.

REMstar Pro M Series with C-Flex - this sounded like something I should be asking about, but a few of the more recent posts suggest this might have been discontinued.  Anyone know if that is the case?  It does work with the Respironics Encore Viewer Software, which I also gather is really helpful.

A few people highly suggest the Resmed, but looks like it is extremely difficult to get a hold of reader software now.

Any clarification, tips, suggestions for what I should be asking my DME when going in would be very helpful, though of course I will still be digging through these forums!  I have gathered that preference and the individual will certainly impact what works best for me, but any additional info before going in might help shorten that process.  (I hope anyways)

Glad I found these :)  The success stories have me itching to get in and get the equipment ordered!

Thanks, Jake