Help for new(old) user Machine and software advice

[KRose]

Hi All,

I'm an old user of CPAP and am due a new one for quite a while, needed quickly before my insurance changes and possibly won't cover it. I have the old Respironics REMSTar "tank" and when I got it I bought and used Encore software. I liked the machine, which was "data capable." I liked the data. I'd be happy with a similar machine, probably respironics, if they still make excellent machines where I can get my results via software. If their reputation has fallen, I'd love to know which machines are best and built to last.

I don't need auto adjust, which I currently have and actually don't like so never use. But I do want it to be fully data capable. I had trouble getting this initially and they tried to switch my prescription even, so I want to be prepared with the right info. Trying to sort it out is a bit overwhelming. Also I may need a new sleep study to get a new machine, not sure. I kind of hope not, because I did not like the so-called professionals who did my first one and don't know if I can get another study before my insurance changes.

I love my cpap! Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

[Pugsy]

This is the latest machine in the model line that you prefer....while it does offer apap mode...it's a limited apap mode for 30 days...and since you don't like apap mode or what it..this fits that preference you have and it is a full data machine and software is easy to obtain. Check out my signature line for software information.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-sys ... chine.html
Respironics still makes a top of the line product...still a good reputation.
Since you are used to the way Respironics machine feel...I would suggest you stick with that brand unless you have a burning desire to experiment and if you did the ResMed new AirSense 10 Elite would be what I would look at. The Elite is full data also but doesn't have any apap capabilities at all..but if you don't want to ever use it then it may never matter.
The PR System One 60 series Pro model 460 does have the limited APAP mode capabilities which might come handy some times. Wouldn't hurt to have it available just in case and you are used to Respironics anyway.

[KRose]

Thank you for your quick reply, Pugsy. Another question: What is the respironics autopap machine? I had second thoughts and maybe I should get that in case I need it in the future. Who knows what changes will happen over time. It can still be used in straight cpap mode I assume. Also, is there a recommended humidifier? I'll study the software info soon.

I greatly appreciate the help.

[kaiasgram]

Thank you for your quick reply, Pugsy. Another question: What is the respironics autopap machine? I had second thoughts and maybe I should get that in case I need it in the future. Who knows what changes will happen over time. It can still be used in straight cpap mode I assume. Also, is there a recommended humidifier? I'll study the software info soon.

I greatly appreciate the help.

The 550 or 560 (the 60 series has the heated hose option). Each model has a specific humidifier that goes with it. Both are fully data capable.

[Pugsy]

The same latest model in the APAP capable machine is the model 560
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-sys ... chine.html
If using insurance might as well push for this model even you don't hardly ever want to use APAP mode...insurance companies don't pay by brand or model name..they pay by HCPCS billing code and the E0601 code that is used...the same for either the 460 or the 560.
and unfortunately the same as they pay for the non data bricks like you first used.
Just remember 460 or higher for Respironics full data machines. There is a model 450 but it has been discontinued..it also is full data but lacks the limited apap mode capabilities of the 460. You want the latest and greatest anyway.
These 60 series machines have the new heated hose option too...check out their humidifier...these new heated hoses are the best thing since sliced bread (at least for me) to help battle rain out if you have ever that that little annoyance be a problem.

50 series machines have the 50 as the second 2 digits...60 series machines have the 60 as the second 2 numbers.
Now in Canada they use a 1 instead of a 0 but it's the same machine..example...461 or 561.
For the machines themselves the model names aren't always clear on the face of these machines but there's always the model number on a sticker on the bottom of the blower. 3 digits now and with DS OR REF in front or behind those 3 digits.

Model numbers for the various bricks..260 and below. There don't seem to be any 3xx model numbers around.
I don't know why.
Stay with 460 and above...all full data machines.

I was going to suggest that you still get the full time APAP machine but you sounded sure of what you wanted so didn't try to talk you into it. I always tell people that it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

[archangle]

Check my signature line for recommendations on which machine to get and how to deal with the system.

The ResMed PRS1 Pro and Auto machines are good. Get the Auto if you can. It does everything the Pro does and more.

Get the SleepyHead software. It blows the doors off of Encore in many ways.

[RoseDreams]

Thank you Pugsy, Kiasgram, and Archangel! I feel set and ready to go. I'll do a bit more research on these machines and will most likely get the one with heated hose humidifier (autopap). I'll let you all know how it goes. Last time the DME was very tricky and tried to give me a brick with no data, but I resisted. Even with a script that specified a particular machine, "they're the same, they said" Were they lying or just not very informed about their product? Here's hoping it will be easier as I'll have the doctor write the prescription for that specific machine. He's not a sleep doc, by the way, and is very receptive to writing a script for the machine I request. I'll need to explain why, but the fact that I already have an autopap and like it should make it easy. I think regular docs are often better if you find a good one.

[Pugsy]

Last time the DME was very tricky and tried to give me a brick with no data, but I resisted. Even with a script that specified a particular machine, "they're the same, they said" Were they lying or just not very informed about their product?

You know with either choice..lying or not informed about equipment they sell..it's kinda scary isn't it? Either one would leave a bad taste in my mouth. I would have more respect if they just said..."hey, we make more money selling a brick and we like making more money"...at least that's honest.

[chunkyfrog]

DME's really hate it when you point out (publicly) that any APAP can be switched to straight CPAP.

[Wulfman...]

Check my signature line for recommendations on which machine to get and how to deal with the system.

The ResMed PRS1 Pro and Auto machines are good. Get the Auto if you can. It does everything the Pro does and more.

Get the SleepyHead software. It blows the doors off of Encore in many ways.

You want to rethink (and edit) that line?


Den

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