If i'd only known then...

jasper · Post by **jasper** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 9:53 am

I've been on CPAP for three months, using a Remstar M Series Plus. I started with an APAP machine for the first month or so, while they determined what pressure I should use. With that set, I was given the Remstar with a "smart" card. I found out when I went in for my first checkup that all this supposedly smart card does is record compliance. I'd call that a "dumb" card!! I even got the providers manual to make sure I wasn't missing something. Nope... no AHI info. If only I had been given the options upfront, I would have spent more out of pocket money to know how effective the CPAP was. If you're on a med for high blood pressure, you can check your BP to see how it's doing right?

Anyway, I'm sort of stuck with this machine unless I want to buy something else out of pocket (I don't). For those who are just entering the CPAP world, is there a good cross reference on machine types, and capabilities vs. price? I guess I have to admit I didn't even know the questions to ask back then. If I had only known....

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 10:10 am

It depends a lot on the titration pressure. if your pressure is less than 13 cm/H2O. It would be hard to beat this one:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=1607

Or even this one:

http://auctions.yahoo.com/i::197701608

They haven't made a better one yet. I'm sure you will get some arguments (It's a Ford/Chevy thing)

Sleepless_in_LM · Post by **Sleepless_in_LM** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 10:11 am

What model Remstar do you have?

Mile High Sleeper · Post by **Mile High Sleeper** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 10:22 am

Welcome to the club, Jasper, of those of us who are getting 20/20 hindsight the hard way. There are a lot of us in this club! That's why I wrote the articles in Our Collective Wisdom and my blog. Click on the light bulb and see the article on CPAP Machines; it has links to cpap.com. They have great comparison charts of various machines. The article on pressures indicates the need for a truly smart machine as well.

Is there any way your doctor would determine that it's medically necessary for you to read your results? Could you get the machine you want by taking your current machine back with the rationale that it's not what your doctor ordered or what you expected?

If anybody figures out how to get vital information to people WHEN they need it, not AFTER they need it, let us know!

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 10:34 am

I agree, having the data gives you the tools to take charge of your therapy and make adjustments as needed. EXACTLY what your DME (and possibly your physician) DON'T want you to do. Sadly, they are rewarded for keeping keeping us in the dark and pushing the cheapest equipment possible and making a living from repeat titration studies and making minor adjustments to your pressure settings. It's a living.

My advice: sell your present machine, (i.e. cut your losses, reinvest), upgrade to an APAP that will give you data AND make some of the minor adjustments as needed IN REAL TIME. There is an added benefit if you have the card reader and software, you will get a sleep study EVERY NIGHT! You have already mentioned that you would spend a little extra out-of-pocket for better information, and better therapy, why not go first class !! And plus you won't have to crawl on your hands and knees to the healthcare gods and goddesses with your data card pasted to your forehead (and a bushel of $$$ balanced on top) to get your data.

-Ric

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 12:15 pm

if it has been less than 90 days, I would go back to the DME and negotiate for the autopap offering to pay the difference.

Unless you do that, you are stuck with that machine for 5 years. If it is apria, you are probably only renting the machine anyway. If so, I'd double check because they have been making those a straight rental (never purchased).

other options:

Order a autopap on-line, sell the plus on yahoo auctions, recover some of your costs. If your pressure is 10 or below, you could keep the cheapo for travel.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 12:25 pm

I would tend to agree with snoredog.

What I would do is first approach my doc and see about changing my script, the DME needs to upgrade your machine.

If that doesn't work, then I might take the machine in to the Dme, tell them what I want, and basically be ready to walk out, leaving the machine behind.

If you try this approach make sure you have your prescription in hand. Sleep studies too would be good. That way you can order online quickly.

You might find this will get them to at least offer you a data-recording CPAP to keep your business. A data-recording CPAP is covered under a prescription that says CPAP.

It is possible if you call your insurance company you could get a list of other DME's that are acceptable. Call them and see if they would work with you.

I don't know which manufacturer you are using, but the humidifier is most likely paid for, as is the mask. So keep that and buy a different machine online (only the machine). Unless your insurance is 100% coverage, or you normally meet your deductable annually, you may find the cost is not that different than continuing to pay copays.

bairdbeth · Post by **bairdbeth** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 4:07 pm

Luckily I did know to get a data recording machine ( thanks to all on this forum!!). My DME would not do an auto as my prescriptiom said just CPAP. I told my DME to order me the M Series Pro. They brought me the M Series Plus. I used it until the M Series Pro came in. I bought the software and card reader and an able to track my OAI, HI, AHI, leak rates and compliance. That is all the info I really am interested in. If your DME won't go auto, see if you can pay to upgrade to a M Series Pro. It does give some info on the LCD until you can get the software. Good luck!

DerekB · Post by **DerekB** » Thu Nov 30, 2006 11:43 pm

Hi jasper,

If you are on a monthly rental program you still have options. You will need courage but if you fight for what you want then you will get it.

Here's a link to the thread I started about my quest to change out my entry level Remstar Plus machine to the Remstar Auto.

viewtopic.php?t=15015&highlight=

You will need a prescription from your doctor saying the exact machine. Remstar Auto with Cflex before you go to your DME.

Good Luck

DB

southnboy · Post by **southnboy** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 10:04 pm

I am 31 years old and have a REMstar/plus. When I turn this thing on it is up to 12. I feel like I have a leaf blower attached to my nose. I hit the ramp button and that throttles it back to 4. I am OK 4-8 but, when it hits 10-12 it send me into a panic attack if I open my mouth by mistake. I have gone over all manuels and cannot figure out how to change the setting. HOW do I slow this thing down.
tks,
southboy
Baton Rouge, LA

If i'd only known then...

If i'd only known then...

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