Needing new machine and supplies...recommendations?

[mirkee]

I have had a Resmed Elite 8 for several years now. I just went to a pulmonary MD for asthma and sleep apnea. This was my first sleep doctor but I had not been back for 20 years (I was so happy with CPAP!). In any event, he gave me a new prescription for an oximeter study tonight (at home) and a new CPAP machine.

I am leaning towards the Resmed Elite S9 auto after reading a lot about it on this forum.

I have two questions:

1. If I get the Elite S9 auto, can I dissable all the fancy adjustments on it and just make it run at a straight 11 cm? This has been working for me for a long time and I hate to start something new and wishing I had stayed with my Elite S8. I want the new machine to do more than the old one but I just want a back up plan just in case. I understnad the S9 auto will adjust pressure automaticaly and that is the part I am leery about.

2. I would like to be set up with a company that would handle the CPAP machine and then mail me supplies, masks etc. as needed on a regular schedule. Any recommendations? I am in sunny Orange County CA. I have Blue Cross prudent buyer insurance with a very small deductible (met) and a small co-pay.

Thanks in advance,

Mirkee

[sol]

1. If I get the Elite S9 auto, can I dissable all the fancy adjustments on it and just make it run at a straight 11 cm?
Mirkee

Its either S9 AutoSet or S9 Elite. Both are exactly same machines but with the AutoSet you have choice to use either in cpap (fixed pressure) or autoset modes
Avoid S9 Escape and S9 Escape Auto

[DoriC]

If you have the choice get the S9 Autoset, you'll then have two machines in one, Apap or Cpap.

[mirkee]

I made a mistake in my original post. I presently have an S8 Escape.

I just read the prescription and it reads: "Replacement CPAP blower. Resp need 11cm H2O. Heated humidifier. EPR 3."
Does that mean I am going to get a straight CPAP and not an S9 Auto? I want the S9 Auto to see if it will be better. It's just a little more money and apperantly it can always be used as just a straight CPAP. My insurance is pretty easy to get along with. I will see my Dr. in about two weeks and I'll have my Oximeter reading at home tonight. I thought he would order a full sleep study, since my last one was 7 years ago. I'm surprised it's just an oximeter all night scan. He said he wanted to save me money...sort of if it isn't broke don't fix it.

I am happy with my sleep. The problem is we don't know what to compare it with unless we try the latest and greatest. Heck, I thought i was just supposed to fell groggy and hung over upon wakening and for most of my day until I went on CPAP. Once I saw the difference, I went on CPAP and have never looked back. I'm wondering if I am ready for another AHA! moment with a new, more advanced machine. I'm thinking of pushing him for the S9 Auto and if he won't go along just going to another sleep Dr. He's a pulmonologist, but one of early proponents of CPAP in my area.

[brucifer]

I made a mistake in my original post. I presently have an S8 Escape.

I just read the prescription and it reads: "Replacement CPAP blower. Resp need 11cm H2O. Heated humidifier. EPR 3."
Does that mean I am going to get a straight CPAP and not an S9 Auto? I want the S9 Auto to see if it will be better. It's just a little more money and apperantly it can always be used as just a straight CPAP. My insurance is pretty easy to get along with. I will see my Dr. in about two weeks and I'll have my Oximeter reading at home tonight. I thought he would order a full sleep study, since my last one was 7 years ago. I'm surprised it's just an oximeter all night scan. He said he wanted to save me money...sort of if it isn't broke don't fix it.

Insist on the S9 Autoset. The Escape does meet your Rx criteria as it is written; however, you have no way of using software to check if your mask is leaking or for other detailed data. If your insurance is covering the cost of your CPAP machine, insist on the better machine. That is what I did. I told my DME provider that I wanted the flexibility if my xPAP needs changed without having to purchase a new machine. Please keep us posted on how things turn out for you. Best of luck!

BTW, I run my S9 Autoset in CPAP mode at a continuous 13cm.

[-tim]

If its an s9... full auto... run from escapes.

My next machine will not be a resmed. In 6 months I've had 2 s9 and they are not $1000 machines so I'll try another vendor next time.

[SMenasco]

I have an S9 Autoset. I have named it Esmerelda, the Honking Goose.