Newbie with machine question

[Olivia]

I have been using my Cpap for about 2 months. I changed doctors about 6 weeks ago as my MD told me she cannot read my SD card data and didn't really want to navigate my sleep issues. I am now going to Stanford Sleep clinic and am very pleased. My new doctor wants me to change to a Respironics PR system one with heated hose auto cpap. I spoke to my DME and they said "no." I am not particularly unhappy with my current humidification which is not heated, although some dry mouth) . My doc said they (Nationwide Medical, Inc.) gave me an "old" model and I should push for a new model. Is my machine really that outdated? Would changing DMEs help me to get a newer model? To complicate things, I have had two surgeries in the past month for thyroid cancer so have lost much of my voice temporarily so cannot argue vocally with the DME provider. After much struggle in the beginning of use and four different masks and new settings my AHI finally was <5 most nights, except since my last surgery 3 days ago and much neck swelling, it has again gone up. I have learned much from this site and have been lurking for a while. I am most appreciative. So, my question is. Is it worth it to battle for a new machine? Thanks, Olivia

[DiverCTHunter]

If you're comfortable with the DS550, I wouldn't worry about it.

IIRC the 560 has a slightly different APAP algorithm for if you leave the range wide open.

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

The 60 series machines were released in late March of 2012. So the 50 series isn't horribly old and the main difference is the heated hose option. There was also a couple of other minor feature additions but not deal breakers. Did you ever check the run/blower hours on your machine to see if it had prior hours of use logged on it when you got it?
Therapy hours can be reset to zero but run/blower machine hours can't be reset.

I don't know if the heated hose is going to be that big of a deal for you. It does allow for more customization of both the temperature of the air delivered as well as the humidity delivered. For some people it's a big help and some people could care less.
Your insurance might squawk at the idea of a change also. If the doctor can't get your insurance on board....there might be a problem. Have you checked with your insurance company? What is the status of your contract with this current supplier? Are you in a rent to own situation (pay "rent" for so many months and then it is yours) or did your insurance buy the machine outright?

The 50 series machine that you have has 2 modes of humidity delivery offered. The default mode is called the "new System One humidification system" and uses sensors in the machine to determine the ambient room humidity and then it adjusts the heat in an effort to deliver a constant level of humidity based on your selection. It will use less heat and less water than the other mode of operation available on the 50 series machine which is called the Classic Mode which is what we used for years. Heat only to change humidity delivered...it uses more heat and more water.

I found that the 50 series "new humidification system mode" did a decent job reducing rain out but the air going to my nose even at max setting of 5 in the winter time (cold bedroom) was uncomfortably cold. So I switched it over to Classic mode which warmed the air to my nose a little better (and I like lots of added moisture anyway) but rain out increased significantly. There are ways to reduce the rain out but when the 60 series machine with the heated hose came out I was counting my pennies so I could get one because I knew I would like the heated hose. For me it is very important since I like lots of added moisture and a cold bedroom and didn't like ice cube nose. Rain out (condensation in the hose or mask) won't hurt you but it sure is annoying and will disturb sleep.

Humidity needs or preferences are highly individualized and you are the best judge of what suits your needs the best.

Dry mouth..that's most often mouth breathing. You are using a full face mask so therapy pressure isn't lost. Sometimes people max out the humidity setting and still can't get rid of the dry mouth. Some people's mouths just dry out easier than others for any number of reasons. You might try Classic mode to see if the added moisture that Classic mode offers will help.