Another NEWBIE- Several Questions

[tactical logic]

Hello All,

First of all a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving to all. I was set up with my first machine about a month ago. It is a 3 month rental, then will be purchased by Insurance co. I have RESMED Escape II. Local provider told me I could not get Elite II or RESMED Auto because they don't use those units. I have read the remarks about profit margins for a variety of machines.

I am an engineer (Yeah- I know- over analysis) and would like to have software to be able to see how my therapy is doing, and note problems (I am having leakage). I am getting some rainout, but have read several posts that I think will help.

I contacted an online provider (Americare Resp.) about having them become my new provider. My insurance company says it's not an issue s long as I turn in the rental. I have the H4i Resmed humidifier that I PAID for directly. In talking with new provider, they said the Elite II is doable, and perhaps the AutoSetII with little or no charge to me. They are, however, suggesting that I go to the Respironics PRI (their words-not mine).

I had talked to another web provider that said that software is not available for Resmed. I want to be able to look at my performance data, and to have intelligent discussions about my therapy. I don't like jumping around, and I liked the Resmed Escape II.

ANY help in mask selection/template usage/etc. is greatly appreciated. I worry that using an online source does remove my ability to "fit" a mask successfully.

ANY input to help me separate the SALES talk from real machine/software benefits is appreciated. If you have vendor ideas or recommendations- please feel free to contact me at bruce@wealthkare.com.

Respectfully,

Bruce

[KatieW]

The ResScan software is available on e-bay for 2.95. I think some people here have purchased it that way. Also, it's available for $99 from a company in Australia. Yes, definitely get whatever software comes with your cpap.

You will also need a card reader or interface. See this thread for options:

viewtopic/t46752/Question-for-the-ResMe ... ckers.html

As far as on-line sellers go, I bought my S8AutoSet II from cpap.com. At the time it was a little less at another seller, so they matched the price. If you order masks from them, mask insurance is available for $20 plus, depending on the mask. You have 30 days to return it, and get your purchase price back. They ship very quickly, and their customer service is excellent. I have returned one mask without any problems.

My health insurance has a very high deductible, so I just bought it all on my own. It was alot less hassle than what I hear people here going through, to fight for what they want. The "support and service" you miss out on is questionable anyway, I think. I talked to 2 local DME's and was not been impressed with their knowledge and customer service. I considered at least buying a mask from them, but their prices were more than double.

[harry33]

welcome
stay with us

[DoriC]

Welcome and Happy Thanksgiving to you. I don't think monitoring your therapy is being over-analytical, it's really almost a necessity as far as I'm concerned. I don't have your machine but I would think since you already have the humidifier you should opt for the Resmed Autoset. It's considered top of the line so stick to your guns. Good luck.

[peppi]

Welcome Bruce!
First off return the Escape for the Autoset II. Its a great machine other than it doesnt ever really turn off. I just unplug it daily.
Other than that, I love the machine. Its very quiet.

Mask recommendation Swift LT. Admittedly I havent tried any other nasal pillow mask but I did try some fighter pilot masks and they were not nearly as comfortable.
Of course if you sleep with your mouth open you will need a chin strap. Luckily I dont have that problem.

As far as the reader, get the USB adapter. I just bought one at CPAP.com for $69.00 + 7.00 shipping. I'm going to attempt to make mine wireless, I'll report how it goes.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... chine.html

PM me if you need the software.

Best,
Phil

[tactical logic]

IS there any significant advantage to the Respironics PRI over the Autoset II? Are there certain non Resmed masks/pillows that have compatability issues with the Autoset's autocontrol programming?

Bruce

[shambharwani]

IS there any significant advantage to the Respironics PRI over the Autoset II? Are there certain non Resmed masks/pillows that have compatability issues with the Autoset's autocontrol programming?

Bruce

Bruce,

Personally I preferred the PR over the Autoset because of Respironics Autotrack and A-Flex technologies. There are many on this forum who prefer the Autoset and even the Intelipap. However, and this may be a major issue with you (over analysis) the software for the PR is still not available and no one seems to know it will become available for patients. So if your DME wants to give you a PR go for it but insist he gives you a copy of the software (and maybe you could share it with us)

[bailachel]

[/quote]However, and this may be a major issue with you (over analysis) the software for the PR is still not available and no one seems to know it will become available for patients.[/quote]


In response to my request for patient software, I received an email last week from Phillips Respironics in which they stated that the patient software will be available in "early 2010". I'm keeping my finges crossed. They didn't give me any information about the capabilities of the software.

[tactical logic]

I see the PR Systems One users like their machines as do the Autoset II users. Are you machine choices based on provider availability, recommendations of others, or timing of product being on market (I think Autoset II was available for a while, but PR 1 is very recent. I also see the Autoset semms priced higher. Do anyone have comparison info. or IF you chose one over the other- why? I understand the software situation- but it does APPEAR that the PR 1 has many more data areas for analysis of treatment/issues. I looked thru the Resmed sight- and even though the software is avail., I think there is less data.

Bruce