Review written by Cox Tan-Ngo, RRT, Clinical Sleep Solutions
Pros: Ultra-quiet operation; ClimateLine tubing is highly effective to reduce rain-out; Intuitive user interface
Con: Tube connection in the back of unit; has an external power supply; no travel bag included
Overall: It is a CPAP as beautiful as it it effective in delivering the needs of patients who require a CPAP to effectively manage their obstructive sleep apnea.
The new S9 line of CPAP machines are the newest line from ResMed. It is the replacement unit for the highly successful and regarded S8 platform that been available for the past few years. This line is currently available in the Elite and Autoset models and has the added feature called the “ClimateLine” Tube to deliver more efficient humidification while reducing rain-out.
Design
When I first heard about the S9 unit, I was quite excited. The pictures I saw was a beautiful industrial brushed aluminum design that looked more like a high-end stereo system than a CPAP machine. After getting my hands on it, the actual product did not disappoint, it is a nice looking unit though the shape and size looked eerily similar to the recently launched System One from Philips Respironics. The LCD screen is colored and very intuitive to use. In fact, I was able to program the unit without even looking at the manual except to learn how to unlock it to see the clinician’s menues. There is essentially 4 buttons on the unit however the “ON/OFF” button and the Push Dial are the ones that will be used most often.
Just like most CPAP machines available in the market, the unit can be separated into two parts, the CPAP unit and Humidifier with a simple latch as in the previous S8 model. When separated the CPAP is almost exactly half the size of the combined unit and is very light-weight and convenient to travel with. I had wished that they had a separate bag available to improve portability should one decide to carry just the unit without the humidifier. They had this previously available in the earlier editions of the S8 Model and it was quite popular.
The humidifier can be opened easily with a side-latch which may be a bit difficult for the elderly or if you have arthritis. Once opened however, the chamber is easily removed to fill with water. The unit we go had the cleanable chamber which is optional but is highly recommended to ensure proper hygiene. The chamber is definitely an upgrade to the S8 model since it is simple to assemble or disassemble and has a stainless steel base that is roughly a square shape making it easier to clean from day to day.
Performance
Most of the technologies from the S8 platform appears to have been carried over to the S9. The blower noise (tested at 12 – 14 cmH2O) we similar to the second generation of S8 such as the Elite II and AutoSet II. Though there is a slight wind noise from the machine, this was also evident in the previous models and the majority of our patients did not find this bothersome at all.
The biggest improvement in this model may be in the humidifier technology. When the first edition S8 came out, it probably had one of the worst output of humidity when compared to all other CPAP unit in the market. They have gradually improved that and I can honestly say that this platform may have caught up to the Fisher & Paykel HC604 which was the first CPAP with a heated tube. In this model, it has both a humidity and “climate control” on the tubing. Though the climate control can be adjusted manually to set the temperature of the tube, it is recommended that this setting be placed on AUTO. During my tests, rainout is reduced effectively and the humidity control can be set with confidence to be delivered more effectively. (Please note that the the standard S9 units do NOT come with the ClimateLine Tube and is a optional). I have used the HC 604 for years and found this equally as good during the few nights I used it while sleeping with the windows open in the room.
If the ClimateLine Tube is not purchased, the S9 comes with what they call a SlimLine Tube is included in the package. The smaller radius design and lightweight material used for the tube works well to reduce the displacement of the mask from the face during movement. The appearance is substantially smaller and does work well with the masks I tested which were the Swift FX and Mirage SoftGel. (Note: Standard tubing will still fit with the S9 units).
Other Observations
The S9 now uses an SD card to record all its data for compliance and is definitely a step up from the proprietary cards used in the past that required card readers. There are two problems I had with the unit: One was that the tubing came from the back of the unit. Though this may be a problem based on how orientate the unit on your side table, their old design on the S8 with the tube outlet in front I feel was better. The second is the presence of the power supply “brick”, though it has its purpose for overall reliability, it’s just not the most convenient for the frequent traveller to carry around.
Conclusion
ResMed have always made great CPAP machines. They are not only aesthetically pleasing to look at but they have the technologies to back it up. The blowers are quiet and “smooth” with the Easy-Breath motor and the algorithms used for their AutoSet units are very accurate and effective. The only thing that was missing in their previous models was a “good” humidifier but in the S9 they made an “outstanding” humidifier system from the chamber all the way to the delivery of the humidity to the patient. The S9 had large shoes to fill but I am confident that it can easily take the reigns despite the excellent reputation of the models that preceded it.
Also watch S9 CPAP VIDEO REVIEW
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Please call 1-877-304-1441 for more information about the ResMed S9 CPAP and Humidifier or visit us at www.clinicalsleep.com
Filed under: CPAP machines, Product Review Tagged: | Resmed CPAP review, ResMed H5i Heated Humidifier, Resmed product review, Resmed S9 CPAP
Hi
Just purchased a new res s9- works great except
when I breath with a full face mask upon exhaling
there is a high pitch noise like a brief whistle that
appears to come from the machine. The noise is not overly loud is short and high pitch [ the noise is very
distinct at nite when the room is very quiet] . Any
help would be appreicated. thanks in advance .
Dan
I just got my s9 a few days ago, and I noticed the same thing. Right when I turn the unit on and it goes to my lowest pressure setting which is 10, when I exhale right near the end of my exhale it will give a light whistle. Glad to hear you hear the same thing as I was about to bring mine back to get looked at.
Since the S9 has been released, I’ve heard only a few people mention this occurring. Though it has not been considered a problem, at times people have found it to be disturbing non-the-less. After talking to customer support, they have no documented problem related to this; however if the problem or the noise starts to get loader then it might not be a bad idea to have it replaced under warranty. Hope that helps.
**Sorry for the late reply as we are revamping some functions on our website which limited our functions on our blog**
CPAPmeister
One more thing I forgot to mention… try using the S9 unit without the humidifier to determine if the noise is coming from the humidifier or the machine itself. This will allow you to narrow down the possible source of the problem. Thanks again!
I have removed the humidifier and connected the hose
directly to the machine and the noise still was there.
Therefore I would conclude the noise is coming from the main machine. Thanks for your reply.
Dan
I’ve the same problem and replaced the machine. The new one does the same thing but is also very loud after pressure(5 to 8) is increased. This must be a design flaw and I am not impressed as I think that this device (although it looks good) needs to be what it is touted to be..whisper quiet. The web site indicates that this machine is quiet but I am thinking that this is marketing as I wonder what speed/pressure they use for the demo. Both of my machines are very loud at moderate settings. I am very disappointed to say the least. I have only had this machine for a week and will be returning to my doc immediately for something else. Any recommendations?
Hi Thomas,
The noise you hear is due to a pitch difference between inhalation and exhalation and is quite disturbing to most people. You should look into the Icon by Fisher and Paykel as it has one steady sound. I’ve attached a review on it for your viewing.
http://www.clinicalsleep.com/product-reviews.cfm#Fisher—Paykel-Icon
You should try it if you have a chance to do so. Hope that helps and sorry for the late reply.
I have used the s9 Escape for a few weeks and have noticed the “whistle” and find it disturbing. More importantly it interferes with others in the room. I have not purchased the machine and plan on letting my RRT hear the machine. On another topic, how important is it for me to have a fully data capable machine? I’m leaning toward more info being better for compliance etc.
The “whistling” you describe has been observed by some individuals using the ResMed S9 but it usually proportionate to the setting of the pressure. The higher the level, the more noticeable it is. If you are using low CPAP pressures below 10 cmH2O and you still hear the noise then should have your provider send it back for replacement. The data recording of the CPAP is ideal for people who want to be more proactive with their therapy or if you tend to fluctuate weight and/or have any other medical conditions that may affect your therapy from time-to-time. This enables you to troubleshoot and view your apneas or hypopneas if you feel that the quality of your therapy appears to be diminishing. If your provider monitors your regularly through other methods, then it may not be necessary but still may provide useful information for troubleshooting for your therapist. Monitoring compliance and data does not necessarily improve compliance, it can only reaffirm that your therapy is a effective as it can be. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the response. I am wondering though whether I can request a particular machine? I will be out of the country and would find some detailed information from my cpap helpful. Also, I have had some challenges using nasal pillows. The s( Elite has some features I’d like but am new to this whole sit’n.
The S9 Elite certainly is one that gives detailed information about the current level of your sleep apnea for trouble shooting. Other units with similar features include the PR System One Remstar Pro and the Fisher & Paykel Icon Premo.
Hi all!
Has anyone had any luck figuring out how to eliminate the “chirp” or “whistle” upon exhaling with the S9?
I use a setting of 16, so it’s quite noticeable for me, and because of this I had to stick my new $1300 toy in the closet and go back to my 5 year old S7
Thanks!
-Greg
We have experienced bloating (causing stomach pain) and wonder if we should change some of our settings to eliminate this problem.
Sorry for the late reply as we have had some problems moderating our blog due to a technical problem with the site. To try to alleviate the bloating, you can try different positions sleeping such as sleeping on one side vesus the other or sleeping slight more upright; ideally, make sure you are using the lowest CPAP pressure needed to manage 90-95% of your apneas. If possible use an Auto-CPAP to lower your mean pressures throughout the night. Hope this helps.