S9

[vapat75]

I contacted my DME today about swaping out my S8 Elite II for the resmed S9, I was told I could swap out the S9 but would have to buy the humidifier for the S9 myself since it was a purchased item. I am on the rental plan form medicare, I was wanting to get other opinions as if I should do that or not. My DME is Lincare.

[Janknitz]

Yes, unfortunately the humidifier portion of the machine is a purchase item, not a rental, and you have already gotten one purchased by Medicare. On the other hand, if you have had your machine less than a month, I'd push them to replace the whole thing.

It would be nice if the DME would simply swap them out for you, but it does require cleaning and reselling the humidifier you already have and they don't sound willing to do that. You might try cleaning up your S8 humidifier and selling it on the auction site to recoup some of your loss. Maybe someone is looking to replace theirs.

[sleepnationtv]

The S9 has some new features to it but many of them revolve around the humidifier and the reporting. Other than that it is the same machine in a new look. THe humidifier has climate control which eliminates rainout in the mask and tubing. The reporting is more advanced but it only does you good if you have someone who will download it and give you the report on a regular basis. Or you can get the software so you can do it yourself. I doubt lincare will want to come out and take a download every week. If you have not had problems with hte H4i humidifier than it may not be worth buying the humidifier unless medicare will pay for most of it. I think they will only pay for it every 5 years so you would paying 100% out of pocket.
http://www.sleepnation.tv/post/808897740/episode1

[vapat75]

I already have the software and do download it my self.

[billbolton]

Other than that it is the same machine in a new look.

No, its quite a different machine at a whole host of levels, including the treatment algorithm.

Cheers,

Bill