Can my DME switch machines?

[kona0197]

So I was visiting my DME the other day. I mentioned the machine I have and asked if the S9 is better. I was told yes, it is, but it has to be requested after the sleep study. Since I never got the choice as to what machine I was getting they are looking into if I can switch to the S9. My machine has a little over 300 hours on it. So what do you think, can they switch machines? Is it possible? I would rather have the S9.

[Janknitz]

They can, but they won't. Why switch out a perfectly good machine on which they make a good profit--but it's now used--for a more expensive machine on which they make less profit,brand new? Would your car dealer take back a now used car after 300 miles to give you a better, brand new car, for not a penny extra?

If your DME saddled you with a brick then you'd have a case. But you have the top of the line Respironics model. So there's no justification for the swap. If you think you'd prefer the S9 now, then you should buy it yourself. They are relatively inexpensive if you shop carefully on Craigslist.

[kona0197]

I think they might. After all, they have let me switch out many different masks, and they are so helpful. The thing is they never asked me what machine I wanted, never gave me a choice. I wasn't aware you could sell this stuff on Craigslist, I thought that was against the law. Noe does it matter, I don't have an income so no spending money. And how can my machine be top of the line when the S9 does so much more?

[zoocrewphoto]

I think they might. After all, they have let me switch out many different masks, and they are so helpful. The thing is they never asked me what machine I wanted, never gave me a choice. I wasn't aware you could sell this stuff on Craigslist, I thought that was against the law. Noe does it matter, I don't have an income so no spending money. And how can my machine be top of the line when the S9 does so much more?

The DMEs get money back for returned masks if they do the paperwork right. They don't get it back for taking back an expensive machine. Most DMEs do not ask what you want for a machine, because they try to sell what will give them the most profit.

Are you trying to get a bipap or vpap machine?

Otherwise, there really isn't much difference between your machine and a Resmed S9 autoset. You have a full data auto machine. If you don't have the heated hose, there is a kit for your machine. Otherwise, it is really some slight differences in how the algorithms work.

There is nothing wrong with an individual selling their machine via craigslist. I bought my backup machine from somebody on craigslist for $200. It took some patience waiting for a deal I could afford, but I am glad to have it.

[robysue]

So I was visiting my DME the other day. I mentioned the machine I have and asked if the S9 is better. I was told yes, it is,

The differences in quality between a Resmed S9 AutoSet and a PR System One Series 60 Auto are minimal. Some people find the S9 more comfortable to use, but others find the System One more comfortable to use.

Likewise the differences in quality between an S9 Elite and a System One Series 60 Pro are minimal.

And both the S9 Escape and the System One Plus are bricks.

[Sheriff Buford]

Of course the DME didn't give you a choice. They hardly ever do. The exceptional DME will work with you, give you what you want and show you how to use the equipment. You have to beat them to the punch... if you don't then you pay...

Sheriff

[robysue]

And how can my machine be top of the line when the S9 does so much more?

That's just it: The S9 doesn't do anything the System One can't do. The S9 does have a slicker, flashier LCD on it, but that hardly affects the quality of the therapy delivered. The S9's exhalation relief system works very differently than the System One's does, but not everybody likes EPR better than Flex.

Data collection? The S9 and the System One collect the same efficacy data. The snoring and flow limitation data is displayed very differently, but it is there on both machines. And for those who care, the System One flags RERAs and periodic breathing, whereas the S9 does not. (You can infer periodic breathing and, perhaps RERAs if you really know what you are looking for by micro analyzing the S9's wave flow data, however.)

Finally, the S9 is programmed to write the detailed data directly to the SD card, whereas the System One stores everything except the wave flow internally. And the S9 overwrites the wave flow and detailed data on the SD card periodically, whereas the System One does not. And the S9 is much, much pickier about whether the SD card as any other files on it than the System One is. Hence, the System One is much more forgiving of data card fumbles.

[jaye8898]

And how can my machine be top of the line when the S9 does so much more?

That's just it: The S9 doesn't do anything the System One can't do. The S9 does have a slicker, flashier LCD on it, but that hardly affects the quality of the therapy delivered. The S9's exhalation relief system works very differently than the System One's does, but not everybody likes EPR better than Flex.

Data collection? The S9 and the System One collect the same efficacy data. The snoring and flow limitation data is displayed very differently, but it is there on both machines. And for those who care, the System One flags RERAs and periodic breathing, whereas the S9 does not. (You can infer periodic breathing and, perhaps RERAs if you really know what you are looking for by micro analyzing the S9's wave flow data, however.)

Finally, the S9 is programmed to write the detailed data directly to the SD card, whereas the System One stores everything except the wave flow internally. And the S9 overwrites the wave flow and detailed data on the SD card periodically, whereas the System One does not. And the S9 is much, much pickier about whether the SD card as any other files on it than the System One is. Hence, the System One is much more forgiving of data card fumbles.

Many thanks, Robysue, for posting this! It's great information as I had decided on the S9 Autoset for Her when my rental period is over (now using the System One) because of the nicer display, good reviews, and pink color available! This info gives me pause as I am quite comfortable with the rental and I did forget to put the card back in after I downloaded for SleepyHead. I only noticed in the evening before bed and had to go downstairs to get it out of my laptop. That means, if I understood correctly, data would have been lost..is that correct? Is sounds that for those of us who are a little absent minded at tines, the System One may be the right machine!

[Pugsy]

This info gives me pause as I am quite comfortable with the rental and I did forget to put the card back in after I downloaded for SleepyHead. I only noticed in the evening before bed and had to go downstairs to get it out of my laptop. That means, if I understood correctly, data would have been lost..is that correct? Is sounds that for those of us who are a little absent minded at tines, the System One may be the right machine!

Correct...the detailed data would have been lost if you were using a S9 and the SD card was left out of the S9.
You would be able to use ResScan and get some basic summary usage numbers but nothing else...no detailed graphs at all.
Been there and done that myself with my S9....and I tell you it always happens when there is something you would maybe have liked to see in detail. It of course is not the end of the world if you can't but it is surely annoying to realize what you have done.

FWIW...I actually prefer the way the PR S1 presents the data it collects over the S9 way..especially for Flow limitations.
I also prefer Encore over ResScan reports...visually Encore reports make it really easy to see at a glance the overall picture.
But that's just me.

I have used both brands...it's a toss up really and in your situation...the only thing that I think the S9 might help you out on would be your ear issue (if it continues) as EPR might help you out in that area...can't guarantee it but the drop in pressure during exhale is more dramatic than you get with AFlex or CFlex and if the higher pressures are a factor..then EPR might help.

The ResMed machines aren't "better" ...they just go about things a bit differently in terms of how the do things but the end result is the same...prevent obstructive sleep apnea events from becoming a problem. So they get to the same goal but take different roads to get there. Some people prefer one road over another road but most people would enjoy the ride on either road.

[Wulfman...]

I think they might. After all, they have let me switch out many different masks, and they are so helpful. The thing is they never asked me what machine I wanted, never gave me a choice. I wasn't aware you could sell this stuff on Craigslist, I thought that was against the law. Noe does it matter, I don't have an income so no spending money. And how can my machine be top of the line when the S9 does so much more?

Please elaborate.
There was a recent thread complaining about the fact that the S9 machines don't have a "mask disconnect" (large leak) alert. I pointed out that the Respironics (now P/R) have ALWAYS had that feature (as far as I know).
That's +1 for the P/R machines and -1 for the ResMed.

So, let's see your list of P/R machine "deficiencies" compared to the ResMed machines.

Personally, I would NEVER own a ResMed machine.


Den

.

[robysue]

Personally, I would NEVER own a ResMed machine.

Curiosity makes me ask: Why would you never own a ResMed?

Please keep in mind, that I also pointed out that the System One can do everything the S9 can.

[jaye8898]

I second the curiosity thing....I am trying to make a decision between the two machines when my compliance rental period is over. I was going for the S9 autoset for her w/heated hose but after learning about the software differences am back to leaning toward the System One.

Thanks!

[ems]

They can, but they won't. Why switch out a perfectly good machine on which they make a good profit--but it's now used--for a more expensive machine on which they make less profit,brand new? Would your car dealer take back a now used car after 300 miles to give you a better, brand new car, for not a penny extra?

Maybe it depends on how they are approached. I got my Resmed Cpap machine in July, 2011. For various reasons my doctor thought I needed a Bpap so asked the DME to switch it out for me. That was around five/six months later.

The DME came to my house to pick up the Cpap machine and brought the Bpap. I didn't question it. I thought that was just the way it was done. I know now that isn't the case and I was lucky. I think that the 13 month rental did start all over again.

[robysue]

They can, but they won't. Why switch out a perfectly good machine on which they make a good profit--but it's now used--for a more expensive machine on which they make less profit,brand new? Would your car dealer take back a now used car after 300 miles to give you a better, brand new car, for not a penny extra?

Maybe it depends on how they are approached. I got my Resmed Cpap machine in July, 2011. For various reasons my doctor thought I needed a Bpap so asked the DME to switch it out for me. That was around five/six months later.

The BiPAP required a new prescription for a machine with a different billing code and the contract the DME has with your insurance likely requires them to honor new prescriptions during the rental period. So that's not quite the same thing as requesting that a DME switch a perfectly good PR System One APAP for a Resmed S9 AutoSet, which appears to be the switch the OP wants to the DME to make.

[bwexler]

I used a Resmed S9 Autoset for 3 years.
I then switched to a PRS1 960 ASV.
My experience is the PRS1 is much much noisier and I have been complaining about the noise since day 1.
I am getting used to it but I still don't like the noise.

The PRS1 ASV has kept my AHI below 3 and this morning it was 0.2 which is the best I have seen but less than 1 is common.

I must admit both Resmed and PRS1 do what they need to do to help us keep breathing.