Bipap Auto Vs. PR System One Auto

[sthnreb]

Can anyone compare these two bipap Auto machines? I just started Medicare with UHC and Secure Horizons and am looking for a machine. The M series DS600 is the one the DME said I could get at no charge but it is not auto. I can get the auto DS700 if I pay $300. They said they wouldn't purchase/supply a DS750, PR system one. Stating, it has to many problems. However another DME said the bipap auto DS700 was discontinued. I can't find that info anywhere. I understand Respironics has had tons of problems with the M series bipap auto heated humidifier resovoir getting water into the machine. The new PR System One is supposed to address that problem and not let water escape even if turned upside down. It also adjusts the ambient temperature of the humidifier to stop rainout so I hear or read. So, should I try to find a DME that will supply a DS750 or go with the M series and the $300 extra? This provider said my insurance would only pay for a basic unit and not a auto as it was for sleep labs and medical facilities. I use a bipap pro auto now.

[-SWS]

Can anyone compare these two bipap Auto machines?

I have no idea how the quality compares. The PR System One BiPAP Auto can detect periodic breathing episodes (detection accuracy unknown). It can also detect and algorithmically respond to RERA events (detection accuracy unknown).

[sthnreb]

Any pluses for the M series?

[socalmonkey]

This provider said my insurance would only pay for a basic unit and not a auto as it was for sleep labs and medical facilities.

That's a bunch of crap. Get your doctor to specifically state what machine you want (right down to the model number) and they have to provide it. Auto is not for sleep labs. That's nonsense.

Regarding the redesign of the humidifier on the PR System One - it's fantastic. Never a rain out problem. Great capacity (I'm not running out of water the next day). I would not go back to the old M Series. I've not heard of any problems with the DS750S. That's the new machine. The DME just doesn't want to get it for you. Get the machine you want.

[-SWS]

Any pluses for the M series?

Software availability.

[socalmonkey]

By the way speaking of software... if anybody wants EncoreViewer v1.0 with a DT3500 Smart Card reader for about $70... I am selling mine. Barely used it a month when I switched to the PR machine.

Just send me a private message, if anybody has any interest in it.

[sthnreb]

So the PR One System takes different software? I saw it said Encore Pro 2 software. I guess that is a sleep lab or medical software? I have the Encore Viewer along with Encore 1.5-1.8. I got it here when it was $200 and then the update from Respironics. Assuming my software works with the M Series and not the PR then.

That's a bunch of crap. Get your doctor to specifically state what machine you want (right down to the model number) and they have to provide it. Auto is not for sleep labs. That's nonsense.

That was exactly my thought too Socalmonkey. Thanks for the support.

[sthnreb]

My DME called today and said they would waiver the $300 extra fee and get the auto M series. I've been told they no longer manufacture the M series and when stock is sold from manufacturer and DME's stock, they will be discontinued. I don't want to get a discontinued machine. However, the DME says the M series is a better and more proven machine and they have got the bugs worked out. Also more costly. The new PR One is new and no reviews. He thinks that since insurance payments are being reduced they are trying to build a cheaper machine so their profits will be up. This makes sense too. The PR One DS750 still has a 2 yr warranty and if the M series is to be discontinued, well I prefer a newer machine. So, he still goes with the M series Auto. He said he would order me the PR One Auto if I wanted it but I would have to take it as they wouldn't have a use for it.

"This information was given to us directly from our Respironics sales representative. It does not list this information on their site. They are no longer manufacturing the M-Series platform; thus it has been discontinued. They do have some remaining stock of some of the M-Series models, but some others are sold out and no longer available. There are some remaining DS700 (Bipap Auto) machines left - we have a shipment of them scheduled to arrive next week."

A hard decision, what are some cpap/bipapers thoughts?

[Gerryk]

That's BS from the DME, once again a few bad ones giving the rest who are good a bad name. The Auto is not just for a sleep lab. In fact I don't believe any sleep labs use an auto machine. I believe they use one that is remotely controlled from their console.

I am on an Auto BiPap set as an auto BiPap. I like mine, but it is only a year old and showing it's age like a president in office during war. I can see over time that their will be problems with the humidifier as their are water marks on the heater plate. Apparently it has leaked some or I was careless when extra tired one night and didn't wipe it completely dry after filling.

Gerry

[sthnreb]

That's some of my concerns on the M series. I know the sleep labs use machines controlled from their panels, not just a plain auto machine. The titrating adjust the air flow according to the volume needed whether by leak or obstruction. I just don't know if they have the bugs out of the M series or if the newer PR One DS750HS is in reality a better machine.

[cotech50]

Tonite will be my 9th on a PR System One and I am very happy with it. I use a FF mask. So do not be afraid of getting it.

[sthnreb]

Thanks. I guess I am concerned about the longevity of either machine and which would be the best for the long haul. I think they only replace them every 5 years. I may not even be around then. I had a ICD implanted Sept. 15, 2009.

[Gerryk]

I understand most insurance companies changed their replacement policy. Mine used to be every two or three years they would give you a new one no questions asked. Now they will only give you a new one if you require a machine upgrade or yours is broken and can't be repaired. My insurance actually wants the machine sent out to the manufacturer for repairs, if it can be fixed they will fix it, if not they spring for a new one.

Gerry

[sthnreb]

I guess that's a good reason to get the machine you want to start with. My new insurance is Medicare Advantage program. I believe they allow one every 5 or 6 years. Hey they can do that because they think most won't make it that long anyway if on Medicare. I just wasn't sure which machine to get, the M series or the PR System One. Kind of leaning to the M series. I would think that sometimes the repairs could be more than replacement. I guess that would be OK, repairing, as long as it worked fine and no further immediate problems. Most just want a reliable machine that works fine for them. I really believe the mask has a lot to do with whether one used the machine or not. Thanks.