And so it goes...

[janetlee]

I know that I'm supposed to make it part of my profile as to what equipment I have, but I really don't know. When I said in an earlier post what my machine was, everyone said it was not a good one: RemStarPlus M Series Model 200 M Bipap. It does have a data card loaded into it. I was told that my machine doesn't keep up with all the data I should have. I talked to my RT today and she said that it does have it too, that that's why the data card is in there. It will tell doctor all about leakages, etc. So I don't know what to think now. All I know is that I am not qualified to challenge her on this.
I also talked to her to let her know that after one week of this, my full face mask is not holding good. Air keeps escaping from around my mask no matter how much I adjusted it last night. So she's going to bring me a nose mask to try next. If it doesn't do well, I don't know what I'll do because medicaid will only pay for two mask tryouts within 30 days. If I get a different one and it is crap, what will I do? I can't afford to keep buying masks to find out that they're not for me!
Thanks everyone! You have ALL been so nice! I'm sorry that I can't always acknowledge each individual comment. I really would like to though!
jl

[jules]

http://encore.respironics.com/type.aspx

check what you have there - and read the description at the top of that page -


you want a machine with an X in the second column -

[Wulfman]

I know that I'm supposed to make it part of my profile as to what equipment I have, but I really don't know. When I said in an earlier post what my machine was, everyone said it was not a good one: RemStarPlus M Series Model 200 M Bipap. It does have a data card loaded into it. I was told that my machine doesn't keep up with all the data I should have. I talked to my RT today and she said that it does have it too, that that's why the data card is in there. It will tell doctor all about leakages, etc. So I don't know what to think now. All I know is that I am not qualified to challenge her on this.
I also talked to her to let her know that after one week of this, my full face mask is not holding good. Air keeps escaping from around my mask no matter how much I adjusted it last night. So she's going to bring me a nose mask to try next. If it doesn't do well, I don't know what I'll do because medicaid will only pay for two mask tryouts within 30 days. If I get a different one and it is crap, what will I do? I can't afford to keep buying masks to find out that they're not for me!
Thanks everyone! You have ALL been so nice! I'm sorry that I can't always acknowledge each individual comment. I really would like to though!
jl

Your DME is either a liar or an imbecile.
Tell her to download the card and SHOW you all of the "detailed" data.......leaks, snores, apneas and hypopneas. It will NOT be there......only the number of hours it's been used......that's all that machine will record on the card.

It's my understanding that most if not all DMEs have a obligation (under a program with the manufacturers) to exchange your mask within 30 days if it does not work out......without charge.


Den

[Cygnusia]

Yeah, at the very least, if you're going to want to monitor your nightly usage data, you need to get a M Series Pro, and an accompanying card reader.

The Plus just tells the insurance that you're using it... and that's pretty much it.

As for your mask, you have EVERY right to keep trying and testing until you find one that works for you. I'm on my fourth mask tryout now, and I have every reason to believe if the FullLife doesn't work out for me, they'll let me try more until I find one that works best for my facial features.

[janetlee]

You know what? Nothing suprises me any more.
janetlee

[jules]

we have heard it all - over and over again

[Kiralynx]

JanetLee,

Filling out your profile help us help you. It also saves you from having to tell us what machine you have every time, and cuts back on us having to ask you before we can answer your questions. Once registered,

1. Look for the User Control Panel, just below the Search box, which is, in turn, just below the CPAPTALK.Com logo.

2. Click on the tab just below the black User Control which says, "Profile."

3. Look to the left, and click on the bar which says, "Edit Equipment."

4. Fill in your equipment, and select "Text" as the display method.

And with all due respect, your DME either doesn't know, or outright lied to you. Your machine has a card... but the only thing it records is the hours of use.

Ask him or her to print out the data and show you the apneas, hypopneas, and leak rates on your mask. I'll lay odds s/he can't do it.

Also, most DMEs have a return-in-30-days policy on masks.

What kind of mask do you have? Bet there are some people experienced in that mask who can help you make it work better.

Also, look around for some of the mask test drives run on this Forum. (Oh, Babette....)

[DoriC]

Our DME argued with me also when she set us up with the Plus. "See this blue card, it records all the data". What she didn't know was that I had already begun my education on cpaptalk and was ready with my reply, "compliance only". It was shortly replaced with the one in my profile. We also tried at least 4-5 masks before we found one that worked.

[jules]

the whole thing is a lot of (maybe most) docs only care about compliance - they don't care if the treatment works - just that you use it

[janetlee]

What kind of mask do you have? Bet there are some people experienced in that mask who can help you make it work better.

Also, look around for some of the mask test drives run on this Forum. (Oh, Babette....)

The mask I have is a Respironics ComfortGel Full. That's all I know.
thanx,
jl

[junie]

A lot of us really like the nasal mask, Mirage Swift LT.Nasal Mask, It really works great, Welcome to our forum,

[kteague]

About the data availability on your machine - maybe it was ignorance rather than deceit - which would be even sadder, since they are supposed to be the "expert" and are depended on by so many. About getting another mask - if you have chronic congestion or nasal structure issues that force mouth breathing, a full face mask will avoid another switch due to that. If that's not an issue with you, another style might serve you better. I use nasal pillows, but have to address the mouth breathing. One person's dream mask can be another's nightmare. Saw on here the other day someone who had trouble with the Zest, while a newbie I know switched to the Zest and loves it. Seems our faces are nearly as individual as our fingerprints. Sometimes it is in the size or the adjusting or strap arrangement that can make a mask workable (though sometimes nothing but a different mask will do). If you do get to a point with your supplier that you can't trade out any more masks, check on here for tweaks and fixes. This is the most frustrating part - all while we don't feel like dealing with it. But it is necessary. Hope you find relief soon.
Kathy

[Cygnusia]

If worse comes to worst, you can always switch to another DME that is more knowledgeable about CPAP. They are definitely out there!

Just don't give up and don't let them railroad you... considering that all CPAP's are under the same code with your insurance, there's NO reason for them to give you the "Bottom Of The Line" model. Well, except to line their own pockets...

[janetlee]

My mask was leaking so bad last night and irritated me so much that I finally gave up! I had to take it off for the rest of the night and so mom heard me SNORING. I can't get another mask until Tuesday. I will do my best to find out what's going on with my DME. Exactly WHAT does "DME" stand for anyhow?
jl

[timbalionguy]

My mask was leaking so bad last night and irritated me so much that I finally gave up! I had to take it off for the rest of the night and so mom heard me SNORING. I can't get another mask until Tuesday. I will do my best to find out what's going on with my DME. Exactly WHAT does "DME" stand for anyhow?
jl

Hang in there, and work this trough. It will be worth it in the long run.

DME =Durable Medical Equipment provider. And based on the trouble they cause so many folks here, 'snake oil salesman'. Based on a previous negative experience of helping out another person through DME's, I will only use one if I have no other choice.