I am conducting primary research for a report I am doing for a class at school.
The report is to be a comparative analysis of different machines and accessories, pros/cons of CPAP therapy, it will also include a brief discussion on C-Flex technology.
Below is a questionnaire regarding CPAP/BiPAP machines. I am looking for volunteers, people who are willing to answer the questions and be part of my report.
How to take part:
- copy and paste the questionnaire into a new message or e-mail
- answer as many questions as you can
- post the message in this forum or e-mail your answers to Jennifer at
hauntedwhisperz@shaw.ca
- you do not need to include your name unless you wish to
I would like to thank everyone who takes part in my questionnaire, your input is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Jennifer aka Babeheart
Questionnaire:
Pre-purchase
1. What type of research did you do prior to choosing you CPAP/BiPAP machine?
2. What criteria did you use to determine which (manufacturer) brand to purchase?
3. Did you research vendors before deciding where to purchase your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
4. If yes, what was the most important consideration in your decision to deal with this particular vendor?
5. Would you recommend this vendor to someone requiring their services? Why or why not?
Accessories
1. The following is a list of masks, which one do you currently use? Why did you choose this particular mask over the others?
• Gel nasal mask
• Full face mask
• Nasal pillows
• Oral mask
• Direct nasal mask
• Nasal prong mask
• Total face mask
2. Which, if any, of the following accessories do you use to support your CPAP/BiPAP machine? What is the purpose of using each accessory?
• Smart card and Reader
• Humidifier – Passover, Heated, or Integrated
• Portable battery kit
• Chinstrap
• Extra tubing and connector
• CPAP/BiPAP software
CPAP/BiPAP Machine
1. What brand of CPAP/BiPAP machine did you purchase?
2. Is your CPAP/BiPAP machine automatic or is it at a set pressure?
3. Was your machine recommended over other brands?
4. What accessories, if any, came with your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
5. Was a warranty included in the purchase of your CPAP/BiPAP machine? If so, how long is the warranty period and what does it cover?
6. How long have you had your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
7. In this time have you ever had to have the machine serviced? If so, what was the nature of the repair? Was it covered under the warranty?
8. What was the final purchase price of your CPAP/BiPAP machine and accessories?
Please choose one:
• $0 - $299
• $300 - $599
• $600 - $899
• $900 - $1,199
• $1,200 - $1,499
• $1,500 - $1,799
• $1,800 - $2,099
• $2,100 - $2,399
• $2,400 - $2,699
• $2,700 +
9. Would you recommend your machine (brand) to other needing CPAP therapy? Why or why not?
10. Do you use the same machine when you travel? If yes, why?
Other
1. Are you aware of C-Flex technology?
2. If yes, do you believe it to be beneficial to CPAP therapy?
3. Would you recommend a machine equipped with C-Flex technology to others needing CPAP therapy?
4. Has CPAP therapy made a significant impact on your life? Is it a positive or negative impact?
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, tubing, C-FLEX, CPAP, Nasal Pillows, Smart Card, Travel
HELP NEEDED! LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!!
8 posts
• Page 1 of 1
HELP NEEDED! LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!!
Last edited by Babeheart on Sun Apr 02, 2006 7:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Swordz
The report is for a business communications class that I attend at college. The assignment was to write a comparative analysis of a consumer product. Electronics, such as DVD players and stereo, were not permitted nor were vehicles of any kind. I decided that since I was recently diagnosed with OSA I would conduct my report on CPAP machines.
The report is for a business communications class that I attend at college. The assignment was to write a comparative analysis of a consumer product. Electronics, such as DVD players and stereo, were not permitted nor were vehicles of any kind. I decided that since I was recently diagnosed with OSA I would conduct my report on CPAP machines.
-
Selena
Looking for volunteers
Jennifer, one thing strikes me about your report that could possibly skew the results - you & I are in Canada, where a lot of our equipment, or at least initial testing, etc. is paid for one way or the other by government, etc., but in the U.S. it's a different story. They have to deal with private insurance, DME's (which I'm still not absolutely sure of what they are), MD's who are apparently influenced or paid/not paid by companies and the whole system is generally different. You may have to set up your report in two parts to reflect differences... and that's not even getting into how individual states and provinces might vary. This could definitely be interesting!
Pre-purchase
1. What type of research did you do prior to choosing you CPAP/BiPAP machine?
None.
2. What criteria did you use to determine which (manufacturer) brand to purchase?
None.
3. Did you research vendors before deciding where to purchase your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
No.
4. If yes, what was the most important consideration in your decision to deal with this particular vendor?
N/A
5. Would you recommend this vendor to someone requiring their services? Why or why not?
Yes.
They (my DME) are knowledgeable and friendly and provide great service.
Accessories
1. The following is a list of masks, which one do you currently use? Why did you choose this particular mask over the others?
Nasal pillows.
This was recommended after I had problems with a nasal mask.
2. Which, if any, of the following accessories do you use to support your CPAP/BiPAP machine? What is the purpose of using each accessory?
Humidifier (heated)
CPAP treatment increases the amount of air that flows through the throat and sinuses. A humidifier keeps that air moist to prevent soreness, congestion, and discomfort.
CPAP/BiPAP Machine
1. What brand of CPAP/BiPAP machine did you purchase?
ResMed
2. Is your CPAP/BiPAP machine automatic or is it at a set pressure?
set pressure
3. Was your machine recommended over other brands?
don't know
4. What accessories, if any, came with your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Humidifier, mask, and data card
5. Was a warranty included in the purchase of your CPAP/BiPAP machine? If so, how long is the warranty period and what does it cover?
Yes.
Two years.
Defects in material and workmanship, excluding any damage caused as a result of improper use, abuse, modification or alteration of the product; repairs carried out by any service organization that has not been expressly authorized by ResMed to perform such repairs; any damage or contamination due to cigarette, pipe, cigar or other smoke; any damage caused by water being spilled on or into a flow generator.
6. How long have you had your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Three months
7. In this time have you ever had to have the machine serviced? If so, what was the nature of the repair? Was it covered under the warranty?
No.
8. What was the final purchase price of your CPAP/BiPAP machine and accessories?
don't know (my DME billed insurance directly)
9. Would you recommend your machine (brand) to other needing CPAP therapy? Why or why not?
Yes.
It is small, lightweight, quiet, looks nice, and well designed, incorporating improvements from several generations of CPAP technology. It has helpful features like EPS (decreases pressure when exhaling for greater comfort), detachable integrated humidifier, data recording & smart card support, DC power support for travel use, and support for accessories like pulse oximeters and wireless data transmission devices.
10. Do you use the same machine when you travel? If yes, why?
Yes.
It's the only one I have.
Other
1. Are you aware of C-Flex technology?
No.
2. If yes, do you believe it to be beneficial to CPAP therapy?
N/A
3. Would you recommend a machine equipped with C-Flex technology to others needing CPAP therapy?
N/A
4. Has CPAP therapy made a significant impact on your life? Is it a positive or negative impact?
Yes.
Positive.
1. What type of research did you do prior to choosing you CPAP/BiPAP machine?
None.
2. What criteria did you use to determine which (manufacturer) brand to purchase?
None.
3. Did you research vendors before deciding where to purchase your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
No.
4. If yes, what was the most important consideration in your decision to deal with this particular vendor?
N/A
5. Would you recommend this vendor to someone requiring their services? Why or why not?
Yes.
They (my DME) are knowledgeable and friendly and provide great service.
Accessories
1. The following is a list of masks, which one do you currently use? Why did you choose this particular mask over the others?
Nasal pillows.
This was recommended after I had problems with a nasal mask.
2. Which, if any, of the following accessories do you use to support your CPAP/BiPAP machine? What is the purpose of using each accessory?
Humidifier (heated)
CPAP treatment increases the amount of air that flows through the throat and sinuses. A humidifier keeps that air moist to prevent soreness, congestion, and discomfort.
CPAP/BiPAP Machine
1. What brand of CPAP/BiPAP machine did you purchase?
ResMed
2. Is your CPAP/BiPAP machine automatic or is it at a set pressure?
set pressure
3. Was your machine recommended over other brands?
don't know
4. What accessories, if any, came with your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Humidifier, mask, and data card
5. Was a warranty included in the purchase of your CPAP/BiPAP machine? If so, how long is the warranty period and what does it cover?
Yes.
Two years.
Defects in material and workmanship, excluding any damage caused as a result of improper use, abuse, modification or alteration of the product; repairs carried out by any service organization that has not been expressly authorized by ResMed to perform such repairs; any damage or contamination due to cigarette, pipe, cigar or other smoke; any damage caused by water being spilled on or into a flow generator.
6. How long have you had your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Three months
7. In this time have you ever had to have the machine serviced? If so, what was the nature of the repair? Was it covered under the warranty?
No.
8. What was the final purchase price of your CPAP/BiPAP machine and accessories?
don't know (my DME billed insurance directly)
9. Would you recommend your machine (brand) to other needing CPAP therapy? Why or why not?
Yes.
It is small, lightweight, quiet, looks nice, and well designed, incorporating improvements from several generations of CPAP technology. It has helpful features like EPS (decreases pressure when exhaling for greater comfort), detachable integrated humidifier, data recording & smart card support, DC power support for travel use, and support for accessories like pulse oximeters and wireless data transmission devices.
10. Do you use the same machine when you travel? If yes, why?
Yes.
It's the only one I have.
Other
1. Are you aware of C-Flex technology?
No.
2. If yes, do you believe it to be beneficial to CPAP therapy?
N/A
3. Would you recommend a machine equipped with C-Flex technology to others needing CPAP therapy?
N/A
4. Has CPAP therapy made a significant impact on your life? Is it a positive or negative impact?
Yes.
Positive.
-
RestInSeattle
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 12:53 pm
- Location: Seattle
Pre-purchase
1. What type of research did you do prior to choosing you CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Asked about types of CPAP vendors and models the sleep center provided perscriptions for. Looked up both on the web and noticed they were both well recognized. Read article on C-Flex technology at this time.
2. What criteria did you use to determine which (manufacturer) brand to purchase?
Who had the exhale releaf technology of C-Flex, so choose Respironics.
3. Did you research vendors before deciding where to purchase your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Only had a few choices, so picked the closest to home for ease of transportation, etc.
4. If yes, what was the most important consideration in your decision to deal with this particular vendor?
Distance and times of support.
5. Would you recommend this vendor to someone requiring their services? Why or why not?
Yes if covered by insurance provider, need to check in advance.
Accessories
1. The following is a list of masks, which one do you currently use? Why did you choose this particular mask over the others?
Currently use the following:
• Nasal pillows - ResMed Mirage Swift.
Had started with Respironics ComfortGel nasal mask and then the ResMed Activa nasal maks, but encountered face leaks and comfort problems. Nasal pillows appears to be the most successful to date.
2. Which, if any, of the following accessories do you use to support your CPAP/BiPAP machine? What is the purpose of using each accessory?
• Smart card and Reader - Used by provider for sleep study follow-ups
• Humidifier – Heated, REMstar heated humidifier
1. What brand of CPAP/BiPAP machine did you purchase?
Respironics REMstar Pro with C-Flex
2. Is your CPAP/BiPAP machine automatic or is it at a set pressure?
Set pressure
3. Was your machine recommended over other brands?
Two brands where recommended at the time, ResMed and Respironics. I went with the vendor that had C-Flex as this greatly improved my compliance.
4. What accessories, if any, came with your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Carrying case.
6' hose
Heated Humidifier
extra Humidifier coupling ring
Instruction manual - Patients
5. Was a warranty included in the purchase of your CPAP/BiPAP machine? If so, how long is the warranty period and what does it cover?
2 years provided through DME. Just take it in and get a loaner during repair/replacement.
6. How long have you had your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Close to two years.
7. In this time have you ever had to have the machine serviced? If so, what was the nature of the repair? Was it covered under the warranty?
No need for repair, had several check-ups to ensure all is working well and if I was having any problems with compliance. During these times, I'd try another interface (mask).
8. What was the final purchase price of your CPAP/BiPAP machine and accessories?
Please choose one:
• $1,800 - $2,099
This is because the insurance company went with a "lease to own" option so that the device could be returned if I wasn't compliant in 90 days. I see the prices are significantly less online. Of course, I'd not have the drive up and exchange ease with my DME if the equipment failed.
9. Would you recommend your machine (brand) to other needing CPAP therapy? Why or why not?
Certainly, the C-Flex feature itself is amazing in the assist to the compliance issue. During my sleep tests, it was hard to exhale at the pressure needed to controll my OSA. ResMed now has a similar technology, but I'm not experienced with that model. I would recommend the "Auto" version now that it is also C-Flex.
10. Do you use the same machine when you travel? If yes, why?
Yes, even took it to Nairobi Kenya. It has international power support (autoswitching) and is fairly easy to cart in the case provided by Respironics. Airports recognize it fairly quickly, guess there are a lot of OSA travelers out there.
1. Are you aware of C-Flex technology?
Yep, it's the reason I chose the equipment I own.
2. If yes, do you believe it to be beneficial to CPAP therapy?
Couldn't go without it. Too hard to exhale "comfortably" at the pressure I'm at.
3. Would you recommend a machine equipped with C-Flex technology to others needing CPAP therapy?
Yes, or similar technology to C-Flex.
4. Has CPAP therapy made a significant impact on your life? Is it a positive or negative impact?
Positive in all ways. I'm no longer a hazard to fellow highway travelers, I'm not zoning out at work. I've got more energy, and I'm able to share the same bedroom with my spouse!
1. What type of research did you do prior to choosing you CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Asked about types of CPAP vendors and models the sleep center provided perscriptions for. Looked up both on the web and noticed they were both well recognized. Read article on C-Flex technology at this time.
2. What criteria did you use to determine which (manufacturer) brand to purchase?
Who had the exhale releaf technology of C-Flex, so choose Respironics.
3. Did you research vendors before deciding where to purchase your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Only had a few choices, so picked the closest to home for ease of transportation, etc.
4. If yes, what was the most important consideration in your decision to deal with this particular vendor?
Distance and times of support.
5. Would you recommend this vendor to someone requiring their services? Why or why not?
Yes if covered by insurance provider, need to check in advance.
Accessories
1. The following is a list of masks, which one do you currently use? Why did you choose this particular mask over the others?
Currently use the following:
• Nasal pillows - ResMed Mirage Swift.
Had started with Respironics ComfortGel nasal mask and then the ResMed Activa nasal maks, but encountered face leaks and comfort problems. Nasal pillows appears to be the most successful to date.
2. Which, if any, of the following accessories do you use to support your CPAP/BiPAP machine? What is the purpose of using each accessory?
• Smart card and Reader - Used by provider for sleep study follow-ups
• Humidifier – Heated, REMstar heated humidifier
1. What brand of CPAP/BiPAP machine did you purchase?
Respironics REMstar Pro with C-Flex
2. Is your CPAP/BiPAP machine automatic or is it at a set pressure?
Set pressure
3. Was your machine recommended over other brands?
Two brands where recommended at the time, ResMed and Respironics. I went with the vendor that had C-Flex as this greatly improved my compliance.
4. What accessories, if any, came with your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Carrying case.
6' hose
Heated Humidifier
extra Humidifier coupling ring
Instruction manual - Patients
5. Was a warranty included in the purchase of your CPAP/BiPAP machine? If so, how long is the warranty period and what does it cover?
2 years provided through DME. Just take it in and get a loaner during repair/replacement.
6. How long have you had your CPAP/BiPAP machine?
Close to two years.
7. In this time have you ever had to have the machine serviced? If so, what was the nature of the repair? Was it covered under the warranty?
No need for repair, had several check-ups to ensure all is working well and if I was having any problems with compliance. During these times, I'd try another interface (mask).
8. What was the final purchase price of your CPAP/BiPAP machine and accessories?
Please choose one:
• $1,800 - $2,099
This is because the insurance company went with a "lease to own" option so that the device could be returned if I wasn't compliant in 90 days. I see the prices are significantly less online. Of course, I'd not have the drive up and exchange ease with my DME if the equipment failed.
9. Would you recommend your machine (brand) to other needing CPAP therapy? Why or why not?
Certainly, the C-Flex feature itself is amazing in the assist to the compliance issue. During my sleep tests, it was hard to exhale at the pressure needed to controll my OSA. ResMed now has a similar technology, but I'm not experienced with that model. I would recommend the "Auto" version now that it is also C-Flex.
10. Do you use the same machine when you travel? If yes, why?
Yes, even took it to Nairobi Kenya. It has international power support (autoswitching) and is fairly easy to cart in the case provided by Respironics. Airports recognize it fairly quickly, guess there are a lot of OSA travelers out there.
1. Are you aware of C-Flex technology?
Yep, it's the reason I chose the equipment I own.
2. If yes, do you believe it to be beneficial to CPAP therapy?
Couldn't go without it. Too hard to exhale "comfortably" at the pressure I'm at.
3. Would you recommend a machine equipped with C-Flex technology to others needing CPAP therapy?
Yes, or similar technology to C-Flex.
4. Has CPAP therapy made a significant impact on your life? Is it a positive or negative impact?
Positive in all ways. I'm no longer a hazard to fellow highway travelers, I'm not zoning out at work. I've got more energy, and I'm able to share the same bedroom with my spouse!
8 posts
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