New machine for a new user

Hello All,

I have been spending time here reading up on all your great information and advice while I was doing my two day sleep lab. The first day was just to figure out if I had sleep apnea and the second (which was last night) was what type treatment I needed. This morning the doc told me I got rid of the apnea at 6 and I stopped snoring at 8, which he said was low. He did not spec a machine for me; I should have asked but did not sleep all that well. I think the nurse said he wrote a script Respironics with C-flex. If it is the one that is not the automatic should I push for the auto? I like the idea of having the auto because it has all the bells and whistles. Like the recording features, I just want to know it is working. If I am correct the non-auto does not have this feature? Just looking for advice as I start down the road.

Thanks,
Newsleeper

Welcome to the forum.
If he wrote you a prescription for a Respironics with C-Flex, it is probably a Remstar Pro. The C-Flex is exhalation relief and it has 3 settings.
A Pro is not an auto, however a Pro IS a data capable machine. This means you will have information on the LCD screen to help you monitor your own therapy. You will be able to see AHI (sum of Apneas and Hypoapneas) and leak rate as well as your pressure setting. That machine should come with a smart card. If you buy the software and card reader (you would probably have to do that on your own and online) you can get more detailed information on your computer about each night.
An auto would give you the added option of setting a range of pressures rather than being on a straight pressure, allowing the machine to increase and decrease pressure during the night as you need it. An auto can ALSO be set in cpap mode so it really does have everything.
An auto would have more options but a Pro will give you some data. A Pro will give your more data if you buy the software and card reader.
An auto would be the best but a Pro is not bad. If I were you, I would try for an auto but a Pro will give you enough information so that you know how things are going for you. Bottom line - you want, at least, a Pro. If you can get an auto, even better.
Hope this helps!

I would push for the Auto. An Auto can run in CPAP mode, but not vice versa. If you are going with a Respironics, ask for the Respironics M Series Auto with A-Flex. I don't have one but it seems like everyone on the board who does posts great things about them. The A-Flex is supposed to be like breathing out against nothing, plus you can get the software (you have to buy it and a card reader yourself) and really track your progress. At a minimum you need a machine that will give you your nightly pressure, leak rate, AHI, AI and HI, the last three numbers being the number of times per hour that your breathing is stopped and/or slowed due to airway obstructions, as well as some form of exhalation relief. Best of luck!

Hawthorne & Alnhwrd,

Thanks for the replies, I think I will shoot for at least an auto. I just like the idea of having the ability to adjust just about anything with it, kind of like of like the Omnilab I used at the sleep clinic. If i can not get one at least I do know that the pro can get the reporting for me and the doctor to see. I would just like to know the machine is doing what it is supposed to. this is a big expense and I just want to make sure it is working correctly. I just have to remember what I have seen on here; it me using the machine and I need to be happy with what i get.

Thanks,
Newsleeper

That is right! It IS YOU using the xPAP, enduring the benefits or the consequences of its use. And it is YOU paying for it, no matter whether thru insurance or out of pocket. Be DIPLOMATIC, but be FIRM.

Request the Remstar M Series Auto w/A-Flex. That request gives both you and the local DME supplier some bargaining/negotiating room and if necessary you can safely settle for the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex. Hopefully you'll get the Auto but ....

Now, it "might" be that the local DME supplier you go to deals more heavily w/Resmed and would prefer to provide a Resmed. If that is the case then you request the Resmed S8 II AutoSet (has EPR and the new EasyBreathe technology) but can safely settle (if you have to) for the Resmed S8 II Elite w/EPR. Again, hopefully you would get the AutoSet but ....

Being flexible and requesting either the Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex "or" the Resmed S8 II AutoSet again gives you and the local DME supplier the most negotiating/bargaining room.

It would be a good idea to call your insurance company and ask them what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than one. There again, having more than one local DME supplier gives you more bargaining/negotiating room to get the exact xPAP you want, one or the other of the Autos.

Good luck!

Any of the four machines (two autos and two straight cpaps) Slinky mentioned would be good.

Hope you get the auto, since that's like having two machines in one -- can be run in auto mode or in "cpap" mode. But if you can't, those two CPAP machines she mentioned will give you full data too.

Good luck!