A decision between ResMed & Philips, how important is it to have a local DME provider?

[bonum.noctem]

Things seem to be different in my country.

If the clinical sleep diagnoses results in me needing a CPAP machine, my health insurance will pay for a rental machine (as long as I can prove at least 80% use).

I will be able to choose between two DME providers, one is carrying only Philips Respironics equipment, the other ResMed. Due to the rental and supply contract between my health insurance and the DME provider, there is no changing around afterwards, so either a Philips machine with Philips mask or ResMed machine with ResMed mask, but not a Philips machine with ResMed mask or swapping a Philips for a ResMed machine and vice versa.

The Philips DME provider has a local office in my town, the ResMed DME provider not (they will send the equipment and/or send their regional representative to visit me at home).

Obviously it would be way more convenient to simply go to their local office whenever needed, I could even pickup my (Philips) equipment right after the night at the sleep clinic, but I really would prefer the ResMed equipment, though having it sent to me can take some time and I'm not really comfortable with the idea of having their regional representative come to my home.

So this is not only the decision between a DME provider with local office or not, but also between Philips (DreamStation Auto-CPAP + DreamWare Nasal Cushion or Pillow Mask) and ResMed (AutoSense 10 AutoSet + AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask) equipment.

I've already done my research, which is why I think the ResMed gear is superior in major key points, but obviously it bothers me that they don't have a local office. It's not only about convenience, but thinking about what happens if there is a problem with the machine, I could have the Philips machine swapped the same day, however it may take up to a week for a ResMed replacement to be shipped (no same day or next day replacement, as it is considered nonessential equipment).

Any thoughts on that?

[ClayL]

I have a Phillips Respironics machine and my wife has a Resmed machine. I don't see much difference between them other than the Resmed display is nicer - but I rarely look at the display. We use Sleepyhead software to see what is going on with our treatment. We both use a Respironics full face mask (Amara View).
Other than trying out masks and getting machines repaired we have have had no contact with our local DME. We order all supplies from the company our DME is affiliated with (Rotech).
Local repair and replacement would be the key factor for me when choosing a DME. We have both had machine problems that required repair and being able to get an immediate loaner or replacement was important.

[zonker]

my opinion is directly opposite of that of clayl. i'm not in the least concerned that i buy my stuff online. i don't use my insurance for cpap related items. so i have a bit of privilege in being able to just pay out of pocket.

if my machine breaks down, i'll most likely buy a replacement. if i was smart, i'd start looking into that replacement NOW instead of waiting. but i DO have a backup machine.

it just depends on how you feel about it. do you trust that you can rely on the cpap machine lasting five years? or do you want that local dme where you can simply drive there and pick up a new one?

decisions, decisions...

[palerider]

I think that when you do get something, you need to follow rule #2 here:

viewtopic/t172378/Sticky--Newbies-PLEAS ... STING.html

[Muse-Inc]

I think the big difference is the difference in the breathing algorithm. One will more closely match how you inhale and exhale. Depending on how sensitive you are to this, it may or may not be an issue.

[palerider]

I think the big difference is the difference in the breathing algorithm. One will more closely match how you inhale and exhale. Depending on how sensitive you are to this, it may or may not be an issue.

The breathing algorithm is actually how it responds to events, and how fast and when it increases pressure.

Unless you're talking about EPR vs *flex.

Or whether a machine has EasyBreathe or not.

[Muse-Inc]

Er, I don't know what they call it. It has to do with how fast inhale pressure begins (some of us breathe strongly on the first part of inhalation, others less so), regardless of EPR. There was a long more technical discussion with -SWS back when I was here daily, maybe 2010-1? When we had a local group of forum members, there was machine swap and at least one member found the other major brand felt more natural, like it supported his breathing rather than forcing air. Hope I explained that better.

[MrsRinPDX]

1. I have a Philips DreamStation and I've already had it replaced once under warranty, and that was after just a few months of use. So I think they definitely have quality control issues with their sensors at least.

2. It was incredibly easy to have a local DME to troubleshoot and switch out machines when it did go bad. I also made multiple visits to her office when I was trying to find the right mask, and when I needed an alternative mask after neck surgery. Picking up parts/pillows is a snap.

To answer your question, I find the local DME the most valuable of the two.

[Okie bipap]

When I first started treated, I used a local DME. I had to have my machine replaced twice within seven months. The first machine would not transmit data. The second machine quit working six months after I got it. My current machine has been working for over two and a half years. I started using an on-line DME when my local DME lost their Medicare contract. The only problem I have had with my current DME is they tend to send supplies I haven't ordered and I have to send them back.