Buying advice -- APAP vs. CPAP (2025)

winky

Posts: 9
Threads: 4
Joined: Mar 2014

Machine: Resprionics Remstar Plus LX
Mask Type: Nasal pillows
Mask Make & Model: unsure
Humidifier: Fisher & Paykel HC150
CPAP Pressure: 7
CPAP Software: Not using software

Other Comments:

Sex: Male
Location:

03-08-2014, 02:35 PM

Hello once more.

It looks like I need to replace my ancient no-frills CPAP before it fails. My health insurance won't pay for a new one -- DME is not a covered benefit.

I'm frugal and not affluent, so maybe I'll get a used one on Craigslist -- or maybe a new one from an on-line dealer. I thought I should shop for another no-frills machine, to save money, but as I look around, it seems like an APAP might cost me a few bucks more than a CPAP. I'm not sure I need an APAP. On the other idea, I like the idea that it will calibrate itself. As I get older, my weight changes, or if my sleeping position changes, the pressure will always be just right. If it has a recording function, I suppose I can take the data to the doctor if I need to.

Comments and suggestions please?

Are APAPs really plug-and-play? I know my usual pressure on my CPAP -- 7 cm. That seems about right. I probably won't be getting any help from a dealer or doctor.

Thanks in advance.

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zonk

Posts: 8,022
Threads: 243
Joined: Feb 2012

Machine: A10 AutoSet
Mask Type: Nasal mask
Mask Make & Model: Activa LT
Humidifier: Integrated /ClimateLineAir
CPAP Pressure: 9/13
CPAP Software: ResScan

Other Comments: CPAP since Nov 2010

Sex: Male
Location: Australia

03-08-2014, 02:54 PM (This post was last modified: 03-08-2014, 02:55 PM by zonk.)

APAP cost only few dollars more than CPAP
APAP can do CPAP and APAP .... two machines in one, better long term investment

The two most popular choices
1- Phillips Respirocis System One Auto, model numbers 550 and 560 (560, newer and comes with the heated hose option)
Model number printed on the label at the bttom of the machine (remove water tank)

2- ResMed S9 AutoSet (not S9 Escape Auto)
Model name printed next to on/off button

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trish6hundred

Posts: 8,263
Threads: 6
Joined: May 2012

Machine: Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her
Mask Type: Full face mask
Mask Make & Model: Resmed f20
Humidifier: Resmed Integrated humidifier
CPAP Pressure: 11/14 CmH2O
CPAP Software: Not using software

Other Comments: I started CPAP in 2008. Totally blind since birth.

Sex: Female
Location: Missouri, USA

03-08-2014, 03:09 PM

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robysue

Posts: 1,434
Threads: 27
Joined: Oct 2013

Machine: PR Dreamstation BiPAP Auto
Mask Type: Nasal pillows
Mask Make & Model: Swift FX
Humidifier: PR Dreamstation humidfier
CPAP Pressure: min EPAP = 4; max IPAP = 9;
CPAP Software: SleepyHeadEncoreBasicEncorePro

Other Comments: Papping since September 2010

Sex: Female
Location: Buffalo, NY

03-08-2014, 10:35 PM

winky,

Personally I would not buy a bare bones machine that recorded nothing but usage hours. I'd recommend buying a machine that records full efficacy data: You might never look at the data, but if you ever start to feel sleepy in the daytime or start having serious problems waking up with a dry mouth, the data is there if or when you need it.

Resprionics equipment is cheaper than Resmed here in the states. At on-line DMEs, the PR System One Pro CPAP, which is a full data CPAP is usually priced about $50 less than the PR System One Auto CPAP. But the cheapest brick in the System One line is the Series SE machine, which is priced about $200 less than the Pro. But the Series SE records only usage data and is missing several other important features that the Pro has.

If money is really tight and you would prefer to not give up on efficacy data, then you might want to look into the DeVilbass IntelliPAP Standard Plus CPAP Machine with SmartFlex, which usually sells for $80-$100 less than the PR System One Pro.

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herbm

Posts: 898
Threads: 5
Joined: Jan 2014

Machine: ResMed AutoSet S9
Mask Type: Oral
Mask Make & Model: ResMed Airfit P10 Nasal Pillow
Humidifier: ResMed H5i
CPAP Pressure: 11-16
CPAP Software: ResScanSleepyHead

Other Comments: Backup Mask: Innomed Hybrid FFM -- Oral+Nasal Pillows

Sex: Male
Location: Austin, TX

03-09-2014, 12:12 AM

I wouldn't want a machine without full data either.

If possible (affordable) I would want the APAP but if my single pressure was known to give me good therapy it would do in a pinch.

Going the used route might even make the ResMed S9 Autoset virtually the same price as a brick CPAP machine.

You have to spend you money wisely, but especially if you are self-treating to avoid doctors expenses the APAP and the data make a lot of sense IF you can affort them.

Sweet Dreams,

HerbM
Sleep study AHI: 49 RDI: 60 -- APAP 10-11 w/AHI: 1.5 avg for 7-days (up due likely to hip replacement recovery)

"We can all breathe together or we will all suffocate alone."

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readyforsleep

Posts: 331
Threads: 53
Joined: Mar 2014

Machine: Resmed Aircurve10
Mask Type: Full face mask
Mask Make & Model: RESMED Airtouch F20
Humidifier: attached
CPAP Pressure: 15 -19 ps2.6
CPAP Software: SleepyHead

Other Comments:

Sex: Female
Location: Lawrenceburg, Indiana

03-27-2014, 07:44 AM

I am going to bite the bullet and part with my brick and buy prsystem 1 ds560s- auto cpap. Question is heated tubing or not?
I have one on loan now and I love it. I am now ON MY WAY TO BETTER SLEEP...FINALLY

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herbm

Posts: 898
Threads: 5
Joined: Jan 2014

Machine: ResMed AutoSet S9
Mask Type: Oral
Mask Make & Model: ResMed Airfit P10 Nasal Pillow
Humidifier: ResMed H5i
CPAP Pressure: 11-16
CPAP Software: ResScanSleepyHead

Other Comments: Backup Mask: Innomed Hybrid FFM -- Oral+Nasal Pillows

Sex: Male
Location: Austin, TX

03-27-2014, 08:24 AM

If you love the heated tubing then that argues for your both needing it and it being worth the extra money to *you*.

I have heating tubing and have never seen the problems of the unheated type so I really don't know if I *need* this or not (given my climate and household temp settings.)

Sweet Dreams,

HerbM
Sleep study AHI: 49 RDI: 60 -- APAP 10-11 w/AHI: 1.5 avg for 7-days (up due likely to hip replacement recovery)

"We can all breathe together or we will all suffocate alone."

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robysue

Posts: 1,434
Threads: 27
Joined: Oct 2013

Machine: PR Dreamstation BiPAP Auto
Mask Type: Nasal pillows
Mask Make & Model: Swift FX
Humidifier: PR Dreamstation humidfier
CPAP Pressure: min EPAP = 4; max IPAP = 9;
CPAP Software: SleepyHeadEncoreBasicEncorePro

Other Comments: Papping since September 2010

Sex: Female
Location: Buffalo, NY

03-27-2014, 10:01 AM

(03-27-2014, 07:44 AM)readyforsleep Wrote: I am going to bite the bullet and part with my brick and buy prsystem 1 ds560s- auto cpap. Question is heated tubing or not?
I have one on loan now and I love it. I am now ON MY WAY TO BETTER SLEEP...FINALLY

If the heated hose you've got on loan is leading to BETTER SLEEP...FINALLY then getting the heated hose (with the necessary upgrade to the power supply as I recall) is WELL WORTH IT.

Quality sleep is the whole point of this crazy therapy. Spend the money you need to make sure your sleep is good ....

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