Should I go permanent Airplane Mode? I think so.

[metallikat36]

I am getting a new machine and am deciding whether or not to permanently go with Airplane Mode. I have an AirSense 10 for like the last 2 months with Airplane Mode off. I just payed out of pocket for an AirCurve (BPAP) which will arrive any day. I think I will just turn on airplane mode, and stick with the SD card. The DME that gave me the regular CPAP did not give me the impression that they would return the money I presume they have already been payed by my insurance (medi-cal, aka Obamacare in California) if I were to return to them the CPAP. They said something like "it would be good if you would return it if you aren't going to use it". (Translation: I will not return it unless they give me proof they have returned any money they received.) Once I switch to the BPAP, any further compliance data they might need will no longer be showing up on the CPAP, regardless of what setting I do or do not choose on the BPAP.

So as far as I can tell, my only consideration is if I want my doctor to get wireless data. Since I bought the unit online, I doubt they will set him up on AirView (even though he requested it on the Rx). So maybe it really doesn't matter in any case. I also don't like his attitude and think I would prefer he never see what I am doing with the machine unless and until I decide to see him again and bring him my SD card. I think probably I will never go to him again, but just tweak my own therapy.

Any ramifications to turning on AirPlane mode I have overlooked?

I have developed the impression that low CPAP compliance has something to do with doctors not empowering patients with data and the ability to choose their own settings. But I am still green and am open to being wrong. But I doubt it.

[TASmart]

If you paid for the new machine there is no reason why you cannot put it into the airplane mode except that any firmware updates are downloaded through the cell phone link. As far as the other machine, a lot of the Medicaid programs use a long-term lease arrangement so you may have to return it. But if you have already demonstrated compliance you may not have to prove use. Call medical and ask them. It would be nice to have a backup.

Did your Dr. say to go to a different type of machine? If not why did you switch to the BPAP? Who wrote the prescription?

After two months there is no reason that the DME should refund any money to anyone.

[metallikat36]

I asked my doc for a BPAP for various reasons, and he wrote me an RX. He said some patients go that way and do well, but warned me insurance may not cover it.

Is there any way to periodically turn the wireless on and ping for any firmware updates, then turn it off?

In any case, if someone presses me to return the CPAP someday, then I will just have to return it.

The other issue is that I don't want my doctor changing the settings without telling me. Will turning off airplane mode prevent that as well?

[Jas_williams]

Why do you need to use airplane mode ? It’s your machine big brother is not going to be watching you, the stats are basic and anonymous unless the serial number of your machine is registered by you or your dme, with appropriate patient information.

I don’t worry about it. On my self purchased machine. I was not willing to pay resmed’s monthly subscription that is due in the UK for my air and so use sleepyhead.



Jason

[Pugsy]

The other issue is that I don't want my doctor changing the settings without telling me. Will turning off airplane mode prevent that as well?

Using airplane mode will prevent anyone from messing with your settings. Airplane mode prevents the machine from transmitting or receiving.
But to be honest if the machine isn't setup with your name and serial number to the ResMed website...the doctor won't be able to go there and even see anything. So unless whomever you are getting your machine does this...it's a moot point.

Firmware updates...this happens so rarely that I wouldn't even worry about it.

[Okie bipap]

Our doctor prescribed Resmed machines, but he doesn't use the Resmed data site. He gets his data from the SD card when we go in to see them. The DME used it to verify compliance for the first month or two so they could get paid by Medicare.

[Janknitz]

Since I'm not on Medicare and my insurance and I bought and paid for my machine outright, there are no compliance requirements. Therefore, it's nobody's business but my own what's going on with my machine. I keep it on airplane mode all the time.

I have Kaiser, and if I was having a problem I would probably turn the data on so that the sleep techs could take a look, if they asked me to. They do have the capability of checking in if they need to. But otherwise NOPE. My data, my treatment, I'm in charge.

On the Resmed, every time you take off your CPAP it will ask you if you want to turn it back on. A little annoying, but I just ignore it.