Best CPAP Machine

[kong]

What's the best auto-CPAP machine? I believe I'm eligible for a new machine since I've had my machine for over 5 years. I left a message for my doctor to order a new machine. When using CPAP, my AHI ranges from about 3-10. Increasing the pressure doesn't lower the AHI.

Thanks for your help.

[bwexler]

Have you been using software to monitor your therapy?
Do you know if you have been having centrals?
Any idea why the wide variations in your AHI?

Answers to these questions may help someone here to provide better guidance.

[Uncle_Bob]

What's the best auto-CPAP machine? I believe I'm eligible for a new machine since I've had my machine for over 5 years. I left a message for my doctor to order a new machine. When using CPAP, my AHI ranges from about 3-10. Increasing the pressure doesn't lower the AHI.

Thanks for your help.

You can get a copy of your prescription and mail it in to an on line company like cpap.com and order the machine yourself. Bill the insurance later after double checking they allow on line purchases.
You can simply browse the latest machines from the top manufacturers and make your own choice based on your opinion and the reviews of many others.

You have not given us too much information to provided any further advice regarding your AHI. Increasing pressure can result in central apneas for some.

Getting a machine with full data should be your priority, be sure to avoid the basic machines often referred to as bricks. You would do well to read up on the wiki here regarding machine selection, see the following link

wiki/index.php/CPAP_Machine_Choices

[gosman]

The link to machines for CPAP talk is outdated! It is still listing the S8!

[CPAPLowspark]

I'm a newbie so take my opinion with a grain of salt...but I love the ResMed AutoSet that I have...simple, easy and compact for carrying...no issues so far...

[TASmart]

The link to machines for CPAP talk is outdated! It is still listing the S8!

If you are referring to the cpap . com site the listing for the S8 is for reference only. I really like my AirSense 10 Auto though.

[kong]

Have you been using software to monitor your therapy?
Do you know if you have been having centrals?
Any idea why the wide variations in your AHI?

Answers to these questions may help someone here to provide better guidance.

My machine, as far as I know, does not detect central sleep apneas. During a sleep study 5 years ago, I averaged 1.5 central sleep apneas per hour; I did not have any central hypopneas.

I don't know why my AHI is not consistently under 5. The doctor has tried a variety of different pressure settings. I have also tried many. However, I am unable to consistently get my numbers below 5.

[fenfen]

Dear Uncle Bob
you mention in your replay that Increasing pressure can result in central apneas for some. would you please explain what meant by central apneas . I have problem with the pressure. it becomes high and wakes me up. I do need your help and advise.

[bwexler]

Kong

If we ass u me that you need a simple APAP machine and not a BiLevel or ASV, then the jury will be split.
The best Resmed machine would be the Airsense 10 Autoset for Her. Yes I know you are a him.
The best Phillips Resperonics would be the Dreamstation Auto.
Sorry I am not up to date on the model numbers.
The folks who use each of these brands will swear there brand is best. No other brands will gain much traction in this group or Apneaboard dot com. No matter what you choose,you should be sure it will provide full efficacy data and be compatible with Sleepyahead software. You will then be able to post your reports here and get advice from some experts on how to fine tune your treatment.

[Okie bipap]

Dear Uncle Bob
you mention in your replay that Increasing pressure can result in central apneas for some. would you please explain what meant by central apneas . I have problem with the pressure. it becomes high and wakes me up. I do need your help and advise.

Central apnea: A respiratory episode where there is no airflow and no effort to breathe lasting greater than 10 seconds.

[kong]

Kong

If we ass u me that you need a simple APAP machine and not a BiLevel or ASV, then the jury will be split.
The best Resmed machine would be the Airsense 10 Autoset for Her. Yes I know you are a him.
The best Phillips Resperonics would be the Dreamstation Auto.
Sorry I am not up to date on the model numbers.
The folks who use each of these brands will swear there brand is best. No other brands will gain much traction in this group or Apneaboard dot com. No matter what you choose,you should be sure it will provide full efficacy data and be compatible with Sleepyahead software. You will then be able to post your reports here and get advice from some experts on how to fine tune your treatment.

bwexler--Thanks for your answer. Now I have it narrowed down to three machines. Knowing that I am a male, why do you recommend an Airsense 10 Autoset for Her over the regular Airsense 10 Autoset?

[Guest]

Dear Uncle Bob
you mention in your replay that Increasing pressure can result in central apneas for some. would you please explain what meant by central apneas . I have problem with the pressure. it becomes high and wakes me up. I do need your help and advise.

While a true central is when the brain doesn't tell you to breath yet the airway is open, what I have experienced is when the pressure gets too high and you can't exhale. In that case, a bipap helps tremendously cuz you can drop the exhale pressure so that you can breath once again. IF you have a high pressure then def give a bipap a test drive or is that a test sleep.

[pedroski]

Kong

bwexler--Thanks for your answer. Now I have it narrowed down to three machines. Knowing that I am a male, why do you recommend an Airsense 10 Autoset for Her over the regular Airsense 10 Autoset?

Hey Kong,

The reason bwexler recommended the Airsense 10 Autoset for Her is that it has two algorithms for responding to breathing events, but the regular Airsense 10 Autoset only has one.

Here's a YouTube video which explains that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7jpQw4uTDQ

[Goofproof]

Kong

If we ass u me that you need a simple APAP machine and not a BiLevel or ASV, then the jury will be split.
The best Resmed machine would be the Airsense 10 Autoset for Her. Yes I know you are a him.
The best Phillips Resperonics would be the Dreamstation Auto.
Sorry I am not up to date on the model numbers.
The folks who use each of these brands will swear there brand is best. No other brands will gain much traction in this group or Apneaboard dot com. No matter what you choose,you should be sure it will provide full efficacy data and be compatible with Sleepyahead software. You will then be able to post your reports here and get advice from some experts on how to fine tune your treatment.

bwexler--Thanks for your answer. Now I have it narrowed down to three machines. Knowing that I am a male, why do you recommend an Airsense 10 Autoset for Her over the regular Airsense 10 Autoset?

Because you never know when you will want to go Bruce Jenner, scouts motto, be prepared!

[fenfen]

Dear Uncle Bob
you mention in your replay that Increasing pressure can result in central apneas for some. would you please explain what meant by central apneas . I have problem with the pressure. it becomes high and wakes me up. I do need your help and advise.

While a true central is when the brain doesn't tell you to breath yet the airway is open, what I have experienced is when the pressure gets too high and you can't exhale. In that case, a bipap helps tremendously cuz you can drop the exhale pressure so that you can breath once again. IF you have a high pressure then def give a bipap a test drive or is that a test sleep.

I do appreciate your help and feed back regarding central apnea and now I understand the meaning. Most likely this what is happing with me. Will it help if I change (reduce) the pressure setting ? even doctors here (where I live) do not know what I am talking about, may be just nowadays. I did the first sleep study in perth 11 years ago but just recently I started using CPAP.. I need specialist advise, what to do?. Thank you in advance for the help.