Why do DMEs seem to prefer ResMed?

[imfletch]

Ok, is sure seems ResMed has done the best job of getting DMEs to lease, sell or suggest ResMed. I, personally, think I want a Fisher-Paykal ICON, but the DME strongly "suggested" ResMed saying they were all "about the same." Then they have me rent the ResMed S9 Escape which tracks NO data other than compliance,
Have others had a similar experience? Which make/model do most prefer?

[cosmo]

Maybe because it has the highest profit margin for them.

[Pugsy]

The 2 main players in the CPAP market are ResMed and Phillips Respironics...the a few F & P and Devilbiss machines.
DMEs decide to sell the one brand that they can work out the best bulk price for...and that includes the masks.
There are minor pros and cons with any of the machines but they all do a good job.
ResMed and Phillips Respironics do have a larger market share...both have easy to use software available and good comprehensive data available for review... The F & P software is PITA to use and not quite as complete and the Devilbiss machines don't gather some data details that ResMed and Respironics do.

Are you keeping the S9 Escape? Knowing what you know about it?

[imfletch]

Will I keep it? I gather the Escape is the only unit my DME offers. I am supposed to "rent" it for 10 months at which time it is mine. They have given great service as far as masks. so far, they have given me five different types/styles as try to find one that works well and doesn't rot my nose off. I think I will most likely buy a second machine in a few months.
In the meantime, I have purchased a recording oximeter ($82) and will use THAT to provide data on nightly events and quality of sleep.

[Pugsy]

I gather the Escape is the only unit my DME offers

I bet it isn't the only one they offer but they want you to believe it does...and if it really is the only one...I would be finding a new DME but that's me.

You might want to read this.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
Especially the stuff at the bottom of the blog.

They dispense the Escape because it costs them less and increases their profit margin...simple as that.

Let me ask you a question....suppose you don't feel so good or think you might be having some excessive leaks...what are you going to do to have a chance at figuring out what might be the problem?
Let them tell you to give it more time??? Because that's all you can do with the machine you have.

Take a look at this thread...this guy had ineffective therapy pressure AND huge leaks impacting his therapy.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=87166&start=0
Especially look at the first couple of pages and the last 3 pages....though the entire thread is a good example of what can happen when things aren't optimal.
What would this man have done if he had been given a brick with no data like your Escape?
They would have just kept telling him...give it time.....and no amount of time would have fixed that mess.

Up to you if you are satisfied with a non data machine. The only thing it gathers is hours of use to satisfy insurance requirements. If they told you anything else it's a bold face lie.

[123.Shawn T.W.]

Out here in AZ ... Most places recomend and stock the PR's ...

[mcdover]

Maybe because it has the highest profit margin for them.

Not by a long shot. Respironics are a lot cheaper.

[Drowsy Dancer]

My local Apria is big on PR for machines [perhaps for the reason noted by mcdover], Resmed for masks, and they were pretty good on mask fitting.

I got lucky because they provided me with a data-capable auto CPAP before I found this forum two weeks into treatment. Pure dumb luck.

[imfletch]

Pugsy, you said "The F & P software is PITA to use". I'm not familiar with the term PITA (unless you mean the pocket bread). Can you elaborate more because I really like the looks of the F&P ICON.

[Drowsy Dancer]

Pugsy, you said "The F & P software is PITA to use". I'm not familiar with the term PITA (unless you mean the pocket bread). Can you elaborate more because I really like the looks of the F&P ICON.

Pain in the ... asymptote.

[mcdover]

Pugsy, you said "The F & P software is PITA to use". I'm not familiar with the term PITA (unless you mean the pocket bread). Can you elaborate more because I really like the looks of the F&P ICON.

Not Pugsy, but I can answer your question. The F&P machine works well, but Pugsy is 100% correct concerning their software. It's one of the reasons why I quit stocking them. Personally, I would stick with ResMed or PR.

[Pugsy]

PITA....Pain in the A$$.

And that's if you get the Icon Auto that offers full data.
The Premo only offers AHI and leak..very basic data...no event category breakdown at all...just a number. No way to view patterns or trends.
Even the Auto doesn't offer quite the data that ResMed or Respironics offers. It simply is not as comprehensive but it does have an alarm clock and looks cool.

You can use SleepyHead software with it though.
The InfoSmart software from F & P is a nightmare to install and use. I will send you a link in just a minute and you can give it a try just to find out what I mean. It's a 30 day trial and then you have to do a register the software thing to get it to permanent status.

Go ahead and install SleepyHead...test it with your S9 SD card...you will get hours of use only but you can check the software functions. Links for Sleepyhead in my signature line.

[chunkyfrog]

Or: pain in the ---Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies;
I really prefer the data from my Autoset, but the Devilbiss is comfortable and quiet,
and runs off the lighter port in the car, If I can't find the Holiday Inn.

[imfletch]

I already have sleepyhead on my computer. Of course, all the graphs look like straight lines (from my Escape).

[chunkyfrog]

That is why we call the Escapes and PR pluses "bricks"
Pretty much a flat line. "He's dead, Jim"