Should I get a new machine in 2018?

My current machine, an S9 is 4 years old. I am planning for my flexible spending account. How long is advised to keep using the same machine?

fmj13 wrote:My current machine, an S9 is 4 years old. I am planning for my flexible spending account. How long is advised to keep using the same machine?

I don't know much about flexible spending accounts as the company I retired from did not have that. If you don't already have a backup machine, and your insurance covers it, I would certainly get a new machine and keep the S9 as a backup. Alternatively, buy a backup machine via Craigslist and hold off another year or so. If your spending account allows it, another option would be to buy a low cost open box or used machine from online retailer.

I talked to a repair person and most machines are designed to last 5 years. Resmed and Respironics generally don't have an increase in failure/repairs until they are 7 years old. Still, you can have a complete failure at any time, so you want to be sure to have a backup.

I use my "new" (2012) machine that I leave at home and have my original "2005" Remstar Tank that I still use for all sleep when Im not at home such as hotels and camping. I used to have another Remstar Brick Tank that I left in the trunk of my car for years for unexpected overnight stays. I was always amazed that that machine lasted as long as it did given the vibrations and temperatures that it lived through. I am also up for a new machine next year and will move the 2012 machine to travel and the Remstar to the trunk.

I mention this so you can understand my recommendation to get the new machine and use your current one for backup and rough service such as travel.

Chris

Does your insurance cover XPAP supplies? If so, will your insurance cover a new machine? You will need to check with the insurance company for answers to these questions. If the company you work for is anything like the one I worked for, they change providers from year to year according to who gives them the best rates. If they have changed providers since you got your last machine, perhaps the insurance would cover the new machine if you have never received one through them. If you can't get a new machine through your medical insurance, then purchase one using your flexible spending account.

Flexible savings accounts are all different.
Check with the manager of your account to see what YOUR money can be used on.
I was able to buy my cpap machine/supplies, glasses, and hearing aids with my funds,
but the rules change every year.

Your FSA will almost certainly approve a CPAP machine, whether purchased or copay from insurance.

If you don't have insurance that will cover your CPAP machine, then now (next year) is a good time to get a new one; and keep the old one as backup. Plan your FSA for full purchase price.

If you do have insurance that will cover your CPAP machine in year 2018, then you should plan your FSA for the copay and deductible. If your insurance will cover a new machine in 2019, you can probably wait.

fmj13 wrote:My current machine, an S9 is 4 years old. I am planning for my flexible spending account. How long is advised to keep using the same machine?

I plan to use mine until it stops working .... but after 10 years it just keeps on going like a tank.


As mentioned above though .... it is essential to have a backup machine ... and a backup mask or two.

DreamStalker wrote:

fmj13 wrote:My current machine, an S9 is 4 years old. I am planning for my flexible spending account. How long is advised to keep using the same machine?

I plan to use mine until it stops working .... but after 10 years it just keeps on going like a tank.


As mentioned above though .... it is essential to have a backup machine ... and a backup mask or two.

12 years on my "Tank", still working well every night. 2 Backup machines, Also "Tanks" one a new APAP! Don't expect to get that kind of service from any new one you buy! Jim

Got a few Backup Masks and parts too.

Goofproof wrote:

DreamStalker wrote:

fmj13 wrote:My current machine, an S9 is 4 years old. I am planning for my flexible spending account. How long is advised to keep using the same machine?

I plan to use mine until it stops working .... but after 10 years it just keeps on going like a tank.


As mentioned above though .... it is essential to have a backup machine ... and a backup mask or two.

12 years on my "Tank", still working well every night. 2 Backup machines, Also "Tanks" one a new APAP! Don't expect to get that kind of service from any new one you buy! Jim

Got a few Backup Masks and parts too.

Yep. They just don't build stuff as good as they used to in the old days ... and for that matter, they don't build stuff in the US like they did in the old days either.

fmj13 wrote:My current machine, an S9 is 4 years old. I am planning for my flexible spending account. How long is advised to keep using the same machine?

Everyone should have a backup machine. When my S9 was three years old, I bought another one as backup. I am using the newer one until the warranty is up. Then, I will rotate using them every three months to make sure both still work.

(Between Gramps and myself, there are three old Respironics machines here that could be used during an emergency. But, I wanted a backup machine with the ResMed AutoSet algorithm.)