Going for my 1st follow-up after starting therapy
First follow up since my CPAP got delivered.
Things are clear in terms of benefits after 7 or so weeks so I'm just making a list of things that I would care about.
First: I would like to buy a second machine (out of pocket of course), to be both a backup and a better travelling one (Remstar 1 is fairly bulky). So if I need a prescription to buy one, can I just ask the Dr. for a blanket script or do I need to decide on a model first? Or do I need one at all if paying without insurance?
Second: Was going to ask about challenges with end of breathing but I may have resolved this thanks to other posts here, I will try an A-Flex setting of 1 tonight during a test it was promising.
I guess no third, thanks to this forum again.
Now that I think of it: are the hoses pretty universal among machines? I'd like a backup of that too if that is the case. So masks and hoses are not machine specific right?
RE: Going for my 1st follow-up after starting therapy
(01-23-2016, 07:56 PM)DanPrado Wrote: First follow up since my CPAP got delivered.
Things are clear in terms of benefits after 7 or so weeks so I'm just making a list of things that I would care about.
First: I would like to buy a second machine (out of pocket of course), to be both a backup and a better travelling one (Remstar 1 is fairly bulky). So if I need a prescription to buy one, can I just ask the Dr. for a blanket script or do I need to decide on a model first? Or do I need one at all if paying without insurance?
Second: Was going to ask about challenges with end of breathing but I may have resolved this thanks to other posts here, I will try an A-Flex setting of 1 tonight during a test it was promising.
I guess no third, thanks to this forum again.
Now that I think of it: are the hoses pretty universal among machines? I'd like a backup of that too if that is the case. So masks and hoses are not machine specific right?
You should be able to use your original script. Just ask your doctor for a copy.
You will need a script for most suppliers.
Supplier #2 from supplier list at top of page offers gently used and also open box new machines. They seem to have a good reputation.
Hoses are universal unless you are using a heated hose, then you will need the brand that is made for your specific machine.
You can use any mask that you are comfortable with.
RE: Going for my 1st follow-up after starting therapy
Masks and machines both require an Rx in the U.S.
Generally the Rx is written in such a way as to describe a general type of machine (CPAP, Bilevel, Auto...); and is good for any machine in that type.
Often the Rx is written as "Mask of choice."
You should have a copy of your Rx anyway in case you end up in a hospital; they can accommodate you.
What OpalRose said about hoses 100%. The general hose fitting is 22mm. There are some smaller diameter hoses available; but they fit 22mm fittings.
I bought my present machine from #2. I'm quite happy with them.
RE: Going for my 1st follow-up after starting therapy
As far as a backup machine, the PRS1 60 series Auto is very inexpensive through either Amazon or
Supplier #2 right now since it is being replaced by the Dreamstation. A heated hose is very nice, and only costs $75 for a conversion kit that gives you a new humidifier lid, power supply and heated hose. I actually got mine for a little less from
Supplier #1 on sale.
All hoses except the proprietary heated ones, use a 22 mm coupling which is universal.
The travel CPAPs have a lot of drawbacks in terms of noise and features. It's easy to travel without the humidifier if you want "small". Otherwise, I have never had problems traveling with my PRS1 units with humidifier, and I take them on motorcycles.
RE: Going for my 1st follow-up after starting therapy
Hi DanPrado,
I wish you good luck at your first followup.
trish6hundred
RE: Going for my 1st follow-up after starting therapy
Ok, back from followup pretty short and sweet. Got a prescription for a new machine, so since this is the backup / travel out of pocket one time to start paying more attention to the machine comparison threads.
Dr mentioned the Z and Transcend in terms of portability but unlikely he has personal experience with them.