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New here - suggestions for new machine?
#11
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
If you can't manage the auto CPAP machine, be sure to at least get a data capable machine. Check the link in my signature line to figure out which machine to get.

A fully data capable machine will tell you if your therapy is working. It's like a mini sleep test every night. Without that, you're sort of stabbing in the dark if you have problems.
Get the free OSCAR CPAP software here.
Useful links.
Click here for information on the main alternative to CPAP.
If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check it yourself.
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#12
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
Vertigo,
I just went through what you are describing and I had not realized how many forums are out there to help, but that being said .... YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO WHATEVER YOU WANT FOR YOUR APNEA TREATMENT. It took me a long time, but at first I got a call from the DME saying "HEY, how about a credit card for our files so we can get you all set up?" No mention of what I was getting or what the script even said.
The resmed S9 auto set is capable of straight CPAP setting so you are eligible for this machine. Check with your insurance company but they pay the "MEDICARE" reimbursement for the machine regardless of the type. The DME may also say you dont have a choice that they get to pick the machine ... this is horse manure!! They may also tell you that you don't qulaify for the Autoset machine ... this is horse manure with frosting!!
Do not SETTLE for anything you dont want! It's you that has to use this machine. Not them. I got the Resmed S9 after quite a fight, but I got it. Amazing how when you ask the DME to put in writing that you dont have a choice or they decide, how fast they change their tune.
Also, don't let your DME automatically "REFILL" your supplies ... hoses, masks and such unless they speak with you first. This is where they make money by just sending things whether you want them or not.
Welcome to the forum and hang in there ... you will get what you need and you will be better for it!!
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#13
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
Thanks archangle & Booked98!

I called the place where I did the sleep study and they told me that they normally prescribe a fully data capable machine, giving me the impression by what I was told that they normally as a matter of course prescribe the better machines. I asked about the autoset and she said it was also standard practice for them to prescribe it, too. I guess time will tell.

(04-25-2013, 06:10 PM)Booked98 Wrote: Also, don't let your DME automatically "REFILL" your supplies ... hoses, masks and such unless they speak with you first. This is where they make money by just sending things whether you want them or not.

I hadn't thought of that. I guess I can see how it would be convenient to just have supplies sent on a regular basis, but I can also see how they could simply use that to just make money. Do you have a suggestion for the best way to get new supplies as they are needed? I'm certainly open to hearing how people go about this.

Thanks so much everyone for your help!
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#14
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
There are lies, damn lies and DME's.
**
Never EVER let anyone buy things for you with YOUR money.

Wink
"With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable." - Thomas Foxwell Buxton

Cool
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#15
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
Yours is a classic story of getting to recognize sleep apnea. What really struck me was one comment you made of how it "was something that sneaked up on me". It does sneak, as we get older, especially if there has been any weight gain, we get OSA. Doesn't mean you might not also be clinically depressed - I am sleepy because I am depressed; No, I am depressed because I am sleepy. Sounds like you have a good doc that understands the balance and the mix and interaction. 'nuff on this - on to the machine.
Get the sleep doctor to write the scrip for an APAP (autoset) machine with heated humidifier and SD data card capability if he/she won't just spec the actual machine. Mine will - Go with a ResMed S9 Auto w/humid or a Resprionics PR Sys 1 Auto w/humid and you will be in good shape. Masks are tricky. Sometimes a sleep lab will have an odd collection to try on, sometimes the home care provider will. Make sure you try several until you find something that works for you. There is also the nasal pillow option, and given your wery low pressure they may work well for you. You need try several. Ultimately, if you aren't happy with what you end up with, you only get a replacement every six months, so you may have to spend some of your own $$. Checkout some of the CPAP online stores - many have specials on newly introduced masks with a thirty day return policy, and others have an "insurance" plan where you buy the mask and pay extra so that you can return it for the purchase price (you lose the surcharge).
Good Luck
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#16
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
Not sure it's been mentioned in this thread, but it doesn't have to be your sleep doctor who writes the prescription.

Any medical doctor can write a prescription for CPAP.
SuperSleeper
Apnea Board Administrator
www.ApneaBoard.com


INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.


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#17
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
(04-27-2013, 08:22 AM)SuperSleeper Wrote: Not sure it's been mentioned in this thread, but it doesn't have to be your sleep doctor who writes the prescription.

Any medical doctor can write a prescription for CPAP.

VERY TRUE - and important, because sometimes the sleep docs have favs or ties to one type of machine/supplier. If you absolutely know what you want go to your GP and have him write it in full detail
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#18
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
Thanks so much for the replies. You've all given me further food for thought. I hadn't thought about possibly having another doctor write the prescription. Interesting!

So do most of you just buy supplies as you need them on your own instead of signing up for automatic replenishment of supplies?

Thanks again!
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#19
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
(04-29-2013, 07:57 AM)vertigo Wrote: So do most of you just buy supplies as you need them on your own instead of signing up for automatic replenishment of supplies?

Did I not recently read of a change to US Medicare rules prohibiting automatic supplies shipments?
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#20
RE: New here - suggestions for new machine?
When I went to the sleep specialist, he sent me for a sleep study. Turns out, the sleep clinic was owned by the doctor. Then, when I was diagnosed and was sent to get the equipment, it turns out the "store" was INSIDE the sleep clinic! Talk about All in the Family!!

They then wanted to "rent" me the equipment for 10 months. At the end of that time, it would be mine. Trouble was, by the time my insurance made ITS payment and I paid 10 months rent, I would have been giving them about 3 times the value of the machine. I just asked for the scrip and bout it myself. Insurance still paid its portion.
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