CPAP purchase recomendations

[PaVetter]

I am thinking about buying a machine instead or renting ( I'm cheap). What would you get and why. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Babette]

Well, I read a recent post that sold me on the Intellipap. Let me repeat it here:

Autopapdude wrote on 12/10/09:
Folks, now you know why I have avoided machines by the big two. I personally feel that they care little for the end user, and have produced machines that are expensive, but not necessarily better than anyone else's. When it was time to get a new 'pap, it was a no-brainer for me. The Intellipap is an excellent machine (look at the ratings), and the company is very committed to end-user care. They post here (DeVilbiss), and listen to feedback. They have provided easy access to the "smart code" system so one can monitor their therapy with no additional software. In addition, for those of us who do want more detailed reporting, they actively market their software to the consumer. So, why even think of the "big two," who treat us like naughty children who have no business in knowing anything that their "parents" don't want them to know.


I own an M Series APAP. Haven't had one thing go wrong with it. It's been a great little machine. I can highly recommend it. I can even help you get the software to read your smart card for cheap. So, either one of those would be my suggestion.

Cheers,
Barbara

[RipVW]

Just LOVE my M Series APAP, my dream machine. I have an IntelliPAP, too, but I much prefer the M Series. But, this really a personal preference--I cannot say that either machine is "better" than the other. Good luck!

[LinkC]

I am thinking about buying a machine instead or renting ( I'm cheap).

Are you sure that's cheaper? Most "rental" plans I've heard of are rent-to-own. After 10-12 months you OWN it, and payments stop. Whether that's cheaper or not depends on the details of the deal and if insurance is involved.

That being said, I also have an M-series Auto and have been very pleased with it. Respironics is the only brand I've ever owned, so I have nothing to compare. No, they aren't cheap, but Respironics makes ONLY medical respiratory products...no paint sprayers, air tools or vacuum cleaners in their product line. I suppose you get what you pay for.

[PaVetter]

Thanks for your comments and advice. The insurance company is involved, and, I believe I will be paying a monthly fee (co-pay) forever if I stay with what I have now . So I think in the long run it will be cheaper to buy one.

[LinkC]

Ouch! If that's the deal, you're right! I hope your insurance will cover some of the purchase price. Best of luck...

[Patrick A]

Read my post below I would say that you should buy your machine out right then send a claim form in to your insurance you will get at least most of your money back. As to where and what to purchase support this forum buy your equipment here https://www.cpap.com
Good Luck
viewtopic/p430275/Just-a-thought--Isnt- ... ml#p430275

[cflame1]

Plus that way you can get something that you want... versus something that the DME tries to get you to accept.

See if you can get a better machine out of it... you'll be better off in the long run.

[tattooyu]

When I have the money, I think I might get an IntelliPAP for travel and possible couchdom.

[YawnGirl]

I was in your same boat.

My insurance wanted to "rent" it but I had to fulfill my $500 deductible for this year and then again next year because of the inflated DME pricing. My insurance said purchasing online would go toward my "out of network" deductible. I took a chance and purchased a slightly used m series apap through cpapauction.com for about half the price of new. So far, so good. I plan to purchase a new machine in 2010 and use the current for a "backup" but I haven't decided which one I want yet. I like the intellipap, but I don't think it offers exhalation relief, as far as I can tell.

Keep paddling.

[aavenger]

I have the systen one and the autoset 2 I love the system 1 its quiet easy to go to sleep and my therapy seems fantastic......Just my opinion the autoset 2 is great 2 but I take the system 1 first.
I bought my autoset 2 for a great deal on cpap auction,the system one my insurance paid for cost 2000.00 in canada!!!!!!

[timbalionguy]

I have the IntelliPAP autoadjust, and so far, it has been a fine machine (7+ months). This machine does not have any exhalation relief. So far, I have not had a need for exhalation relief, and can breathe against 18 cm and really not tell I am doing it (if the mask isn't trying to leak!). Part of this might be having a big chest that can supply the necessary force to exhale against the pressure, but I think part of it is also the IntelliPAP is easy to breathe against. If you read the reviews, I am not the only one that has noticed this. It would be quite instructive to try the other major machines with their various exhalation relief modes, as well as a true BiPAP or two.

If you really do need exhalation relief (and there are people out there on this list that have trouble breathing against even 8 cm), then, the IntelliPAP is not the machine for you.

That said, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the machines that have been discussed here. It is up to you to study the choices and then make the best choice.

[PaVetter]

Thanks for all of your input. I am going to look at several option as well as buying a used machine (did I mention I am cheap). Does anyone know how long a machine should last?

[Slinky]

Most insurances will pay for a replacement device at 5 years. We've read of quite a few devices working great after even 10 years of use (I'm sure these are the exceptions!)

You really ought to call your insurance company and ask more questions about your DME CPAP benefits - especially that rental. Most likely it is a time-limited, rent-to-own. Ask about your copay, annual deductable, fiscal year for any annual deductable, out-of-network coverage if any, and if so at what percent; if you purchase outright would it apply against your annual deductable.

All that being said: I have only had experience w/the Resmeds and the pre-M Series Respironics. I DEFINITELY prefer the Resmeds. I receive good therapy from either brand, BUT, I MUCH PREFER the ease of access to and amount of data available via the LCD screen w/the Resmeds even tho I do have the software and cable readers for both brands. The Resmeds also excel over the Respironics in ease of setup and take down when traveling.

Frankly, I wish I had the wherewithall, the silver spoon in my mouth, that would allow me to try the auto bi-levels from every manufacturer.