Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mary Z on October 19, 2010 at 4:29pm

A fixed pressure machine is just that- it gives you a fixed pressure- your 11. An auto machine can be programmed with a high and lower pressure and will respond to apnea events by increasing the pressure up to the maximun pressure set by your doc. Most auto machines can be run in straight CPAP mode, so if you get an auto you have more fexibility for the future. A straight CPAP may well fit your needs, but given the choice I would go with an AUTO with CPAP capabilities. However I just looked up the ResMed Elite and it is a straight CPAP machine. Still it should meet your current needs. Personally, given the choice I would go for the ResMed. Strictly personal, not very objective advice, Andre. Keep us posted. And Judy knows her way around these machines. You can't go wrong with her feedback.




Andre Alfrfed said:

You guys are all so helpful. Right now I am deciding on Resmed s9 Elite with humidifier or the PR resp Remstar auto algorithm.

My pressure setting is 11. So is it fixed pressure one or the autoset one? Decisions Decisions

Any comment on Resmed Swift FX mask?

Could I get a brief difference between aPAP and cPAP please?

I shall soon be out your hair tomorrow when the medical aid funds reach my account.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on October 19, 2010 at 5:25pm

Ahhh. I've always been partial to the fully data capable Resmeds. But I have to tell you, I recently had the opportunity to use a PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex in place of my beloved Resmed S8 VPAP Auto. And I loved the PR S1 BPAP Auto. I got excellent therapy w/it. I hated to part w/it.

When finances allow I will always prefer an APAP simply because it CAN be used as either a straight CPAP or as an APAP.

I can't vouch for the accessability of software for the various PAPs - except Resmed's ResScan and Respironics' EncoreViewer or EncorePro. With the S8 and S8 II Resmeds you need a propretary cable reader that is becoming difficut to find and obtain. W/the Resmed S9s you only need a generic USB card reader, I THINK. Those w/an S9 will have to clarify that for sure. A PM or two will get you a download of the current ResScan software.

W/the PR S1's you only need a USB card reader and can even cheaply purchase extra 2 gig smart cards as they are the same as used for many digital cameras. You can buy EncoreViewer software. Or a few PMs exchanged and where to find copies of EncoreViewer or the professional version EncorePro aren't at all difficult to come by.

A CPAP allows for one set pressure. Both Resmed and PR (Respironics) allow for up to 3 cms of pressure relief on exhalation w/the CPAPs. An APAP allows for a pressure range anywhere from 4 cms to 20 cms and the pressure provided fluctuates according to need - up to a point - the wider the range the slower the response and changes in pressure. So generally one does better if using an APAP in APAP mode to set the pressure range 1-2 cms below the titrated pressure and 2-3 cms above the titrated pressure for a pressure range of about 5 cms.

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Permalink Reply by Holly Glaser on October 19, 2010 at 7:01pm

Assuming they both have the same features, I would go with the one which is smaller . I have a resmed. its detachable humidifier is very handy when traveking. I was able to sleep well on a 16 hour flight by sticking a battery and the hose + mask and resmed without the humidifier in my little tote bag; just pull out the hose get the masc on and you are good to go.

You didn't ask this, but you may want to think about getting a Li battery to use if there is no electric power. It gives you 2 evenings and can be recharged from a car.

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Permalink Reply by judy striegel on October 19, 2010 at 9:14pm

as far as the settings go your pulmonary dr will make that decision i used the nose mask where individual tubes inserted in each nostril but it bow bothers me i sleep with my mouth shut changing masks that my whole nose is covered more comfortable. not sure about what type of mach ur looking for dr sent me to lincare they picked mach out for me.went 6 months without it now im doing ok

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Permalink Reply by Andrea Karch on October 21, 2010 at 12:05am

Resmed is good.Howeever,forget the humidifier.Not good get moldy.The mask ive used for years isMirage by resmed.It lasts a long time,compared to others i have used.!Ive been on cpap for9 yrs.Once u get used to it youll feel gt8t!!

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Permalink Reply by Judy on October 21, 2010 at 5:31am

I have no experience w/the S9's H5i integrated, heated humidifier. HOWEVER, I've used the same S8's integrated, heated H3i humidifier since October 2006 w/my Resmed S8 Elite, Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage and Resmed S8 VPAP Auto w/the original water tank and NEVER had a problem w/mold.

I use ONLY distilled water in the tank and I do NOT empty and clean the tank each day. I just keep topping off the distilled water in the tank. The ONLY times I've emptied and cleaned the tank is when I am traveling. When I DO clean the tank I just empty the distilled water, add warm tap water and a PoliDent Denture Cleansing tablet, let it soak a while, empty, rinse w/ hot water and vinegar and let dry.

I live in mid-Michigan w/weather changes from below zero nights to above 100 degrees F temperature nights. Humidity can be high in mid-Michigan.

I've also NOT had a problem w/condensation in mask or hose. My PAP sits BELOW the level of my mattress and I either take my hose under the blankets w/me, or at times, depending on the mask, hang the hose above my head.

Andrea Karch said:

Resmed is good.Howeever,forget the humidifier.Not good get moldy.The mask ive used for years isMirage by resmed.It lasts a long time,compared to others i have used.!Ive been on cpap for9 yrs.Once u get used to it youll feel gt8t!!

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Permalink Reply by Andre Alfrfed on October 21, 2010 at 6:24am

Well I spent the first night with my s9, humidifier and swift fx mask. I can only hope the nights get better. Had the humidifier set at 2.5. Sneezed all night and woke up this morning with a cold. At about 4am i turned the humidifier to 1.5 - seemed a little better.

I guess it all takes time to get used to.

This morning my API avg was 1.7 for the night of 7 hours and a smiley face for the mask fit

Andre

Andre

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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on October 21, 2010 at 9:28am

Sounds like you're off to a good start, Andre, except for the cold which could have been coincidental. Your numbers and mask fit sound good. Congratulations. Hope it keeps up. Some people use the humidifier in "passover mode" that is not turning it on, but letting the blowing air pick up humidity as it passes over the water. Depending out the humidity where you are, your needs will vary. Also I have never, after 2.5 years, had mold in a humidifier.




Andre Alfrfed said:

Well I spent the first night with my s9, humidifier and swift fx mask. I can only hope the nights get better. Had the humidifier set at 2.5. Sneezed all night and woke up this morning with a cold. At about 4am i turned the humidifier to 1.5 - seemed a little better.

I guess it all takes time to get used to.

This morning my API avg was 1.7 for the night of 7 hours and a smiley face for the mask fit

Andre

Andre

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Permalink Reply by Peter Washington on October 23, 2010 at 5:12pm

Yes, price will probably be a decider. I chose the ResMed because you cant hear it running (a BIG selling point), the software is great (and I can download to review all the indicators), and aesthretically it doesnt look like my bedroom is in a hospital ward. I chose autoset as it allows me to get to sleep with minimal pressure flowing before it gets down to some serious preemptive event activities. I could have saved almost 50% by going fixed, but spending the extra, I havent missed a night, and I loook forward to going to bed because of the very positive therapeutic effect of using my machine. Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Peter Washington on October 23, 2010 at 5:17pm

Judy said:

I have no experience w/the S9's H5i integrated, heated humidifier. HOWEVER, I've used the same S8's integrated, heated H3i humidifier since October 2006 w/my Resmed S8 Elite, Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage and Resmed S8 VPAP Auto w/the original water tank and NEVER had a problem w/mold.

I use ONLY distilled water in the tank and I do NOT empty and clean the tank each day. I just keep topping off the distilled water in the tank. The ONLY times I've emptied and cleaned the tank is when I am traveling. When I DO clean the tank I just empty the distilled water, add warm tap water and a PoliDent Denture Cleansing tablet, let it soak a while, empty, rinse w/ hot water and vinegar and let dry.

I live in mid-Michigan w/weather changes from below zero nights to above 100 degrees F temperature nights. Humidity can be high in mid-Michigan.

I've also NOT had a problem w/condensation in mask or hose. My PAP sits BELOW the level of my mattress and I either take my hose under the blankets w/me, or at times, depending on the mask, hang the hose above my head.

Andrea Karch said:

Resmed is good.Howeever,forget the humidifier.Not good get moldy.The mask ive used for years isMirage by resmed.It lasts a long time,compared to others i have used.!Ive been on cpap for9 yrs.Once u get used to it youll feel gt8t!!

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Permalink Reply by Peter Washington on October 23, 2010 at 5:20pm

Doesnt not emptying the heated/cooled/jeated/cooled/.... water leave it susceptible to Legionaires Disease? like the shopping centre cooling towers

Judy said:

I have no experience w/the S9's H5i integrated, heated humidifier. HOWEVER, I've used the same S8's integrated, heated H3i humidifier since October 2006 w/my Resmed S8 Elite, Resmed S8 AutoSet Vantage and Resmed S8 VPAP Auto w/the original water tank and NEVER had a problem w/mold.

I use ONLY distilled water in the tank and I do NOT empty and clean the tank each day. I just keep topping off the distilled water in the tank. The ONLY times I've emptied and cleaned the tank is when I am traveling. When I DO clean the tank I just empty the distilled water, add warm tap water and a PoliDent Denture Cleansing tablet, let it soak a while, empty, rinse w/ hot water and vinegar and let dry.

I live in mid-Michigan w/weather changes from below zero nights to above 100 degrees F temperature nights. Humidity can be high in mid-Michigan.

I've also NOT had a problem w/condensation in mask or hose. My PAP sits BELOW the level of my mattress and I either take my hose under the blankets w/me, or at times, depending on the mask, hang the hose above my head.

Andrea Karch said:

Resmed is good.Howeever,forget the humidifier.Not good get moldy.The mask ive used for years isMirage by resmed.It lasts a long time,compared to others i have used.!Ive been on cpap for9 yrs.Once u get used to it youll feel gt8t!!

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Permalink Reply by Judy on October 23, 2010 at 5:28pm

Just empty and clean your humidifier as often as you are comfortable with. If you want to empty and clean it daily as recommended go ahead and do so.

I just wanted to make it clear that the Resmed humidifier is no more prone to developing mold than any of the other manufacturer's humidifier. In fact, as compared to the Respironics M Series or PR S1 series one would expect the Resmed S8 humidifier to be LESS inclined to collect mold due to its openess.

I just tip the lid of the Resmed H3i or H4i humidifer up to assist the device in drying out any condensation in the tank.

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