Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
anita70
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:54 am

Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by anita70 » Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:12 am

After weeks of going back and forth with doctor's office and DME (literally calling each one every day), I finally have an appointment with DME on Friday to get my CPAP (auto).

I talked to the RT and she said that they only offer the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset or a Respironics REMstar Auto (not sure what model). I was a bit shocked they didn't carry the DreamStation.

I asked about the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset for HER and the RT (not kidding) said "that is an OLD model and we don't carry them."
I mentioned that the For Her model had a different algorithm......and it completely went over her head........

I am fine with the regular, but do you I should wait and get the one 'For Her'?

Also, I stated that I wanted the heated tubing....she said the doctor didn't sign off for that!!!!! Really!!! I offered to pay out of pocket, but she acted like I couldn't do that. Is that right, I can only order what is on the prescription??

Should I wait and get a "For Her" model or get the regular?

User avatar
Pugsy
Posts: 63941
Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by Pugsy » Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:36 am

Welcome to the forum.

She's an idiot. She doesn't know her machines which is scary.
She's thinking the S9 AutoSet for Her which is pink and doesn't have the special algorithm and that model was replaced by the newest AirSense 10 for Her AutoSet.
Force the issue on the heated hose if you want one...ResMed packages/boxes up these machines both ways with a slimline non heated hose or with a heated hose.
That's total BS she's feeding you.
Now you may not need it but it's better to have it and not need it than not have it and need it.
It's coming on winter now and houses are cooler and conditions are ripe for condensation in hilhose or simply cool air discomfort from the cooler house temps unless you live way in the south somewhere it never gets cold.

I tend to feel the same way about the for Her algorithm...better to have it and not need it.

What was your diagnosis....how much was your AHI? While AHI isn't a defining point for the need the idea seems to be that maybe the people who might benefit more from that new algorithm is maybe along the lines of UARS type of problem and not those with fairly definitive OSA.
Did you have an in lab titration where they decided on a pressure for you?

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
Last edited by Pugsy on Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

User avatar
Krelvin
Posts: 1977
Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:23 pm
Location: Metro Phx Area - Dry Heat!

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by Krelvin » Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:49 am

anita70 wrote:I asked about the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset for HER and the RT (not kidding) said "that is an OLD model and we don't carry them."
I'd look into a new DME that isn't as brain dead or at least ask to talk to someone who actually knows what they are talking about.

MFG's page: http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/pr ... r-her.html

Sleep Resource Database:
https://sleep.tnet.com/cmd/unit?id=6&class=AS10

Maybe some current part numbers might help?
37034 37036 37039 37209 37210 37223 37224 37247 37260 37288 37295 37317 37318 37320 37322 37328 37353

Just some of them, ALL of them are the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset for Her.

As for the Heated hose, your doctor should be able to clear that up, there is no reason to have issues getting that.

BTW you do have a copy of your Sleep study and a copy of your RX.... right?
Current Settings PS 4.0 over 10.6-18.0 (cmH2O) - Resmed S9 VPAP Auto w/h5i Humidifier - Quattro Air FFM
TNET Sleep Resource Pages - CPAP Machine Database
Put your equip in your Signature - SleepyHead v1.0.0-beta-1
Kevin... alias Krelvin

User avatar
Sheriff Buford
Posts: 4080
Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:01 am
Location: Kingwood, Texas

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by Sheriff Buford » Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:56 am

Well, if you don't look into a new DME, then decide you will educate yourself and take on your treatment yourself. I don't ask my DME for any advice. I use my DME only to get my stuff (re-stock of supplies). Tell them what you want and tell them to "go and get it".

Sheriff

anita70
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:54 am

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by anita70 » Thu Nov 26, 2015 8:13 am

I received a copy of a one-page summary of the sleep study...suppose it is the interpretation.

Impression: Moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
AHI: 15.8
Lowest oxygen saturation 86%

Other stuff I don't understand, and I did have a hard time going to sleep and I woke up once and stayed awake for over an hour....

Significant for prolonged latency to sleep onset at 47 minutes
Normal REM latency at 130 minutes
Decreased sleep efficiency at 73%

Sleep Stage Percentage: Significant for decreased REM sleep at 11%
EKG: No evidence of arrhythmia
EMG: No evidence of periodic limb movements


So, I should wait to get a "For Her"??

Are there any women that do not use the "For Her" and do well?

anita70
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:54 am

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by anita70 » Thu Nov 26, 2015 8:20 am

No lab titration....I was to have a split study if I had so many events before 1AM...I didn't hit that until 2AM because it took me so long to go to sleep and I woke up for an hour.

Apparently I was allergic to the adhesive for the "snore" mic on my throat and the things behind my ears....it was burning and I didn't realize that was my main discomfort getting to sleep. Had a huge rash for a few days afterward.

I think my doctor just guessed and gave an auto range of 4-20 cm/h2O.
I am looking for a new doctor that can give more attention to this process. They are few and far between!!!!

I do want a machine where I can use Sleepyhead and monitor my own treatment and progress.

User avatar
Pugsy
Posts: 63941
Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by Pugsy » Thu Nov 26, 2015 8:36 am

This is just my opinion mind you but I would push for the AirSense 10 for Her model if I could possibly get it done.
If your AHI had been in the higher numbers then for sure pretty much full blown OSA and maybe not much UARS component but your 15 AHI isn't horribly high and it seems like a good bit of the time those numbers go hand in hand with UARS. We don't know that is for sure something you have going on but I am of the opinion that we gather as much ammunition as possible and that special algorithm may or may not be useful for you but why not have it available just in case? That's my opinion. The for Her model as both apap mode algorithms available as well as cpap mode. The cost to your insurance and you is the same. It's like 3 machines in one.

Is it absolutely critical that you have that special algorithm....I honestly don't know but probably not critical.
After all we have been treating without it for many years and getting the job done but if it could be better I always like to have as many tools available as possible.

Heck we don't even know yet just how effective that special algorithm actually is in terms of UARS therapy.
I wish things were more definitive but they just aren't. Pretty much everything associated with cpap therapy comes with a really big YMMV sticker. There aren't many absolutes.

If your AHI had been like mine...in the 50s then probably not but from what I have seen and heard and read and others experiences with AHI numbers below 20...it makes a person wonder about UARS component.

It may be a battle educating the DME though.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

User avatar
MarylandCPAPer
Posts: 438
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:15 pm

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by MarylandCPAPer » Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:13 pm

anita70 wrote:After weeks of going back and forth with doctor's office and DME (literally calling each one every day), I finally have an appointment with DME on Friday to get my CPAP (auto).

I talked to the RT and she said that they only offer the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset or a Respironics REMstar Auto (not sure what model). I was a bit shocked they didn't carry the DreamStation.

I asked about the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset for HER and the RT (not kidding) said "that is an OLD model and we don't carry them."
I mentioned that the For Her model had a different algorithm......and it completely went over her head........

I am fine with the regular, but do you I should wait and get the one 'For Her'?

Also, I stated that I wanted the heated tubing....she said the doctor didn't sign off for that!!!!! Really!!! I offered to pay out of pocket, but she acted like I couldn't do that. Is that right, I can only order what is on the prescription??

Should I wait and get a "For Her" model or get the regular?
I have the Airsense 10 FOR HER model and would hold out to get it .... OR get a Phillips Respironics System One with A-Flex and a Heated Humidifier. As you may have seen on this forum, I am having problems with the humidifier tank running dry after 6 hours. This is a serious problem, in my opinion, and reason to hesitate on buying an Airsense 10 model AT ALL. Someone else has a topic on this forum about their A10 for Her not using ANY water in the humidifier tank, which is also a problem. I used a Phillips Respironics System One with A-Flex and a Heated Humidifier for 5 years and never had this problem with running out of water. The amount of water you can put in the water tanks for both the A10 and PR S1 is identical--325 ml-- by my measurement. It should last at least one night, which for me may be 12+ hours of sleep.

As others have said, your DME is not knowledgeable about CPAP equipment and has given you inaccurate information. I would be worried they were equally unknowledgeable about insurance and payment matters as well. You could check with your insurance company to find out who the in-network DMEs are and shop around for one that you feel comfortable with. Don't give your credit card number to any of them. If you have a copay, they should tell you and be willing to provide you a bill after your insurance pays. Make sure that your insurance specifies that in-network DMEs cannot charge you for more than your copay BASED ON the amount the insurance considers usual, reasonable and customary (UCR), NOT THE BALANCE over UCR that the DME wants to charge (known as "balance billing").

I would recommend that you get a copy of the written prescription from your doctor, ask the dr. to specify "with a heated hose" and the specific model of machine you want. You will need to have a copy of the prescription if you travel with your CPAP equipment and if you want to buy supplies elsewhere than the original DME in the future, so you should always have a copy of your own. BTW, the heated hose does NOT help with the humidifier problem I mentioned previously. If anything, it uses the same or more water in the same amount of time, per my experimentation.

A common interval for insurance in the US to replace a CPAP machine is 5 years. The warranty on the current A10 and PR machines is 2 years. Your needs very well may change during the next 5 years (or longer) that you use the machine you get, so getting one that has the most capability and flexibility for treatment is worth waiting a little extra for. Good luck.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Have also used Opus 360, Swift LT for Her, Optilife, and Breeze Nasal Pillows masks.
Started CPAP 12/18/09 Pressure 13. Changed to APAP 1/18/10, Pressure 10-16. 4/2014:Switched to AirFit P10 mask. PR System One REMstar Auto Series 550 with A-Flex for 5.5 years. 7/2015 to present: AirSense 10 AutoSet FOR HER. Range: 10-20

anita70
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:54 am

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by anita70 » Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:38 pm

MarylandCPAPer....yes, I have been following your humidifier issues. You do have a valid point....I do feel that I will need reliable humidifier all night long.

User avatar
chunkyfrog
Posts: 34377
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
Location: Nebraska--I am sworn to keep the secret of this paradise.

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by chunkyfrog » Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:43 pm

I told my DME I wanted a For Her, and if they would order it, I could wait.
This way they knew I was not taking "No" for an answer.
Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her

User avatar
M'ohms
Posts: 516
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2013 2:44 pm
Location: Georgetown, Indiana

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by M'ohms » Thu Nov 26, 2015 6:56 pm

Concerning the humidifier issue, I used to have the same problem of running out of water. I bought a warm air humidifier for my bedroom that I run during the cold months when the heater dries out the air in the house. They are not expensive. I haven't run out of water once since using the room humidifier.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Supplemental oxygen at 2.5 lpm
AutoSV 960 with heated hose. Settings: EPAP Min-12, EPAP Max-17, PS Min-5.5, PS Max-13, Max Pressure-25, Rate-Auto, Rise Time 1. Use Sleepyhead and Encore Pro.

anita70
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 17, 2015 4:54 am

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by anita70 » Thu Nov 26, 2015 7:10 pm

Pugsy wrote:This is just my opinion mind you but I would push for the AirSense 10 for Her model if I could possibly get it done.
If your AHI had been in the higher numbers then for sure pretty much full blown OSA and maybe not much UARS component but your 15 AHI isn't horribly high and it seems like a good bit of the time those numbers go hand in hand with UARS. We don't know that is for sure something you have going on but I am of the opinion that we gather as much ammunition as possible and that special algorithm may or may not be useful for you but why not have it available just in case? That's my opinion. The for Her model as both apap mode algorithms available as well as cpap mode. The cost to your insurance and you is the same. It's like 3 machines in one.

Is it absolutely critical that you have that special algorithm....I honestly don't know but probably not critical.
After all we have been treating without it for many years and getting the job done but if it could be better I always like to have as many tools available as possible.

Heck we don't even know yet just how effective that special algorithm actually is in terms of UARS therapy.
I wish things were more definitive but they just aren't. Pretty much everything associated with cpap therapy comes with a really big YMMV sticker. There aren't many absolutes.

If your AHI had been like mine...in the 50s then probably not but from what I have seen and heard and read and others experiences with AHI numbers below 20...it makes a person wonder about UARS component.

It may be a battle educating the DME though.
Thanks Pugsy for your insights.

It is scary that in my research the past 2 months, I seem know more then the DME. I don't think I can educate them....will utilize them for insurance purposes only.

Before I found out my options from the DME (which is IN NETWORK) for me, I was leaning toward PR DreamStation, my hold out was the lack of not being able to utilize Sleepyhead software. I was also leaning toward PR over ResMed because of the less aggressive algorithm.

I think I will go to the appointment tomorrow to see what they have to offer and what insurance will pay. If I am not satisfied, I will not sign anything or give them my credit card.

Heart Jumping
Posts: 276
Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 3:06 pm

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by Heart Jumping » Thu Nov 26, 2015 7:46 pm

anita70 wrote:Also, I stated that I wanted the heated tubing....she said the doctor didn't sign off for that!
This concerns me more than anything because it indicates you've likely got a liar/bullshitter on your hands, not just someone that is misinformed. She wants to give you what they want to give you so they make the most money. I suspect she knows damn well your doctor doesn't need to "sign off on headed tubing" for you to get heated tubing.

I'd take a two prongred approach:
1. Call your doctors office and insist they email or fax you a copy of your prescription and test results. That way YOU can choose who you want to work with. Even if you work with this DME you don't want them to have control over you if you want to order something from someone else.

2. Tell the DME what model (and hose) you want and that if they can't get it for you, you'll find another who will.

I suppose whether you do follow through on #2 depends on how long it will take, how desperate you are to get your machine, and other factors. You should be able to find an online supplier that can get you a machine almost immediately, but depending on the supplier may have to pay out of pocket and then wait for insurance reimbursement. Of course you'll also need to confirm all with your insurance company first.

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack (All Cushions Included with Medium Frame)
Additional Comments: AirFit F10 Full Face Mask is my backup mask for when congested.

desiderata
Posts: 113
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2017 6:51 am

.

Post by desiderata » Mon Mar 13, 2017 1:17 pm

.
Last edited by desiderata on Sun May 07, 2017 5:57 pm, edited 2 times in total.

User avatar
Pugsy
Posts: 63941
Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Women and ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset (not For Her)

Post by Pugsy » Mon Mar 13, 2017 1:32 pm

desiderata wrote:On another note, I'm a little surprised how long the AirSense has been the most recent model, and that the price hasn't dropped in over a year and a half.
ResMed sets the price and the bulk of the online sellers have to agree to not discount the price and sign a contract or they can't get wholesale prices. That's how come the price for ResMed stuff is the same pretty much wherever you look. Now some 3rd party sellers may opt to lower the price but that's probably because they haven't signed the marketing contract with ResMed.
The only time places like cpap.com can lower the MSRP is when ResMed offers stuff on sale and says they can lower the price on the items.
desiderata wrote:Do I have it correct that the extra algorithm only comes into play in apap mode, not cpap? But the 'for her' model will report on RERAs, while the 'vanilla' AirSense model will not?
The extra for her algorithm is apap mode only. There's no need for a special algorithm for pressure adjustments when the pressure is fixed in cpap mode. Since cpap mode means no auto adjusting...no need for anything special..it just blows the air for whatever pressure it is set to.

The books say RERAs in the for her model in for her apap mode but I have seen some non for Her AutoSets with RERA flags...so I dunno why or what is going on there.

Would the for Her algorithm benefit you? Dunno but I doubt it is something critical in your situation.
From what I have read I don't think it would be especially useful for me either.
I get the impression it might be useful for people with mild OSA and who are hypersensitive to pressure changes or people with UARS and not so much OSA.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.