The dilema [AirSense or DreamStation?]

[Hydrangea]

The advantage with a ResMed is that it offers EPR which is much more effective and helpful than the Respironics Flex system.

I have read this here so many times.  But I respectfully disagree.  I do not think that ResMed's EPR is more effective and helpful; nor do I think the Respironics Flex system is more effective and helpful.  I also don't think ResMed's response algorithm to apnea events is superior. 

I think they are *different*.  And I think some people respond better to one, and other people respond better to the other, and some people don't perceive any difference.

For me personally, DreamStation's response algorithm to apnea benefits me more, and thus I would say it is superior (*for me*).  Also, DreamStation's Flex system for exhale relief/support works well for me, and so does ResMed's - with the caveat for BOTH of them, that I had to experiment to figure out which Flex setting works best for me and which EPR works best for me - and I get excellent experience from both of them.

(I don't mean this directed toward you OpalRose, but to this forum as a whole...)  While I understand that some may perceive an aggressive technology as being superior, and while I understand that the produced numbers may look better (ResMed does yield a better AHI #), I do not agree that ResMed is superior over DreamStation based on those things.  Ultimately - and this board really does agree here - if you are feeling better, things are working for you.  Some people feel better on the DreamStation.  Perhaps the aggressive technology is not actually superior for some people.

[OpalRose]

Hydrangea,
As I don’t disagree with most of what you said above, as each of us are different and will require different therapy options.  

I was only answering a question that member Twisticles had as to the difference between EPR and Flex.

Some have a misunderstanding that a flex setting of 3 will give a pressure relief of 3 and that’s just not so, whereas an EPR setting of 3 gives you a true pressure drop of 3cm when exhaling, which some folk need.  This could make or break a persons choice of machines.  

Note: I don’t use a ResMed Cpap, and for now am quite happy with my Respironics Cpap.
The Flex system works well for me,  but if I ever felt a need for more expiratory relief or the need for a more aggressive algorithm, I would consider switching to ResMed.  

I personally don’t feel ResMed machines are necessarily “better”, and have never stated as such.
But I do believe that ResMed’s expiratory relief is better.

I don’t want to hijack happyquardians thread, but his decision should be based on his needs and what feels best for him.

[Hydrangea]

Awesome, OpalRose. I'm right there with you on all of that.

[Walla Walla]

The advantage with a ResMed is that it offers EPR which is much more effective and helpful than the Respironics Flex system.

I have read this here so many times.  But I respectfully disagree.  I do not think that ResMed's EPR is more effective and helpful; nor do I think the Respironics Flex system is more effective and helpful.  I also don't think ResMed's response algorithm to apnea events is superior. 

I think they are *different*.  And I think some people respond better to one, and other people respond better to the other, and some people don't perceive any difference.

For me personally, DreamStation's response algorithm to apnea benefits me more, and thus I would say it is superior (*for me*).  Also, DreamStation's Flex system for exhale relief/support works well for me, and so does ResMed's - with the caveat for BOTH of them, that I had to experiment to figure out which Flex setting works best for me and which EPR works best for me - and I get excellent experience from both of them.

(I don't mean this directed toward you OpalRose, but to this forum as a whole...)  While I understand that some may perceive an aggressive technology as being superior, and while I understand that the produced numbers may look better (ResMed does yield a better AHI #), I do not agree that ResMed is superior over DreamStation based on those things.  Ultimately - and this board really does agree here - if you are feeling better, things are working for you.  Some people feel better on the DreamStation.  Perhaps the aggressive technology is not actually superior for some people.

I think when comparing the Resmed and Dreamstation you have to also consider that the Resmed also offers a soft option which is close to how the Dreamstation reacts. Plus the EPR on the Resmed can be used more like a pressure support unlike the Dreamstation's flex. So overall I think if your getting a machine for the first time the Remed would be the safer route since there are more options on how to proceed with treatment when starting off. If your already on a Dreamstation and it works than more power to you.

[holden4th]

The 'soft' option for Resmed Airsense is something I hadn't heard of before apart from relating to the 'For Her' model. Is the soft option also available on the Resmed Aircurve?

[Walla Walla]

The 'soft' option for Resmed Airsense is something I hadn't heard of before apart from relating to the 'For Her' model. Is the soft option also available on the Resmed Aircurve?

No even the older AirSense 10's don't have it. It's something they added a year or two ago.

[bigpapa7272]

I've had a dream sation since I started on a CPAP in 2017 and it's been a great machine my 30 day averages a 1.5 on the ahi and when I started I was a little over 5,. Yes the drestation is a little bigger but it's been a great machine the last 20 months!

[Grizzlyss]

My sleep tech said that he has seen many patients that can nott handle the ResMed at all. Yes it has the soft setting but he said it is only slightly less aggressive than the normal setting and kept waking them up. When he switched them tp the Respironics DreamStation, they wete able to sleep completely through the night right away. And waking up is as bad as an apnea as you are still loosing sleep, more with waking up. So the ResMed is not the end all to be all. I did start with the Dreamstation APAP because I couldn't handle the pressure at all at 5 cm H20, but with the A-Flex I got used to it in 2 weeks and stopped using and pressure reduction. My AHIs are constantly 2.5 or lower so I stayed with the Dreamstation APAP and am very happy with it. Your mileage may differ.