So I have the Air Sense 10 CPAP machine, now what?

[DaisySmith]

I keep reading how horrible it is, but why? What if I could find a mask that works for me, is this still a terrible machine??

Im sure they gave it to me because its what my insurance was willing to cover. What if they dont cover anything else? I asked the guy at the sleep clinic if I needed a machine that adjusted and he said no because I did a sleep study at home over 7 days and they determined that I needed this machine with a pressure of 4. My events per hour was around 12 which is pretty low so I assume a low pressure is OK. I have been feeling WAY better since starting CPAP and I do believe it's helping. I sleep an average of 5-6 hours a night now which is not great but I've always had insomnia.

I admit I am uncomfortable a lot of the time (its been 2 months or so) but I think it's the masks Im having issues with. What is so terrible about this machine?

[DaisySmith]

Also......do you buy your machine or rent it ?

[Wulfman...]

I keep reading how horrible it is, but why? What if I could find a mask that works for me, is this still a terrible machine??

Im sure they gave it to me because its what my insurance was willing to cover. What if they dont cover anything else? I asked the guy at the sleep clinic if I needed a machine that adjusted and he said no because I did a sleep study at home over 7 days and they determined that I needed this machine with a pressure of 4. My events per hour was around 12 which is pretty low so I assume a low pressure is OK. I have been feeling WAY better since starting CPAP and I do believe it's helping. I sleep an average of 5-6 hours a night now which is not great but I've always had insomnia.

I admit I am uncomfortable a lot of the time (its been 2 months or so) but I think it's the masks Im having issues with. What is so terrible about this machine?

Your profile says "Autoset", but you're saying it doesn't adjust? Look at the top and bottom for name and model number.
If it's a non-data-capable machine, you'll want to take it back and get one that collects data......like an Elite or Autoset.
Otherwise, you won't be able to monitor your therapy.
And, if your insurance is paying, they pay by insurance code and the code is the same for the cheapest to the highest dollar machine.......E0601.


Den

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[DaisySmith]

It just says AirSense 10 CPAP. Doesnt say Elite or anything else...from what the guy said it doesnt adjust itself

[Krelvin]

AirSense 10 CPAP is a brick.

[Wulfman...]

It just says AirSense 10 CPAP. Doesnt say Elite or anything else...from what the guy said it doesnt adjust itself

Yep......it's a "brick".
You need to try to get them to swap it for either an Elite or Autoset.
If your insurance is paying, the DME is putting their profits ahead of your therapy. They're slimeballs.


Den

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[DaisySmith]

But how am I going to get insurance to pay for it and whats wrong with it?

[SleepyVegas]

The CPAP version of the airsense 10 line, does not give full data reporting via the SD card. Many of the users on this board self monitor their therapy with software tools. The most common and widely used is called sleepyhead. It is a free and open source software. The cpap version gives no almost data that will help and guide you with your cpap treatment. You do have a say with your DME on the machine you want to have. If your DME denies you this, then shop around. Be empowered and take control of how you sleep. No one should put profits above your sleep.

[Wulfman...]

But how am I going to get insurance to pay for it and whats wrong with it?

Your insurance will pay for whatever billing they get that has that code ( E0601 ) on it.
Your DME is "questionable" (and potentially a liar) if they claim you can monitor your therapy with it.
Tell them you want a fully data-capable machine.......either the Elite or the Autoset and see what they'll do. If they try to tell you the one you have is data-capable (when it only collects hours used) then you need to take a firmer approach or find a DME who will give you one. Your insurance provider should be able to give you the names of other DMEs who are "in-network" with them.


Den

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[Gasper62]

"and what's wrong with it? " Answer: It is a bare-bones basic machine that cannot adapt to any changes in your pressure needs. It cannot collect vital information about your breathing (and NOT breathing) while you're asleep. Without that info, you will not be able to monitor your therapy's effectiveness and, make needed adjustments as a result of having access to that info. (data) Other than all that.... it's a peach. With a better machine, you'll be able to utilize the free Sleepyhead software program that allows users to view detailed read-outs of their sleep sessions. Good luck in obtaining a data capable, autopap machine !

[yaconsult]

I think you need to talk to your doctor because the DME is just going to keeping saying, "It's what the doctor ordered and that's what we HAVE to give you."

Tell your doctor that you want to monitor your therapy and be able to see the details of how it is working for you. If the doctor tells the DME to give you an auto cpap instead, they will have to do it. You can discuss with the doctor that the insurance codes are the same whether it's an auto machine or not, but the auto machine will be able to adjust as you change sleep positions and as your cpap needs change over time.

There is really no reason NOT to get an auto machine as it can also be used in non-auto mode. It's like two machine in one.

[ChicagoGranny]

Good luck in obtaining a data capable, autopap machine !

+1

[chunkyfrog]

If you were never titrated, then you need to find a doctor who will agree that you are not being properly treated;
who will then write a letter of medical necessity for an apap, so your insurance will either cover it or force the
DME to take it back and give you the right machine.
Since the cpap is a brick, that information does not exist.
You may have no choice but to dig into your own pocket to get an apap, even a used one.

[Janknitz]

Read this: https://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/2011/ ... h-a-brick/

You are going to have to do battle to swap your machine. Are you up for it? Be sure to read and educate yourself. Your DME already knows you are a sucker and can play you. Prove him wrong by preparing first. Don't go in blindly.

Note: the machines listed are out of date. The machines you want are:
Airsense Autoset
Airsense Autoset for her
Airsense Elite

Accept no others.