Which manufacturer has the "best" website and why?

[Research_Guy]

Just curious what you think...what type of info do patients need, want or expect from OSA device manufacturers? Thank you.

[Wulfman]

Just curious what you think...what type of info do patients need, want or expect from OSA device manufacturers? Thank you.

And, who might you be??? Besides an unregistered "Guest"......

You could probably get an idea by doing a little (or a LOT of) reading on this forum.

Den

[dllfo]

I think a lot of us want everything our insurance has paid for, especially the
instruction books. Right or wrong, we have the inalienable right to screw up.

I have been speaking with Apria. I wanted my provider's manual. They said
"No, the manufacturer does not want the consumer to use it. Too much liabilty."

I tell them "I will give Apria a release from liability if that is their reason. And the manufacturer allows them to be sold on the internet, with all the books included. De Facto, they don't care if I get the books."

They did not really answer that one.

"Is it because you can charge us for changing the settings, therefore make more money? Or sell us our smart card? Again?"

"No, we are concerned for the welfare of our patients."

A dead end for the consumer................

In summary...Please give me everything the manufacturer packaged in the
box. I can buy the same machine on the internet and get all the books.
Frustrating!!

[Guest]

Come on Dilfo, just buy one on eGay for $6.00. Oh! Its not the money..its the principle......ya,da,ya,da...

[dllfo]

Guest.....I would if I could. MY provider's manual was not on ebay when I checked a couple of times. I have one now. As I told Apria...give me my provider's manual that came with my machine or I will have to go to the internet for my wife's machine. I went to the internet. I HAVE the book I
wanted. They lost a sale. I doubt that they care. I certainly don't. And the
taxpayers saved a grand or two.

[Research_Guy]

Just curious what you think...what type of info do patients need, want or expect from OSA device manufacturers? Thank you.

And, who might you be??? Besides an unregistered "Guest"......

You could probably get an idea by doing a little (or a LOT of) reading on this forum.

Den

Thanks for the response...Believe me, I DO read this forum quite a lot and have learned much from the patient side. I'm asking because I have an obvious notion that OSA patients don't go to Resmed.com or Respironics.com to read about OSA. Rather, patients go to the manufacturer websites for product info or manuals, etc. and to check out anything perhaps new.

[krousseau]

You have avoided the question regarding who you are.

For your "research": Bet a lot of people on this forum look at many sites for OSA info, treatment info and products that could potentially be used to help with things like keeping masks in place. From manufacturers it would be nice to get complete clear descriptions of their masks including how many parts, sizing/fitting, rigid or flexible shell, materiels used, compatible cleaning agents. In short, specs sheets as if it was going to be used by sleep professionals, because we are where our own OSA is concerned. It is rather annoying to get descriptions like "gently cradles the chin". Hans Rudolph puts their specs sheets online.

[Wulfman]

Just curious what you think...what type of info do patients need, want or expect from OSA device manufacturers? Thank you.

And, who might you be??? Besides an unregistered "Guest"......

You could probably get an idea by doing a little (or a LOT of) reading on this forum.

Den

Thanks for the response...Believe me, I DO read this forum quite a lot and have learned much from the patient side. I'm asking because I have an obvious notion that OSA patients don't go to Resmed.com or Respironics.com to read about OSA. Rather, patients go to the manufacturer websites for product info or manuals, etc. and to check out anything perhaps new.

You still haven't answered my question.....about who/what you are?
Are you a rep from a manufacturer, or what?

The manufacturers seem to only want to cater to the medical professionals and seem to care less about having any exchange with the end-users of their products. That's very evident when one goes to their websites.....and especially tries to contact them. I had some personal exchanges with Respironics last year that also brought me to this conclusion.

Den

[Research_Guy]

Den, thanks for the response. No offense intended, but why do I have to tell you who I am just to solicit your honest opinion re: my original question?

You can definitely assume that I'm somebody who is interested in gearing website content towards its most prominent visitor demographic. For example, if an OSA patient wants to exchange ideas with others, ask for comments, suggestions, etc. he/she comes to this website. The intent and audience of cpaptalk.com became obvious to me after spending about 8 minutes here...

So what else do OSA patients need? This is the question. If a patient or medical prof wants detailed info about certain products they would turn to the manufacturer's site, although more and more product info is being found on cpaptalk.com.

I'm simply trying to get feedback from USERS (note that word) of CPAP products to determine how, if possible, manufacturer websites can be of more assistance and ensure continued adherence to therapy.

Thanks again.

[Wulfman]

No offense intended, but why do I have to tell you who I am just to solicit your honest opinion re: my original question?

None taken.
Well, it might make a difference as to how the questions are answered.....depending on if you're a company rep, website designer, college student working on a thesis, etc., etc.

Just my opinion.

Den

[Research_Guy]

No offense intended, but why do I have to tell you who I am just to solicit your honest opinion re: my original question?

None taken.
Well, it might make a difference as to how the questions are answered.....depending on if you're a company rep, website designer, college student working on a thesis, etc., etc.

Just my opinion.

Den

Thanks again. That's a fair point. I am someone who can change a website to better fit its audience's needs. I would tell a designer what to do and how to make it look. Your answers here will help me change things.

[ozij]

Are you doing this for a specific company?
O.

[Guest]

Are you doing this for a specific company?
O.

Yep

[NightHawkeye]

Here's what I'd like to see which would be immensely valuable when choosing a machine.

- consumer (user) satisfaction ratings for machines
- quantitative performance comparisons among brands
- reliability data for machines
- consumer (user) repair-service satisfaction ratings

Regards,
Bill

[Guest]

Are you doing this for a specific company?
O.

Yep

oooh.. this is fun! Can I play?


Does it start with the letters R-E-S-?

Is it bigger than a breadbox?

Does it have a big nose?

Is it bald?

Is it wearing a hat?

Is it Uncle Doug?