Join Our Newsletter

New? Free Sign Up

Then check our Welcome Center to a Community Caring about Sleep Apnea diagnosis and Sleep Apnea treatment:

CPAP machines, Sleep Apnea surgery and dental appliances.

CPAP Supplies

Latest Activity

Steven B. Ronsen updated their profile
Mar 5
Dan Lyons updated their profile
Mar 7, 2022
99 replied to Mike's discussion SPO 7500 Users?
"please keep me updated about oximeters "
Dec 4, 2021
Stefan updated their profile
Sep 16, 2019
Profile IconBLev and bruce david joined SleepGuide
Aug 21, 2019

Seeking advice re: buying a REMstar Auto A-Flex on Craig's List

Any advice on whether I should buy the machine (described below in the post)  for $400?

Thank you!

The REMstar Auto A-Flex is a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device designed for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It can deliver CPAP therapy or Auto-CPAP therapy.


When prescribed for you, the device provides several special features to help make your therapy more comfortable. The ramp function allows you to lower the pressure when you are trying to fall asleep. The air pressure will gradually increase until your prescription pressure is reached. You also have the option of not using the ramp feature at all.

Additionally, the C-Flex, C-Flex+ and A-Flex comfort features provide you with pressure relief when you exhale during therapy.

Views: 582

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

ZolliStar, not sure about buying it over the net but it is a good machine for $400, it is also data capable so you can read you own data using Sleeyhead software and is an Auto machine so you can set you high and low pressures for more comfort. I couldn't remember the make and model of michine you currently have and the pressure setting.

I really appreciate the advice. I bought a ProBasic APAP from a Craigslist seller (for $190: it's as lower cost machine) and it seems to make a difference. Dr. Park says some do better with CPAP, others with APAP -- or other machines.  It's a matter of testing and trying, he said. Indeed, he found that some have moved from APAP to CPAP and done better. (We usually think it goes the other way -- at least I do.)

The seller said that a relative gave him a top-of-the-line APAP machine, which is why he was selling his ProBasic. I think he was happier with his second machine, a point he implied but didn't say explicitly.

I'm trying a dental device (a MAD) and I have some jaw pain and discomfort -- my fault: I got enthusiastic and pushed everything forward, now I'm backing off for a while per the dentist's directions. I'm seeing him on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, I'm thinking that going forward I'll switch between the MAD and an APAP. I've been concerned about losing electricity, an unlikely event, but it could happen. (I have friends in the neighborhood who were without electricity for almost a week, courtesy of Hurricane Sandy. Ours was the lucky block.) Now I don't worry: I can use the MAD. Whew.

I have to let the seller know later today whether I'm buying his machine. Since I have the ProBasic and don't really want to spend the $400, so I'm still trying to decide....

THANK YOU for your advice!


Terry Vella said:

ZolliStar, not sure about buying it over the net but it is a good machine for $400, it is also data capable so you can read you own data using Sleeyhead software and is an Auto machine so you can set you high and low pressures for more comfort. I couldn't remember the make and model of michine you currently have and the pressure setting.

If the Pro Basic does the job stick with it and save the $400, if you decide later to get a different machine I'm sure here will be others that are on Craigslist or other sites, just my opinion. Personally I do think Auto's are better than straight CPAP, it also depends on the severity of SA you have, people with mild SA can get away with a straight CPAP more at low pressures.

I'm leaning toward saving the $400.  My SA is severe. Also, we're testing a dental device so I may be gilding the lilly just because I'm really keen to experience really, really good sleep.

Some day, if I'm patient and persistent, it will happen to me....

How is your dog doing?

 Terry, I just called the man to tell him that I won't be buying the APAP.

Thanks for the bracing advice -- and saving me $400.

ZolliStar said:

I'm leaning toward saving the $400.  My SA is severe. Also, we're testing a dental device so I may be gilding the lilly just because I'm really keen to experience really, really good sleep.

Some day, if I'm patient and persistent, it will happen to me....

How is your dog doing?

ZolliStar, my dog is still going, not sure if that is good or bad, some night's he has me up a couple of times which isn't good for my sleep hygiene.

I think you made the right decision about the APAP for now. Not sure if I asked before, are you using any software to look at your results like Sleepyhead, which is free.

I'm not 100% sure it will work on your machine.

ZolliStar, I just saw your post about buying the AUTO machine.  It sounded like a fair price.  I don't necessarily think that the difference in the severity of your apnea governs the mode of operation of your machine.  Whatever works, is comfortable, and that you use is the best machine for you.  The expiratory relief may be enough comfort for most people.

Craigslist is probably fine for a second hand machine.  I don't think cpap machines are subject to much abuse (and perhaps much use).  If the home is nonsmoking or pet free may be important points.

Often times I have to tell myself they aren't going to quit making them when I want, but don't need an item.

Wise advice.

I decided to let this time go by, courtesy of Terry Vela's advice. BUT I am on the watch for a really top-of-the-line APAP. While the MAD seems to be working (and it takes a while to adjust: the dentist has to advance the item after a few weeks to get maximum effect), while it seems to be working, there are possible side-effects in terms of dental movement, etc., etc.  Because of this, I may alternate between the machine and the MAD.

Second hand, of course.

Some 18 months ago I had to (finally) put my dog to sleep.

I remember well the marathon night that he wimpered seven times during the night, which meant that I had to get dressed and take him out. (I live in New York City, not far from the Empire State Building.)

I. Was. Utterly. Exhausted.

Still, I couldn't bring myself to take him to the vet, although he was old and truly failing.

When I finally did have to take him to the vet, it was so urgent that I had to go to a (very expensive) vet's office that was open 24/7.  (My vet's hours were over.)  Awful.

But I drew a lucky straw. I had a very nice young vet who had to "do the deed": low woman on the totem pole. She gave me a piece of advice that an older, experienced vet had given her. If I had heard it sooner, Sam (and I) would probably have been better off.

So I pass along the advice to you:

"A week too soon is better than a day too late."

Frankly, I was a day too late.

I will never, ever repeat that mistake.

Take the above FWIW.

Terry Vella said:

ZolliStar, my dog is still going, not sure if that is good or bad, some night's he has me up a couple of times which isn't good for my sleep hygiene.

I think you made the right decision about the APAP for now. Not sure if I asked before, are you using any software to look at your results like Sleepyhead, which is free.

I'm not 100% sure it will work on your machine.

Thanks for the advice Zollistar, I'm Ok with it now but my wife won't let go, I don't think he is in pain but he gets me up a few times a night howling which isn't good for my sleep hygiene and we have to look after ourselves so we can look after others. She says she will know when it's time but I'm not sure she will, I hope he dies peacefully one night in his sleep, thanks again for the advice and hope your going Ok.

Good friends had a beloved poodle who did, indeed, die peacefully in her sleep.

She wasn't in pain but she was blind, more incontinent than not, and had trouble walking and getting about. The manner of her death was a gift. Likewise the over two decades of joy she gave my friends was a gift.

As dogs have become more domesticated they have truly become beloved friends and companions.  I have helped more than one dog (with the aid of a kind vet) cross over to the rainbow bridge and I still grieve for everyone of them.  They make us more humane with their selfless love.  I wish for the best for your dog, Terry, and for you and your wife.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2024   Created by The SleepGuide Crew.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service