What Machine features are essential for you?

[snardo]

Background: 6+ years on CPAP therapy, faithful user. As you can see from my profile, my equipment is "mature" to put it kindly. I just had an updated titration sleep study done to see whether my current pressure is still sufficient. The technician that did the study told me about this forum and also talked a little about some of the advances in technology since I got my first machine (which I'm still using - almost 18,000 hrs of operation).

After browsing for a bit over at cpap.com I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the data recording options and various other features that many machines seem to have. My question is this: Which features (ramp, data card/monitoring, etc...)? are essential for you. I don't want to break the bank buying a new one - insurance is only so helpful - so I'm trying to be a prudent consumer. As a follow-on, are there any specific machines that seem to travel better than others i.e. light weight, small, well-designed travel bag, etc...?

I looked a bit to see if this was already addressed somewhere but was unsuccessful. Feel free to refer me to another post if this topic has already been well developed. Thanks!

[Breathe Jimbo]

Full data capability, not compliance only.

Use of a generic, non-proprietary, SD card to store and transfer data.

Software available to read and graph the data.

Some kind of pressure relief on exhale; different names used by different manufacturers.

Integrated, as opposed to built-in, humidifier.

[roster]

What Machine features are essential for you?

Software!

I would probably be happy with any current model as long as it has software and I can get a copy of the software.

[Slinky]

I don't know if your Plus had C-Flex option or not nor if it did if you used it or not. Not that that option is important anymore given Resmed, PR (Respironics) and ... F&P or DeVilbiss (I've forgotten which) all offer some form of pressure relief on exhalation if wanted or needed. If you didn't have it on your Plus or never used it on your Plus its not an mportant feature anyway.

Most important to me (since I got good therapy w/both the Resmed S8s AND the Respironics pre-M Series and new PR System One PAPs) is ease of access to and amount of data available via the LCD screen. The PR software and the Resmed software are easily obtainable. Resmed excels over PR (Respironics) in amount of data available via the LCD screen but they have as far back as the Respironics pre-M Series models so that's no change.

The Resmed S8s were great to travel w/but they've been replaced by the S9s which I've not had the opportunity to use. And I haven't had to travel yet w/the PR S1 but the carry case that came w/mine was no where near as well padded as my S8 carry case and I sure wouldn't count on it to provide much protection.

Most all insurances pay for PAPs by HCPCS (insurance) code rather than by brand or model so despite the price differences you see at cpap.com buying from a local DME provider there would be no difference in cost to you between the Resmed, the PR, the DeVilbiss or the F&P brands for comparable models, i.e. straight CPAP or APAP. Bottom of the barrel, compliance data only PAPs like your Plus are the exact same HCPCS code as a top of the line PR SystemOne Auto or Resmed S9 AutoSet.

On the other hand, as you found w/your Plus, the therapy itself is as good w/the entry level PAPs as the APAPs. The advantage to the APAPs is that they can be used in straight CPAP mode OR in auto-titrating mode so its like getting 2 PAPs in one. Of course, the local DME providers MUCH PREFER to provide the entry level Plus or Escape than the top of the class APAP. Most insurances do not allow the local providers to charge an "upcharge" if you choose the fully data capable CPAP or APAP over the entry level PAP.

Just be diplomatic if the local DME provider is reluctant to provide any more than an entry level PAP, be firm and INSIST on a PAP w/access to Leak, AI and AHI. Its YOUR health, YOUR therapy, YOU are paying for it, whether thru insurance or out of pocket is immaterial, YOU are the one paying for it.

Call your insurance company and ask them what local DME CPAP providers they are contracted with. If you have Medicare then call your secondary insurance to ask them, most all local DME providers accept Medicare. Medicare is their bread and butter and the majority of their business. Hopefully you have the option of more than one local DME provider as that gives you more bargaining/negotiating room to get the equipment you want, w/in reason, of course.

[snardo]

Thanks all, esp Slinky. I'm definitely going to be better prepared this time around when I go to the DME. Especially since, after reviewing my insurance coverage it looks like I'll be footing a fair it of the bill myself (darn deductibles!)

[archangle]

What they said above about Auto and humidifier and software.

The ability to get into the clinician menu and change settings myself.

Are there any CPAP machines that are "secure" in the sense that you have to have special software or hardware to change the pressure settings? I'm sort of surprised the medical mafia hasn't already locked us out to protect their profit margins errr... to protect the patients from hurting themselves.

[70sSanO]

I have to echo the sentiments about getting a machine that provides full data and one you are able to easily make changes.

I have been on CPAP for years and finally I have feedback as to what is going on in the middle of the night.

I am quite happy with my CPAP mchine choice. The only thing I would have done differently was go to an AutoPAP. Not because I need it right now, but because the difference in price was not that much and if I find that an Auto would give better therapy, I would not have to choose between health and dollars. Also I would have the option to run it in straight CPAP or APAP.

In the end you know what features you need as far as ramp, humdifying, etc. I have never used a humidifier, so I passed on it again this time. But if one day I feel I really need one, or need one occasionally for the winter, I'll buy cheap or used.

John

[LaCansada]

I just updated from a Respironics CPAP to the Resmed S9 Elite and boy do I love it. It seems to be a much better machine. Things I now can't live without:

1) Pressure relief on exhalation
2) Humidifier w/auto-adjusting humidity
3) Data such as AHI on LCD screen (I know I will not get into analyzing a data-card)
4) Heated tubing and climate control (prevents rainout)

All this is rather expensive, however.

[KatieW]

If you are paying a large portion of your new cpap, do the math and compare it to the on-line cost, at cpap.com. Find out what your DME would charge, and what your bottom-line cost would be, compared to buying out of pocket yourself.

It may also save you the hassle of having to fight for the machine that you want.

I agree with others about fully data capable, and whatever comfort features you prefer.

[lars4life]

.

[Cindy Lou Who]

Full data capability, not compliance only.

Use of a generic, non-proprietary, SD card to store and transfer data.

Software available to read and graph the data.

Some kind of pressure relief on exhale; different names used by different manufacturers.

Integrated, as opposed to built-in, humidifier.

Add to Jimbo's list a water tank that breaks apart so the inside can be disinfected. Also a heated hose to prevent "rain-out."
Number One on my list is also a fully data-capable machine. IMHO you need to see your leak rate, AI, AHI, etc. every morning. This allows you to catch trends and "dial in" your therapy...sometimes better and definitely in a more timely way than seeing your Dr 2X a year. Folks here can help you do that when you can post your raw data.
Cindy
Wishing you good luck getting your new machine!

[roster]

Add to Jimbo's list a water tank that breaks apart so the inside can be disinfected.

Disagree.

If you take reasonable care of your equipment the humidier tank will never need disinfecting. You only put distilled water and filtered air in it.

If you insist on cleaning it, fill it with a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water and rinse it out. No need to open the tank.

Also, taking a tank apart can cause it to leak.

[Slinky]

I agree w/Roster Rooster. Another easy way to clean your water tank is to fill it w/really warm water and drop a PoliDent Denture Cleansing table in it, let it fizz and soak a while, empty, rinse.

[dukemom1]

I went outside of my insurance. My DME gave me a cash price $300 below the best price I could find online - and I have great (and expensive) equipment.

As far as features go, I LOVE the heated humidifier and climate control hose. I have dryness issues anyway due to an autoimmune disease, but it is very soothing to be breathing warm, moist air - whether it's medically necessary or not.

The travel pack that comes with with ResMed S9 Elite w/H5i humidifier is awesome! It has two separate and well labeled compartments for the two halves of the machine - the CPAP and the humidifier are two different pieces that come apart very easily. Each piece is velcro'd safely into it's own compartment. There is an area to secure the hose, cord and mask, as well as a flap to carry documentaion.

The Resmed website offers letters that be downloaded with a patients right to carry the CPAP machine on an airline and NOT have it count as part of your allowed two pieces of carry-on as well as the machine's FAA comlience:

http://www.resmed.com/us/service_and_su ... c=patients

At the far right of the above linked page, under Travel Information and then under Travel Letter, are the two letters in PDF format that you can print off. (When traveling, you should also take a copy of your doctor's script.)

OT, but speaking of travel bags, there are travel tags you can buy to help identify a CPAP bag as FAA approved medical equipment that must stay with the patient:

http://www.cpapxchange.com/cpap-supplie ... alert.html

[Bobby269]

If you find out that its better to purchase a unit online. Look for the best price than call cpap.com. They will match the price
of any online dealer. I found that out when I purchased my back up and travel unit.They are great to deal with and answer all questions.