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So, I'm hoping to get an Airsense 11 machine soon. I've been using a Dreamstation for the last 5 years. I've been using it despite being recalled because I couldn't get another machine but it looks like I found a place with an Airsense 11. I've heard awful reviews on the Dreamstation 2 (plus more expensive). Anyways, my question is this: Do I need to use slightly different settings than what I have for the Dreamstation? I've read that the Dreamstation is slower to respond to events compared to the Resmed systems. My current settings are 10 to 15 cm H2O (90% for me is typically 11-12 cm H2O)
You will need to download OSCAR to look at the data from your AirSense 11. It will also read your DreamStation data, but we usually recommend having separate Profiles when both ResMed and Respironics are involved.
You are correct in assuming that there will be differences in optimum settings, which is why I recommend using OSCAR to compare results before and after.
Apnea Board Monitors are members who help oversee the smooth functioning of the Board. They are also members of the Advisory Committee which helps shape Apnea Board's rules & policies. Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
As a start just use the "same" settings on the A11. But do post results, specifically the daily charts of both for comparison. Just the first page and use F12 to take the screen shot as that performs some formatting if needed. And we want the left sidebar, but without the calendar and pie chart, all the info is there.
Gideon - Project Manager Emeritus for OSCAR - Open Source CPAP Analysis Reporter
thanks for the advice! I just got my A11 and have it all set up. Tonight will be my first night with it. I'll try to post results after I have about a week of data. The A11 didn't come with an SD card. Can I just pop the SD card from the Dreamstation right in or should I wipe it first?
The Resmed machine will probably prepare the SD card (i.e. format), but it never huts to put in a clean card. The biggest difference between your Dreamstation and Resmed is that you actually have a bilevel now if you use EPR. Is EPR on, at what setting?
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I wouldn't simply insert an SD that has been used in a non-ResMed device. Your ResMed will prepare and use the SD card just fine, but there have been reports of OSCAR getting confused when is sees two different sets of CPAP device data.
Simply re-format the card as FAT32 prior to using. Along those same lines you will want to create a new OSCAR profile. OSCAR will support multiple machines of the same manufacturer, but can have issues if a single profile has two different device manufacturers.
I would start with the same settings and then tune according to result.
I made the switch about a week ago, and it's been a struggle. I've been sleeping better without CPAP than on the Airsense. I even went back to my Dreamstation, and it was a much better experience. The provider changed the settings on the Airsense 11 to align more closely to the Dreamstation, but it hasn't helped. I'm using the same mask (P10) on both, but it's a very negative experience with the Airsense, so far.
