Lowenstein CPAP Machine

[jlsmithseven]

Hi
I was wondering if anyone has experience with these machines because I do enjoy German Engineering and the Swiss Blower inside looks very high quality. Being based in the USA, is there any chance on getting my DME to cover the components needed to use this machine? IE, mask, hosing, etc? Thank you.

[ozij]

Any mask should fit this machine.

[SakimaStorm]

Sent you a reply by PM

Here is what I sent:

As far as I know US DME companies are not carrying Lowenstein yet so accessories like the heated tube will need to be purchased by you. I used a great company in Australia and their price for accessories was good when you consider the AUD to USD conversion. Shipping is reasonable and no sales tax.

https://www.cpaponline.com.au/

Lowenstein makes great quality products so your hose should last a good 4 or 5 years. The only thing you will want to change frequently is the air filter (washable monthly, replace every 6 months) so I got a extra 4 filters when I bought the machine. The humidifier tank, like the unit itself, is built rock solid and should last many many years so no worries about needing to replace that yearly like ResMed.

As said, it uses a standard hose size so any mask will fit it just fine.

[stevenal]

Digital alarm clock display on a machine that already tracks time? Hose connection and touch screen on the front? 400mL humidifier tank? Quiet? Advanced algorithm? five year warranty? What are they thinking?

Too bad the price is so high and they aren't available in the States.

[SakimaStorm]

[quote=stevenal post_id=1455741 time=1714958180 user_id=57079]
Digital alarm clock display on a machine that already tracks time? Hose connection and touch screen on the front? 400mL humidifier tank? Quiet? Advanced algorithm? five year warranty? What are they thinking?

Too bad the price is so high and they aren't available in the States.
[/quote]


Yes, it is quite a machine. Better in pretty much every way, in my opinion, than ResMed or Philips. Only negative is availability in the US. You can order direct from Australia. The price is around $1450 US, including shipping. A lot of people use insurance to buy so it makes more sense in that case to go w/ what is available (i.e. ResMed). For those paying out of pocket, or those with the financial ability, the Lowenstein is definitely worth considering.

[MurrayNevada]

I've been reading and viewing the reviews and it seems to be one of the best machines available. Also chatting online with cpaponline.au/ reps and they are very helpful. Company has a great reputation. I just may go for it.

[jlsmithseven]

I’m intrigued as well. I still want to do my research but I’m hoping the algorithm will help my dry mouth when I very seldomly open my mouth at night. I don’t have bad leaks at all anymore but it only takes one time. Apparently this machine lowers the air flow when that happens instead of ramping it up

[jlsmithseven]

Anyone have a good idea on how to order replacement hosing/filter/humidifer tank for this machine? I can get the mask and stuff from my DME but obviously I’ll have to pay out of pocket for this stuff but what would be a good place to do that,
Also anyone else have a bad feeling about the foam filter on this machine being the same issue as the Phillips machine that was recalled?

[SakimaStorm]

[quote=jlsmithseven post_id=1455765 time=1715012471 user_id=99773]
Anyone have a good idea on how to order replacement hosing/filter/humidifer tank for this machine? I can get the mask and stuff from my DME but obviously I’ll have to pay out of pocket for this stuff but what would be a good place to do that,
Also anyone else have a bad feeling about the foam filter on this machine being the same issue as the Phillips machine that was recalled?
[/quote]

Hose, filters, and humidifier tanks can be found at:
https://www.cpaponline.com.au/

Have not heard of any issues w/ the foam filter on this, so as long as you don't use an Ozone type cleaner you will be fine. Same applies to ResMed and F&P CPAP devices.

Weinmann/Lowenstein have been making medical ventilators for decades. Never a problem with them.

[jlsmithseven]

Could you explain the softpap to me? I’m only used to EPR and I’ve tried it without EPR and I couldn’t breathe I need the exhale support. How is this machine different? You need more exhale support that’s why you need the vauto correct? I do fine with just 3 but I’ve heard this machine the support for exhale is much better I’m mostly intrigued by that aspect.

[SakimaStorm]

Softpap is Lowenstein's version of EPR.

The Prisma 20A has up to 4cm (in Softpap3) of pressure support, depending on the pressure you are breathing at

Softpap1 - PS up to 1.5
Softpap2 - PS up to 3
Softpap3 - PS up to 4

Softpap3 is also a Tri-Level in that it raises your IPAP by 1cmH2o and applies it during early inspiration to stabilize flow limitations.

More information here:
https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.p ... Lowenstein

[SakimaStorm]

Wow, what a difference a few tweaks made on this machine. Definitely a keeper.

SoftPAP3 makes this a Tri-Level machine (EPAP, EEPAP, IPAP) and the quick ramp up from EPAP to IPAP is great for keeping the airway from collapsing during the end of the exhale. That along with changing from standard to dynamic therapy mode has made a huge difference. Very comfortable, very low flow limitations and apneas very well controlled.

On SoftPAP3 (Tri-Level), up to 4cm of PS is provided. Since I only need 3.4 to 3.6, this is going to work fine for me as I originally hoped. Only needed to spend more time researching and tweaking the settings to get it where I needed it.

What a great machine. Very highly recommended.

[jlsmithseven]

How does that inspiration of 1cm feel? Some people had said it bothered them. I think this is the main reason why I want to try this machine because it makes a lot of sense why they would do that. Please report back to me how it feels compared to the resmed EPR of 3? I need at least 3cm EPR I know that, I've tried all the other settings and got way too many flow limitations and it was very uncomfortable. I really am after that pre-inspiration after the exhale that keeps things moving instead of coming to a sudden halt like resmed's does. Thank you.

[SakimaStorm]

I've been on the AC10 using custom settings for inhale time, exhale time, trigger, and cycle for years. The Prisma did feel a little strange at first but I got used to the different inhale/exhale very quickly. Due to the 1 cm inhale boost in softPAP3, I found I could lower my IPAP by 1 cm on the Prisma and get the equivalent, if not better, therapy.

And if you don't like the inhale boost, you can use softPAP2 instead, which will provide you the 3 cm PS/EPR you currently have w/o the boost.

The ramp up from EPAP to IPAP likewise was quite different from the ResMed, but again, I adjusted to it quickly. And that ramp up really does provide better Apnea control at lower pressures than ResMed as it keeps your airway open at the end of the exhale.

[MurrayNevada]

I ordered the Löwenstein Prisma20A this afternoon. Added an extra heated hose and humidifier tank and extra filters. Things that I wanted to have on hand in case of emergency. Australia is 8,000 away from me. Processing is fast and shipping time quick. USD is strong against the Australian $ and works to our advantage. People at online store were very helpful. SD card plays nice with OSCAR too. Lowenstein also has a program to read the cards if I choose to use it.

https://www.cpaponline.com.au/