Sefam DreamStar Auto, any ideas if good?

[membus]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to ask for your opinion on this machine, the Sefam DreamStar Auto. Sefam is the new appellation for the Covidien brand.

Here in Istanbul I can get this machine for maybe 2/3 of the price for the S9 AutoSet, or maybe even a little lesser. The S9 AutoSet with H5i & Mirage FX mask cost USD 1000, while the Sefam costs only USD 660.

Is there anyone who's using Sefam and is happy with them? Would love to hear your thoughts on the issue.

I'm on the brink of buying the S9 AutoSet but may change mind as well.

Thanks for your help.

[Wulfman...]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to ask for your opinion on this machine, the Sefam DreamStar Auto. Sefam is the new appellation for the Covidien brand.

Here in Istanbul I can get this machine for maybe 2/3 of the price for the S9 AutoSet, or maybe even a little lesser. The S9 AutoSet with H5i & Mirage FX mask cost USD 1000, while the Sefam costs only USD 660.

Is there anyone who's using Sefam and is happy with them? Would love to hear your thoughts on the issue.

I'm on the brink of buying the S9 AutoSet but may change mind as well.

Thanks for your help.

Hello and welcome to the forum.

It's unlikely there are any Sefam users on this forum.
I did do some Google searching on it though.......bears some resemblance to the Covidien machines which were discontinued in 2010. Prior to that, the predecessor was Puritan Bennett which quite a few members of the forum used and they were well respected machines.

My advice would be to make sure you have access to software that will work with the machine (I'm presuming that they record data which can be downloaded and viewed in report format).
Machines, no matter how expensive or cheap they are, aren't any good if the user can't monitor their therapy with them.

If you do get one, please keep us informed how it works and what software is available for it.
Most of the forum users have Philips/Respironics and/or ResMed machines, but there are some others like DeVilbiss, Fisher & Paykel, Weinmann, etc.


Den

.

[yaconsult]

One of the most important things is to be able to monitor how your therapy is going with the wonderful, free SleepyHead software. So I would not buy a machine that is not on the list of machines that that software supports.

I'm talking about being able to bring up the charts and be able to see, breath-by-breath when necessary, exactly what is happening when you sleep with the machine. Not a web page with a score or a happy face, but the real, recorded detailed numbers. It's like having a sleep study available whenever you need it.

And that is why you see us recommending the machines that we do.

[membus]

Thanks for your responses.

The Sefam DreamStar records the following data according to this link.

Usage Data

• Blower hours
• Usage hours
• % days usage > x hours
• Mask Off time
• Time in ramp

Efficacy Data

• AHI
• Apnea
• Central Apnea (with Cardiac Oscillations)
• Hypopnea
• IFL (runs)
• Snoring
• UA Status
• Pressure efficient more than X% of time
• Leak level

They have a software called Dream Analyzer, but according to some search results it's not free. Then I called a DME to ask about the software and the guy said it's not given to patients. But when insisted, said he may help with this.

But still, I'm leaning towards the S9 AutoSet.

[Julie]

Dream Analyzer?

Stick with the S9!

[Cannuck 1]

As the old saying goes "buy what you can afford" there are other brands that are cheaper in North America also.
Resmed and Respironics seem to be leaders for now in this sector with a few others that give them a run for their money.

[yaconsult]

You need a machine that you are absolutely certain you can access the detailed data from whenever you want to. A promise that he "might" be able to get some software for you means nothing. Remember, he's trying to sell you something. If you find out later that he can't give it to you, you're stuck.

It's your decision in the end, but I would never buy a machine that was not full data, auto, and supported by SleepyHead.

[Pugsy]

Check with this website
http://www.secondwindcpap.com/Open_Box.html
for a ResMed machine if that is where you are leaning
They will ship internationally and I think you can most likely get a new open box ResMed AutoSet for not much more than the Sefam
I see a new Resmed S9 AutoSet with humidifier and heated hose for $699

or they have a section with gently used low hour machines for even less.
I see a gently used ResMed AirSense AutoSet which includes humidifier and heated hose for $599

The AirSense ResMed machines are the latest models but the S9 models are going to do the same good job.
http://www.secondwindcpap.com/Used_CPAP.html
on this page down near the bottom is where you find the ResMed machines of various models.
Just make sure you know your models and if it says "AutoSet" then it is the apap model and full data and you can use 2 different software packages if you wish and both are free.

International shipping will add a bit more to the cost but the amount isn't huge.

I have done business with them and I also know people all over the world who have bought from them.
They are good people and I think for international purchases they won't even require a copy of the prescription.

Just a thought...to help you save some money and still get the machine that you probably really want.

If you see something and are unsure as to what it is...just ask and we can clarify things.

I had a friend in the UK buy a gently used machine from them...and it only had 8 hours of use on it....that's new in my book. I think almost all my machines that I have bought have been used a little with the exception of maybe one machine. Now if it freaks you out too much...look at the new zero hour open box inventory for just a little more money but still way less than what you are being quoted where you live.

As far as I know there aren't any restrictions on this stuff coming into the area where you live but you could ask. If you were is Spain or Portugal or Brazil there might be a problem with this equipment but most countries don't throw up any road blocks.

Cost to ship internationally...depends on the method of shipment but I have done it for around $50.

It's an option for you to consider at least...and maybe save some dollars and still get you a machine that you really want.
I can pretty much assure you that you will be happy with the ResMed machines...the data is comprehensive and the software products available are free and relatively easy to use.