Need advice on new machine

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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gregnga
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Location: Atlanta, GA

Need advice on new machine

Post by gregnga » Tue Dec 27, 2016 6:16 pm

I am going to be purchasing a new machine soon. I have a Remstar Auto C-flex that I have been using for about 10 years. Right now I can afford a new machine, 5 years from now maybe not, so I am going to get while the getting is good so to speak. I prefer Resmed or Phillips Resperonics because I am most familiar with their products. I had my eye on the Resmed AIr Sense 10 but it is almost $900. What differentiates it from other machines. What would be the next step down from that price wise and still be a pretty good machine. I would like something that is at least as good as my Remstar (the tank) and hopefully for portable for travel.

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Primary: Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset Backup: Resperonics Remstar w/Auto C-Flex

klv329
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Joined: Mon Aug 31, 2015 6:43 pm
Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida

Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by klv329 » Tue Dec 27, 2016 6:36 pm

If you want to try craigslist, they might be cheaper, but no warranty. Here is $200 resmed airsense auto listing. You have to ask a lot of questions, get pictures to make sure it is an Autoset , trust them to mail it or do a local pickup in a public place.

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/hab/5908709519.html

And one for $150 obo in Ocala fl

https://ocala.craigslist.org/hab/5875808265.html


A used s9 autoset would be good, too. Maybe check the prices at secondwindcpap.com and their warranty on used machines. They have respironics models too, like a 560 system One Auto or the newest resironics dreamstation auto.

_________________
Mask: Swift™ LT Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Resmed Aircurve 10 ASV, ASVAUTO Min Epap 8.4, Max Epap 10.6, PS 1.6-11.4

D.H.
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by D.H. » Wed Dec 28, 2016 7:40 am

If you live in the U.S., you should have either private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and/or "Obamacare," and will at least to the end of 2017. If your machine is over five years old (as you stated it was), you should be able to replace it under your insurance.

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bonjour
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by bonjour » Wed Dec 28, 2016 8:01 am

You want a machine that is fully data capable. I suggest you read http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread ... ew-machine

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: VAuto 11-25cmH2O PS 3 --- OSCAR software, Many masks - Amara View FFM to P10 Pillows Several Nasal and FFM

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by ChicagoGranny » Wed Dec 28, 2016 8:12 am

gregnga wrote:I had my eye on the Resmed AIr Sense 10 but it is almost $900.
I recommend either one of these two:
Gently Used ResMed S9 AutoSet and Accessories $379
*New, Factory Sealed ResMed S9 AutoSet and Accessories $699

http://secondwindcpap.com/
gregnga wrote:hopefully for portable for travel
These machines are easy to travel with. Gramps travels a lot by air. He prefers the S9 over the 10 because the humidifier is detachable. He doesn't use a humidifier, and this makes the machine very small for travel.

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grayghost4
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by grayghost4 » Wed Dec 28, 2016 9:01 am

I can ship this one to you for $475 Inc. shipping

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/hab/5921120495.html
If you're not part of the solution you're just scumming up the bottom of the beaker!

Get the Clinicians manual here : http://apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-press ... tup-manual

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gregnga
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Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by gregnga » Wed Dec 28, 2016 7:34 pm

D.H. wrote:If you live in the U.S., you should have either private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and/or "Obamacare," and will at least to the end of 2017. If your machine is over five years old (as you stated it was), you should be able to replace it under your insurance.
The problem is my insurance (Medicare Advantage) wants me to use a DME and will not allow me to issue a claim myself. So when I call the DME and tell them I have a prescription and I want such and such machine, I end with the usual bottleneck. They tell me they will have a respiratory therapist call me and they will decide what machine is best for me. This, of course, really means what machine is best for them and will make them the most money.

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Primary: Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset Backup: Resperonics Remstar w/Auto C-Flex

Sleeprider
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by Sleeprider » Wed Dec 28, 2016 8:16 pm

Greg, what is your deductible and copay? It may be advantageous to simply buy direct than deal with a grossly inflated DME price and all the hassle. If your coverage is close to 100% then go with the DME, but if you are charged $1300+ for a machine and DME services, and insurance covers 80%, you are at $260 plus your copay. Buying direct gets real easy if your insurance has large deductibles.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Sleepyhead software. Just changed from PRS1 BiPAP Auto DS760TS

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LSAT
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by LSAT » Wed Dec 28, 2016 8:27 pm

Atlanta is a big city...There must be several DMEs that are in network for you. Use this Medicare supply directory to find someone. Get your doctor to specify the machine. The DME MUST fill the prescription as written. If one DME won't give you the machine you want ...go to another. It sounds like you are assuming...and have not really tried.

https://www.medicare.gov/supplierdirectory/search.html

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full Face Mask with Headgear (S, M, or L Cushion)
Additional Comments: Back up is S9 Autoset...... Buckwheat hull pillow

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by ChicagoGranny » Thu Dec 29, 2016 7:14 am

LSAT wrote:It sounds like you are assuming...
+1

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gregnga
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by gregnga » Fri Dec 30, 2016 10:41 am

ChicagoGranny wrote:
LSAT wrote:It sounds like you are assuming...
+1
No, I am not just assuming. I spoke with one of the well known DME providers in Atlanta earlier this week and they told me to fax my prescription to them and someone would contact me to discuss what equipment would be best for me.

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Primary: Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset Backup: Resperonics Remstar w/Auto C-Flex

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LSAT
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Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by LSAT » Fri Dec 30, 2016 12:04 pm

gregnga wrote:
ChicagoGranny wrote:
LSAT wrote:It sounds like you are assuming...
+1
No, I am not just assuming. I spoke with one of the well known DME providers in Atlanta earlier this week and they told me to fax my prescription to them and someone would contact me to discuss what equipment would be best for me.
So...whats wrong with that. If you don't like what they want to give you and will not give you what you want....SAY GOODBYE...GO SOMEWHERE ELSE !!!! You are assuming that they will give you problems.

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full Face Mask with Headgear (S, M, or L Cushion)
Additional Comments: Back up is S9 Autoset...... Buckwheat hull pillow

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by ChicagoGranny » Fri Dec 30, 2016 12:53 pm

gregnga wrote:they told me to fax my prescription to them and someone would contact me to discuss what equipment would be best for me.
I see nothing wrong with that as a business practice. Do you realize most new patients don't know the first thing about CPAP machines and don't bother to educate themselves? The DME is probably offering a little guidance as a service to the patient.

If it were me, I would listen to what they have to say and then tell them I know exactly which machine I am going to get - it's just a matter of which DME I am going to give my business to.

Here is where you are assuming:
gregnga wrote:This, of course, really means what machine is best for them and will make them the most money.
I did not have that experience with my local DME. They were happy to provide me the AutoSet that I wanted. The respiratory tech said it was the machine she uses.

But anyway, it sounds like you are prepared to make sure you get the machine you want. I hope you let us know what you end up doing.

2xRustler
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by 2xRustler » Fri Dec 30, 2016 2:08 pm

I read many things like this online. Some from this site, some from others. I was prepared for war when the DME provider showed up at my house. Instead of having to bargain my way into a machine that was "good enough," I got fantastic equipment and service. I was sure that I would get a "Brick" because "the billing codes for all machines are the same" and "DME suppliers all give you the machine that is best for their profit and not the patient."

Imagine my surprise when the gentleman started talking about all the wonderful things these new machines can do. He unsealed a box that contained a Resmed Airsense 10 Elite. I was also prescribed heated tubing. The DME provider spent a reasonable amount of time showing me the relevant features of the machine, how to run mask leak tests, cleaning, and care, etc. He explained the auto climate functions and how to disable them and set my own humidity and tube temperature. He also showed me how to access the clinical menu (not that I couldn't have figured it out or asked here" so I could make adjustments to EPR which he said many people need to. He also gave me his personal phone number and stated I can call or text him at ANY TIME if I need anything.

I hope you have an experience like I did. Reading all this internet stuff is good, but remember that people take time to complain more than they take time to compliment. I was glad the internet gave me the wrong impression.

My advice is to give the DME supplier a chance. If you don't like the service and/or product they have to offer you can go a different way

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OkyDoky
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Re: Need advice on new machine

Post by OkyDoky » Fri Dec 30, 2016 3:43 pm

2xRustler wrote:I read many things like this online. Some from this site, some from others. I was prepared for war when the DME provider showed up at my house. Instead of having to bargain my way into a machine that was "good enough," I got fantastic equipment and service. I was sure that I would get a "Brick" because "the billing codes for all machines are the same" and "DME suppliers all give you the machine that is best for their profit and not the patient."

Imagine my surprise when the gentleman started talking about all the wonderful things these new machines can do. He unsealed a box that contained a Resmed Airsense 10 Elite. I was also prescribed heated tubing. The DME provider spent a reasonable amount of time showing me the relevant features of the machine, how to run mask leak tests, cleaning, and care, etc. He explained the auto climate functions and how to disable them and set my own humidity and tube temperature. He also showed me how to access the clinical menu (not that I couldn't have figured it out or asked here" so I could make adjustments to EPR which he said many people need to. He also gave me his personal phone number and stated I can call or text him at ANY TIME if I need anything.

I hope you have an experience like I did. Reading all this internet stuff is good, but remember that people take time to complain more than they take time to compliment. I was glad the internet gave me the wrong impression.

My advice is to give the DME supplier a chance. If you don't like the service and/or product they have to offer you can go a different way
Glad you had a good experience. You have a full data CPAP (straight pressure machine). The only thing better would have been an AUTO CPAP machine that has 2 modes, AUTO (variable pressure) and CPAP modes. Sometimes it is easier to figure out your best pressure with an auto and if you only need a higher pressure when you are in REM or on your back, you don't have to use that high pressure all night.
I think we try to present the best information so individuals can get the machine that will be the best for them when/if they have problems. It's a decision that you will be stuck with for 5 years or more unless you pay out of pocket for a different machine. Even if you have a good experience with a personable person, you have to keep in the back of your mind that they are for profit sellers and many uneducated people do get taken advantage of for money.
ResMed Aircurve 10 VAUTO EPAP 11 IPAP 15 / P10 pillows mask / Sleepyhead Software / Back up & travel machine Respironics 760