Opinions on less popular CPAP units,....

[Mark55]

Yesterday I had a voicemail left by my DME while working. This particular DME is 'impossible' to get in touch with, which is a good part of the reason I am lagging in compliance after three months, since I am unable to get any help with my problems. My sleep doctor is no better, just for information's sake. This particular DME also seems to have zero native speakers of English, so it's next to impossible to even understand what was on the message, but I am assuming they are wanting the machine back since it was the billing department, and three months has passed.

I will be happy to return the machine, as I do not even want to continue on this trying journey with a supplier as negligent as they are. I have had some bad experiences with individual companies before, but nothing even comes close to this DME company IMHO. Just for info sake, I spent a solid week during my lunch hour sitting with the call on speaker for 20 to 30 minutes each day,.....I NEVER was able to speak to a human. Not a single one!

Anyway, now that my mini rant is done, I am wondering if you folks have any experience with the less expensive, and simpler machines such as the F&P ICON Premo, the IntelliPAP, or other makes in the same price range. I am not really trying to be cheap, but my thought process is this,.....first off, it remains to be seen if I can adapt to this huge change in lifestyle, and use a cpap long enough to benefit me. If I am able to adapt on my own schedule, without being monitored by DME's and insurance companies, I figured at that point I could buy a higher end machine again, and keep the cheapie for a backup in case of a break down. If I have to give up at some point, I have far less money down the drain.

I don't have a complicated prescription,...it simply calls for a constant 8cm and EPR at a setting of three. At my low settings I don't care about the ramp features, and/or the smart start that my current Airsense 10 Autoset has.

I really would appreciate any sincere suggestions from any of the members here.

[TASmart]

I would check out craigslist for your area and go used. Also, secondwind has a good reputation here.

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Obligatory warning - ignore is so moved:

While I understand the frustration of a crappy DME, ultimately they only lose a few dollars from your discontinuing to use their machine. You have a lot more to lose by not properly treating SA. I am glad you are looking to find a reasonable source of equipment to deal with the condition. Keep on keeping on, learn to use the machine, it becomes like an sometimes annoying spouse, you really don't want to be without them, even if they can be frustrating at times.

Carry on!

[Pugsy]

Are you planning to monitor your data with software? If so, you need to make sure that the machine offers full efficacy data along with easy to obtain and use software.

Devilbiss machines (if full data and they aren't all full data) require a separate module to use the software if someone wants more than the LCD codes.
That module will drive the price up to what one of the other full data machines might cost.

Now if you want a good cheap no data brick (which I don't recommend for a newbie) the Premo or Intellipap will blow air as well as any of the others and are good machines.

If you are paying out of pocket....go to secondwindcpap.com and get at a minimum a full data fixed pressure machine...maybe a discontinued model from ResMed or Respironics to save some money. S9 or PR System One.
Especially if you are having troubles...don't go with a non data machine.

[DreamStalker]

The most important thing to keep in mind, when starting out anyway, is to make sure that your machine collects useful data (not just compliance data).

After that, I find auto-titrating machines (APAPs) are better than plain CPAP to make sure you find your optimal pressure setting is quickly as possible.

The algorithms for auto adjusting machines are somewhat different by brand/model ... but you won't know your preference unless you try them out first and you already have your optimal pressure dialed in, which can become expensive for some.

As noted already, Craigslist is a good place to find good deals and some of the forum members here also sell used machines.

[ChicagoGranny]

I really would appreciate any sincere suggestions from any of the members here.

Given all you posted, I would buy this very good machine with one-year seller warranty - http://www.secondwindcpap.com/ResMed-S9-AutoSet.html for $379. You can add the humidifier for $90. In central Florida, you might not need a humidifier. If you opt to buy w/o humidifier, first ask if you can buy it later separately for $90. Requirements for humidifiers vary individually. If you do not keep it very cold in your bedroom and do not let A/C outlet blow on the machine, you might not need a humidifier.

I'm going to guess you will learn to use CPAP well, adapt to sleeping with it and use the same machine for years without need for a replacement.

Hang around here to get comfortable with CPAP and get your machine settings optimized.

[Mark55]

Part of what has happened with me over my first three months is simply a result of bad timing. I picked it up 7/28 and within two days (before I even started using it), I came down with a sinus infection. After seeing that my nasal pillows wouldn't work with that, I petitioned for another mask within the 30 day period. (The only reason I was able to get this done was due to the fact that the DME called me at work in the very beginning to see how things were going. I never heard from them again, nor was able to speak to someone when I called, and I called at least 4 different numbers that all seemed to lead back to the same log jam.) I went to the DME's local office, (which is only open by appt. through the numbers where nobody answers) to pick out a mask. A woman showed me two different plastic bags, and told me to pick which one I wanted. I picked the Amara View hybrid, and she proceeded to give me a 'fitting' per se. She could not get it to stop leaking and basically told me it was mine now, and to take it home and play with it,....maybe I could get it to stop leaking enough to use.

I tried many times but no luck for more than a few minutes and it would start leaking badly again. By the first week of September we were under hurricane warnings from Irma and I decided to evacuate to the Smokey Mountains with my fiance'. We also took my 76 year old Mother, and an 83 year old friend of hers. Needless to say I did not worry about my new cpap machine under these circumstances, so the next two weeks were gone by the time I got back and settled.

After I signed up here looking for a little help, my Mother had a major medical issue, that between work and taking care of her, lost me another couple of weeks of trying to adapt to cpap use. I point all this out simply to show that I am willing to continue trying, I just need more time, but I refuse to beg a DME provider, or my insurance company for that time, so like most things,....I will do it on my own.

I appreciate the suggestions of CL, but I just don't go that route for anything. Secondwind is a possibility though.

Pugsy brought up a good point,....do I need extensive data? I really don't know.
My prescription is quite simple, and when I was able to use the machine it seemed to work fairly well most nights. Even some of the events I posted here with centrals, and large leaks were pretty much ruled out as being of any concern. My 'average' AHI is under 2 which I presume is ok. Data is definitely a point to consider before making a purchase though.

[LSAT]

Part of what has happened with me over my first three months is simply a result of bad timing. I picked it up 7/28 and within two days (before I even started using it), I came down with a sinus infection. After seeing that my nasal pillows wouldn't work with that, I petitioned for another mask within the 30 day period. (The only reason I was able to get this done was due to the fact that the DME called me at work in the very beginning to see how things were going. I never heard from them again, nor was able to speak to someone when I called, and I called at least 4 different numbers that all seemed to lead back to the same log jam.) I went to the DME's local office, (which is only open by appt. through the numbers where nobody answers) to pick out a mask. A woman showed me two different plastic bags, and told me to pick which one I wanted. I picked the Amara View hybrid, and she proceeded to give me a 'fitting' per se. She could not get it to stop leaking and basically told me it was mine now, and to take it home and play with it,....maybe I could get it to stop leaking enough to use.

I tried many times but no luck for more than a few minutes and it would start leaking badly again. By the first week of September we were under hurricane warnings from Irma and I decided to evacuate to the Smokey Mountains with my fiance'. We also took my 76 year old Mother, and an 83 year old friend of hers. Needless to say I did not worry about my new cpap machine under these circumstances, so the next two weeks were gone by the time I got back and settled.



After I signed up here looking for a little help, my Mother had a major medical issue, that between work and taking care of her, lost me another couple of weeks of trying to adapt to cpap use. I point all this out simply to show that I am willing to continue trying, I just need more time, but I refuse to beg a DME provider, or my insurance company for that time, so like most things,....I will do it on my own.

I appreciate the suggestions of CL, but I just don't go that route for anything. Secondwind is a possibility though.

Pugsy brought up a good point,....do I need extensive data? I really don't know.
My prescription is quite simple, and when I was able to use the machine it seemed to work fairly well most nights. Even some of the events I posted here with centrals, and large leaks were pretty much ruled out as being of any concern. My 'average' AHI is under 2 which I presume is ok. Data is definitely a point to consider before making a purchase though.

PM Sent...

[tooter]

Any machine you buy should have data capability. Once you start reviewing your data you may find that adjustments are needed to maximize your therapy. You may find that requirements change periodically.

[DreamStalker]

Any machine you buy should have data capability. Once you start reviewing your data you may find that adjustments are needed to maximize your therapy. You may find that requirements change periodically.

+1

For example, if you lose or gain weight, that often affects change in optimal pressure needed and a machine with efficacy data will help you avoid another expensive visit to the sleep lab to re-titrate your pressure (or lengthy/tedious trial and error method for DIY).

[Mark55]

I have maintained the same weight (give or take 10 pounds) since my early twenties, so I doubt it will change much going forward. Anything is possible though.

I'm beginning to agree that data is a necessity if you are going to be doing it alone so to speak,.....without the 'help' of professionals like I'm getting now through my DME and sleep Doc!

ETA: Lsat, I replied to your PM, or at least I tried to.

[TASmart]

I have maintained the same weight (give or take 10 pounds) since my early twenties, so I doubt it will change much going forward. Anything is possible though.

I'm beginning to agree that data is a necessity if you are going to be doing it alone so to speak,.....without the 'help' of professionals like I'm getting now through my DME and sleep Doc!

ETA: Lsat, I replied to your PM, or at least I tried to.

Even with professional help. you still need data because you cannot afford to keep on running back to the Dr everytime you want to tweak a setting, and the RT at the DME cannot change the settings, they have to get a prescription change from the Dr.

[Pugsy]

You can get a good full data machine for not much more than one of the lower end non data machines.
At the minimum a person needs to know if the leaks are well managed or not because if leaks are really bad then the therapy could be seriously negatively impacted.
And don't assume that a person will wake up with big leaks. I can tell you first hand that people can sleep through some pretty big leaks.

If you are going to go to all the trouble to do this therapy....give yourself every advantage possible to make it a success.
Sometimes it's hard enough to do even with the advantages.

Now later once you are a cpap veteran and therapy is old and boring if you want a cheap brick for a back up or travel machine then by all means that's the time to get one.

[Mark55]

You can get a good full data machine for not much more than one of the lower end non data machines.
At the minimum a person needs to know if the leaks are well managed or not because if leaks are really bad then the therapy could be seriously negatively impacted.
And don't assume that a person will wake up with big leaks. I can tell you first hand that people can sleep through some pretty big leaks.

If you are going to go to all the trouble to do this therapy....give yourself every advantage possible to make it a success.
Sometimes it's hard enough to do even with the advantages.

Now later once you are a cpap veteran and therapy is old and boring if you want a cheap brick for a back up or travel machine then by all means that's the time to get one.

That makes a lot of sense to me.

[JimW159]

...I don't have a complicated prescription,...it simply calls for a constant 8cm and EPR at a setting of three. At my low settings I don't care about the ramp features, and/or the smart start that my current Airsense 10 Autoset has.

I have a used ResMed S9 AutoSet with humidifier that I no longer use - in behavior it is virtually identical to the AS10 you show in your profile. It was my backup until recently when I got a second AS10 AutoSet moving my primary to a backup role. I don't know how many hours on it but it was working perfectly when I replaced it in July 2016. It is complete with everything that normally comes (power supply, travel bag, SD card, etc.) with it plus a heated hose and several humidifier tubs. I is available for $75 plus shipping (if you live a reasonable distance from Tarpon Springs, we could meet and do a swap). If you are interested, let me know and I will check the hours so you can better judge.

[Mark55]

...I don't have a complicated prescription,...it simply calls for a constant 8cm and EPR at a setting of three. At my low settings I don't care about the ramp features, and/or the smart start that my current Airsense 10 Autoset has.

I have a used ResMed S9 AutoSet with humidifier that I no longer use - in behavior it is virtually identical to the AS10 you show in your profile. It was my backup until recently when I got a second AS10 AutoSet moving my primary to a backup role. I don't know how many hours on it but it was working perfectly when I replaced it in July 2016. It is complete with everything that normally comes (power supply, travel bag, SD card, etc.) with it plus a heated hose and several humidifier tubs. I is available for $75 plus shipping (if you live a reasonable distance from Tarpon Springs, we could meet and do a swap). If you are interested, let me know and I will check the hours so you can better judge.

It's possible that I might be interested, but I must wait until I find out for sure they want the machine back. I'm almost certain that's what the call is about though. If you get PM'ed by another member beforehand, do what you need to do as I wouldn't want you holding it for me with another sale pending, here or elsewhere.

If it's not all 'tuckered' out that sounds like a great deal though. Either way, thanks for the offer!