Decided to get the S8 Auto II

[bcab17]

I spoke with my DME rep today, and he recommended the S8 Auto II over the S8 Elite II. Even though I've always been a CPAP only user, the rep described the Auto II as an "Elite II PLUS the APAP option", so as long as my health insurance provider will cover it (and they will), he said the Auto II is the better choice.

The rep went on to say that since my prescription reads "CPAP - Pressure 10", he can only set the Auto II in CPAP mode with that prescribed fixed pressure setting. When I asked about my being able to switch the machine to APAP to "experiment on my own" he said that I would not be able to do that. He said that I would need a new prescription for APAP with a specific pressure range, and then he would re-program the card, which would in-turn setup the machine with the new settings.

Does this sound right to you? After reading several posts regarding this machine I had the impression that it was fully "user-adjustable".

Since this DME is located close to my home he told me that I didn't have to purchase the software and card reader if I didn't want to, and that I could bring my card to him once a week or month and he would print out all the data for me. This sounded pretty good to me, but being a skeptic I was wondering if I'm missing something.

[rosiefrosie]

I spoke with my DME rep today, and he recommended the S8 Auto II over the S8 Elite II. Even though I've always been a CPAP only user, the rep described the Auto II as an "Elite II PLUS the APAP option", so as long as my health insurance provider will cover it (and they will), he said the Auto II is the better choice.

The rep went on to say that since my prescription reads "CPAP - Pressure 10", he can only set the Auto II in CPAP mode with that prescribed fixed pressure setting. When I asked about my being able to switch the machine to APAP to "experiment on my own" he said that I would not be able to do that. He said that I would need a new prescription for APAP with a specific pressure range, and then he would re-program the card, which would in-turn setup the machine with the new settings.

Does this sound right to you? After reading several posts regarding this machine I had the impression that it was fully "user-adjustable".

Since this DME is located close to my home he told me that I didn't have to purchase the software and card reader if I didn't want to, and that I could bring my card to him once a week or month and he would print out all the data for me. This sounded pretty good to me, but being a skeptic I was wondering if I'm missing something.

Great choice!

Yes, you can change it into the auto mode and change pressures. You don't need a card to do that. You need to get into the clinical menu.

I would recommend purchasing the card reader and software. It's so nice to look at your own data.

rosie

[ScrappinMom]

bacb17
First, congratulations on the AutoSet II. That's what I have and have been happy with it so far. Very quiet, easy to operate.

Yes, you will be able to change any settings, just the DME will not tell you how, nor provide you the info to do it. BUT, there are plenty of folks on this forum that can help you with anything you need. There are also ways to get the software, if you so desire. The AutoSet does have a bit of data right on the screen...Pressure, Leaks, AI, HI, AHI, and of course usage hours.

Good luck!!

[bcab17]

Thanks "Scappin" and "Rosie". I'm not the type of person that would check my CAPA data on a daily basis. I have no idea how much the software and card reader would cost, but if the DME will print out the data for me once a week (just stop in on my home from work) there would be no cost at all.

I guess if I would ever be able to figure out how to get into the clinical menu, and try the APAP mode, having daily data would help me make proper adjustments. Would I need the software and card reader for that or would I get enough data from the Auto II's screen?

[ScrappinMom]

I think you need to know how to review your data, even if you never desire to change anything on your own. That is the only way you will know if you are having leaks, etc. How you feel is very important, but also very subjective.

If you will PM me your personal email, I will send you the clinician manual later. The AutoSet is really very simple to use.
If you can get your card read regularly, you probaby wouldn't have to have the software to be able to make informed decisions about any changes. But just keep in mind, they will know when they read the card if you are making changes (if they bother to actually read the data). Myself, I couldn't care less who knows, but some people do care about that.