Upgrading from ResMed S8 Escape

[Jcastle]

I got my statement from my DME and found out that the S8 Escape I received is only a rental. I would like to upgrade to something where I can better monitor my treatment, and since I have to return the machine because of mechanical issues The Escape has a card, but I have no reader or software.

Any suggestions for what to consider?

[ejdischer]

I really dig my M-Series. The software is worth it. I got the Encore pro software for around $100. I nabbed a reader from two-factor.com for around $30 with shipping. That's an incredible savings over the Respironics branded one. Anyway, the m-series is very quiet. I like that it doesn't completely look like a piece of medical equipment. The case is great for traveling as I can fit everything in one bag including the mask and humidifier. The only negative I have about the M series is the fact that the lcd doesn't have a backlight. So if you need to read something on the screen and it's dark, you're going to need to turn a light on. That's about it. I do love the machine, very much worth it.

[bookwrm63]

J...I too have the Escape on rental and have gone through a lengthy process to upgrade as well. My DME finally agreed and they have ordered me the S8 Elite. It is the next one up from the Escape but you can get your numbers off the LED screen each morning. The drawback is that Resmed doesn't sell the software to patients anymore so if you really want the ability to print charts and graphs, etc, you'd have to order it from out of the US and it can be pricey. If you really just want to see your basic numbers each day and like the functionality of the Escape, then I'd request the Elite. At least you already have the correct humidifier so it might be an easier sell to the DME. They probably won't have a problem if you just started out with your rental. Mine was harder because I've had my machine since last June. Good luck!

Mary

[oldvaham]

I just went through that process just last week. I had no problems changing the "Escape" for the "Vantage". I simply stated that the machine was not what I wanted for my therapy. The only question asked as that the Vantage was an APAP device. At that point I said that it was both A and C PAP, and it could be set to either. That reply almost took them back a few steps. Seems that the technician didn't expect me to know the difference, much less know that I was going to have that specific device for the next five years much more than the manufacturer's warranty period (2 years). It seems to me that most DME technicians only know what they need to know and no more. When you combine the Internet research with forum comments, you gain a lot of knowledge that these techs don't have. My tech told me he was afraid to ask any more questions because he felt that I knew all the answers! I probably did thanks in part to this forum.

If I were you and had to exchange machines again, I would still get the S8 Vantage because it's going to be around for a while at home. Why not get the best you can now so when technology over takes it, at least you have some choices available now rather than having to upgrade once again.

By the way, I got my software (AutoScan) from Australia, took four days and it installs and works best the default values. You can find the card reader at various places - no problem.

In all, go with the Vantage when you switch out the Escape. You'll have flexibility and capability that's just not in the Elite. I think the difference is worth it.

Ken

[bookwrm63]

Ken,

I know the Vantage would be the way to go, however, my doctor refused to write the order for it so it was the Elite or keep what I had. Grrrr....oh well..someday when I have the extra funds, I'll just buy an APAP.

Mary

[Jcastle]

J...I too have the Escape on rental and have gone through a lengthy process to upgrade as well.

Seem with enough rental months behind us, our insurance could buy several machines. My DME charged $161.00 for one month on the Escape.[/quote]

[Slinky]

My DME "only" (?) charges $135 a month rental for my Resmed S8 Elite (which I LIKE, by the way). I'm waiting for my first Medicare (and secondary insurance) statement for the rental to see how much they actually receive. Resmed has set a price of $695 (sans humidifier) for the Elite. Mine is a 13 month capped rental. So the charged cost of my Elite thru my local DME is $1755. I'm rather curious what it would cost thru my local DME if it were an outright purchase from day one. And what the actual reimbursement for the capped rental will be.

[Slinky]

By the way: I REALLY like the information available via the LED screen with the Resmed S8 Elite. MUCH better than the Respironics Auto w/C-Flex.

There are ways to obtain the software and reader for considerably less than you would expect. Until such time as you can get the software and reader I'm here to tell you you will be a LOT happier w/the info you can get from the Elite via the LED screen than from any of the Respironics products. AND Resmed makes a darn good product.

So, if you can't get them to switch you to the S8 Vantage go for the S8 Elite. You can access your nightly Pressure, Leak, AHI, AI, HI (also weekly, monthly, six month and yearly averages), total hours on the machine, total nights used more than 4 hours and the number of hours used that night, all via the nice size, clear, easy to read LED screen. Just be sure to check your night's results before noon. These PAP machines "work" on a noon to noon clock so if not checked before noon that night's results go into the averages and are no longer available via the LED screen. They are carried for 5 days on the data card before being "lost" into the averages but you need to software to check those previous 4 nights' individual results. And don't ask me why these machines work on a 5 day week instead of a 7 day week! Maybe they have a union contract!!!