I am researching auto cpap machines to purchace (with doctor approval) and would really appreciate any information users  can share with likes and dislikes of what you use.  The two I am familiar with are Resperonics and ResMed.  Being as there are many others I hesitate to get anything that I will be disappointed with.  Currently I am using a Fisher Paykel basic model that is not an auto cpap.  My insurance company is "renting" this one for a 2 month period to see if I can tolerate it before commiting to buying it.    I used an auto cpap for a week for the sleep center to do a study and found the machine to be far superior that the one I am using. (I'll mention here that I did do an overnight sleep study but was not able to tolerate the mark portion of it.  I was set up with an machine to use to desensitize myself at my pace.  Time constraints prevented me from returning for the titration portion so a home study was reccommended.)  After speaking to the insurance company and finding out they will buy whatever the doctor reccommends, I am really interrested in having the auto cpap.  Rather than get the information from the manufacturers I felt getting the information from actual people using these machines is a far smarter option.  So if any of you are willing to share your thoughts I will be forever greatful.  Thanks!
Bonnie

I have a ResMed APAP with heated humidifier.  I am new to sleep apnea and was concerned about being able to get used to not only something on my face (I'm extremely claustrophobic), but also some machine buzzing near my head.  I have to say, though, that this machine is very quiet.  I just spent my second night with it and went to sleep without a problem and slept through the night.  I really like the heated humidifier too.  It feels very soothing and makes the whole thing much more comfortable.  I got the nasal air pillows and am not having a problem with them since they don't really cover any part of my face; they just under my nose.  I have not had my titration yet and the respiratory therapist told me that this may not be my permanent machine.  I really hope it is because I can program it to wait to get to pressure until I fall asleep and it actually knows what pressure I need at any given time.  Hope this helps you.  Good luck.


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Ramona


Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you. - Denis Waitley

The difference between the 2 that you are looking at is whether or not you want exhalation relief.  Respironics calls it Cflex.  Resmed currently does not offer an auto that has that feature.  Some folks like it, some do not, but you can't use it if you don't have it.  Personally I use it on the highest setting and it makes CPAP treatment much more tolerable.  I suggest registering on here so you can get private messages, as some folks don't like to post but they do like to help.
 
Good luck with your therapy and keep us posted!

I have been using my Respironics Auto CPAP with C-Flex for two nights now (I have a full face mask).  I don;t rememebr waking up and the comfort level is MUCH better than when I went in for my two sleep studies.  I can exhale much easier with the C-Flex than I did when my sleep study was done.  Granted, I've not had any experience with any other equipment, but everything I have experienced so far tells me I made the correct decision in purchasing this unit.

I alao have the heated humidifier on my unit.  I have a history of sinus stuffiness when I sleep and use my mouth to breath at night.  Not having the humidifier can make your mouth or sinuses dry and parched feeling.  The first night on my CPAP, I didn't have my glasses on (yes ... I'm over 40!) and did not get the humidifier turned on.  Last night, it was great.  Besides getting some deep sleep (enough my wife is now sleeping better!0, I woke up with a little bit if a sore lower back from not moving whiel I slept. I can tolerate the sore back which I think will go away as I get more rest.  Tonight I'm going to try a blanket folded up under my lower back to see if that helps.

The Respironics I bought is small enough that it fits onto the night stand beside my bed.  The heated humidifer is integrated into the base so you put the CPAP onto it and only have one AC cable going to the wall.

Good luck on your decision and whatever you purchase!

Have I said ... I LOVE MY CPAP!

Also ... Thanks Bonnie!