Newbie - Getting machine today.

[cpapsue]

I'm picking up my equipment this afternoon. What should I expect? What questions should I ask?

[cpapsue]

I forgot to mention the equipment. I think I'm getting a Resmed S8 Elite II with humidifier and a Swift LT for her.

[nate fry]

A lot of these places and insurance companies lease these cpaps and after a while they are paid off. This way if you don't stay on it they don't have to pay for the whole thing. I have blue cross and they did that for me. After it is paid off you can get a new one. They told me mine was used when I got it but after it was paid off they said, oh it's new. I had the paper work and it showed it was used. I got a better machine this way. They will rent a machine to your insurance company and keep renting it out. But your entitled to a new one. I made sure I got one out of the box. Who knows how old some of these are. Mine has 14,000 hours since I got it.So you should make sure it is new or have them write on your copy that it is used. fyi. good luck.

[MartyR]

good luck its tough at first but it get easier......dont leave w/o knowing everything you wnat to know about it1 there work for you

[Slinky]

Quick, make a phone call to your insurance company and ask them what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully you have the option of more than one.

Is the CPAP fully data capable? If they say yes, ask them to PROVE it, to show you. The fact that it has a data card is NOT proof enough, some use data cards for compliance data only. You want to see Pressure, Leak, AHI. If it is not fully data capable you do not want it. If you have the option of more than just this DME supplier just tell them you want a fully data capable CPAP or you will take your business elsewhere.

How lenient is their mask exchange policy? Once your pressure need(s) have been established THE MASK is THE KEY to successful CPAP therapy.

Does the RT have you lay down whilst fitting your mask with the CPAP turned on? If not, you're not getting a very good fitting. How else are they going to know if the mask is fitting properly or if there are leaks?

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi CPAPSUE--wow, it sounds like you are hitting the jack pot!! a Resmed S8 Elite II with humidifier and a Swift LT for her sounds like a perfect deal to me!! I just recently got a Resmed S8 Elite --after they gave me the escape model as I did not know any better. I have the SWIFT LT---it is WONDERFUL!!! let us know how it went---

Carrie

[cpapsue]

Slinky,

I thought I was getting fully data capable machine, but I'm not sure now. I have a Resmed Elite II, but when I asked about getting info from it, I was told that I have to mail the data card in. The tech didn't seem to know what I was talking about.

There is a data window and a menu button, but I haven't played with it yet. Do you know what I should be seeing? From what I read on this site I thought the info was available in a readout on the machine as well as with a computer program.

Thanks for your input.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi---Press the Left and Right buttons and hold for 3-4 seconds. Efficacy Data will appear on the LCD screen. From there on in it is a simple matter of pressing the Left button to Enter, the Right button to Exit, the Up button to return to the previous screen and the Down button to proceed to the next screen. I have the same machine--you have to read it before noon each day---
Carrie

[cpapsue]

Thanks Carrie. I sort of can't wait to go to bed tonight. I got lucky with the equipment, I guess, but only because of this website!

[Slinky]

I missed your post about getting the Resmed S8 II Elite w/EPR, Humidaire 3i integrated humidifier and the Swift LT for Her. You got a GOOD bundle of equipment!!! Would that ALL newbies would be provided w/such good equipment!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

That button press Carrie told you about? You have to check before noon. These xPAPs have an internal, 24 hour, noon to noon clock. If you don't check until after noon the night's data will have been rolled over into the total averages and you will get a No Data message.

AND if the RT didn't turn access to that advanced patient menu on you won't be able to access the Efficacy Data. You would need to go into the Clinicians Menu to do so or badger your sleep doctor or the RT to grant that access. Don't worry, if you do have access to the advanced patient menu for the Efficacy Data there is no way you can intentionally or accidentally erase any data or alter your therapy in any way.

Happy New Year!!!! Rest well!

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi Cpapsue---you are very lucky to have received sucj great equipment and mask today---:) Luck and this website!!! HA!! HA!! I am on my 6th or 7th mask already --as I kept getting the wrong kind and here you have a great one the first time out--that is fantastic!!! You can't go to sleep too early---even if you are excited to get to bed--it is New Year's eve!! LOL!

Good luck with all your new state of the art CPAP equipment. Go to Karen's website now and order yourself a nice hose cover and pad a cheeks to pad the straps on your mask, and the hose cover will help make it very snuggly at night as well as prevent rainout. Good Luck!!

Carrie

[Debjax]

I missed your post about getting the Resmed S8 II Elite w/EPR, Humidaire 3i integrated humidifier and the Swift LT for Her. You got a GOOD bundle of equipment!!! Would that ALL newbies would be provided w/such good equipment!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

I was mentioning to my husband today that I was pretty blessed too on my first time out....I think I got a pretty good machine, the RT has been extremely nice and helpful, and we're still working on getting the right mask. I like the Mirage Micro, but have some leak problems with it.....so she has been sending me other masks to try. I'm going over on Friday for a fitting for a Quattro FF, since hubby has a cold which means I will have one next week probably, and the nose mask won't cut it then.....I've read some of the stories in here and think I am blessed, blessed, blessed.

[sleeplessinaz]

Cpapsuw--how was your first night with your awesome machine and state of the art mask? How did you sleep?

Carrie

[cpapsue]

Thanks for asking, Carrie.

I felt a little claustrophic, having to work harder than expected to breathe in and out. I think maybe the warmed humidifier air is a little warmer than I like. I see where several people have enlarged the holes in the pillows. Did you do that?

It took me about 1.5 hrs to fall asleep and I kept the mask on til I got up.

[AuntieNae]

cpapsue
I just thought I would mention some "comfort items" you might want to try ..

1) http://www.pursleep.com/
If you send an email to Support@pur-sleep.com and ask for some samples you can see if you like the scents before you buy. His products made all the difference for me in keeping my mask on.

2) Hose Cover
This not only makes it more comfortable to have that hose around, it also helps with rainout.
AuntieNae