A good DME report...seriously!

[ughwhatname]

I'm 18 days into my first 30 days, with an opportunity to switch masks exactly once without additional cost. I'm currently using the Swift LT nasal pillow mask. I generally like it, but find I spend a lot of time readjusting it during the night which negatively affects my sleep. I thought trying the Swift FX might be a good idea, so I wanted to do so in my 30 days. I was also considering trying out a Mirage FX mask, one I tried during my sleep study, but promptly freaked out wearing it...now I've had a bit of experience, I think I might be okay with it.

When asked what direction I should take, the RT suggested that she could try to get a "Sample" Mirage for me to try, which would be in addition to trying the Swift FX. One strange thing though is that they wanted me to return the LT to get the FX. I asked what happened if the LT was actually a better fit. The response was that I would need to wait till my insurance company allowed a new mask, or pay out of pocket. Now, that made no sense at all. I asked if I could get the FX, try it, and then decide and return the unwanted one. She said okay (yeah!)

So, I'll get to try the Mirage FX and the Swift FX and decide between the three masks. So far, other than the billing goofiness, my DME is a 5 star.

[LSAT]

Your DME should allow any number of exchanges within your 30 day period. They get cxredit from the mfg for the masks that they exchange...often they will let you keep the used masks. They cannot re sell them.

[ughwhatname]

Of course, all of what you've said makes logical and business sense. From the beginning, I've been warned about the DME (who rates 1.5 stars on yelp), so my expectations were incredibly low. I'll take what I can get.

Your DME should allow any number of exchanges within your 30 day period. They get cxredit from the mfg for the masks that they exchange...often they will let you keep the used masks. They cannot re sell them.

[Xney]

If you have a good person you're working with at the DME, that can make all the difference. Sometimes they can in general be bad, but have a good employee or two (or the reverse)

I've had excellent experiences with my DME, I just wish it was the norm. Because of the way insurance works as far as replacing machines, it's critical to know about what DMEs should be doing ahead of time - why you see a lot of emphasis on it in the forums.

[Tino2You]

You know...we slam DMEs often enough in this forum. I think we should "out" those DMEs that really do a good job. It would make the search for the newbies so much easier. just my thoughts.
-tino

[ughwhatname]

Well, I left the DME with the Swift FX for Her and a sample "not for sale" Mirage FX. I asked about whether the masks not selected need to be returned, and she said I could keep them. To top it off, she said I could exchange my rental S9 in silver for the S9 for Her in pink. I'm so happy about that. It doesn't take much to make me happy.

[ems]

To top it off, she said I could exchange my rental S9 in silver for the S9 for Her in pink. I'm so happy about that. It doesn't take much to make me happy.

That's for sure!

[ughwhatname]

I am so gratified that you had given me permission to have the pink machine. If not for you, I would just slink along, all mopey with my silver machine.

To top it off, she said I could exchange my rental S9 in silver for the S9 for Her in pink. I'm so happy about that. It doesn't take much to make me happy.

That's for sure!

[wiguy]

I had great DME. I am 3 weeks in as well. I am happy with my mask, but I want the heated tube setup as we keep it cool at night, and I need the humidity!!!

I called my lady and shes like let me check. She kind of heehawed around a little but maybe she was busy. I called one day and got another guy cause she was out and he got right on it. I explained to him I saw the heated setup online and it exists for my apap. He called me back a few hours later confirming it does infact exist and that he would have to check with insurance to see how its billed or covered etc. So on Monday of this week I got a call from him saying he had the stuff on order and he had to jump thru some loops for me. Then got a call yesterday, telling me I could come pick it up. It is also billed thru insurance as a 0 dollar exchange. I go pick it up today. I am pleasntly please with them.

[ughwhatname]

That's terrific!

I tried the Swift FX I got yesterday, and after the night before where I fiddled with my mask all night, I was pleasantly surprised with the FX. It stayed in place really well, allowed me to move around without dislodging, etc. I think this one will be a keeper!

I had great DME. I am 3 weeks in as well. I am happy with my mask, but I want the heated tube setup as we keep it cool at night, and I need the humidity!!!

I called my lady and shes like let me check. She kind of heehawed around a little but maybe she was busy. I called one day and got another guy cause she was out and he got right on it. I explained to him I saw the heated setup online and it exists for my apap. He called me back a few hours later confirming it does infact exist and that he would have to check with insurance to see how its billed or covered etc. So on Monday of this week I got a call from him saying he had the stuff on order and he had to jump thru some loops for me. Then got a call yesterday, telling me I could come pick it up. It is also billed thru insurance as a 0 dollar exchange. I go pick it up today. I am pleasntly please with them.

[Denial Dave]

my DME is Apria and I'm on my 3rd free mask in 45 days.

They gave me a bit grief about my eligibility after the 2nd one, but I was firm in my argument. They gave up arguing, when I walked over and pointed at their sign in the room that stated the 30 day warranty policy.

It also showed all the codes to assign for returns.. They have codes to assign for leaks, poor fit, defective mask, etc....

I stated that "I have poor fit and major leaks. Pick one of the codes you like for the paperwork and give me a new mask!"

[lorraineg57]

That's terrific!

I tried the Swift FX I got yesterday, and after the night before where I fiddled with my mask all night, I was pleasantly surprised with the FX. It stayed in place really well, allowed me to move around without dislodging, etc. I think this one will be a keeper!

I had great DME. I am 3 weeks in as well. I am happy with my mask, but I want the heated tube setup as we keep it cool at night, and I need the humidity!!!

I called my lady and shes like let me check. She kind of heehawed around a little but maybe she was busy. I called one day and got another guy cause she was out and he got right on it. I explained to him I saw the heated setup online and it exists for my apap. He called me back a few hours later confirming it does infact exist and that he would have to check with insurance to see how its billed or covered etc. So on Monday of this week I got a call from him saying he had the stuff on order and he had to jump thru some loops for me. Then got a call yesterday, telling me I could come pick it up. It is also billed thru insurance as a 0 dollar exchange. I go pick it up today. I am pleasntly please with them.

I started with a nasal mask, went to swift LT (which the dme sent me in error) and then the FX pillows, which I LOVE. Can't even feel them if adjusted correctly.

[ughwhatname]

I must have a fat upper lip, because it pushes down on my lip. Not uncomfortable, just a little weird feeling. I do really like this mask though. According to cpap.com, its the mask that 39% of pillows users use the FX. I see why.

That's terrific!

I tried the Swift FX I got yesterday, and after the night before where I fiddled with my mask all night, I was pleasantly surprised with the FX. It stayed in place really well, allowed me to move around without dislodging, etc. I think this one will be a keeper!

I had great DME. I am 3 weeks in as well. I am happy with my mask, but I want the heated tube setup as we keep it cool at night, and I need the humidity!!!

I called my lady and shes like let me check. She kind of heehawed around a little but maybe she was busy. I called one day and got another guy cause she was out and he got right on it. I explained to him I saw the heated setup online and it exists for my apap. He called me back a few hours later confirming it does infact exist and that he would have to check with insurance to see how its billed or covered etc. So on Monday of this week I got a call from him saying he had the stuff on order and he had to jump thru some loops for me. Then got a call yesterday, telling me I could come pick it up. It is also billed thru insurance as a 0 dollar exchange. I go pick it up today. I am pleasntly please with them.

I started with a nasal mask, went to swift LT (which the dme sent me in error) and then the FX pillows, which I LOVE. Can't even feel them if adjusted correctly.

[lorraineg57]

I must have a fat upper lip, because it pushes down on my lip. Not uncomfortable, just a little weird feeling. I do really like this mask though. According to cpap.com, its the mask that 39% of pillows users use the FX. I see why.

That's terrific!

I tried the Swift FX I got yesterday, and after the night before where I fiddled with my mask all night, I was pleasantly surprised with the FX. It stayed in place really well, allowed me to move around without dislodging, etc. I think this one will be a keeper!

I had great DME. I am 3 weeks in as well. I am happy with my mask, but I want the heated tube setup as we keep it cool at night, and I need the humidity!!!

I called my lady and shes like let me check. She kind of heehawed around a little but maybe she was busy. I called one day and got another guy cause she was out and he got right on it. I explained to him I saw the heated setup online and it exists for my apap. He called me back a few hours later confirming it does infact exist and that he would have to check with insurance to see how its billed or covered etc. So on Monday of this week I got a call from him saying he had the stuff on order and he had to jump thru some loops for me. Then got a call yesterday, telling me I could come pick it up. It is also billed thru insurance as a 0 dollar exchange. I go pick it up today. I am pleasntly please with them.

I started with a nasal mask, went to swift LT (which the dme sent me in error) and then the FX pillows, which I LOVE. Can't even feel them if adjusted correctly.

I'm a side sleeper. The hose is positioned in front of me on the bed, with the elbow pointing down toward my feet. Make sure you have plenty of slack in the hose. I have all of the hose in the bed with me that I can get short of pulling the machine off the nightstand. Push up very slightly on the hose toward your head, just enough to alleviate the feeling that it's pressing on your upper lip but not enough to dislodge the pillows.