Hi Everyone, Well, today was the day that I finally got my CPAP machine. I had to wait as I was away at the cottage and then had guests - not a good time to struggle through some sleepless nights.
I fully intended to get a Remstar but was talked into ResMed by Vitalaire. I have a loaner for a 2-3 weeks for a trial. It is S7 although I think I will want an S8 as we travel a lot including overseas and I understand it is about the smallest there is.
I got a "Standard Ultra Mirage" mask as well as Swift Nasal Pillows. I like to sleep almost on my stomach so hope one of these works out.
Do any of you have any hints re getting used to this contraption? I sure did not sleep well at the titration sleep test.
Ann
Got a machine at last
I did not have any strong reasons for wanting Remstar except that my brother in law has that one as does a friend who is a doctor.
Vitaliare seems to favor ResMed and told me that the S8 is the smallest unit and has built in dual power systems for when I travel to Europe.
they also tried to persuade me that I should get the basic one that is covered by the gov't and my insurance. I'm in Canada. But since I felt that the titration session may not be correct as I did not sleep long enough I think that I should have one that has a program that can be downloaded.
I find all this very confusing!
Ann
Vitaliare seems to favor ResMed and told me that the S8 is the smallest unit and has built in dual power systems for when I travel to Europe.
they also tried to persuade me that I should get the basic one that is covered by the gov't and my insurance. I'm in Canada. But since I felt that the titration session may not be correct as I did not sleep long enough I think that I should have one that has a program that can be downloaded.
I find all this very confusing!
Ann
Based on your other thread, you now have even more reasons for wanting the Remstar. You could have called your brother in law and friend for help when the PT gave you inadequate instructions!
Aside from that...I am not a ResMed person, but if you are really concerned about your titration study I would suggest an auto machine (either brand) not just a data recording one. If you do go Auto, ResMed has no exhale relief on the auto mode, Remstar does.
Vitaliare (I assume that is you DME) probably has some contract with ResMed and pushes their machines not because they are better but because they make more money. I am not trashing ResMed, I hear that they make a fine machine, just want you to consider why they are pushing you towards that one and which YOU really want.
I didn't respond to your other thread as I am useless with which button to push to shut the unit off and other such questions having two Remstars myself. I will just focus on you getting what you need at the least out of pocket cost to you and let a ResMed user help with the rest.
I don't know that the S8 is significantly smaller than the M series Remstar. Check the product comparisons on the cpap.com web site. Very nice feature which puts them side by side for many features.
I am pretty sure that it is pretty easy to get a cable so the Remstar ones work in Europe. It think those arguements by your DME are pretty weak.
I don't know what your Canadian insurance covers for "basic units" (I am USA) but if you don't mind me asking, what is you copay and how much extra are they hitting you for for the data recording unit? How much additional would they charge for an AUTO unit? Is this price that you will be paying for either one out of your pocket less than buying cash? If so is it significantly less?
Someone here should be able to help you with a manual on most any machine. If not Ebay vulchers will be willing to send you one for $6.
Aside from that...I am not a ResMed person, but if you are really concerned about your titration study I would suggest an auto machine (either brand) not just a data recording one. If you do go Auto, ResMed has no exhale relief on the auto mode, Remstar does.
Vitaliare (I assume that is you DME) probably has some contract with ResMed and pushes their machines not because they are better but because they make more money. I am not trashing ResMed, I hear that they make a fine machine, just want you to consider why they are pushing you towards that one and which YOU really want.
I didn't respond to your other thread as I am useless with which button to push to shut the unit off and other such questions having two Remstars myself. I will just focus on you getting what you need at the least out of pocket cost to you and let a ResMed user help with the rest.
I don't know that the S8 is significantly smaller than the M series Remstar. Check the product comparisons on the cpap.com web site. Very nice feature which puts them side by side for many features.
I am pretty sure that it is pretty easy to get a cable so the Remstar ones work in Europe. It think those arguements by your DME are pretty weak.
I don't know what your Canadian insurance covers for "basic units" (I am USA) but if you don't mind me asking, what is you copay and how much extra are they hitting you for for the data recording unit? How much additional would they charge for an AUTO unit? Is this price that you will be paying for either one out of your pocket less than buying cash? If so is it significantly less?
Someone here should be able to help you with a manual on most any machine. If not Ebay vulchers will be willing to send you one for $6.
After doing the quick comparison myself on this website, the weight listed on the M series is less than the S8, and there is more than one model of S8 (Elite and Escape, Compact at least), so you need to know which one they are getting for you. AND it looks to me like the new M series may not need an additional cable for going to Europe. Someone with an M series feel free to chime in here. I didn't read all the fine print.
All I want to do is point out the weakness of your DME's arguments so you can decide what you really need or want without misinformation clouding the issue. If you want the ResMed by all means go for it, but do it without misleading or wrong information from a DME who has a vested interest in pushing the ResMed at you.
Someone recently, NYNURSE33 I think, had some go round with wanting an Elite and was given an Escape. There are more features on the Elite it is the top of the line CPAP (not auto) from ResMed.
All I want to do is point out the weakness of your DME's arguments so you can decide what you really need or want without misinformation clouding the issue. If you want the ResMed by all means go for it, but do it without misleading or wrong information from a DME who has a vested interest in pushing the ResMed at you.
Someone recently, NYNURSE33 I think, had some go round with wanting an Elite and was given an Escape. There are more features on the Elite it is the top of the line CPAP (not auto) from ResMed.
Thanks so much Snoregirl for your most helpful post.
At this point I have paid nothing and have this equipment on loan. I may just shop around and get different stories....try different machines. My friend who is a doctor told me of a small companiy here in London that gave him excellent service. I don't owe this Vitalaire company anything and I do think they have a vested interest in ResMed. That is about all they had on display although they certainly stock others.
It was a S8 Escape that she was telling me about. Not the Elite.
As for the titration study I will know more about its accuracy after I see the specialist in early October. My setting is only a 6 but the sleep technician that night said she was going to try me on 7 but then I woke up too early. The woman at Vitalaire said that the ResMed that she loaned me would record any apnea events and then I would know if I had the right setting.
I really have not done my homework. I do not have a price list of different units. I know that the S8 Escape would cost me about $600 out of pocket. I'd like to know how much more the Elite would be.
The gov't pays @ $700 I think and then insurance will pick up the amount to about $1050. Then I am on my own. I don't have exact figures here but that is the range. Maybe someone else from Canada can give me the exact amounts.
As for the exhale relief the techie said that at a level of 6 that I would not really notice a difference. She said that people with high pressure are the ones that need it.
All this has convinced me that I need to really shop around. I really did not want to spend the time doing so but it is a big investment. When I first met this techie I felt that the vibes between us were all wrong. I ignored that feeling - after all, how often do I need to interact with her? Too often if I feel miffed afterwards.
Thanks again for all your help.
Ann
At this point I have paid nothing and have this equipment on loan. I may just shop around and get different stories....try different machines. My friend who is a doctor told me of a small companiy here in London that gave him excellent service. I don't owe this Vitalaire company anything and I do think they have a vested interest in ResMed. That is about all they had on display although they certainly stock others.
It was a S8 Escape that she was telling me about. Not the Elite.
As for the titration study I will know more about its accuracy after I see the specialist in early October. My setting is only a 6 but the sleep technician that night said she was going to try me on 7 but then I woke up too early. The woman at Vitalaire said that the ResMed that she loaned me would record any apnea events and then I would know if I had the right setting.
I really have not done my homework. I do not have a price list of different units. I know that the S8 Escape would cost me about $600 out of pocket. I'd like to know how much more the Elite would be.
The gov't pays @ $700 I think and then insurance will pick up the amount to about $1050. Then I am on my own. I don't have exact figures here but that is the range. Maybe someone else from Canada can give me the exact amounts.
As for the exhale relief the techie said that at a level of 6 that I would not really notice a difference. She said that people with high pressure are the ones that need it.
All this has convinced me that I need to really shop around. I really did not want to spend the time doing so but it is a big investment. When I first met this techie I felt that the vibes between us were all wrong. I ignored that feeling - after all, how often do I need to interact with her? Too often if I feel miffed afterwards.
Thanks again for all your help.
Ann
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kavanaugh1950
- Posts: 230
- Joined: Fri Aug 18, 2006 7:53 pm
- Location: Connecticut in America the Beautiful
I was given the resmed 8 escape and had to go round and round with the dme to get an elite, which I finally got. Its the same size as the escape and uses the same humidifier but you can get information off the lcd screen that you can't get from the escape and I really recommend it. You can track your data every day without buying a scan kit. the only problem i had was getting used to hearing myself inhale and exhale as the machine picks up on these to record events. good luck, pat
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| Mask: Ultra Mirage™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
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CollegeGirl
- Posts: 1038
- Joined: Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:49 pm
- Location: VA
Hi,
Can't tell you much about ResMeds, but I can tell you that if your tech implied that ResMed products have dual voltage and Respironics products (aka Remstars) do not, they were lying.
Respironics CPAPs do indeed have dual voltage. I used my Remstar AUTO for almost six months in Europe with no adjustment whatsoever necessary. The only thing I needed was a plug adapter (which is what the ResMed products would need, too). I just plugged it into the plug adapter, plugged the adapter into the wall, and was all set for six months! I travelled with it to various cities in Spain, Portugal, and France, and had no problem at all.
I will say, though, that the Respironics Auto is not VERY small - I woudln't want to go hiking with it - but I had no problems just getting it around, to my hotels, through the airport, etc.
Whether or not you're going to need exhalation relief is really a personal thing. And it sounds to me like they're not even sure what your pressure is supposed to be.
I would definitely try out a Remstar Auto of some sort. I don't know much about the M series, but I've heard they're good. Just make sure to get an Auto.
Good luck!
Can't tell you much about ResMeds, but I can tell you that if your tech implied that ResMed products have dual voltage and Respironics products (aka Remstars) do not, they were lying.
Respironics CPAPs do indeed have dual voltage. I used my Remstar AUTO for almost six months in Europe with no adjustment whatsoever necessary. The only thing I needed was a plug adapter (which is what the ResMed products would need, too). I just plugged it into the plug adapter, plugged the adapter into the wall, and was all set for six months! I travelled with it to various cities in Spain, Portugal, and France, and had no problem at all.
I will say, though, that the Respironics Auto is not VERY small - I woudln't want to go hiking with it - but I had no problems just getting it around, to my hotels, through the airport, etc.
Whether or not you're going to need exhalation relief is really a personal thing. And it sounds to me like they're not even sure what your pressure is supposed to be.
I would definitely try out a Remstar Auto of some sort. I don't know much about the M series, but I've heard they're good. Just make sure to get an Auto.
Good luck!
Glad I could be some help and I see some others who have the machine are posting too!!
A machine with data will tell you if you machine is working for you, but if it is not working, then it won't help you zero in on the right number. You will have to move the settings around a little at a time and keep looking at the data. This holds true for either brand. An AUTO unit will give you data that will more quickly zero in on your needs if you feel the sleep study is wrong. It also can be used as a straight CPAP if you feel that that works better for you. Just more flexibility.
I think you are saying that someone else (government or insurance) will pay up to $1050 of the bill. SO what you really need to do is find out what the DME or other DME you choose is going to bill in total.
For $749 you can have the ResMed Vantage with humidifier (auto titrating)
For $775 you can have the M Series Remstar Auto (also auto titrating)
For $465 you can have the Resmed Compact
For $545 you can have the Resmed escape
For $650 you can have the Resmed Elite
For $633 you can have the Remstar M Pro
All the ones listed above are from CPAP.com cash and include the integrated humidifier and hose and bag.
The point is what matters is how much above $1050 your DME or another DME is going to charge. If they charge you for example $1500 for an escape then you are going to pay $1500 - 1050 which is $450 for this unit
(assuming you have no copay with your insurance coverage). So even though you can pay cash and get one for $545, you can pay less out of your own pocket through the DME ($450). Only you know what the real numbers are. If the DME charges more than $1595 then you are break even with purchasing it yourself vs. using your insurance coverage.
As you can see from the price lists (directly from CPAP.com) the DME is giving you the cheapest model with the least function. I have no idea if in Canada they can bill different prices for different models. In the US they don't for insurance purposes a CPAP is a CPAP is also an APAP. So if they bill the same thing for all machines it stands to reason that they make more profit giving you the cheapest model.
So if that somehow holds true in your country you can see why they are "recommending the Escape".
Another note is Resmed can't be sent to Canada from CPAP.com. ResMed won't allow it. There are lots of threads on that. So to buy that cash you would have to have it sent to somewhere in the US (friends??) and pick it up. Also you have to take into account the exchange rate between the countries for any analysis. I didn't for this example. I assumed that $1 American = $1 Canadian. Which we all know it doesn't .
While I don't know for sure, I remember someone on this site posting that there is no tax on medical equipment mail ordered into Canada (Remstar since Resmed won't allow there stuff to be shipped). Have to get Resmed stuff from a local DME in Canada.
I know it is a lot to consider. BUT you have an advantage of being on trial with no financial committment. You have your therapy while you negotiate!!
Good luck
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, humidifier, hose, cpap.com, CPAP, DME, auto, APAP
A machine with data will tell you if you machine is working for you, but if it is not working, then it won't help you zero in on the right number. You will have to move the settings around a little at a time and keep looking at the data. This holds true for either brand. An AUTO unit will give you data that will more quickly zero in on your needs if you feel the sleep study is wrong. It also can be used as a straight CPAP if you feel that that works better for you. Just more flexibility.
I think you are saying that someone else (government or insurance) will pay up to $1050 of the bill. SO what you really need to do is find out what the DME or other DME you choose is going to bill in total.
For $749 you can have the ResMed Vantage with humidifier (auto titrating)
For $775 you can have the M Series Remstar Auto (also auto titrating)
For $465 you can have the Resmed Compact
For $545 you can have the Resmed escape
For $650 you can have the Resmed Elite
For $633 you can have the Remstar M Pro
All the ones listed above are from CPAP.com cash and include the integrated humidifier and hose and bag.
The point is what matters is how much above $1050 your DME or another DME is going to charge. If they charge you for example $1500 for an escape then you are going to pay $1500 - 1050 which is $450 for this unit
(assuming you have no copay with your insurance coverage). So even though you can pay cash and get one for $545, you can pay less out of your own pocket through the DME ($450). Only you know what the real numbers are. If the DME charges more than $1595 then you are break even with purchasing it yourself vs. using your insurance coverage.
As you can see from the price lists (directly from CPAP.com) the DME is giving you the cheapest model with the least function. I have no idea if in Canada they can bill different prices for different models. In the US they don't for insurance purposes a CPAP is a CPAP is also an APAP. So if they bill the same thing for all machines it stands to reason that they make more profit giving you the cheapest model.
So if that somehow holds true in your country you can see why they are "recommending the Escape".
Another note is Resmed can't be sent to Canada from CPAP.com. ResMed won't allow it. There are lots of threads on that. So to buy that cash you would have to have it sent to somewhere in the US (friends??) and pick it up. Also you have to take into account the exchange rate between the countries for any analysis. I didn't for this example. I assumed that $1 American = $1 Canadian. Which we all know it doesn't .
While I don't know for sure, I remember someone on this site posting that there is no tax on medical equipment mail ordered into Canada (Remstar since Resmed won't allow there stuff to be shipped). Have to get Resmed stuff from a local DME in Canada.
I know it is a lot to consider. BUT you have an advantage of being on trial with no financial committment. You have your therapy while you negotiate!!
Good luck
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, humidifier, hose, cpap.com, CPAP, DME, auto, APAP
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CollegeGirl
- Posts: 1038
- Joined: Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:49 pm
- Location: VA
snoregirl,
Not that it makes much difference, but I'm guessing Noliro meant $1050 Canadian dollars, which is $938 American dollars. This would still cover all the machines you listed - I'm just a stickler for accuracy where possible.
I have no idea how the Canadian healthcare system works - someone from Canada with some experience on this chime in?
Not that it makes much difference, but I'm guessing Noliro meant $1050 Canadian dollars, which is $938 American dollars. This would still cover all the machines you listed - I'm just a stickler for accuracy where possible.
I have no idea how the Canadian healthcare system works - someone from Canada with some experience on this chime in?
College Girl not to be picky but I did say in my note listing prices that for the purpose of my example I assumed that $1 US is equal to $1 Canadian "which we all know it doesn't"
I didn't bother to look up the exchange rate, as I have found in the past having lived in a border town, Canadians usually seem to know what the current number is and they are smart enough to do the conversion.
This was about 5 paragraphs below the actual list of CPAP.com prices
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap.com
I didn't bother to look up the exchange rate, as I have found in the past having lived in a border town, Canadians usually seem to know what the current number is and they are smart enough to do the conversion.
This was about 5 paragraphs below the actual list of CPAP.com prices
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap.com
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birdshell
- Posts: 1622
- Joined: Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:58 am
- Location: Southeast Michigan (Lower Peninsula)
ResMed S8
As a ResMed user for a little over 4 months, may I say that I love my machine as far as operation, effectiveness, and other features. I have the very basic CPAP, the Compact S8.
With the higher end model, there would be even more features. Here's the downside, IMHO:
When the RT at the DME provider brought out the S8, it was impressive because it was so small. Then, after I'd decided it was really quite small and easily carried, he brought out its humidifier. Now it was over twice as large. Then one must add the hose, mask/interface, and any other extras such as mouth tape or chinstrap, chapstick, etc.
NOT so compact now, is it? The cute little blue cordura bag is more like an overnighter. It is also very much a soft-sided bag, although the humidifier bag inside is padded. Just to let you know! There may be a more compact one, such as the AEIOMed Everest....But I've never seen an Everest in person.
BTW, I grew up in a border town and have learned that one NEVER, NEVER, NEVER jokes with the Border Patrol.
With the higher end model, there would be even more features. Here's the downside, IMHO:
When the RT at the DME provider brought out the S8, it was impressive because it was so small. Then, after I'd decided it was really quite small and easily carried, he brought out its humidifier. Now it was over twice as large. Then one must add the hose, mask/interface, and any other extras such as mouth tape or chinstrap, chapstick, etc.
NOT so compact now, is it? The cute little blue cordura bag is more like an overnighter. It is also very much a soft-sided bag, although the humidifier bag inside is padded. Just to let you know! There may be a more compact one, such as the AEIOMed Everest....But I've never seen an Everest in person.
BTW, I grew up in a border town and have learned that one NEVER, NEVER, NEVER jokes with the Border Patrol.
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CollegeGirl
- Posts: 1038
- Joined: Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:49 pm
- Location: VA
No Problem College girl. I would be lying if I said I never missed something I was reading -- on this forum or elsewhere.
Didn't mean to sound too grumpy but I was up later than I wanted to be last night waiting for the police as someone put a chlorine bomb in our mailbox and blew it up last night. They hit some other houses so it was most likely a random act.
Didn't mean to sound too grumpy but I was up later than I wanted to be last night waiting for the police as someone put a chlorine bomb in our mailbox and blew it up last night. They hit some other houses so it was most likely a random act.