How Many machines do you have?

I had to vote for the one--why should I need more, since there was not any other option. I would like to own another auto Remstar just as a spare in case mine would decide to take a vacation. I would certainly miss it while it was in the shop for repairs as the wheels usually grind slowly while waiting for the DME people to respond to a problem.

Mikesus wrote:Amusment more than anything... I made a bulk purchase of machines and my wife commented that a few months ago I didn't have any, and now I have, ahem in her words, "too many"

Don't know how she takes to pranks, but I'd be tempted to label one "his" another "hers" ----then set that latter one up on her night stand.... Heheh!

Just saw that there are 3 folks that have a few too many... Hopefully your spouse is understanding...



Mike reporting from the doghouse....

I also had to vote "Only 1......." since it was the only choice with "1" in it. I do have a few questions for you learned folks though - I'm not real pleased with my DME. I feel they are giving me whatever they happen to have the most of lying around. I stopped by their office on the way home Friday to see what other options they have in ff masks. In order to prevent leaks, I have found that I have to tighten the straps on my F&P HC431 ff mask far too tight to be comfortable. I don't expect them to keep "eating" the masks I don't like, I'm very willing and able to pay for them myself regardless of what my insurance carrier wants to do. I inquired about a ResMed Ultra Mirage since so many of you here believe it to be one of the top of the line masks. The RT poo-pooed it claiming she hasn't had good luck with it. ????? I then asked about a Respironics Auto w/C-flex because I am having an impossible time trying to get used to this hurricane blowing down my throat. If I am lucky enough to fall asleep during ramp time (20 mins max on my machine) I wake up once the full force of 18 is reached and can't get back to sleep. So, what do I do? Rip off the mask, turn off the machine and have a crappy night's sleep. At this point, I'm ready to give up altogether. But, I digress. Back to the Respironics machine. Yes they have some - I saw the boxes - but the RT claims they're only used on a temporary basis for people who are "borderline" in need of CPAP. Furthermore, she claims, the insurance carriers won't pay for them because they are "three times the price of most other machines such as my ResMed VPAP III." Well, some quick searching tells me that's a lie. Besides, I'll pay for it myself if I have to. Next question, I've been trying to get a hold of my prescription so I can order some things myself online. Both the DME and the sleep lab are giving me the run around. In fact, the sleep lab is also giving me the run around regarding my request for my two sleep studies. This is MY LIFE damn it! I want my reports and script! Guess now I go straight to the doctor - whom I've seen once for 10 minutes! This is all very frustrating. Thank God for this forum or I would know even less than I do about this whole subject. Does one REALLY need their prescription to obtain equipment online?? Feel free to PM the answer if you feel more comfortable.

JerryR, how frustrating all that has to be!

You don't need a prescription at all to buy a mask, humidifier, filters, software, or any accessories. The only thing that requires a prescription when ordering online is a machine. Nothing else requires a Rx.

Oh, btw, if the prescription has the word cpap on it, you can buy an autopap or bi-level machine online. And, cpap.com tucks both manuals (user and clinician) in the box. Neat, huh?

rested gal wrote:JerryR, how frustrating all that has to be!

You don't need a prescription at all to buy a mask, humidifier, filters, software, or any accessories. The only thing that requires a prescription when ordering online is a machine. Nothing else requires a Rx.

Oh, btw, if the prescription has the word cpap on it, you can buy an autopap or bi-level machine online. And, cpap.com tucks both manuals (user and clinician) in the box. Neat, huh?

Neat is right! Thanks for the info RG. I'm off to do some online shopping!

RG, does that mean I didn't get the clinician manual for my Spirit? I got one labeled User's Manual. On the front it has a "reorder number : 30844/6 03 08". I also got a quick set-up guide which tells clinicians to remove from box before giving to patients. (dirty rotten scoundrels ) Is there another one I was supposed to get? The cpap.com website also said I was supposed to get two filters with the machine. I only got one plus the pack of six I ordered additionally.

Thanks

Tom

Hi Tom,

What I'm referring to as a clinician manual is called different things by the different machine manufacturers. It's not necessarily called "clinician's manual". For example, two booklets came with my Remstar Auto....one is a booklet for the user. The important other one is called "Home Care Provider Setup Instructions." That's the one I refer to as the "clinician's manual." It's the one that shows how to change all settings on the machine.

I sent the Spirit (and its two manuals) to a friend. I don't recall what the name was for the thick booklet that I loosely call the clinician's manual. It had over 20 pages in it devoted to how to change settings and how to get data out of the machine via Autoscan software.... chapters titled: Operating Instructions" and "Data Management", plus even more pages besides the 20 or so I was interested in (and scanned to keep. )

In short, what I call a "clinician's manual" just means whatever describes how to change any/all of the settings on the machine. As best I can remember, the Spirit's "user manual" and "clinician's manual" (my terms, not theirs) were booklets of about the same dimensions, and I think they had the same picture on the front cover-- of a family walking away from the camera. Just a different title for the two booklets...one for the user, one for the clinician or therapist.

I've been using a 'shoebox' Remstar plus and just last night used my practically new (Used with 26 hours on it!) Remstar auto; what a great machine!. I've been using CPAP for about 7 months now. So I have two and am thinking about getting a third Remstar auto to squirrel away...

T

Revival of a post over four years old.

I hate to think about how long some of the nonsense I posted will be around for some poor thing to stumble into and read.

I'll definitely get a second one as a spare and a traveling companion.

But, I'd prefer to wait until my insurance is ready to pay for another. I'm not sure when that is, maybe 2 or 3 years?

Just don't know what I'd do without a backup machine if/when my primary machine fails. I'd not want to risk being without CPAP for even one night. I still have my original S8 Elite that I used for just over a year before finding this forum and learning about auto machines. My primary machine is my M Series Auto w/AFLEX (I LOVE AFLEX!), and a backup IntelliPap Auto.

I've only one right now. I will be looking into getting another one once funds settle and such for when I do travel. Might even do that in the near future.

David

I have two, one that actually treats my apnea and one that makes a pretty decent doorstop.