Promts needed for Escape Upgrade to Elite

I've been reading posts on this great list since I got my diagnosis last week. I got a copy of my sleep study report and it doesn't seem quite as detailed as some I've seen posted here, but the basics: AHI=61, Desaturation index 80 (lowest o2 saturation was 80%), Arousal Index=45, prescribed cwp=8.

My GP wrote the prescription and, despite my having sent him specific information gleaned from this group, he wasn't detailed enough and the DME wasn't interested in hearing any squabble from me about the Resmed Escape they had ready to go for me when I arrived to be fitted with a mask yesterday. While I'd like BPAP, what's more important to me is to be able to see some data.

Last night was my first night on the Escape CPAP. I woke up in the middle of the night with an awful headache. The Activa mask I got seemed to fit okay and there were no obvious leaks, but I have no idea whether there were minor ones. Again, I might have been able to see if there were leaks with data collection. It may be that it takes "getting the hang of," but it was uncomfortable to exhale against my meager 8 cwp and at the same time it didn't feel like I was getting enough breath on inhalation.

The respiratory therapist who I met with was surprised that I would even be interested in my data. From my reading of data on cpap.com, it appears that the Elite II is needed for complete data, (not the plain "Elite).

What kind of verbiage is my Dr. going to have to provide to "change his mind" on the prescription and provide more/different information than he already has sent to the DME and insurance company?

You need a prescription for a efficacy-data-capable CPAP. Or, since your DME seems to prefer ResMed machines, it could specify the ResMed S8 Elite II.

With a prescribed pressure of 8, (I'm assuming cwp is centimeters water pressure or cm H20), and no other problems you're not going to be able to get a BiPap.

However you might want to try for an automatic. It will adjust pressure automatically to treat your events and keep the pressure as low as possible

For that you need a prescription for an APAP. The ResMed machine would be the S8 AutoSet II.

The best approach with a DME is to be firm, polite, stand your ground, don't be made to feel like an idiot and remind them that YOU are the patient and have an interest in your therapy.

If you want to see data then you will need to upgrade to the Elite II or beyond.

The best is to have the Doc write the actual name of the machine on the prescription... that way there is no leeway for the DME to provide something other than exactly what you want.