well, I guess it's official

[Seawind36]

I won't see the doctor until the 29th but the tech was very accommodating and shared a couple of stats with me. I will request a full copy of the report when I go in. I did find that my RDI was 21 the night of my study and last night's titration ended up at 11 to stop disruptions. Now it comes down to research and deciding how and what to get.

I am so glad that I found this group - this is going to be interesting!

[chunkyfrog]

Welcome! Here the scoop on which machines do what:
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/

[70sSanO]

Welcome.

First thing is to call your insurance company and find out how they pay, their list of DME providers and ask if you can buy online. Not all DME's are bad, but you need to know what your insurance covers. A lot DMEs charge you (or insurance co) on a monthly basis for anywhere from 6 months to a year. I'm not sure about online. Back when I started I bought online and the insurance company paid a percentage and thee were no monthly payments.

If you can get a data capable APAP. The important point is that an APAP can still be run at a single set pressure CPAP so there is no differnece when setup that way. However, it gives you more options and helps if you need to tweak the pressure as time goes on.

Finally, like anything else there will be some trial and error, but the better your attitude the better things tend to go. Being informed and taking control of your situation really helps. At the same time it is not something that has to consume you. For the past few years since I got a data machine I have checked the numbers daily. At times when things started going the wrong way I closely monitored them and have had to figure out what to do, with the help of this forum. At other times, I largely ignore them and just go about my business.

John

[Seawind36]

Thank you, John. My insurance doesn't limit me in the type of machine I get so that's good. If I use a network provider, they pay 100% of the allowable amount and the provider cannot bill me for the difference. That is the route I am taking - I intend to get the best machine I can with data compatibility. I am trying to be proactive and inform myself ahead of time.

[bwexler]

If you are on straight APAP there are two choices, the Resmed S9 Autoset with H5i heated humidifier, and the Philps Resperonics System 1 DS560TS with heated Humidifier and heated hose and upgraded 80 watt power brick.

Many of us prefer the Resmed but either one will do a fine job.

[chunkyfrog]

The Resmed also has an optional heated hose, which I use year-round, adjusting temperature for my comfort.

[SpectreWriter]

Ditto what the others are saying. Resmed PR 60 Series System One Machine, with heater. But while you're at it, get a DC cord (and battery, if you can get away with it.) If you go on vacation, a long plane ride, etc, you will want to take it with you.

[archangle]

If you are on straight APAP there are two choices, the Resmed S9 Autoset with H5i heated humidifier, and the Philps Resperonics System 1 DS560TS with heated Humidifier and heated hose and upgraded 80 watt power brick.

Many of us prefer the Resmed but either one will do a fine job.

Watch out that the DME doesn't try to screw you with an S9 Escape Auto. You want AutoSet, for several reasons, mostly that it records a lot better data. Some DME's will try to trick you by saying "S9 Auto" or even pulling the old switcheroo. The AutoSet says "AutoSet" next to the power button.