Auto Machine Warranted?

Just signed up this week - I've learned a great deal from this forum. Thanks to everyone who has contributed so much valuable information.

I haven't started my CPAP yet - just got the results of my titration study, and I meet with the DME provider right after Labor Day to focus on equipment.

Specific Question:

I understand the benefits of an automatic machine, but my pressure is 8 cm H2O. The DME says an automatic unit (80% insurance financed) is not called for by my doctor or my study. They want to provide a standard unit (non-auto S9).

Is 8 cm H2O too low for auto to make any difference? Do have a valid position to demand auto?

Derfie wrote: I understand the benefits of an automatic machine, but my pressure is 8 cm H2O. The DME says an automatic unit (80% insurance financed) is not called for by my doctor or my study. They want to provide a standard unit (non-auto S9).

Is 8 cm H2O too low for auto to make any difference? Do have a valid position to demand auto?

the main reason for an auto is future flexibility, if you find that 8 isn't working for you, you can switch it over to auto mode and let the machine have a go at seeing what it takes to tame your apneas, and you can either leave it there, or switch it back to cpap mode at a new pressure.

also, if you've got more pronounced positional or REM apnea, then auto machines are handy because they can adjust during the night as your needs vary.

they work better for some people, some people respond better on straight cpap pressures.

Derfie wrote:Just signed up this week - I've learned a great deal from this forum. Thanks to everyone who has contributed so much valuable information.

I haven't started my CPAP yet - just got the results of my titration study, and I meet with the DME provider right after Labor Day to focus on equipment.

Specific Question:

I understand the benefits of an automatic machine, but my pressure is 8 cm H2O. The DME says an automatic unit (80% insurance financed) is not called for by my doctor or my study. They want to provide a standard unit (non-auto S9).

Is 8 cm H2O too low for auto to make any difference? Do have a valid position to demand auto?

A few comments.......
Your insurance provider pays by the insurance code. The S9 Autoset and the cheapest straight CPAP machine have exactly the same insurance code......E0601. Try to get the most for your money.
Your DME will likely try to give you the lowest-end machine they have. If they try, don't accept it. Find a different DME if necessary.
The VERY LEAST you should accept is the S9 Elite. It's a fully data-capable machine, but is a fixed-pressure machine.
Do NOT accept anything with the word "Escape" in it. Even if it is the "Escape Auto".

They can still set an Auto to single pressure (CPAP mode), which would allow you to TRY a range of pressures in the future.

You WANT a fully, data-capable machine.

On another side note........the new S10 models are out now and you MAY want to negotiate for one of those.


Den

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Read the links in my signature line. Do not accept a machine that doesn't record full data. Avoid ResMed Escape and Escape Auto. Also avoid Philips Respironics (PRS1) Plus, SE, or DS160.

IMHO, you should always get an Auto, but insurance might not pay. If you can get your physician to specify a pressure range, even if it's fairly narrow, they will have to dispense an APAP. Just be sure you don't get the ResMed S9 Escape Auto. S9 AutoSet is a good machine, be sure you don't get tricked by the DME.

If you end up with a manual, but fully data capable CPAP like S9 Elite or PRS1 Pro, you can still get good therapy with a little more effort on the part of you and your doctor.

If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check for yourself.

Once again, do NOT!!! accept the S9 Escape. The DME may claim it's data capable and show you the SD card or modem, but it only collects very limited data.

There's a new ResMed AirSense 10 line of machines. The A10 Elite or Autoset are probably good. We're not sure about the "A10 CPAP" model without "Elite" or "AutoSet" on the end of the name.

Many of us are more comfortable with the pressure on high only when needed.
Another thing, pressure needs are likely to change with any 30 pound weight change (loss ).
If you have that much "wiggle room," hint to your doctor that you may need to change pressures
and in-lab titrations are expensive.
Your DME does not over-ride what your doctor says, so get the doc on your side.

All great repsonses that would take months or years for a CPAP newbie to learn on his own. Thanks!

If you opt or the new Resmed AirSense 10, you should read the threads on the 10 for her model. The consensus seems to be if you get the A10 you should also get the for her model, even if your a guy.
I like Resmed and would probably chose that model if I were starting fresh.

If you are on good terms with your doctor, get him to prescribe make and model of cpap, dispense as written for an auto cpap machine. The DME will have to give you that make and model and that's the end of it. They will bill the insurance company by the same code as if it was a brick plain cpap and the insurance will pay because the cost to them will be the same.

My original DME wanted to give me a ResMed machine but the prescription was for a Respironics Auto BiPap and that's what I got. You won't be able to get a bi-level machine but you certainly can get an auto cpap with full data.