Left DME without machine :(

[jshuler43]

Well, I went to pick up my new CPAP machine and ran into a few problems, so I put off picking up my machine until I could check in with to board to get feedback.
My machine was a ResMed S9 Auto Set. I was getting the heated hose, humidifier and Nuance Gel Mask.

I was surprised when the tech told me that there was no software to get information from. He was the only one who would be able to access that information. I thought my machine would have that capability. Is there something I have to buy or do to get it? I was concerned to sign for the machine until I made sure this was correct.

I had tried many masks in my titration study and finally found one that I liked, the Nuance Gel Mask. But when the tech opened up the package, I heard him say cloth. I knew there were two versions of the Nuance, so I looked at it and could see that it was the cloth and not the gel mask. I remember loving the gel on my face. He tried to tell me that the nose pillows were gel, so it was a gel mask. I looked it up on my iphone and showed him that there were two versions. He told me that the gel mask would be very expensive for them. I said it was the same price as the cloth. He said they don't carry that mask, so it would be expensive for them to get it. He started getting very angry with me.

At that point, I said I would do some checking, as I didn't know what kind of mask I would want. So he told me he would hold my machine two days and then send it back.

I'm concerned about getting stuck with a DME that is not very helpful. But it would probably be a big hassle to change DME's and get everything from my doctor done over again. I'd appreciate any advice!

[BlackSpinner]

if IF it is really an resmed S9 Autoset there is lots of data available using the Sleephead software that is available on this site.

The idea that the RT doesn't know how to use the machine to show the data is rather indicative of a lot of ignorance. However if they were talking about a resmed auto escape they are right in that it is a brick with only enough data on it so they can get paid.

[palerider]

Well, I went to pick up my new CPAP machine and ran into a few problems, so I put off picking up my machine until I could check in with to board to get feedback.
My machine was a ResMed S9 Auto Set. I was getting the heated hose, humidifier and Nuance Gel Mask.

I was surprised when the tech told me that there was no software to get information from. He was the only one who would be able to access that information.

*BOLD FACED LIE* but, do make sure it says "autoset" by the power button, if it says escape, then there's no data for anybody.

I had tried many masks in my titration study and finally found one that I liked, the Nuance Gel Mask. But when the tech opened up the package, I heard him say cloth. I knew there were two versions of the Nuance, so I looked at it and could see that it was the cloth and not the gel mask. I remember loving the gel on my face. He tried to tell me that the nose pillows were gel, so it was a gel mask. I looked it up on my iphone and showed him that there were two versions. He told me that the gel mask would be very expensive for them. I said it was the same price as the cloth. He said they don't carry that mask, so it would be expensive for them to get it. He started getting very angry with me.

sounds like a royal jerk.

At that point, I said I would do some checking, as I didn't know what kind of mask I would want. So he told me he would hold my machine two days and then send it back.

I'm concerned about getting stuck with a DME that is not very helpful. But it would probably be a big hassle to change DME's and get everything from my doctor done over again. I'd appreciate any advice![/quote]

just get a copy of your prescripiton from your doctor, you should have a copy with your machine at any rate, especially when traveling, in case your mask breaks and you have to get a new one locally, for instance.

[Wulfman...]

Well, I went to pick up my new CPAP machine and ran into a few problems, so I put off picking up my machine until I could check in with to board to get feedback.
My machine was a ResMed S9 Auto Set. I was getting the heated hose, humidifier and Nuance Gel Mask.

I was surprised when the tech told me that there was no software to get information from. He was the only one who would be able to access that information. I thought my machine would have that capability. Is there something I have to buy or do to get it? I was concerned to sign for the machine until I made sure this was correct.

I had tried many masks in my titration study and finally found one that I liked, the Nuance Gel Mask. But when the tech opened up the package, I heard him say cloth. I knew there were two versions of the Nuance, so I looked at it and could see that it was the cloth and not the gel mask. I remember loving the gel on my face. He tried to tell me that the nose pillows were gel, so it was a gel mask. I looked it up on my iphone and showed him that there were two versions. He told me that the gel mask would be very expensive for them. I said it was the same price as the cloth. He said they don't carry that mask, so it would be expensive for them to get it. He started getting very angry with me.

At that point, I said I would do some checking, as I didn't know what kind of mask I would want. So he told me he would hold my machine two days and then send it back.

I'm concerned about getting stuck with a DME that is not very helpful. But it would probably be a big hassle to change DME's and get everything from my doctor done over again. I'd appreciate any advice!

THEY aren't going to give you the software to download your data......or even admit that it's available to users. However, it's pretty freely available through sources on the forum.

I can't answer your questions about the mask, but as long as the machine is the S9 Autoset (and NOT the Escape Auto), you'll be fine getting your data with that machine.


Den

.

[jshuler43]

Oh!!! I bet it was an Escape Auto! I'm so glad I didn't get it! I would have been so sick after reading on this board the importance of being able to get software!

Thanks guys!! I will check with the DME, but I'm sure that's the case. But thinking about it - the tech said that my machine was a CPAP and a bi level. I didn't look at the model. Is the Escape Auto considered a CPAP and bi level?

[palerider]

Oh!!! I bet it was an Escape Auto! I'm so glad I didn't get it! I would have been so sick after reading on this board the importance of being able to get software!

Thanks guys!! I will check with the DME, but I'm sure that's the case.

read this: http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/what-y ... me-part-i/

[library lady]

You could suggest that if he can't accommodate your request for AUTOSET and the Nuance Gel Mask, you will take your prescription elsewhere. But first ask your insurance people, if you have insurance, what other "in network" providers you can use so that you have that info. If this DME is the only one you can use, then you must stand firm for the Gel.

[Janknitz]

The DME you spoke to sounds pretty ignorant. Auto CPAP's function as automatically adjusting PAP machines, or they can function as a CPAP with a fixed pressure. That's different from a BIPAP machine.

That said, if it really was an AutoSET, you may have difficulty getting one from another DME. But you have to CHECK and be certain it's truly an AutoSET, not an Escape Auto. I think this is simple to do. Ask to look at it again, and look at the model name which appears right over the on/off button on the left side of the machine. It will say "Autoset" or Escape Auto" (I think--appears that way in the photos). If it says Escape anywhere, walk away. You do not want that machine.

Since this DME is proving to be untrustworthy, I would ask here for the link to download the provider manual for the Autoset and learn how to check run hours, to be certain you are not being given a used machine.

Then politely ask them to order the mask you want, you will wait for it. It's not your problem that it costs them more, it's theirs.

[Pugsy]

Provider manual can be found here
http://www.apneuvereniging.nl/forum/pdf ... manual.pdf

If the machine is really the AutoSet and not the Escape Auto...take it. If they continue to dig their heels in about the mask...there's nothing stopping you from going to a different DME for just masks and supplies. Extra work yes..but there's no law that says you can only get masks from who supplies the machine.
I have a DME for masks that I have never bought a machine from. They were happy to get my mask business. Took me a little extra work getting the RX to them but worth it in the long run.
If it was the Escape Auto...then you need to dig your heels in or start looking for another DME for everything.

[archangle]

The number one priority is to get an S9 AutoSet machine, not an Escape Auto. It will say one or the other next to the power button.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... chine.html

Many people have a hard time getting their DME to dispense a data capable machine like the S9 AutoSet. I'm tempted to say to take it if it's an AutoSet, but look at the top of the machine for the word AutoSet next to the power button. It's tempting to say find another DME, but you might well have similar problems with a different DME.

The medical mafia (DME, sleep labs, doctors, insurance, manufacturers) all want you to be uninformed and dependent. They don't want you to know how to change your pressure or even read your own data. Almost none of them will sell you the software to read your data. Luckily, there is free software that does a really good job.

If you get the AutoSet, you can get free software online to see your data. You can also find out how to change your own pressure if necessary. It's probably better to act dumb and not let the DME know you know how to do this.

The AutoSet and Escape Auto are NOT bilevel. All ResMed bilevels have "VPAP" in their name.

The DME may be calling it a "bilevel" because it has EPR (Exhale Pressure Relief), which is sort of limited bilevel. They shouldn't call an AutoSet a "bilevel," but it's not entirely a lie.

If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check for yourself.

[HealthyandHopeful]

I hopefully will be getting a machine soon. I looked up a picture of the Escape and it also says Autoset on it. How do we know when we get our machine that it is the Autoset and not the Escape. Or is this picture wrong?
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... chine.html

[archangle]

I hopefully will be getting a machine soon. I looked up a picture of the Escape and it also says Autoset on it. How do we know when we get our machine that it is the Autoset and not the Escape. Or is this picture wrong?
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... chine.html

They just used the wrong picture on the ad for the Escape. cpap.com (who hosts this site) probably just didn't bother to open up an Escape machine and take a picture since the machines look the same except for the label. Or they simply screwed up.

[HealthyandHopeful]

Thanks for checking that! I've not had any good experiences so far, but I feel armed with a lot of knowledge now. I would hate after all of this to finally get the machine and walk out with the wrong one! Still working on finding a reputable DME. I have another to call tomorrow!

[squid13]

Check this video out for the S9 Series it will show you how to check run hours in the video. http://www.cpaplibrary.com/machines.html Like the others have said check the run hours to make sure your getting a new machine.

[HealthyandHopeful]

Thanks for that link!!