My DME is loving me....Temporarily

[Jefe]

So today is exactly 3 months since I received my CPAP machine.

So today, I called my DME and told them -- "It's 3 months; I'd like a new mask" They're already faxing it into my insurance company -- 30 minutes after I asked.

Took them 2 weeks last time, when they thought my insurance wouldn't cover it.

Remarkable difference, ain't it?

[Vettecraze]

I hope that you get the new mask soon!
Are you getting another quattro?

[Babette]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bought time something went right in your world!!!!

Cyber hugs to you both,
B.

[amandalee]

Hey, a DME being helpful... Looks like there are still miracles in the world!

[drummergirl410]

That's awesome! With all thr trouble I've had with my DME lately, it's nice to know someone is getting it right. Hope the new mask comes soon!

[geoDoug]

Hey, a DME being helpful... Looks like there are still miracles in the world!

[RosemaryB]

My DME was not good about the machine, but they are great about the masks and other supplies. I went to get my 3 month mask and they gave me the headgear, too. I only paid my rather small copay. (Of course, I max out my deductible due to other medical conditions). This may also make good business sense, but they really are well run, prompt, and cheerful. I've never had to even leave a message for them, because they always answer the phone . After hearing about the others in our area, and some on this board, they are by far the best in some ways.

If I knew what I know now, I'd be ok with a non-auto machine from them (still data recording, though). I'd later get a lightly used auto as my second, backup machine. As far as I'm concerned, having a backup machine is essential. The better I feel the less I'm willing to go even one night without my machine.

But what I know now is that a straight cpap works best for me. There was no way to know that up front and I wanted to have all the options. I'd still want one of my machines to be an auto because I want the option of doing a "titration" study occasionally.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, DME, auto

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, DME, auto

[Guest]

My joy was short lived. I called Friday, they assured me that they would contact my insurance company, and call me by the end of the day.

It's the end of Monday -- still no call.

Oh well.

As for getting another quattro, I'd rather stand on a cliff, and throw $20 bills in the air. It's a better use for the money. For that price, I should not need to use teflon tape to stop it from making god-awful sounds, and I should not have to tighten it past the point of pain to prevent eye-leaks. I had an F&P 432 for 2 weeks. Leaked at the chin. I wish I had kept it, and improvised a better top strap to keep pressure on the chin cup. Even with the chink leaks, and needing 4X4 gauze to pillow the nose spike, it was a better mask than the quattro.

The quattro is the Windows Vista if the mask world. Pretty, fancy, and uselessly full of empty promises.

[Jefe]

Above was me. Forum didn't log me in.

Again

[Babette]

WAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Want me to beat them up for you? I have some aggression left over from the weekend to spare...

Huggers,
B.

[goose]

Just called my DME for a new mask (due Sept. 5). We'll see how they do....Supposedly I'm supposed to get a new gel and silicone seal for my ComfortGel every month (which may be why it has started to leak -- worn out), but they seem to only do service every 90 days. I'll have to call the insurance company to see what they cover. I know the DME's don't like to stock parts, but.......
Going to ask for the Hans Rudolph VMask 7600 mod 2 (came out this month) and see what the do.
I'm going to buy and Aura/Whatever the name is this week on my own (less expensive than the VMask). Then I'll have a complete collection -- a Nasal, A FF and a Pillows to swap around when my nose starts to give me a hard time.

Well -- coming up on 3 months on the hose and AHI is down to 2.6....I'm a happy camper.....

cheers
goose

[Jefe]

Well, they called today. Apparently they were out of stock on the masks I requested. They even made an appointment with me for today, which worked out well, as I had rainout so bad last night I had to take off my mask & sleep without it. I now have 2, so I can swap wet for dry.

So I went in at 1. I had requested to try on a hybrid, a liberty, and a HRV2, if available. They had the liberty. They don't stock the hybrid, as everyone they sent out they got back. I was told if I wanted the hybrid or the HRv2, I could have them in 3 months -- just give them a week lead time.

So I tried on the liberty. I kinda like it. It held pressure at 12 (my prescribed pressure). I think they'll be a learning curve with the nasal prongs, but I'll pick up some ayr gel tonite.

I'll post my review tomorrow

[geoDoug]

I had requested to try on a hybrid, a liberty, and a HRV2, if available. They had the liberty. They don't stock the hybrid, as everyone they sent out they got back. I was told if I wanted the hybrid or the HRv2, I could have them in 3 months -- just give them a week lead time.

3 months? That sure sounds like, "since the Hybrid keeps coming back, we're going to make it as inconvenient as possible to get it, because profit is more important than getting the right mask" if I ever heard it. I'd go to cpap.com, buy the Hybrid, get the insurance, and test it out that way. It comes with three sizes of cushions and three sizes of nasal pillows, all interchangeable. Then return it if you don't like it. They let me return an unused but opened humidifier, and I didn't even have the insurance! All I payed was a minimal restocking fee and shipping to get it back to them.

Doug.

[Babette]

OceanPearl is offering a Hybrid on Mask Roulette.

Cheers,
B.