naivete and humidifiers

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:44 pm

Well it's been a couple of weeks since I found this list and all this information, it's been wonderful, I have learned so much! Here in Virginia, we are having a cold spell. I can't remember my nasal passages ever being so dry. I am now seriously looking at buying a heated humidifier to sooth my dry nasal passages. It's never bothered me as much as it is with this cold snap. I called cpap.com they are not able to sell me the retrofit for my vpapIII (it's an integrated unit specific to the VpapIII). It seems that humidifier is no longer being made. Cpap.com can sell me a separate unit, an HC150, it is available for a very reasonable price. My DME can provide me with the integrated unit, they still have one in stock. Either way my insurance company will pay for it. I know that my insurance company will pay considerably more for the equipment from the DME. I have not been pleased with the services I have received from the DME, then again, I won't be out of pocket if I go thru the DME. What I really need to know or more correctly understand is which until am I better off with? Anybody have information regarding the two different humidifiers? It sure will fit on the night stand better if it's integrated but, that is hardly my first concern. I just don't have enough information to make a good decision yet. Anybody willing to provide me with their thoughts and experience? I would sure appreciate it.

Thanks much!

Joey

JimW · Post by **JimW** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:32 pm

I can tell you that the integrated humidifier I have with my ResMed S8 (a 3i heated humidifier, which is one model newer than the 2i which would go with your machine) does not provide adequate humidity for me unless the room humidity is a little above 50%, so I need to run a room humidifier to cope with Michigan winter. I've read here that the HC150 you're considering does a better job of providing humidity.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:37 pm

I've also heard that the HC150 is very good.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 1:33 am

I used the integrated H2i humidifier with a resmed S7 Spirit autopap. Did not think it put out anywhere near enough heated humidification even when turned up as high as it would go. I switched to using my Fisher & Paykel HC 150 heated humidifier with the Spirit. Got much better humidification at just the halfway mark.

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 8:28 am

Thanks for the great response! I feel even better about buying it from Cpap.com now. $175 out of pocket for a few weeks as opposed to $615 "retail" (that's not what your insurance company will pay for it) that's the only price they will give me, ticks me off a bit. I know I am supposed to think, "gosh, it's free!" I figure in the end that I, and we, wind up paying for it in the end. I will call and place my order. Better get a nice cozy hose cover sewn in preparation for it.

Thanks folks, I really appreciate the info. This site has been the greatest!

Now, if I can only get the software people to respond to my inquiries I'll be all set!

Joey

roster · Post by **roster** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 8:34 am

[quote="joeyv20"].......................... I know I am supposed to think, "gosh, it's free!" I figure in the end that I, and we, wind up paying for it in the end. I will call and place my order. .............................................

Joey

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:49 pm

I was naive about a lot of my xpap life until finding this list. I was under the impression that I had to go through the DME for everything! On top of that, it was like pulling teeth to get much from them. I am feeling much smarter and more liberated since joining on here

You ought to try arguing with a "Head of Nurses" that thinks "you don't need to know that, your insurance company is in charge because they are paying for it!" That was a conversation I will never forget, I suspect she still recalls it too! LOL!

Then, there was a hospital bill where I was billed for many things never recieved, I was told my portion would be forgiven and they would just "accept" the insurance payment from my company and call it "paid in full", forgiving my portion. HA! I insisted they corrrect the bill (It was grossly incorrect!). I was told I was being stupid! I recieved a letter from the hospital expressing that same thought in writing. I forwarded that letter to my company, my insurance company and the insurance commisioner of the state I was living in. I never did hear how it turned out. Honestly, it make you wonder somedays!

Joey

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:57 pm

Since your DME didn't know or care enough to set you up with a HH in the first place, they would be the last place I would let any more money go. My Remstar unit works fine, but if I didn't have it I would go with the 150, it gets good reviews, and you can use it on any machine in the future. Jim

onecoknower · Post by **onecoknower** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:59 pm

Joey,
I use the integrated humidifier with my ResMed unit. I also live in Mi where it's been cold and dry. I have been playing with the adjustments to see what works best. So far I like it set at a little above the half way point. Everyone is different. Sounds like if you need more humidification, a separate unit is the best bet.
Donna

joeyv20 · Post by **joeyv20** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 1:16 pm

I can blame the DME for a lot of things however, the bypass humidifier is what I asked for so, the blame rests squarely on my shoulders. Now if you want the list of ways they have let me down, pour a cup of cofee and get comfy!

Joey