RESMED for sleep apnea? Any comments?

Heaven100

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Many thanks for the useful info. Will be placing my order online after this. Cheers!!!

You want an Auto-CPAP machine, so either get the S9 Autoset, or the S9 Elite Auto. You can make a comparison of their difference here.

I would recommend the Autoset.

The VPAP is a bilevel machine. Your doctor may prescribe you one if you are not able to to use an Auto-CPAP.

Things to buy:
Replacement filters (I typically replace one every 2-3 months)
Extra tube (they do break/tear eventually)
Maybe a second mask or two - I usually switch masks ever so now and then. In the last month, I've been on the Swift FX; but sometimes I switch to a Quatro (full-face). If you're down with the flu, and your nose is congested, you'll need a full face mask because pillows/nasal masks won't work.
 

Heaven100

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Hi to S9 user

I am going of S9 Autoset. Wonder if H5i is essential for Singapore climate?

Thanks.


You want an Auto-CPAP machine, so either get the S9 Autoset, or the S9 Elite Auto. You can make a comparison of their difference here.

I would recommend the Autoset.

The VPAP is a bilevel machine. Your doctor may prescribe you one if you are not able to to use an Auto-CPAP.

Things to buy:
Replacement filters (I typically replace one every 2-3 months)
Extra tube (they do break/tear eventually)
Maybe a second mask or two - I usually switch masks ever so now and then. In the last month, I've been on the Swift FX; but sometimes I switch to a Quatro (full-face). If you're down with the flu, and your nose is congested, you'll need a full face mask because pillows/nasal masks won't work.
 

hyper_megaman

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You want an Auto-CPAP machine, so either get the S9 Autoset, or the S9 Elite Auto. You can make a comparison of their difference here.

I would recommend the Autoset.

The VPAP is a bilevel machine. Your doctor may prescribe you one if you are not able to to use an Auto-CPAP.

Things to buy:
Replacement filters (I typically replace one every 2-3 months)
Extra tube (they do break/tear eventually)
Maybe a second mask or two - I usually switch masks ever so now and then. In the last month, I've been on the Swift FX; but sometimes I switch to a Quatro (full-face). If you're down with the flu, and your nose is congested, you'll need a full face mask because pillows/nasal masks won't work.
Hi, if i buy this machine from the US, what's the local paperwork hurdles that I will encounter?

could you guide me on this please? Thanks!

i'm getting tired (pun intended) of not getting the best sleep, and have been told by observers that I do have noticeable OSA at times
 

dreant

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I am going of S9 Autoset. Wonder if H5i is essential for Singapore climate?

Probably not. The S9 targets 80% relative humidity, and it's usually higher than that in SG (unless you sleep in an air conditioned room).

I don't use it while I'm in SG - but I find it's downright essential while I'm in a country with distinct seasons during their winter months.

If cost is a concern, have a look at SecondWind CPAP's open box, and their used CPAPs as well. I previously bought my S9 as an open box unit from them.
 

dreant

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Hi, if i buy this machine from the US, what's the local paperwork hurdles that I will encounter?

could you guide me on this please? Thanks!

i'm getting tired (pun intended) of not getting the best sleep, and have been told by observers that I do have noticeable OSA at times

Step 1: See a doctor, get a sleep study done.

A doctor's prescription is required to buy a CPAP machine and masks.
 

hyper_megaman

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Step 1: See a doctor, get a sleep study done.

A doctor's prescription is required to buy a CPAP machine and masks.
even from overseas huh

will hospitalisation insurance (private or medisave) cover this?
 

Heaven100

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I tried the website of SecondWind. Just wondering why they made me pay before asking for my shipping address?

Got worry and didn't proceed.

Is this safe? Anyone else has buy from this website?

Probably not. The S9 targets 80% relative humidity, and it's usually higher than that in SG (unless you sleep in an air conditioned room).

I don't use it while I'm in SG - but I find it's downright essential while I'm in a country with distinct seasons during their winter months.

If cost is a concern, have a look at SecondWind CPAP's open box, and their used CPAPs as well. I previously bought my S9 as an open box unit from them.
 

dreant

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even from overseas huh

will hospitalisation insurance (private or medisave) cover this?

Why would you want to buy a medically prescribed item to use, if a doctor hasn't prescribed you with one?

But yes, even from overseas, they will ask to see your prescription first - at least, all the online CPAP retailers I've bought items from do.

You need to consult with your insurance provider if they will cover if you are diagnosed with (severe?) OSA.

I did my sleep study at SGH back in 2012, it was $450 paid by medisave. I'm not sure if I had to pay anything in cash, or if I did, it wasn't a very large amount. Maybe one of the more recent posters can give more information.

I started off with a referral from a polyclinic. It may not be necessary to do the sleep study in the hospital. I'm to understand there are private companies that can do it in your own home instead (and it costs less than doing it in the hospital).

Ask your doctor (the specialist who is requesting for the sleep study) what your options are - they only mentioned this to me once when I was unable to get a slot for a follow up sleep study at the sleep disorders clinic (and had to travel for an extended period of time); but before I could schedule it, a slot opened up as someone cancelled.

I tried the website of SecondWind. Just wondering why they made me pay before asking for my shipping address?

Got worry and didn't proceed.

Is this safe? Anyone else has buy from this website?

I've bought from them twice - first was for my S9 and mask, and perhaps a year or so later for additional masks, tubes, and stuff. I do believe they ask for your shipping country first to determine the shipping cost? They use FedEx/DHL, and it arrives pretty quickly.

They won't ship until you provide them with a copy of your prescription anyway. You can first contact them by email with your questions, and provide them with the documentation before placing your order.

I will probably be placing an order with them again in the next 4 weeks (or I might give 1800cpap a try...)
 

Heaven100

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Hi

Thanks for all the helpful advices and tips. I have just ordered a S9 Autoset from SecondWind.

Very promptly the seller sent me an email to ask me what pressure setting I may preferred.

As I have done my sleeping test few years back and has not clinician to support me at the moment. Just wondering if anyone has done or know how to determine the correct pressure setting on the S9 machine? May I know which parameter that I should look at to derive the correct pressure setting on S9 please? Or formula used?

Thanks!
 

dreant

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Thanks for all the helpful advices and tips. I have just ordered a S9 Autoset from SecondWind.

Very promptly the seller sent me an email to ask me what pressure setting I may preferred.

Your prescription will indicate the recommended pressure settings, or it will simply say "Auto CPAP"; you can tell the seller to leave it at the default (4-20 cm H2O), and the unit will adjust to the best pressure setting automatically.

You can adjust the settings yourself after you receive the unit.
(There are 2 'hidden' settings screens that can be accessed by holding down settings + info button, or settings + control knob).

Try it for a few days first, and see if you can get used to it, before trying to change them. I have mine set to 8-20 cm H2O, simply because I found it more comfortable for me.
 

Heaven100

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Thanks dreant!

Your prescription will indicate the recommended pressure settings, or it will simply say "Auto CPAP"; you can tell the seller to leave it at the default (4-20 cm H2O), and the unit will adjust to the best pressure setting automatically.

You can adjust the settings yourself after you receive the unit.
(There are 2 'hidden' settings screens that can be accessed by holding down settings + info button, or settings + control knob).

Try it for a few days first, and see if you can get used to it, before trying to change them. I have mine set to 8-20 cm H2O, simply because I found it more comfortable for me.
 

hyper_megaman

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hey guys how does the resmed s9 compare with the philips respironics remstar auto a-flex with humidifier?


any reviews of this product? there's someone selling cheap at carousell with mask and everything
 

dreant

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hey guys how does the resmed s9 compare with the philips respironics remstar auto a-flex with humidifier?


any reviews of this product? there's someone selling cheap at carousell with mask and everything

I don't think you would find many on HWZ with experience with both machines. You might like to try asking on a dedicated CPAP forum instead.

A quick search led me to these 2 videos on youtube.




I'm sure you can find more information if you looked.
 

hyper_megaman

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ah apologies, i had not thought of just searching for those

thanks for the videos too, they were very informative

so in that case a resmed s9 is better, it does not take as long to reach the proper curative pressure
 

dreant

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ah apologies, i had not thought of just searching for those

thanks for the videos too, they were very informative

so in that case a resmed s9 is better, it does not take as long to reach the proper curative pressure

I would say it depends largely on the individual. Some may not take well to the more aggressive ResMed algorithm, and if so, might fare better with the Philips instead.

If you're getting off carousel, I would probably try to find out why is the seller selling it. And also to compare against buying used from an online dealer, who would clean, and usually provide a short warranty period for used/open box units.

I'm an S9 user, I got the ResMed only because it was recommended by my sleep therapist at that time. It works for me, and I've never tried any other machine yet to date.
 

hyper_megaman

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I would say it depends largely on the individual. Some may not take well to the more aggressive ResMed algorithm, and if so, might fare better with the Philips instead.

If you're getting off carousel, I would probably try to find out why is the seller selling it. And also to compare against buying used from an online dealer, who would clean, and usually provide a short warranty period for used/open box units.

I'm an S9 user, I got the ResMed only because it was recommended by my sleep therapist at that time. It works for me, and I've never tried any other machine yet to date.
the ones he's selling are brand new from the US

he's currently in the US and will assist in purchasing and bringing over the new units for any persons who buy from him.

$700 for a full set philips respironics a-flex with mask and tubing and all
 

dreant

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the ones he's selling are brand new from the US

he's currently in the US and will assist in purchasing and bringing over the new units for any persons who buy from him.

$700 for a full set philips respironics a-flex with mask and tubing and all

Unless there is a very significant savings, I would personally still prefer to buy from a dealer instead. If there are any warranty issues, at least there is somewhere that I can go back to.

Also, CPAP machines are prescription only. He could be breaking some laws doing what he's doing. While it's not the same and I'm not a lawyer, but I think in the eyes of the law, it could be considered being similar to selling you prescription sleeping pills, or painkillers - It doesn't matter if *you* (the buyer) has a prescription or not, the transaction itself could still be technically illegal.
 
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hyper_megaman

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Unless there is a very significant savings, I would personally still prefer to buy from a dealer instead. If there are any warranty issues, at least there is somewhere that I can go back to.

Also, CPAP machines are prescription only. He could be breaking some laws doing what he's doing. While it's not the same and I'm not a lawyer, but I think in the eyes of the law, it could be considered being similar to selling you prescription sleeping pills, or painkillers - It doesn't matter if *you* (the buyer) has a prescription or not, the transaction itself could still be technically illegal.
but the website you recommended, secondwind, is also a US based dealer ma

have to ship back to the US for any servicing right?
 

SleepyHoseHead

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Hi

I'm currently using the Apex XT Auto. Like dreant said, Resmed's algorithm is more agressive than others, definitely more so than Apex. There was a Resmed funded study done which seems to have charts showing this well. Google it and it'll pop up. I couldn't take the Resmed at pressure 13H2O - was like a hurricane. But then again, now that I've owned the Apex, when it does reach 13, it's just as bad :). I get woken up by the aggressive surge in pressure from the Resmed.

The Apex is gentler, but then the AHI doesn't go down as low as the Resmed for the same pressure range settings on both machines. Only managed AHI < 3-4 on the Apex but <0.3 on the Resmed. Are these numbers really that critical once below AHI <5, only the individual will know.

Have to thank Shu for his detailed steps on importation. Got my machine from 1800CPAP and spare mask set and cushions 2nd round. Much much cheaper. Only concern was warranty in case the machine had trouble or I needed some advice. The latter I managed to read up from other forums. I panicked for half a week when my readings went through the roof and I thought the machine went south on me. It has since stabilized so I'm back to monitoring my progress, whew.

Resmed Autoset S9/A10 gives lots of data which sleepyhead software will read and chart. Apex doesn't do as much and the Apex Software is meant to be restricted to medical professionals but currently now available free on Apneaboard. If you are not a data freak, Apex will give u sufficient info. If you want flow data it can't do that but the Resmed will. Other brands may have that detail as well. There is a German brand that's comparable in price to Apex in Singapore but you get German quality and I believe more data info as well. The German brand uses proprietary software but that can be found on the Internet if you search. But for size, Apex can't be beaten as the power cube is built in. Resmed has an external brick to lug around and special cable ends.

I can understand why the local Shops charge so high. Rent, staff overheads, attending to patients/clients, sustainable business model all factor in. If you are confident and know enuf, I guess it's worth it to buy online for the APAP. But if u need guidance and a fall back, then buy from the local shop and not worry overly. Make up by then buying the other stuff online - hoses, multi masks types, etc. it a whole new world out there :).

Been on this journey for 2 over months. But have been reading up a lot and it helps.

P/s: for brand new equipment do try to thoroughly wash the hose and mask with warm dishwashing liquid to get rid of the plastic chemical smell. Before using the machine, air it by running it occasionally for a few days before use. I went straight in to use it and had a full nights blast of plastic chemical smells. Had major sore throat and sinus problems when I woke up the next morning and took 2 weeks to recover. Guess I'm sensitive.

Hope the above helps those starting out on this journey.
 

rojak_king_2005

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Hi bros and sis, can kindly share how's your recent buying experience from 1800cpap or secondwind? 1800cpap got some negative reviews but don't need prescription to buy. Secondwind many good reviews but need prescription. My sleep test was done 10 years back. Now decided to go cpap way.

By the way, I heard from a local shop before that all cpap machines are the same. How true? I am comtemplating to get Resmed S9 auto and Apex XT auto. I have tried Apex XT auto quite some time back. Apparently I read that Resmed S9 auto is better to counter OSA. Is it correct?

Thanks all for your time and hope to get all your advices soon.
 
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