[Equipment] ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet vs. Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP

[aenpa]

Folks,

I'm a CPAP novice. Fortunately I just found your website and want to thank all of you for providing such a treasure of information!

I've recently had a sleep study and been diagnosed with OSA (AHI = 26.6). For the past month, I've used a rental ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her with a ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow mask. When I was able to use the machine, my AHI decreased to 1.4, which seems to be a very good number.

However, frequently I had trouble getting enough air through the nasal pillow mask, particularly at the beginning of the night. I turned off the ramp, and that helped a bit (the minimum pressure was 4, I think). But sometimes I just had to stop, take off the mask, and breathe. I probably averaged about 4 hours a night on the machine.

Last week my sleep doc looked over the results and gave me a prescription for 6-10. I asked her if I should switch to a different mask, but she said the higher minimum would help the breathing and I should stay with the nasal pillow. And she suggested I choose between two different machines:

* ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet
* Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP with heated humidifier

I've read a couple of hundred postings here today, and there are recommendations on both sides of that decision. Some folks suggested that the different machine's algorithms for exhalation pressure relief and ramping result in a different "feel," and that subjectivity makes all the difference. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to try the DreamStation. Some people said that the DreamStation was more configurable, so if a parameter was problematic, that could be fixed Other people suggested that either machine would be a fine choice. Apparently both machines are/will be supported by SleepyHead, so that distinction is or will be gone.

So any last words of advice in choosing between those two? Thanks!

Regards,
aenpa

[justMongo]

Nice palindrome for your username...

[eseedhouse]

Nice palindrome for your username...

Nope, not a palindrome aenpa is just "apnea" spelled backwards, but a palindrome must the completely reversible. "aenpnea" is a palindrome.

This has been your regularly scheduled daily buzz kill.

[pholynyk]

Will somebody give some advice, please?

My nickel's worth: The EPR on the Resmed machines is very effective, and changing the ramp start pressure can alleviate the suffocating feeling at the start. Oh, and all AirSense models have the heated humidifier, and you should get the heated tubing whatever machine you get. I'm biased, of course, having never had a DreamStation for comparison.

Sorry about the price, but we have no pennies here, and free advice is worth what you pay. At least I didn't want two bits.

[sdb7802]

I'd go with the A10 autoset and ask your doc to bump your pressure to at least 8-15 to allow the APAP to work.

Also, EPR = 3, Essentials = Plus, heated tube, and hose wrap.

I'd also get a wireless sd card and use SleepyHead to monitor your treatment.

I haven't tried the DreamStation, but have used many others. I really like the A10.


Steve

[aenpa]

Will somebody give some advice, please?

My nickel's worth: The EPR on the Resmed machines is very effective, and changing the ramp start pressure can alleviate the suffocating feeling at the start. Oh, and all AirSense models have the heated humidifier, and you should get the heated tubing whatever machine you get. I'm biased, of course, having never had a DreamStation for comparison.

Sorry about the price, but we have no pennies here, and free advice is worth what you pay. At least I didn't want two bits.

Thanks for the helpful advice. I wasn't thinking about the heated tubing, but I'll be sure to do that.

Regards,
aenpa

[aenpa]

I'd go with the A10 autoset and ask your doc to bump your pressure to at least 8-15 to allow the APAP to work.

Also, EPR = 3, Essentials = Plus, heated tube, and hose wrap.

I'd also get a wireless sd card and use SleepyHead to monitor your treatment.

I haven't tried the DreamStation, but have used many others. I really like the A10.


Steve

Thanks!

Hadn't thought about hose wrap or a wireless SD card. I'll go looking for instructions for that on SleepyHead.

Regards,
aenpa

[GPSMapNut]

>>>>>

Also, EPR = 3, Essentials = Plus, heated tube, and hose wrap.

I'd also get a wireless sd card and use SleepyHead to monitor your treatment.

I haven't tried the DreamStation, but have used many others. I really like the A10.


Steve

I'm using DreamStation and I'm happy with it.

Be careful with that EPR. It should be set to the lowest one feels comfortable with. It lowers pressure during exhale. In some cases, it may allow the airway to close and cause an apnea event. For somebody new to treatment, 3 may be good place to start so one can get used to the machine. Than, lower settings should be tried and data monitored for changes in the efficacy.

[aenpa]

I'd also get a wireless sd card and use SleepyHead to monitor your treatment.

Which wireless SD card would you recommend?

Regards,
aenpa

---

I'm using DreamStation and I'm happy with it.

Thanks for the note. As a DreamStation user, do you have any thoughts on the comparison between the two machines? Thanks.

Regards,
aenpa

[GPSMapNut]

>>>>>>>

Thanks for the note. As a DreamStation user, do you have any thoughts on the comparison between the two machines? Thanks.

Regards,
aenpa

Not direct - I haven't used A10. I have used S9 (?) and definitely prefer Respironics' C-Flex and A-Flex over Resmed's EPR.
To me, the fact that DreamStation runs directly of 12VDC was an important advantage over Resmed's machines. If you never go off the grid, it's non issue.
Also, coming from CPAP to APAP, (I think) I'm enjoying the gentle, progressive changes DreamStation makes in pressure settings. Would more rapid changes in adjustments (as in Resmed machines) be disturbing to me as they are to some? I don't know and don't feel a need to find out. All I know is that the DS is working for me. Not sure if it would work for you. One thing I know; you will never know for sure which of these machines is better for You, unless you try both machines. Find out from your DME if you can get a week loaner of one and than the other.