RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
For specific recommended models, and specific models to avoid read http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...AP_-_BIPAP
That said, for a CPAP and most any BiPAP backup, pretty much ANY model will work. You do not need the features you should have on your main machine. You need an air pump (read brick) to mimic the settings of your main machine. The purpose of a backup is to solely get you thru a time when your primary machine is not available. It is very nice to have all the features of your main machine, but not generally necessary.
That said the purchase of a "backup" is an opportunity to consider upgrading, going from a "brick", or a fixed CPAP, to the newer models or an APAP which is highly recommended here. Who knows, your main machine MAY become your backup.
Fred
RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
I’m curious on this subject as well. I just started CPAP this month and there is no way I could afford a replacement. On very tight fixed income. Dose any one know how Medicare handles a situation if your CPAP breaks.
05-23-2018, 05:24 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-23-2018, 05:27 PM by Mosquitobait.)
RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
I can only tell you what they do if it is fixable. You bring your unit into the DME and if it is under warranty, they send it in for warranty repair (either repair or replacement). If it is out of warranty and the repair is somewhat less than replacing the machine, it is repaired. There is no charge. Medicare covers it. Medicare will also replace the machine if it is not repairable, but I am unclear whether you pay 20% of the replacement cost or not. If the machine is close to 5 years old, chances are, you will just get a new machine.
Now, the bad part of this is that the DME is not obligated to provide you a replacement machine during the repair/replacement time. You could be without a machine up to 2 months. My current DME WILL provide a used machine to support you until your machine comes back, but what you get depends on their used stock. If you normally use an apap, you may only get a cpap. It's intended as a bridge until you get your machine back. My former Lincare office did not provide machines for repair/replacement period - only if your machine failed within the compliance period (as my first one did). I ended up with a brand new, zero hour machine for that time period.
RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
I bought (out-of-pocket) a 2nd machine. I use it for travel since I don't think the DreamStation travels well (due to the crappy case it comes with), plus it has such a large footprint on nightstands.
RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
(05-23-2018, 06:37 PM)Hydrangea Wrote: I bought (out-of-pocket) a 2nd machine. I use it for travel since I don't think the DreamStation travels well (due to the crappy case it comes with), plus it has such a large footprint on nightstands.
I don't know why Philips has invested so little in their case. Resmed by far has a nicer case to travel with. Another 1up for resmed.
Jesse
RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
(05-23-2018, 08:00 AM)bonjour Wrote: That said the purchase of a "backup" is an opportunity to consider upgrading, going from a "brick", or a fixed CPAP, to the newer models or an APAP which is highly recommended here. Who knows, your main machine MAY become your backup.
Fred
This is the way it worked out for me. I bought an A10 auto and use it as my primary machine while keeping the DreamStation Pro as backup. I also use the DreamStation for camping since it can be run directly off of a battery during a power failure.
RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
(05-23-2018, 06:55 PM)JesseLee Wrote: (05-23-2018, 06:37 PM)Hydrangea Wrote: I bought (out-of-pocket) a 2nd machine. I use it for travel since I don't think the DreamStation travels well (due to the crappy case it comes with), plus it has such a large footprint on nightstands.
I don't know why Philips has invested so little in their case. Resmed by far has a nicer case to travel with. Another 1up for resmed.
Are you referring to the case of the unit it self or the carry case? If the carry case I’m sure there is all kinds of after market cases to pick from. I’m actually thinking of getting a hard shell case with foam and cutting out spots for my unit since the wife and I baby sit overnight weekly at at her moms house.
RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
(05-23-2018, 08:10 PM)Robert121571 Wrote: (05-23-2018, 06:55 PM)JesseLee Wrote: (05-23-2018, 06:37 PM)Hydrangea Wrote: I bought (out-of-pocket) a 2nd machine. I use it for travel since I don't think the DreamStation travels well (due to the crappy case it comes with), plus it has such a large footprint on nightstands.
I don't know why Philips has invested so little in their case. Resmed by far has a nicer case to travel with. Another 1up for resmed.
Are you referring to the case of the unit it self or the carry case? If the carry case I’m sure there is all kinds of after market cases to pick from. I’m actually thinking of getting a hard shell case with foam and cutting out spots for my unit since the wife and I baby sit overnight weekly at at her moms house.
I am referring to the travel bag. I've given thought to a Pelican hard case but that adds weight and bulk, but it will certainly do an excellent job.
Jesse
RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
(05-23-2018, 08:48 PM)JesseLee Wrote: (05-23-2018, 08:10 PM)Robert121571 Wrote: (05-23-2018, 06:55 PM)JesseLee Wrote: I don't know why Philips has invested so little in their case. Resmed by far has a nicer case to travel with. Another 1up for resmed.
Are you referring to the case of the unit it self or the carry case? If the carry case I’m sure there is all kinds of after market cases to pick from. I’m actually thinking of getting a hard shell case with foam and cutting out spots for my unit since the wife and I baby sit overnight weekly at at her moms house.
I am referring to the travel bag. I've given thought to a Pelican hard case but that adds weight and bulk, but it will certainly do an excellent job.
Ok I just wanted to make sure I was on same wavelength. I’m thinking of something like a pelican case but maybe not their brand. I don’t travel enough to warrant it but a hard case with foam would be nice.
RE: What happens if your machine breaks?
Got my backup machine, same as my current one, back toward the end of last year when they were still going on Amazon for $383. Now, ostensibly a few broken kneecaps later, all you get there are those dead link - sorry, not found - dog pages.
If I had to get one now (out of pocket, for me), I might go with a place like SecondwindCPAP.
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