Seeing Doc tomorrow -- want to change equipment -- advice

[wasColette]

I'm seeing my GP tomorrow for a follow-up. Right now I'm on straight CPAP w/ no data capability and no humidifier. My DME said they would change the machine if I have a new script. So I'm thinking of asking her to specificially write the script for:

ResMed S8 AutoSet II
Humidaire 3i (heated humidifier)

Right now I'm using a very simple nasal mask but have been having some troubles with mouth leak (although taping seems to be working fine). Should I also ask her to write new script for a FF mask?

Is there anything else I should have her add to the Rx?

[sleeplessinaz]

HI---that ResMed S8 AutoSet II is a GREAT machine. I would go for that if I were you or the ELITE S8 which is what I have. It is data capable but only is a CPAP with EPR. The humidifer is a MUST!! I hear that there is a new one now the Humidaire 4i (heated humidifier)--which is supposedly better.

I use the Swfit LT--this is the greatest invention since sliced bread to me--i love it!! Then again I am not a mouth breather but I read on here that you can train yourself to sleep with your mouth closed--you will need to see what the others say about this subject.

Hope I helped!!! Carrie

[john_dozer]

Depending on your DME, if possible ask for more generic name, like Autoset CPAP machine of patient's choosing or whatever the generic name for the device is.

That way the script will be good if you want to switch models or your model goes obsolete and needs to be replaced.

If you think insurance won't cover it if it isn't explicit I guess its better to call it out then.

[rested gal]

I hear that there is a new one now the Humidaire 4i (heated humidifier)--which is supposedly better.

Yes, if I were going to have a ResMed integrated humidifier specified on the Rx, I'd want it to be the 4i, not the 3i.

[Mrs. Tatis]

HI---that ResMed S8 AutoSet II is a GREAT machine. I would go for that if I were you or the ELITE S8 which is what I have. It is data capable but only is a CPAP with EPR. The humidifer is a MUST!! I hear that there is a new one now the Humidaire 4i (heated humidifier)--which is supposedly better.

I use the Swfit LT--this is the greatest invention since sliced bread to me--i love it!! Then again I am not a mouth breather but I read on here that you can train yourself to sleep with your mouth closed--you will need to see what the others say about this subject.

Hope I helped!!! Carrie

I wish everyone felt that way about the Swift LT. I would say only one out of 5 patients will choose that mask. Its my favorite as well.

[wasColette]

Saw GP dr. today. She didn't even ask any questions about the cpap. Just said she was glad I'm using it and that she would write the rx for anything I wanted. Great. I've got the Rx. But...it really shows me I'm on my own here.

So this is what Rx says:

Auto CPAP - ResMed S8 Auto Set II
Heated Humidifier (HumidAire 3i or 4i)
Full Face Mask

I didn't think about it until after I had left the dr.'s office, but she didn't put a pressure reading in my Rx. Is that going to be a problem? I'm now on straight CPAP at 5cm.

Another question is, can I just walk into my DME with this new Rx and they'll fill it? Before it was the sleep center who called it into DME, but I don't think they are involved anymore in my case. I have already called my insurance and they said I could change out the machine as long as I have a script. Which now I do.

[rested gal]

I didn't think about it until after I had left the dr.'s office, but she didn't put a pressure reading in my Rx. Is that going to be a problem? I'm now on straight CPAP at 5cm.

Most DMEs would want to see a pressure range on the Rx, like "5 - 15 cm H2O." They could just set the Autopap for CPAP mode at your previously prescribed single cpap pressure, but they are going to look askance at the Rx and wonder about it. I'd go back to the GP and get her to add a pressure range on the Rx. You can always change the pressure later.

Another question is, can I just walk into my DME with this new Rx and they'll fill it? Before it was the sleep center who called it into DME, but I don't think they are involved anymore in my case. I have already called my insurance and they said I could change out the machine as long as I have a script. Which now I do.

They should fill it, but you never know. Some DMEs get balky; some are cooperative. You'll stand a much better chance of their filling it, though, if you get a pressure range stated on the Rx.