Best Machine and Software?

[Lori Dawn]

I talked to the DME. They are claiming that there is not an M Series Pro to be had, and since it's been so long since I got my machine, there's really not anything they can or will do. She did suggest that I get a new script from my doctor, which I think I can get. She said that I could get a new one if it was "medically necessary." I also think that I can get my doctor to specify a machine. So which machine would you-all recommend and why? I want to go into this with my eyes open this time.

Thanks for any input you can provide.

Lori Dawn

[ozij]

The best machine is the one that you can sleep wellwith.
It can vary tremendously between people.
If that DME is cooperative, try to get them to lend you a machine for trial. Rent it if you have to. Nothing anyone says will tell you what's going to happen when you're the person on the mask side of the machine.

[Sheriff Buford]

Hello "Big D"! I have a Resmed S8 Escape 2, but I don't get any on-screen data. Next week, I see my primary doctor and I will have him write a prescription for a Resmed S9 AutoSet Cpap with humidifier. You can use this machine as a straight cpap or apap machine. Be sure the doctor writes down the specific machine you want and to write "dispense as written". This way the place you get your machine from won't play games with you. Do some research. Go to Resmed.com and look over the equipment. The S9 will display enough data on the screen that you might not need the software.

[Lori Dawn]

And also, is there a machine that comes with software or am I hoping for a "pie in the sky?"

[REF]

Hi Lori, I don't know of any machines that will come with the software... Sorry!

[mayondair]

I use PRSys1 auto, love the AFlex and bought Encore Viewer for 99$ , Encore Pro is out there, just ask, it is a bit fussier to use. I have an INtellipapAuto with Smartflex that I use for travel and back up, I didn't buy soft wear for it, it has some on screen data, and I like it also, wouldn't be afraid for it to be my primary machine. I know lots here love their S9 auto sets, soft wear out there, just ask. Go for an auto , you can always use it in CPAP mode if you want, but can also use it for troubleshooting in APAP mode or if APAP is better for you. Kathy

[Lori Dawn]

I already have the Encore Pro software. I am trying to find a machine that works with it. Didn't know much about the APAP, doing some reading now. I think maybe I can finagle the Respironics APAP and not buy new software.

[ozij]

Befor you decide, make sure your version of the software reads what the new machines record.

[EricinNC]

I talked to the DME. They are claiming that there is not an M Series Pro to be had, and since it's been so long since I got my machine, there's really not anything they can or will do. She did suggest that I get a new script from my doctor, which I think I can get. She said that I could get a new one if it was "medically necessary." I also think that I can get my doctor to specify a machine. So which machine would you-all recommend and why? I want to go into this with my eyes open this time.

Thanks for any input you can provide.

Lori Dawn

Lori, Resmed is obviously not the company they once were. While I still love their quattro FFM, their current machines are weak and watered down for real OSA. I recommend a PR System One. Buy it out of pocket if you have to. You will see the speed at which it blows air if you hook one up to a pressure gauge or a water manometer. Compare the speed of a PR to a current era Resmed...Resmed blows air so slow its weak and pathetic and not enough to get the job done unless perhaps your OSA is ridiculously mild.

Strong is better and the PRs are still strong and fast. Hopefully they will stay that way.

Eric

[Wulfman]

Do you have your prescription?
There are lots of very reasonably priced data-capable machines on the auction site to choose from.

http://www.cpapauction.com/


Den

[Otter]

If you liked your M series, money isn't a problem, and you'd get another one if your DME had them, I'd say go with the Philips Respironics System One Auto. That's the current top of the same line your old machine is from, and so it will feel familiar.

The Resmed S9 AutoSet, and the DeVilbiss Intellipap AutoAdjust are two other very popular machines to look at.

But which machine is best for you depends as much on you as on the machine. Please tell us what's important to you.

Do you want to easily check you AHI every morning without downloading to your computer?
Do you want to see detailed graphs?
Do you like the software you have now?
What would you change about it?
Have you been using C-flex?
Do you like it?
Would you like to be able to customize the snot out of the exhalation relief waveform?
Do you think your old machine wakes you up sometimes?
How long did it take you to get used to it?
Do you think your airway changes often, with the seasons, or only when you have a cold?
Would you like a quieter machine?
Do you want the quietest machine available?
Does the cost of the machine matter?
How about the cost of replacement parts, accessories, software, etc?
How much of a difference would it make to you if you could get support directly from the company that made your machine?

Do you have respiratory allergies?
Do you often get respiratory infections?
Does it matter how it looks?
Does it matter how big it is?
Do you use a humidifier?
Do you have problems with rainout?
Do you care where the hose attaches and what angle it will be at?
Do you travel often?
Do you go where there is no electricity?
How much of a problem have power outages been for you?
If you could change three things about your old machine, what would they be?
Which questions did I leave out?

[Drowsy Dancer]

I already have the Encore Pro software. I am trying to find a machine that works with it. Didn't know much about the APAP, doing some reading now. I think maybe I can finagle the Respironics APAP and not buy new software.

The machine I am using (noted in my sig) works with Encore Pro. It is set for me in "straight" CPAP mode. For some reason I got a machine with all the bells and whistles when I blundered ignorantly into the DME's office. I don't think the doctor scripted me for this particular machine. Dunno.

DD

[Pugsy]

If you were able to get another M series machine do you have the special DT 3500 Infineer card reader?
If not that is an additional $75 expense to be considered. Didn't you have older Respironics machine first before the basic M series Plus they gave you.

"Medically necessary" may mean the doctor has to prove to insurance company that the new machine affects therapy.
Insurance company may say that the new machine doesn't actually change the therapy just because it offers data with no other changes in function. Not saying they would deny it off the bat but they might. So even though the doctor wrote the script for a new specific machine that doesn't mean the insurance company will automatically allow it for reimbursement. It would mean the DME had to supply it but doesn't automatically mean the insurance has to pay.

Now a change to APAP could maybe sneak past the insurance radar because if actually offers a different therapy.
APAP or straight CPAP.

No company will offer software in purchase price. You have to decide which machine you want and since software is important to you then consider what the software shows and does it cost.

Since you have EncorePro I would suggest you try to see if the PR System one Auto (APAP) could sneak past the insurance radar. You can always use it in cpap mode.

[Otter]

And also, is there a machine that comes with software or am I hoping for a "pie in the sky?"

There is a lot of pie around here. Just mention which kind you like, and someone will probably offer you a slice.

[Lori Dawn]

Wow, Otter, so many questions! You are thorough, aren't you? I want to be totally sure this time, because this may be my last chance to get what I want, if I am able to at all, so here goes:

1.

Do you want to easily check you AHI every morning without downloading to your computer?

I don't mind downloading every morning.
2.

Do you want to see detailed graphs?

Yes, I want to see detailed graphs if you think that helps. I would like to be able to answer any question that might arise for myself, my doctor, and you nice people here on this site. I HAVE TO MAKE IT WORK THIS TIME!! I am determined!
3.

Do you like the software you have now?

The software I have now with an M Series Pro will show usage, leak, snore, AHI. But I don't think I will be able to get the Pro (without paying out of pocket and I understand this is kind of an obsolete machine). I am looking at the PR Series 1 APAP to try to get the insurance to pay for another machine before my five years are up. Not sure about this at all, but armed with information maybe I can make it work. I think my GP, who ordered the study, will work with me any way he is able.
4.

What would you change about it?

I would like more detail than it currently would give IF I had a M Series Pro. I have seen someone post a graph that showed at what point in the night that incidents were happening. I have a big problem with REM sleep disruptions.
5.

Have you been using C-flex?

Yes, I am using C-Flex.
6.

Do you like it?

I assume you're talking about C-Flex, and yes, I do like it.
7.

Would you like to be able to customize the snot out of the exhalation relief waveform?

I don't know what exhalation relief waveform is.
8.

Do you think your old machine wakes you up sometimes?

The machine doesn't seem to bother me at all. It's the mask, the hose, leaks, getting a comfortable fit, etc.
9.

How long did it take you to get used to it?

I'm still getting used to the therapy overall. In the two times I have tried, I used it about a month, two tops. The machine doesn't seem to have been a problem. I did get a FlexiFit 431 Full Face Mask (I'm a mouth breather) and have slept with it for two nights and it seems to be the best one yet. Very comfortable, and doesn't leak. So that seems to be one more problem solved.
10.

Do you think your airway changes often, with the seasons, or only when you have a cold?

Yes, it changes on a daily or even an hourly basis. Sometimes I can breath through my nose, and sometimes I just can't get enough air, even with the CPAP, and even while awake. There doesn't seem to be a reason when it gets stuffy when I actually don't have a cold. It's like nasal passages are swollen and I just can't get enough air if I keep my mouth closed, even when awake. I had a deviated septum fixed when I was 17 and then got hit in the nose a few weeks later. The doctor thought it got deviated again, but I couldn't do another surgery, the first being as painful as it was. And my nose was broken again two years ago. So that even makes it harder. Sometimes it feels "stuffy" sometimes not. Sometimes only one side is stuffy, sometimes both.
11.

Would you like a quieter machine?

The sound of the machine does not bother me.
12.

Do you want the quietest machine available?

I don't have anything but the M Series Pro and the M Series Plus to compare to, but they don't bother me at all.
13.

Does the cost of the machine matter?

Yes, very much. I can't afford to replace my machine, but I feel I need the data to be successful on my third attempt. First time, I couldn't get any data because I couldn't get the mask to seal, and it just showed "leak" all night, no other data. Got frustrated and quit. Second time, I got a decent mask, but I wasn't able to use my software because of an error. That's fixed now, but I think the point might be mute if I have to get a PRS 1 APAP. But someone has told me they can help me with software, so that's not a problem with that particular machine, or even a Respironics anything that's data capable.
14.

How about the cost of replacement parts, accessories, software, etc?

Insurance covers my supplies and machines at 100%. The problem is I didn't get the right one and insurance will only cover one every five years and it's only been two. But I suspect if I can show "medical necessity" I might be able to get them to cover an APAP, showing "failed CPAP."
15.

How much of a difference would it make to you if you could get support directly from the company that made your machine?

I don't know if that makes a difference or not. I haven't had any problems with my machine so I just don't know. Something I haven't thought about. Unless it breaks, is there any other reason you would have to get support? Certainly don't want to be supported by the useless DMEs! But I plan to be careful in choosing one that will be more helpful. I don't know if such an animal exists, but I will try to find one. I have over 100 choices on my insurance within 50 miles.
16.

Do you have respiratory allergies?

I haven't much in the past, but this season, I have. Stuffy nose and ears.
17.

Do you often get respiratory infections?

I do not normally have respiratory infections, except the occasional cold or flu.
18.

Does it matter how it looks?
Does it matter how big it is?

It doesn't matter how it looks. It does not matter how big it is. I will deal with it for a good machine.
19.

Do you use a humidifier?
Do you have problems with rainout?

I do use a humidifier, and I do not have problems with rainout.
20.

Do you care where the hose attaches and what angle it will be at?

I don't care about that, I don't think. Again, only comparing to M Series, which comes out the back on the left side as you're looking at it. My side of the bed is on the right side if you are standing at the foot of the bed, and it comes out on the "bedside" so it's as close to the bed as it can get.
21.

Do you travel often?
Do you go where there is no electricity?

I do not travel often. I can't imagine a time I would go somewhere without electricity.
22.

How much of a problem have power outages been for you?

Power outages are not usually a problem. I guess we get about three outages a year, maybe, and most are during the day.
23.

If you could change three things about your old machine, what would they be?

Hmmmm. I don't know. I do know that the data is the most important thing to me. I do wish the humidifier worked better. I seem to have to warm up the water to get any moisture and not get an extremely dry mouth, enough to where I get cracks in my tongue, very painful. That would be nice not to have to do that, but as long as I do, it's fine. But I don't know if others are better.

Okay, there you have it, WHEW! Thanks for being so thorough, I didn't even think of half of those considerations. Have any suggestions for me? I'm thinking PRS 1 APAP? If I can get the insurance to pay for it, I already have a way to get Encore Pro 2.xxx at no cost. That seems the ideal thing, but I am open to suggestions. Money is a real consideration, actually the main consideration other than data.

Thanks so much for any input you or anyone else can provide! You just proved to me that I don't know what I don't know!

Lori Dawn