[CPAP] Choosing a machine

[johngates]

After home testing I trialed a ResMed Airsense11 unsuccessfully. Exhaling against pressure was not tolerated. Used nasal pillows style mask.
After proper polysomnography (API 51, O2 nadir 78%, many obstructive hypopneas, some central apneas (loop gain probably involved))
I will 30 day trial a bi-level machine, don't yet know which, but likely Resmed.
I wear a Wellue O2 ring to track O2, pulse and motion. Supine position is bad so I try to side sleep. Moderate deviated septum so use BreathRite strips.
In anticipation of needing to buy a bi-level (cost is an issue) I have started looking around. Resmed Aircurve 10 auto seems capable but more expensive than Wellue bi-level by a lot.
The O2 ring has been very good. 
Not sure how the Wellue bi-level stacks up. It has all capabilities of Resmed10 but maybe the algorithms are inferior.
Any comments as I look at what I might consider (not limited to the 2 mentioned) would be very helpful.

[johngates]

This was my first post and I am not forum savvy at 80 yr. old. 
Looks like 87 views but no responses. What, if anything did I do incorrectly?
I have since gone to look at the area that rates machines etc.

[OpalRose]

johngates,

Welcome to Apnea Board!

Personally, I would only recommend purchasing a ResMed cpap machine, as they are fully supported by the OSCAR software.

https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...d_machines

As far as you having trouble breathing out against the pressure, you were probably not using the EPR feature.  This would have enabled you to breathe out against the pressure by lowering the pressure on exhale.  

I suspect you would do well with a ResMed Aircurve 10 or 11 VAuto.

If you have any data from the time you trialed the AirSense 11, post it here, or if you have a copy of your Sleep Study.

We would be happy to look at it and guide you.

[Sleeprider]

The Resmed Aircurve 10 Vauto offers us many tools to enhance comfort and address issues like pressure tolerance, flow limitation and even some central apnea. Makee sure you have a SD card in the slot so you can share some OSCAR charts, and we will do our best to find what works best for you.

[Carnal]

It sounds like the Resmed Vauto is your chosen machine.
Cost is not as crazy as you might think if you don't mind the used market.
I found a 2000 hr Dreamstation (for backup & camping) for $50. I'm doing the surgery on it to remove the offending foam.
I love the idea of a machine running on 12v for camping or a power out senario!
And I recently saw 2 Airsense11's for $200 ea

Check Craigslist in any retirement destination cities--TONS of used machines. Some--real nice with low hours.

If central apnea was a HUGE problem for you I currently see a low-use Resmed ASV listed for $250 with 545 hrs on it.
If interested in it pm me for a link.
Brian

[johngates]

Would love an experienced eye that can offer some guidance. Tried to attach a PDF of sleep study but would not attach, so have to find proper way to send acceptable type file.
Stand by and thanks for help.
John Gates

[Sleeprider]

File attachment is a 3-step process. You have to browse and select, then Upload the file and Add Attachment. https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...pnea_Board