So - who makes the best CPAP machine?

mperkel · Post by **mperkel** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 10:47 am

I have a loaner test machine for 2 weeks. On my third day. So I'm going to need to start shopping soon. Medical insurance doesn't cover this but I'm not poor so it doesn't have to be the least expensive machine available.

I'm a computer geek so I like feature - control - and if there's data to be had I want it to connect to my computer. Also looking for information on what features are important.

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 10:51 am

Welcome!!

Glad you are here!!

I use an M series auto with c-flex. The newer version has a-flex which is suppose to make breathing more natural feeling. I love my machine and at this point wouldn't trade it for a different model.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 11:08 am

For therapy itself, its hard to go wrong w/any of the manufacturers' xPAPs. Its the "frills" that become a matter of preference.

Personally, I like the Resmeds for their ease of access and amount of data available via the LCD screen. I happen to find their software easy to install and the data easy to understand.

The majority here use a Respironics and favor the Respironics software. There is "support" software for the Respironics software that there isn't for the Resmeds (MyEncore and EncoreAnalyzer).

I'm quite intrigued by the new DeVilBiss AutoAdjust IntelliPAP and their SmartLink software.

Covidien has the Sandman Auto and the Sandman PSG software has been popular w/sleep labs. Previously, as Puritan Bennett, there was the Silverlining software that those who have the Puritan Bennett GoodKnight 420E autoPAP swear is the best software on the market.

So since money is no object: check out the following and do a comparison of features at cpap.com

REsmed S8 II AutoSet w/EPR and ResScan 3.5 software and cable reader
Respironics M Series Auto w/A-Flex w/EncorePro (or EncoreViewer) software w/cable reader
DeVilBiss AutoAdjust IntelliPAP w/SmartLink Therapy software
Covidien Sandman Auto w/Sandman Therapy software

And be sure to get the integrated heated humidifier w/all but the Respironics M Series - w/that one you might want the Fisher & Paykel HC 150 stand alone heated humidifier as the better choice unless you travel a lot in which case you would want to get both the F&P 150 for at home use and the integrated humidifier for travel.

JMO - others might suggest differently but any of the above 4 fit all your mentioned priorities very well.

mperkel · Post by **mperkel** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 11:24 am

Thanks for the detailed response.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 12:03 pm

I don't know about "best software in the market", but, I do know that both the Silverlining 3 (for the PB420E) and the Sandman for the Covidien let you export detailed data to *.csv files.

I miss having a report of "length in apnea" on my 420E.

If you're really into "sleep oriented navel gazing" you can set the 420E to output breath by breath data, and use Timesnapper to capture those breath by breath pictures. Come morning, you can see your breaths in details.

O.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 12:45 pm

Thanks, Ozij. I didn't suggest the PB 420E simply 'cause I thought it was being "replaced" by the Covidien Sandman Auto as the Respironics M Series Auto w/C- or A-Flex is taking the place of the good, reliable, ole "tank" (the pre-M Series Auto w/C-Flex).

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 1:22 pm

I'm with you on that, Slinky. Wouldn't go for a 420E now - the Sandman Auto is probably a bit better.

O.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 1:32 pm

ozij wrote:I'm with you on that, Slinky. Wouldn't go for a 420E now - the Sandman Auto is probably a bit better.

O.

Yep, any of the autopaps Slinky listed are what I'd get, too.

ozij, this has probably been posted, and I missed it... does the Sandman Auto have IFL1 and IFL2 triggers? If so, does it come the way the 420E does, with IFL1 on by default?

mperkel · Post by **mperkel** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 1:47 pm

Also - and maybe this should be a separate thread - what about masks? How do I choose masks? Just need it for the nose. My diagnosis was "severe" but just barely severe.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 1:59 pm

mperkel, here's a link where you can see some interesting discussions about a variety of masks and mask types:

LINKS to discussions about some masks - nasal mask, nasal pillows, nasal prongs
viewtopic.php?p=35284

Also tuck this next link away in your pocket for future use, after you choose a mask and it "almost" works for you, but needs some tweaking to realllllyy suit you:

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

Sometimes a "Lab Rat" fix can even turn a mask that you find totally unusable into your favorite.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 2:02 pm

Oh boy! Masks. Masks are such an individual thing. My favorite could be an absolute disaster for you or vice versa.

Basically, there are 4 styles of mask: 1] the nasal cushion, 2] nasal pillows (including prongs and seals), 3] full face, 4] "hybrid" styles that are a combination of nasal pillows and mouth "cushion".

Well, since money is no object, I would buy my xPAP online but when it comes to the mask I'd go w/the local DME supplier w/the most lenient mask exchange policy. And stick w/them until I found THE RIGHT mask for me. Once you've found a successful mask you can resort to buying them online too.

I happen to have a preference for lightweight and not much to it type masks so I like the old Respironics Simplicity simple nasal cushion and the Swift LT nasal pillows and am interested in giving the Respironics OptiLife nasal pillows a good try. The Resmed Mirage Quattro full face mask and I get along okay. But it certainly is NOT my favorite mask. It can do the job in a pinch.

mperkel · Post by **mperkel** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 2:06 pm

Sometimes a "Lab Rat" fix can even turn a mask that you find totally unusable into your favorite.

Are we talking about duct tape?

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 2:14 pm

Ahhhh... tape.... funny you should mention that.

I can't resist! --

LINKS to: Mouth leaks - Air Leaks - Tape - DIY Guard
viewtopic.php?t=8011

Songbird · Post by **Songbird** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 2:45 pm

rested gal wrote:Also tuck this next link away in your pocket for future use, after you choose a mask and it "almost" works for you, but needs some tweaking to realllllyy suit you:

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards
viewtopic.php?t=15104

Sometimes a "Lab Rat" fix can even turn a mask that you find totally unusable into your favorite.

Laura, could you add DreamStalker's Opus 360 Mod to your list? You gave him a Lab Rat Award for it, and it's a great modification. Here's the link: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=33834&p=287710&hilit=+opus#p287710. Also, it would be great if you could include this link to where someone could buy the Breeze halo straps that he used: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/1601. Thanks!!

Marsha

BallBuster · Post by **BallBuster** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 2:53 pm

mperkel wrote:So - who makes the best CPAP machine?

Me. I'm currently taking orders. Send me a blank check and I'll put you on the list. Delivery is 1-7 years.

So - who makes the best CPAP machine?

So - who makes the best CPAP machine?

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