[CPAP] newbie questions

[shona]

hi,

My husband has just been diagnosed with sleep apnea - AHI is 33 and the sleep specialist has said he is 8/10 severe category.

I've done some reading around this site (very useful) and we are looking at buying from Second Wind (Supplier #2) and getting shipped to Australia either the

* Gently Used Respironics System One DS560HS Auto CPAP $349 (comes with humidifier)
or
* Gently Used ResMed S9 AutoSet and Accessories $379 plus humidifer $90 =$469

I know they are both recommended by the users here, but is the S9 worth the extra $120?

A friend with CPAP who lives in our city has said we don't really get cold enough to worry about the heated tubing so we'll go without that.


The other question I had was about mask choice. My husband has short facial hair most of the time (probably shaves every few weeks) and sleeps with his mouth open - would we be best going for a full face mask (mouth & nose) rather than trying a nasal pillow? He has no issues with claustrophobia and thinks he will have no problem getting used to a FFM.

thank you in advance

Shona

[icyura10]

hi,

My husband has just been diagnosed with sleep apnea - AHI is 33 and the sleep specialist has said he is 8/10 severe category.

Shona

Hi Shona,

Welcome to the site. I know others will be by later to welcome you too.

I can't answer your questions about the devices; but I have a question that you might be able to sort out for me. In your description, you mentioned the Dr. indicated your husband was an 8/10 severe category

I'm somewhat new and don't quite know how to decipher the meaning. Can you provide me a bit of education ?

TIA.

[cate1898]

Welcome to the forum shona!

Supplier #2 does have some good prices. Getting a mask that one likes and is comfortable with, and gives one a low leak rate is the most difficult part of CPAP'ing. If you are able, obtain your masks from a company that will supply a 30 day satisfaction guarantee and will give either your money back or option to trade for another if the mask does not work for the patient. Some companies do offer such things. Masks are such an individual thing.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[trish6hundred]

Hi shona,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Either one of those machines are comparable.
The mask is the most challenging part of this whole thing. He could start out with a full-face mask, (FFM,) and see how he does with it, I like the Fisher and Paykel (F&P,) simplus FFM, but there are many different masks to try.
Hang in there for more suggestions and best of luck to your husband with his CPAP therapy.

[shona]

thank you

icyura10 - see here: healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/sleep-apnea/diagnosing-osa/understanding-results (you may need to add http:// to the front but the forum wont let me post links)

Anyone with an AHI over 30 is classed as having severe sleep apnea

We can't find any Australian suppliers who offer a refund/exchange on masks, but have chatted to a few friends and one has a few different masks he can try before we buy one, so hopefully that will help in selection

trish6hundred - I didn't realise that you could use different companies masks on different machines - are any FFMs compatible with both the PRSO or the S9? I thought I had to buy a Resmed mask for the S9 or a Philips Respironics mask for the PRSO.

[HGMonaro]

Hi shona, welcome!

No (from my knowledge.. maybe there's exceptions) the masks plug into the hose that come from the machine. I'm using the Resmed P10 with my PRSO

[DeepBreathing]

G'day Shona, welcome to Apnea Board.

I used to have an S9 AutoSet and also tried the Philips Respironics BipapASV. The Philips is not exactly the same machine you're looking at, but is very similar in construction. Both are good solid machines from highly reputable manufacturers. They have very similar construction, though the Resmed is a better looking machine (the Philips looks a bit "industrial"), if that makes any difference to you. The hose on the Philips attaches to a swivel on the top of the machine, while on the Resmed it attaches to the back - depending on your setup you might find one is more convenient than the other. The Resmed has a more convenient water tank.

In use, the Resmed takes a more aggressive approach to raising the pressure when needed, which some users find disturbing. However it is more effective at controlling apneas (according to Resmed!) Of course Philips say their more gentle approach is more effective. I've seen test results to support both sides. It's a bit like Holden v Falcon.

You can probably get away without the heated hose, but personally I'd go for it. The Philips I had didn't have the heated system and I found the cool air was a bit too cool.

I agree with what was said above about masks - getting the "right" one can be difficult, and even after you do you might need to change after a while. You also need to change the mask cushions from time to time as they lose their elasticity. (I can confirm that masks are pretty much interchangeable between the different manufacturers).

In your position I'd go for the cheaper machine and put the extra $120 towards a replacement mask when needed.

[holden4th]

Hello Shona

I live on the Gold Coast and also spend some time in Perth - Deep Breathing's home town. Even though the humidity tends to be higher here on the GC, I still find the humidifier useful. I've used the S9 and it's a very good machine - did the job for me.

I use a nasal mask - the Respironics Dreamwear. It's big advantage is that the hose is attached at the top of the head which means that that it won't get in your way when you roll over.

Before you buy, can I suggest that you rent for a few months so that you know what will work out. Having something attached to your face for 8 hours does require a mental adjustment.

[zonk]

* Gently Used Respironics System One DS560HS Auto CPAP $349 (comes with humidifier)
or
* Gently Used ResMed S9 AutoSet and Accessories $379 plus humidifer $90 =$469

I know they are both recommended by the users here, but is the S9 worth the extra $120?

A friend with CPAP who lives in our city has said we don't really get cold enough to worry about the heated tubing so we'll go without that.

Personally, I'm ResMed fan but not their pricing policy in Australia. I would go with ResMed machine, S9 AutoSet is in a class above the rest, user friendly and offer ample data on the screen sleep report. I recommend the humidifier and the heated tubing, cheaper as all included in the package and a must especially with full face masks, also saving on shipping costs if you decide to get later

They cannot give you refund or exchange on masks that been opened and used, but they should offer you masks trails and fittings for a fee, at least won't be wasting money on mask don't work for you

I started with full face mask but after a while couldn't tolerate anymore, got a nasal mask and a chinstrap, been using ever since, that's was 5 years ago. I get supplies from Supplier #10, #2 don't sell masks parts separately

[icyura10]

icyura10 - see here: healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/sleep-apnea/diagnosing-osa/understanding-results (you may need to add http:// to the front but the forum wont let me post links)

Thanks for the reply and the link.

shona, thanks for the link. Yes I know I have sever OSA I cranked out a measly AHI of 127.3.

I'd just never seen it reported as a fraction as you'd done in your post.

Thanks for the link.

---ICY