Advice on spare machine for weekend vacation house

[signal13]

Hi All,

I've been on APAP therapy for a little over 2 years with very successful results.  I'm using the Resmed Airsense 10 Auto.  Over that time, my average pressure is 11.1 and my AHI is typically 2 or less with my CA's 1 or less.  I gradually changed my range settings from 6-20cm as originally prescribed to 10-15 because I like to get more air right away and the higher pressure doesn't bother me.

Recently, I accidentally left my machine at our far away vacation home which we travel to almost every weekend in the Summer.  I was forced to go without it for 5 nights and I was miserable.

As a result, I am looking to get a second machine to just use on the weekends during the Summer.  I definitely do not want to spend almost $900 for another Airsense 10 machine and was considering just getting a CPAP with one set pressure since it will be only used occasionally.

I am considering the Resmed Airstart 10 CPAP because it is very affordable but I am on the fence about whether I need to spend a few hundred more for an Auto machine that will only be used on weekends.

Does anyone know if the water tank and filters are the same for the Airstart 10 as for the Airsense 10?

Just looking for a little feedback on pros and cons.

Thanks!!

[Sleeprider]

Sometimes you can find a good buy on a machine on Craigslist. I have a Philips BiPAP Auto 960 to backup my unit and use that at the summer cottage. Nothing wrong with the Airstart as a backup, but I don't know about whether parts are interchangeable.

[sptrout]

What I would recommend (and have done) is to buy a second identical machine that is used for: 1) for backup capability, and 2) travel. I have my backup machine handy with all the needed accessories (duplicate mask) in the standard travel case. My wife knows it is ready to go in case I have a medical emergency and end up in the hospital. Vendor #10 for one has great deals on the ResMed APAP from time-to-time, so you may want to signup to get their newsletter.

[OpalRose]

Keep an eye on Supplier #2. You may be able to find a good deal. They sell used and new open boxed units.

[sonicboom]

The ResMed AirMini or the Dreamwear GO (both reviewed elsewhere) may be good recent options. The ResMed machine not available until end of month I believe.

[Mosquitobait]

I personally would recommend getting a used cpap. Most people do fine with straight pressure for a few nights, so you don't have to get an auto. You can test that one night by setting your machine to straight pressure at your current 95%. I would stick with the brand you have already though - less issues switching between algorithms. Check Supplier #2 for some good buys. Call them. A Resmed S8 or S9 might just be what you are looking for and since you only need it for a limited time period, you might ask if they have a deal on a higher hour one. I chose to go the Craigslist route several times and now have a match for my Autosense For Her. But, had I had been considering a Devilbliss as another option but the cheap one didn't have Smartflex and I find I really need to have that kind of feature.

[signal13]

Thanks for all the responses. In the end I decided to pony up and purchase the Resmed Airstart APAP for only about $120 more than the CPAP. I didn't like the idea of buying a used machine. I found out that the water tank and filters are the same as my primary machine which makes things a little easier as far as supplies go since my insurance pays for all of that. Thanks again...

[holden4th]

Good move. I just bought a back up machine and used the same brand and series only it was BiPAP. The new (gently used) machine was without a humidifier but my humidifier with my APAP fits that perfectly. I can use an HME for humidification if I need to when I travel. It's a real bummer when you don't have your machine.

[signal13]

When I finally got my machine back, I slept like a baby for 10 hours. I never sleep that many hours but I needed to catch up. New backup machine gets delivered today so I will never be without again. Thanks to everyone for their feedback

[CPAPreturnee]

Recently, I accidentally left my machine at our far away vacation home which we travel to almost every weekend in the Summer.  I was forced to go without it for 5 nights and I was miserable.

The following is my odd statement:
As I lurk and read some replies saying how happy they are with or as Signal 13 says miserable without it, it almost sounds like an CPAP "addition" of a sort.  If CPAP indeed helps then all for it. 

But for me the few nights I slept without it, I felt much better in the morning.  I have more difficulty coping and its hard breathing with mask(s) I have had (drowning sensation).  The therapists says try different masks ($400 non-insurance investment so far), sleep on back, sleep on a reflux wedge, sleep on side, sleep in a recliner, loosen/tighten straps, tape mouth shut (wife sure wishes I would keep that tape on 24/7 for some political reason ) .  Taping did however reduce leakage significantly if I believe Sleepyhead statistic.

Suppose to lose weight, but gained four pounds with more outdoor/walking activity and lighter meals, blood sugar has been high 90s pre-diabetic, but now in low 100s.  Almost like CPAP is going in wrong direction after two months!!

But as I say what ever works for ya, go for it.
My four cents worth (inflation).

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