Want new machine after 11 years

[bonniezim1]

I have been using my ResMed 8 for over 11 years. I've only missed 1 night b/c of hurricane Ike. I would like to upgrade, but don't know where to start. I like the ResMed brand b/c it's quiet. My pressure setting is 16 and I'm thinking I would like to try a machine that adjusts the pressure to your needs. I'm not sure how I'll like this since I'm so used to air blowing so hard up my nose. It just opens everything up. I've used the Swift FX forever. Is there a latest and greatest head gear/nasal pillow? I have no software, so unless I take my chip in, I don't know how I'm doing. Also, what does everyone do if there's a power outage?

[ChicagoGranny]

I would like to upgrade, but don't know where to start. I like the ResMed brand b/c it's quiet. My pressure setting is 16 and I'm thinking I would like to try a machine that adjusts the pressure to your needs.

If you can handle the pink, this will be a good buy - https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... ifier.html If I were in need of a new machine today, I would buy this one.

Another good choice - https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... idair.html

I'm thinking I would like to try a machine that adjusts the pressure to your needs. I'm not sure how I'll like this since I'm so used to air blowing so hard up my nose. It just opens everything up.

You can set whatever minimum pressure you feel "just opens everything up" on any auto-adjusting machine (APAP).

[OkyDoky]

Both machines that ChicagoGranny suggested are good full data machines. In the S9 Autoset For Her the only difference from the regular S9 Autoset is the pink color.
if you decide to go with a Airsense 10 AutoSet there is also a Airsense 10 Auotset For Her. The first 2 machines can be set in either auto or cpap mode the Airsense 10 Autoset For Her has a third setting that works by increasing sensitivity to flow limitation and optimizing the response to these events. While it is designed for women it can be useful for men that have flow limitations.

When looking at the Airsense 10 make sure it is Autoset, they also have a CPAP model that doesn't record efficacy data. Also there is a AirStart line that you want to avoid because all they record is hours of use.

I want to add one other suggestion. You may or may not need it but your pressure is 16 and without data your not really sure if that is controlling your apnea, you may want to look at a bilevel machine. The Resmed Aircurve 10 VAUTO is an excellent machine and while the Autosets can go to 20 cm for their top pressure the AirCurve can go to 25 cm.

The bilevels are more expensive so it would probably be dependent on if you are going to want insurance to pay or if you are paying out of pocket. If you are going through the doctor - sleep study route I would request a bilevel machine to be prepared for possible future needs. And one might make it a little more comfortable at the pressure you are at now.

As far as power outages many users have a battery setup to use. ResMed has a 24 volt DC converter you can buy to use a battery.

[Julie]

A power outage for one night is one thing... but for an extended one, there are various answers (some that also fit those who like to go camping), so I'd maybe try a new thread title referencing 'outages' or 'camping'. Do a forum search with those.

[Woody]

I am just about in the same boat you are my machine will have it's 10th birthday
the 27th of this month. I just talked to my DR's office and they incest I have a new
sleep study before the insurance ( medicare ) will pay for a new machine is that
right ? I thought if I kept regular contact with the DR. who first prescribed it I wouldn't
need another study am I wrong about that ?

[ChicagoGranny]

I just talked to my DR's office and they incest I have a new
sleep study before the insurance ( medicare ) will pay for a new machine is that
right ?

They don't know what they are doing. Medicare does not require a sleep study for a replacement machine.

But, it is not so easy to get a replacement machine. Medicare guidelines are on page two - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... vA&cad=rja

[SewTired]

Medicare rules are interpreted by the DME, so you have to follow what they require or you don't get a machine. They need a copy of the signed sleep study that has been done within the last 10 years. Even if you are an ongoing user and PROVEN that you've used it, they will require it because Medicare required it. So, I hope you get in there just in under the wire! Now, they could have changed this for 2017, but I don't see it clearly addressed in the link below.

https://www.cms.gov/Center/Provider-Typ ... enter.html

[ChicagoGranny]

Medicare rules are interpreted by the DME, so you have to follow what they require or you don't get a machine. They need a copy of the signed sleep study that has been done within the last 10 years.

The link you provided discusses replacement of accessories for a beneficiary-owned CPAP. If anyone reads it, only confusion will be added to this discussion.

It's best to use the ResMed document - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... vA&cad=rja

More than five years
The replacement of an item past the five-year lifetime will
be considered in cases of irreparable wear if the item has
been in continuous use by the patient, on either a rental
or purchase basis, for the equipment’s useful lifetime.
• Irreparable wear:
– Irreparable wear refers to deterioration sustained
from day-to-day usage over time and a specific
event cannot be identified.
– In cases involving irreparable wear, the Reasonable
Useful Lifetime (RUL) of the equipment is taken into
consideration, and in no case can it be less than
five years old.
– Computation of the useful lifetime is based on when
the equipment is delivered to the patient, not the
age of the equipment.
– A physician’s written order is needed to reaffirm
the medical necessity of the item.
• If a PAP machine is replaced following the five-year RUL,
there must be a face-to-face evaluation by the treating
physician documenting that the patient continues to
use and benefit from the PAP machine. There is no
requirement for a new sleep test or trial period. Note:
If a DME item reaches its five-year life expectancy, is
in good working order and meets the patient’s medical
needs, it should not automatically be replaced.

[D.H.]

Although a machine in good working order might not always be replaced after five years, I doubt that replacement of an eleven year old machine would be questioned.

For one thing, the machine is probably not supported by the manufacturer, not even to verify that it is working correctly (even if it seems OK, there's no proof that it blows correctly all night).

[BlackSpinner]

Although a machine in good working order might not always be replaced after five years, I doubt that replacement of an eleven year old machine would be questioned.

For one thing, the machine is probably not supported by the manufacturer, not even to verify that it is working correctly (even if it seems OK, there's no proof that it blows correctly all night).

Anyone with a tube, water and a measuring stick can test the pressure.

[ChicagoGranny]

Although a machine in good working order might not always be replaced after five years, I doubt that replacement of an eleven year old machine would be questioned.

Your mistake is using logic. Medicare is government policy, not logic.

[D.H.]

Although a machine in good working order might not always be replaced after five years, I doubt that replacement of an eleven year old machine would be questioned.

For one thing, the machine is probably not supported by the manufacturer, not even to verify that it is working correctly (even if it seems OK, there's no proof that it blows correctly all night).

Anyone with a tube, water and a measuring stick can test the pressure.

That proves that the machine blows at the correct pressure when it is turned on. It does not prove that the machine can maintain that pressure all night! I suspect that if the machine is this old, it won't be questioned.

BTW, in 2005 I reported that my 1999 machine was broken and it was not questioned. They did question whether the machine could be repaired, but I got a vendor to write a letter than the machine was no longer supported by the manufacturer, and that was accepted. Also, in 2016 my Sleep Doc said that I should get a new machine, and they did not even question whether I had a working one.

[chunkyfrog]

The five year rule does not apply if the machine being replaced was NOT paid for under Medicare.
Medicare paid for my Airsense when my S9 Autoset was only 3.5 years old.
I had paid for the S9 out of pocket, so it did not count.
If your elderly machine was not covered by Medicare, you only need a statement from your doctor
(F2F--face to face) that you use CPAP, and need a new one, SPECIFYING brand and model, of course.

[ChicagoGranny]

The five year rule does not apply if the machine being replaced was NOT paid for under Medicare.
Medicare paid for my Airsense when my S9 Autoset was only 3.5 years old.
I had paid for the S9 out of pocket, so it did not count.
If your elderly machine was not covered by Medicare, you only need a statement from your doctor
(F2F--face to face) that you use CPAP, and need a new one, SPECIFYING brand and model, of course.

+1

[ChicagoGranny]

Also, in 2016 my Sleep Doc said that I should get a new machine, and they did not even question whether I had a working one.

You don't say who "they" is, whether you got a new machine, who paid for it, whether you use Medicare and what type of Medicare policy. Poor communication.