So far, I love my DME

I mentioned last week that I'm having issues with nasal irritation, to be expected for a newbie. I dropped in to see my DME this morning to get some different size pillows. Can I just say I am very fortunate to have a great DME?

It probably helps that I'm in home health care myself, so I already have a business relationship with this supplier (but not this particular tech). I did meet this tech at a conference last fall though I doubt he remembers, but it was nice to have a familiar face going into this.

I think it helps IMMENSELY that he's a hosehead, too! He understands the adjustments necessary for starting CPAP therapy and can get better acquainted with the equipment.

This company set me up with a top end system, took time to explain it to me, and stressed their open door policy for any questions. When I mentioned I might need a different size pillow, he agreed that was a good place to start. Again he assured me this was a normal part of the adjustment period. He offered me a small and xs, but I told him it had been recommended I try sizing up. No problem, he said, just be aware that if it's too big it may pinch the pillow together and cause leaks.

We ended our visit with him giving me a few samples of RoEzIt, and a reminder that if my nose gets any worse to be sure to come back in right away. I think we're gonna get along just fine...

So glad to hear you're having a good DME experience! I think every DME office should be required to have at least one employee with CPAP experience, either personally or within his/her family.

Couldn't agree more! There's only so much you can learn from the literature and the company rep (many of whom are trained in sales, not health care!)

Just wait... and don't be surprised...

Sheriff

Lol Sheriff, I am a firm believer that life is what you make it, and knowledge is power! Why do you think I'm here, asking all these pesky newbie questions? If I can speak with the DME in language they understand, and not just blindly take what's given, I'm sure to have a better experience than someone who is just doing what their doctor told them they had to do...

I appreciate your enthusiasm, but trust me... it doesn't matter how much you educate yourself, the Durable Medical Equipment providers have been screwing apnea patients on this forum since I've been here. I was just prescribed a Resmed S9 VPAP by my doctor. Apria ran out of the machines and told me they will call me when they get them in. They called me and stated they had the machine in and made an appointment with me to pick it up. When I arrived, Apria said they hadn't gotten the machine in.... I have about a dozen different similar examples of their ineptitude. I am stick with them because they are the only DME in town that my insurance will work with. I have found that if you are persistent, and have that "gimme my supplies" attitude, they can be tolerated.

If you have a good DME, say it softly around here... you'll only make people mad!

Sheriff

Sheriff Buford wrote:Apria ran out of the machines and told me they will call me when they get them in. They called me and stated they had the machine in and made an appointment with me to pick it up. When I arrived, Apria said they hadn't gotten the machine in....

Really off topic ... but..
You should send them a bill for your time. Seriously.