Newbie trying to get equipped

hankbrandenburg wrote:Thanks for the feedback, and that brings up another good question: Do any of the preferred manufacturers supply software for a mac?

I don't think so. All are Windows based (through Windows 7). ResScan and Encore Pro are for sure. Encore Pro has a 64 bit version for those computers, unsure about ResScan. I think Mac users either set up some sort of Windows Bootcamp ( is that the right term?) or just have an old cheap XP computer around for using the software on.

Nope. Not unless you have the software that allows a Windows environment on your Mac. All the manufacturers are geared to using the Windows environment for their software.

Your script says C-Flex so whatever CPAP you get will HAVE to feature some form of expiration pressure relief. I "think" Resmed and Respironics are the only two manufacturers that offer an expiration pressure relief option.

hankbrandenburg wrote:I have no problem paying as needed but it bothers me on two fronts: (1) they already have a machine picked out for me without meeting me or discussing it, and (2) the idea of paying an on-going rental for something that perhaps I could purchase outright.

I'm going to guess that upwards of 90% of newbies have absolutely no idea what they're getting into (I didn't!), thus the practice of specifying a machine up front for the patient. I was just lucky to have a doc who cares about getting the best equipment suitable for a patient.

Most all durable medical equipment is paid for by insurance companies on a rent-to-own basis. I imagine they have found in the past that's the most economical approach in the long term. And then again, a lot of DME is needed for only a few weeks, or months, especially in terminal cases. The insurance companies establish a practice that makes the most sense most of the time and apply it across the board, even when it's not the best approach in a specific situation.

All that just to say you were treated normally, but not ideally.

Pugsy wrote:Are you going to be wanting the software for that machine? If so do you have a source for the software? InfoSmart software I believe it is called. If you want more than the data on the machine screen, I would be looking to see if I could find the software.

I can't comment on the machine itself as I have never used it. A few others here do use this machine and I think I have see frustration about not being able to find software. Though they love the machine.

I think that "Smart Stick Software" showing on spec page is some sort of music thing. Not the report software. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Just curious, what made you interested in this machine?

You can put music (MP3s) on the SmartStick of you want to be awaken by music, but the SmartStick also contains the usage data. You eject the SmartStick, start the F&F InfoSmart software and logon, then insert the SmartStick in a USB port on the computer to upload the data. Some Insurance carriers also require the DME to retrieve the SmartStick from you on a regular basis to read the data to verify usage.

-Nick

Get a Phillips Respironics machine. Especially if you go with an APAP. Resmed makes good masks, not good machines.

Eric

Kahfree wrote: I have a question too....

When I got my machine in January it was right from the DME who works along side the doctors. I was given the F&P Premo Icon, which is not a cheep model, the heated hose, etc, all those things. The total price, with mask was $1,295 of which I put down $300.00 and was told that I was paying on a "rent to own" type thing and that in 9 months it would be paid off. All I pay goes to the deductible for my insurance. (I had not met it on January 10th for the new year) Did I pay too much? Am I currently paying too much? Am I better off turning it back in and buying a machine of my own? I would lose the $300 I assume, so off the top I am already adding $300 to the sale price of a machine I would own.

Curious if I got ripped off.

Hi Kahfreel,

I have the exact same setup as you. I was not offered a choice either by my DME. I was told 10-11 months of 'rental' and the Icon Premo would belong to me. I calculated what the total out-of-pocket I was going to end up paying was, and it was a little cheaper than the total of all the pieces bought separately at most Internet suppliers. This number may be different for you of course (UHC really beats these DMEs up on CPAP stuff ).

-Nick

Thanks to all for your feedback here; the guidance helped me a lot! I just ordered the ResMed S9 with humidifier and ComfortGel Mask. In a couple of days I'll actually be trying to USE this thing!

Good choice on the machine and great that you took control of the situation rather than just accepting what the DME hands you. As far as running the software on the Mac, none of the manufacturers make software for the Mac, as far as I know. I have a Philips Respironics machine and run the EncoreViewer software on Windows XP running under VMWare Fusion. I have no trouble at all but if you don't have Fusion or Parallels, you'll have to run Windows using BootCamp. The ResScan software for the S9 is not available for sale to the public but there are people on here who can tell you where you can download it. You'll be glad you have a machine that gives you full efficacy data including AHI and leak rate. I check my data every day and keep a log of my sleep so I can keep track of what works and doesn't work. It's been very helpful in finding a mask that works for me.

Good luck with the S9--you have a great attitude and I am confident you'll be successful in this strange new world of CPAP!

hankbrandenburg wrote:Thanks to all for your feedback here; the guidance helped me a lot! I just ordered the ResMed S9 with humidifier and ComfortGel Mask. In a couple of days I'll actually be trying to USE this thing!

Awwww man, bad mistake. Resmed has quality control issues these days. Plus you mixed up your mask and machine. Shoulda gone with a PR and the ComfortGel mask. Too late to switch?

Eric

A lot of us mix and match different machines and different masks.

And, Hank, there are PLENTY of very satisfied Resmed S9 users. Eric just has his own personal vendetta against Resmed.

Thanks Slinky and bap40.

My troll-detector klaxon is really making some noise right now.