GoodKnight 420S, 420E, 420G: What's the difference ?

Anyone know about the difference among GoodKnight 420S, 420E, 420G ?

All are Puritan Bennett "x"paps.

420G Standard "c"pap (one set pressure).

420S same as G except allows the use of the silverling software to monitor results.

420E Auto-adjustusting cpap - alows use of the software and adjusts pressure as req'd to deal with apneas, hypopneas, flow limitations, snoring.

425 Bipap - uses software and provides different set presures for inhalation and exhalation.

All have the same ultra-small an simple form factor.

Thank you for your prompt and informative reply.
I am going to buy the 420E. The size is very attractive.
I am currently using RemStar Pro.
What is the advantage of PB 420E over RemStar Pro ? (Besides the size)

The 420E is an auto adusting cpap. Which means it monitors your pressure requirements and only increases the pressure when needed to keep your airway open. The remstar pro is a fixed pressure cpap that provides therapy at a fixed pressure determined by your sleep study.

If you meant to compare it to the remstar auto, from what I've read and in my experience with my 420E, the 420E and the silverlining software IMO is easier to use and of course much more portable. The 420E also has additional features to deal with flow limitations.

cktan, you asked, "What is the advantage of PB 420E over RemStar Pro?"

I guess you're really wanting to know what is the advantage of the Puritan Bennett GoodKnight 420E autopap over the Respironics REMstar Auto. (The REMstar Pro you mentioned is a straight cpap, not an autopap, as Wader pointed out. All these names get confusing to me, too! )

I've been using both (420E auto and REMstar auto) with their respective software. I like both machines and both work equally well for me. While both are quiet machines, the 420E 's motor does make a slight revving sound. An up and down sound as you breathe. Some find that annoying. It's noticeable if you really listen for it, but I got used to it easily. My REMstar auto is quieter, but occasionally there will be a whining sound perhaps one night every two or three weeks. I mention that only because I've read various comments on other message boards about some people having very quiet REMstars (like mine almost always is) and others having REMstars that have a constant whine. I've heard it likened to a large mosquito buzzing around in the room all night. I guess it depends on the luck of the manufacturing draw as to whether a person receives a very quiet REMstar auto or one that is possessed by a mosquito. Except for the rare night that mine decides to whine, my REMstar is consistently quieter than my 420E.

The way you download nightly results from those two autopaps is quite different. Both require PC's running Windows.

The 420E uses Silverlining software and a cable to connect straight from the autopap to your computer. It was easy enough for me to simply unplug the 420E and carry it in one hand (so small and light!) to my computer desk in another room.

The REMstar auto uses Encore Pro software and a "smart card" that you remove from the autopap and carry to a "card reader" (a separate bit of hardware you have to buy) which plugs into your computer. Carrying a "smart card" to the card reader at your computer is handier, of course; but I personally like several things about the detailed info displayed in the 420E's Silverlining software better. Both machines' software gives you data about your overnight apneas, hypopneas, flow limitations, snores, leaks, and pressures used. While I get the same amount and type of data from either, I prefer the many different ways the Silverlining can display the data - particularly the "96 hour graph" which lets you easily compare almost two weeks of nights side-by-side.

A major difference between the two machines, which will change in January, is that the 420E did not have an integrated heated humidifier. You had to buy a humidifier separately if you wanted "integrated". The REMstar can be purchased with an integrated heated humidifier.

If you think you might want an integrated heated humidifier, you might want to hold off until January when PB is coming out with an integrated heated humidifier that can be used (as far as I know) with all their 420 series machines. I personally prefer having the humidifier separate - easier to clean, imho. Also, in the dark it's easier to just reach down and turn the little heat adjustment knob on the front of a separate humidifier and go right back to sleep. (I bought the Fisher & Paykel HC150 heated humidifier to use separately with my 420E.) With the REMstar auto's integrated humidifier, I have to sit up, turn on a light and mess with buttons on the autopap itself to change the heat setting. I don't know if that will also be the case with the 420E's new integrated humidifier or not. I hope their designers decided to put a knob on the humidifier itself.

Both autos do the job equally well for most people, probably. The main difference, as far as I'm concerned is in the software for each. Another brand of autopap that might provide a definite advantage over both those machines is the ResMed Spirit autopap. If you buy a VERY expensive add-on feature for it, the Spirit can record your overnight oxygen levels. That could be a very important additional bit of data about how treatment is going, especially for people who use their machines religiously but are not feeling better. On the downside, the usual events data you expect to see from an autopap is poorly presented (in my opinion, from screen shots I've seen of the overnight data graph) with the Spirit's AutoScan software. I understand the machine itself is certainly a good autopap too. I wish Puritan Bennett and Respironics would offer optional recording pulse oximetry add-ons, as ResMed is doing now.

Thank you rested gal. What a complete comparation!
Sorry, typing mistake. What I meant is REMStar auto. You really read my heart.

I am currently using REMStar auto withn Encore Pro. I download the data from smartcard every week. It's useful for me to adjust my lifestyle and improve sleep hygiene.

I need to travel a lot, that's why I am considering 420E. I think I have make up my mind now. Thanks.

If you are looking for a unit to travel with the combination of the PB 420E and the new integrated heated humidifier (due out in Jan '05) can't be beat. Add the Resmed Swift nasal pillow interface and you'll be pack'n the lightest system available.

IMO you won't be disapointed.

cktan, I went to the message board you posted a link to in your signature. Unfortunately, I can't read the language, but it looked like you are a very prolific poster on that board. That's great - the more information sources about sleep disorders, the better for everyone all over the world! Nice picture of you, too.

Thank you for your recommendation, wading thru the muck!
Sorry rested gal, the forum is written in Chinese.
I have just started the forum for 2 months.

You guys here are very helpfull. I enjoy participating in this forum.
The situation in Taiwan is somewhat disappointing. It's estimated to be 5-10 years behind US in sleep medicine. We are going to draw people's attention to this serious issue. That's why I am here, to get more information and try to translate into a language that people here can understand.

FYI, only Respironics and ResMed machines are available here and the price is surprisingly high. (double that we can get from US )

Hi cktan,

It's unfortunate to hear Sleep Medicine is 5-10 years behind the US. I think many of us here feel that the US/Canada are 5-10 years behind where we should be.

I'm curious if you are not able to buy the PB 420E in Taiwan are you going to try to pick one up on your travels? Can you purchase one online and have it shipped to Taiwan?

Good Luck with your endeavors!