Remstar M Series Pro versus Remstar Pro?

bairdbeth · Post by **bairdbeth** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 9:07 am

I have to call my DME tomorrow and ask them to bring me the right machine. I had asked for the M series Pro and the brought the Plus and a Smartcard module, but that won't tell me the data I want (AHI and leaks).
When I had spoken to them at first they had also said I could get the Remstar Pro. Besides the M series being smaller, are there any other differences? Is one "better" than the other? I had chosen to M series Pro for it's size as I do travel 3 or 4 times a year. Thanks for any input!

cflame1 · Post by **cflame1** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 9:42 am

I don't know what the difference is with the M... but if you get the non-M... then you want the Pro2... not the Pro

The Pro2 will give you all of the numbers (with the software)... from what I understand the Pro will only give you compliance data.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 9:58 am

the "M" series is the new model (smaller, gives information from LCD).

RemstarPro - Only records basic compliance information (no AHI, pressure).

RemstarPro2 - Records data just like the Auto (nothing from LCD display, requires EncorePro).

M series Pro - Records data like older Pro"2" model, displays basic AHI and pressure information from LCD display (7-day average).

The machine you want is the "M" series Pro (not the Plus, the Plus is the cheap insurance model).

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:41 am

About a hundred bucks in price
I have the Remstar PRO-2 I like it. I looked at the "M" series and didn't like the looks of it.
I think the the Pro-2 is better but that's just my opinion. The "M" Series is new technology. I'm not sure how long it's been out. When I bought my machine I asked about an Auto and was told that they thought it was a waste of money, but if I wanted it they would sell it to me. I live at sea level. being as my pressure is @20cm they felt the auto was a little overkill.

I also have a Remstar plus.....

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:56 am

As mentioned above.. the Remstar Pro (not the M) doesn't record anything but compliance (usage) date. Not useful to you at all.

I have one of these I bought used while fighting with the DME for my auto. I was told by the seller that it was a Pro2 and when it arrived it was a pro. Not worth fighting with seller over as I needed it to provide treatment and it did well. I was getting a better machine later anyway so it would be backup. But one of the joys of buying used online.

I don't even think the Pro model (not M series is made anymore).

You want the Pro2 or the M series Pro

I am considering the M series auto as a second machine to my regular auto (M was not out at the time I got mine) only because of the on screen data. Which I could check in the morning without bothering with the card. The specs say it is a bit lighter, but from what people here said, when you pack it all up in the bag with a humidifer it isn't that much smaller.

bairdbeth · Post by **bairdbeth** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 1:35 pm

Thanks! When I relooked at my notes it did say Pro2 not just Pro. I think I like the idea of data on the LCD. I am paying $100 upgrade fee no matter which of these 2 I choose

alfa · Post by **alfa** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:50 pm

Snoredog wrote:the "M" series is the new model (smaller, gives information from LCD).

RemstarPro - Only records basic compliance information (no AHI, pressure).

RemstarPro2 - Records data just like the Auto (nothing from LCD display, requires EncorePro).

M series Pro - Records data like older Pro"2" model, displays basic AHI and pressure information from LCD display (7-day average).

The machine you want is the "M" series Pro (not the Plus, the Plus is the cheap insurance model).

_________________
What's the diff of the M series Pro with the Remstar M Series Auto C-Flex CPAP

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): AHI, auto

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:06 am

alfa wrote:What's the diff of the M series Pro with the Remstar M Series Auto C-Flex CPAP

M series Pro is a straight CPAP machine and has C-Flex for a momentary reduction of pressure when you exhale. It has one single prescribed pressure blowing at you all night. It does record detailed data (not just "hours of use"), so that makes it more useful than, say, the M Series Plus.

M series Auto is an "auto-titrating cpap" machine that can vary the pressure during the night according to how much pressure you actually need. Throat closing a lot because you have turned onto your back and/or are in REM sleep? The autopap delivers more pressure. Throat not closing much because you're on your side and/or are in a light stage of sleep? The autopap uses less pressure when "less" is keeping the throat open fine. The autopap senses from your breathing how much pressure is needed to keep the airway open. This machine also has C-Flex for some exhalation relief. It records detailed data (not just "hours of use.")

Either one can give effective treatment and give detailed info. The advantage, imho, about using an autopap is that there may be a LOT of time during the night when the full prescribed pressure arrived at for "worst case scenario" at the sleep study is simply not necessary. The more time a person can spend using less pressure while sleeping, the less chance there is of mask leaks, aerophagia (air detouring into the stomach), the easier it is to exhale against the pressure...lotsa' good reasons to use an autopap, imho. There may also be nights or times during the night when more than "prescribed pressure" is needed -- after drinking alcohol, congestion from a cold or allergies, some medications, etc.

Bottom line: if using an autopap doesn't suit a person, the autopap can always be switched to operate in straight cpap mode. But a cpap machine is what it is -- blowing one straight pressure all the time.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 11:05 am

Regarding CPAP vs. APAP, don't forget that the APAP mode has several possible downsides that makes CPAP mode better for a lot of people. Chiefly:

1. APAP mode's pressure changes can cause arousals or awakenings, fragmenting sleep and reducing sleep depth and quality.

2. APAP mode can let "fast-onset" apneas occur that CPAP, operating at a near-worst-care pressure constantly, would prevent.

So you can spend extra on an APAP, and yes you have both modes, but many people end up just using the unit's CPAP mode exclusively anyway.

If you can easily tolerate your prescribed CPAP pressure (I sure can, I don't even notice it!), then a good CPAP machine, preferably with detailed data collection (REMstar Pro2 or M-Pro) is just fine, and very possibly better treatment than an APAP's APAP mode.

As for the APAP's ability to auto-titrate you, a CPAP with detailed data can do this too; you simply select a different CPAP pressure each night and compare the results. It takes longer, but it works fine.

Of course, some people can't stand a near-worst-case pressure all the time. For them, APAP is a godsend. But me, I don't mind.

My point is, don't feel like you're missing out if you only have a CPAP, particularly one with detailed data recording. It's a fine machine, and lacks a mode that, for many, is unnecessary and possibly even inferior.

All depends who you are, but there's some stuff to think about.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 11:07 am

Um, I meant "near-worst-case" not "near-worst-care"! Must learn to proofread! =)

JPZeller · Post by **JPZeller** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 3:32 pm

I own both.

The M series is far superior for traveling (I wouldn't think of taking the Pro2 on a trip now), at least if you disregard the humidifier.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 4:25 pm

For what it's worth.....the OLD REMstar Pro (not the 2) was discontinued as of April 18, 2005.

I can't make a comparison between the previous models and the M Series because I haven't used any of the M machines. I DO know that I like the ones that I have.

Den

bairdbeth · Post by **bairdbeth** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:20 pm

Thanks for the replies. APAP is a mute point now as my pulmonologist said I didn't need it and his Rt said they only use it for titrating. At this point I won't argue. The DME is ordering me the Remstar M Series Pro. This will give me the data capability that I want and no argument or problems from DME. At the end of the rental period, if I am having issues, I will re-examine an APAP. AT least I have the Plus to use until the M Series Pro comes in!

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:51 pm

bairdbeth,

Don't despair about the Auto. "Guest" made a lot of excellent points. As long as you've got a machine with data capture, you can do a very fine job of tweaking your therapy.

Best wishes,

Den

bairdbeth · Post by **bairdbeth** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:56 pm

I'm not worried. I actually like the Plus the gave me, but it won't do data, so I am changing. The machines look fairly identical and I found the Plus to be quiet. I start with the ramp set at 7 ( originally 4, but )and when I wake I am unsure if the air is on as I am already used to the pressure. I guess that is a good sign? Once again thanks for the info and support!

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