Going to a new machine- Resmed S9 from Respitronics M Series

[reubjames]

My doctor has asked that I do a data download from my CPAP machine. Turns out, the machine I was issued approximately 3 years ago is not capable of data logging. It only stores the simple compliance data so this is prompting a search for a new machine. I feel the equipment supplier intentionally gave me a basic machine back then when I should have had a data capable machine then but that's really water under the bridge at this point.

I feel my old machine, a Respitronics M Series (straight CPAP with humidifier) does a fine job and is still in good working order but the doctor feels he needs to investigate further and I can see the benefit of having more detailed information. That machine is super quiet compared to a couple others I've tried so I'm a little scared the S9 will be loud compared to what I am used to.

I talked to the equipment supplier and they have quoted me a price around $650 with a full-face interface and humidifier. They are recommending the Resmed S9 Elite as a suitable replacement for my M Series.

I've found the ResMed ResScan 3.14 and downloaded it so that I can track my on progress at home but am interested in seeing what some of the data would look like. Would anyone be willing to copy a data dump from your S9's SD card so that I can play with ResScan?

Also, are all you S9 Elite owners happy with your machines? Are they quiet compared to other units you've used? Any options or questions I should make sure to investigate before I get tied into the S9 by purchasing it?

I always feel like they can see me coming a mile away at the medical equipment place and somehow know just how much abuse my credit card is willing to take that day.

Thanks in advance,

Reuben.

[msradar65]

Rueban,

I started as a new user November 2010 with S9 autoset. I love it. Its nearly silent. I use the climateline hose and hose huggie and barrel cozy to make sure no rainout.

I think this is an excellent choice and the data is wonderful. If you ask around here you can also get the clinicians manual as well.

[wolewyck]

I had the S9 Elite before realizing I needed an ASV type machine (also in the S9 series). I think that line is fantastic-- yes, they are super-quiet. You can still hear the birds in the morning, the rain, etc. It's nice to be able to use the heated Climateline tube, to avoid rainout. It has a small footprint and is easy to travel with, if you need to do that.

[reubjames]

Thanks for the reply guys, that makes me feel better about going to a new machine.

Reuben.

[Tom R]

Reuben,
I think if you look around in Rescan you can find sample patient data..
Good Luck!!

[kempo]

This is a video of rescan 3.12, http://montfordhouse.com/cpap/resscan_tutorial/

It will give you a good idea about how to use rescan 3.14.

[reubjames]

Thanks Kempo, that's helpful!

Reuben.

[Otter]

My doctor has asked that I do a data download from my CPAP machine. Turns out, the machine I was issued approximately 3 years ago is not capable of data logging. It only stores the simple compliance data so this is prompting a search for a new machine. I feel the equipment supplier intentionally gave me a basic machine back then when I should have had a data capable machine then but that's really water under the bridge at this point.

It was completely intentional. Insurance pays the same for any machine, so DMEs have a strong incentive to send you home with the cheapest machine they've got.

That machine is super quiet compared to a couple others I've tried so I'm a little scared the S9 will be loud compared to what I am used to.

It's the quietest machine on the market. Mine starts to wheeze when the pressure gets up to 15 cm, but it's never loud. Below 15 cm it is extremely quiet.

I talked to the equipment supplier and they have quoted me a price around $650 with a full-face interface and humidifier. They are recommending the Resmed S9 Elite as a suitable replacement for my M Series.

If that's the full price and not your copay, that's a very good price for a new Resmed machine and mask. It's probably worth paying a little more to get the S9 Autoset (NOT Auto Escape), in case you want to try APAP.

[archangle]

Get an S9 AutoSet if at all possible. It will do everything the Elite will, plus more. It might help if your doctor writes you a prescription with a pressure range for it. For instance, 9-11 if he wants a pressure of 10. You can always change the pressure later. Do not let them trick you with an S9 Escape Auto instead of an AutoSet. The Escape Auto doesn't collect much data. Similarly, don't let them trick you with an Escape instead of an Elite.

[reubjames]

Great info.

That price is my full cost according to the medical equipment supplier. I think I get some sort of discount since they are in my "network" but it still seems a little low to me for a machine, mask and humidifier. I'm sure there will be some cost they forgot to include in the quote over the phone.

I'll see if they can get me an S9 Autoset model if it's not too much more. My deductible is $2500 this year (thanks boss :-\) and I haven't paid any into yet so it's all going to come out of my pocket.