Stupid Newbie Questions

jonrwarren · Post by **jonrwarren** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 3:34 pm

Hi. I am just starting cpap and am about to order my equipment from cpap.com (I uploaded the script a few minutes ago). I am so new to this I am not sure what all I need to order. If I order an auto-flex machine, should I get the heated humidifier, or does it come with a standard humidifier. Is the heated really better, more comfortable?

Also, do I buy a machine and a mask separately, or do you get a mask when you order the machine?

Thanks so much in advance for your answers to these stupid newbie questions.

jon

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 3:43 pm

Cpap.com has "discounted bundle" packages which saves you a little money instead of buying everything separately.

The mask is usually purchased separately however.

Also, cpap.com will price match other internet sellers if you can find a cheaper price somewhere else -- although they are very fairly priced to begin with.

andyomega · Post by **andyomega** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 3:56 pm

Yeah, CPAP.com has excellent prices and good service. I got my mask from them and plan to buy another one soon.
Look they even have message boards so we can help each other.
THANK YOU CPAP.COM

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 4:09 pm

I don't see anything stupid about those questions!!! Especially when its your hard-earned money you are spending to buy this stuff.

The machine is sold separately from the mask and from the humidifier. You "can" buy the machine w/an integrated humidifier in a "bundle" which gives you a lower price for the two than if you bought a humidifier and machine separately.

There are those who do well w/o a humidifier, they are in the minority. There are those who do well w/just a passover humidifier, they are also in the minority. Then there is the majority who do best w/a heated humidifier.

The advantage to the integreated humidifer is that the two will take up less space as a unit at your bedside than separate machine and stand alone humidifier and when traveling the carrying case for the machine provides space for the integrated humidifier that a stand alone humidifier would not fit in.

About the only two disadvantages to the integrated humidifiers is that in an extremely dry climate or when it is extremely cold and the furnace runs extensively drying the air in the house sometimes the integrated humidifiers can't quite keep up w/providing enough humidity. The only other disadvantage to the integrated humidifiers I can think of is the IMPORTANCE of removing the water tank from the humidifier BEFORE moving the unit (machine and humidifier) as a water leak into your machine is going to totally invalidate any warranty. And most likely cause DAMAGE.

Stand alone, passover humidifiers (not heated) are the cheapest humidifiers.

The Fisher & Paykel HC 150 stand alone heated humidifier is most likely the epitome in xPAP humidification abilities. They are a tried and true product w/an excellent reputation. While they are small, they do take up more room when traveling and more space at home next to the bed.

Buying machine and humidifier online is a smart way to go to get EXACTLY what you want w/o hassle at the best price. It would be hard to go wrong w/the Respironics M series Auto w/A-Flex. Its the latest and greatest in autoPAPs.

Which takes us to "the" key: the mask. Until you know which mask is most comfortable for you with the least amount of leaks ..... buying online can be an expensive proposition. cpap.com does offer a mask exchange insurance which adds (I think) $25 to the cost of each mask you try plus the shipping to return it and quite likely the shipping for the new mask you exchange it for.

You "might" be better of mask shopping with the local DME suppliers until you find "the" mask for you. A lot depends on their mask exchange policy. Some are more "generous" in regard to mask exchanges than others. You will need your xPAP script to purchase a mask from a local DME supplier. You don't w/online DME suppliers. Respironics, Resmed and Fisher & Paykel all will replace FREE to the local DME suppliers any mask tried and found unsatisfactory to a patient if the DME supplier fills out a form and returns it w/in 30 days. They don't always like to admit that. You will pay considerably more for the same mask at a local DME suppliers than online BUT if the local DME supplier has a reasonable mask exchange policy it can often be more reasonable to go thru them at least until you find a mask that will work for you.

I'd suggest having in mind some masks that interest you. Know their online prices PLUS exchange insurance and shipping. Then shop several local DME suppliers after fully discussing their mask exchange policy. Try a couple that you had interested in IN STORE. If you are able to decide on one be sure you know the FULL price of the mask. Local DME suppliers USUALLY price them as 3 separate units: headgear, mask and cushion. You need to know the total, walk out the door price AND if it can be exchanged if it doesn't work out w/in 30 days. (You most likely will know w/in 10-14 days at the most). AND how many mask exchanges can you make if the second mask you try doesn't pan out for you either. At that point, at the very least you will have a good idea of which mask to purchase first online if their price is too outrageous and the exchange policy too restrictive.

Good luck and God bless.

darthlucy · Post by **darthlucy** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 5:27 pm

Slinky wrote:The only other disadvantage to the integrated humidifiers I can think of is the IMPORTANCE of removing the water tank from the humidifier BEFORE moving the unit (machine and humidifier) as a water leak into your machine is going to totally invalidate any warranty. And most likely cause DAMAGE.

Just how sensitive are they to movement while there is water in the tank? I have my machine (loaner) in my bedside drawer, and when I take the machine out, fill the tank, and replace the tank, I then have to tilt it slightly to put it back in the drawer. Is this risky, and should I find an alternative plan?

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:19 pm

THERE ARE NO STUPID QUESTIONS!!!!!!!

I can't say it enough! There are no stupid questions.If you are asking it means there are some reading this that have the same questions but are afraid to ask. There are no stupid questions. If you don't know and don't ask, you'll never find out. But there are no stupid questions.

Brenda

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 7:51 pm

Welllllllllllll, I suppose it kinda depends on just how much you have to tip it. But I sure would keep my water level LOW. No way would I fill it to the full water mark. Take a look at that right hand corner where the air enters the tank from the Elite. THAT is where you want to keep the water from going.

lvwildcat · Post by **lvwildcat** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 8:58 pm

Brenda's absolutely right!! The only stupid questions are the ones that aren't asked! Sites like this are what got me through the newbie phase. Any problems-post details-someone is bound to have experienced the same problem or know how to fix it. The RTs just hand you equipment and you basically learn as you go. Thats why we all still come to the forums-we were all there once and myself I live by the phrase "Pay it Forward" I still read some posts and I still learn new things almost daily.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 9:11 pm

Two comments on Slinky's very informative post:

1. Not all intergrated humidifiers are removed the same way.
I use a Puritan Bennett cpap with an integrated humudifier. I remove the humidifier from the machine daily, and if I have to tilt it, it's in the direction away from the cpap's opening. In more than two years of daily removal I have not had one accident.

I guess some companies' designers are more thoughtful than others.

2. The amount of water needed every night depends on you pressure too - the higher the pressure, the more water used.

Any, like others said - there are no stupid questions. Don't hesitate to ask anything at all.

Welcome and good luck.
O.

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 9:17 pm

Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question.....the only stupid question is the one not asked.

James Trautner CHS
Claremont, Ca.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 9:20 pm

Thanks for clarifying that, Ozij. I didn't make it clear that that response was directed at DarthLucy. She and I have the same machine, the Resmed S8 Elite.

I've been intrigued w/all the good things I hear about the PB GoodKnight 420E and its nice to learn another good point about them.

TheeMrFrog · Post by **TheeMrFrog** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 9:30 pm

Hi, I am new to this. About 45 days. What I have found out so far is 1. Buy a good machine with a humidifier from a known company. 2. Buy a mask from a local dealer who will let you try the masks for a least a week or so. As I understand it, the biggest challenge most new users have is getting the right mask. I have tried three so far and the last one, a Swift II seems to work best, but even that one has some challenges. If you sleep on your back it won't be as hard as getting one that works if you sleep on your side or back and forth. Good luck. Mr Frog

Mask

Additional Comments: Machine:Resmed S7 Elite; Oracle Mask(YES! My DREAM mask!!)

Machine

Stupid Newbie Questions

Stupid Newbie Questions

Advice from a newbee ----Buy first mask from local