Which Remstar M series do I buy?

ffjoeret · Post by **ffjoeret** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 3:32 pm

I've been lurking for several months since I was diagnosed with OSA and been a member for a month since I received my rental machine. I've had 100% compliance with an average of 8+ hours for the last 30 days. Some face sores and a switch of masks, but all and all doing quite well. I even feel better. I have just spent much time in discussion with my HMO and they will not buy a data capable machine, only the M series Plus. I have been supplied with the M series humidifier so will probably stay with the M series. It appears that the M series Pro is the minimum machine that has data capabilities and since I'll have to buy it myself, price is an object. I would appreciate any information regarding that choice or suggestions for another that might be better. I've read the light bulb info and the FAQ's so really looking for personal input. Thanks

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 3:51 pm

I've been on CPAP a few years now, and have had the M-Series Pro since it came out.

Works for me - data capability is great, and I'm sure the C-Flex has been helpful.

I don't know if I (or you) would benefit from an Auto machine or not.

Best of luck.

JPZeller · Post by **JPZeller** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 3:52 pm

Sorry about the guest thing.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 4:33 pm

Data capable machine is essential. A data capable CPAP works just fine for most. An Auto CPAP (APAP) provides more options for relativley little extra cost, can be set to CPAP mode if you prefer, and all APAPs are data capable.

Go for an APAP.

Furthermore, as I understand it, there is no difference in the insurance code between a data capable or non-capable machine nor is there a different code between a CPAP or an APAP (ie. you have been misinformed by DME or HMO or both) ... all the same code.

What is you copay/deductible? You may end up paying less anyway buying out-of-pocket from our sponsor.

Best of luck.

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:44 pm

I suggest the M-series Auto with AFlex. You may or may not need all the bells and whistles, but it's not that much more than the Mseries Pro. You won't know if you do better with some of those features until you try it and get the feedback from the software.

If you are at a low single pressure and don't have aerophagia, the Pro may work just as well for you. The data capability is the important part.

One way to get the DME to cough up an apap with AFlex is to have your doctor write a prescription for that exact machine. If it says it on the prescription, they don't have a choice. That's what I did to get the auto machine.

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:56 pm

Get the A-Flex if you can swing it.

admiralross · Post by **admiralross** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 9:32 pm

RosemaryB wrote:One way to get the DME to cough up an apap with AFlex is to have your doctor write a prescription for that exact machine. If it says it on the prescription, they don't have a choice. That's what I did to get the auto machine.

Thanks for that bit of info. I'll make sure on Monday to make sure my Dr. knows. So, that when I see my "buddy" again. He has no choice to give me what I need.

ffjoeret · Post by **ffjoeret** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:34 pm

Thank you all for your replies. I still have a tough time knowing the difference between cflex, aflex, bipap auto, etc. but I'm learning. I have an HMO so my doctor works for my insurance. I have to pay 20% for the machine. I'm set at a pressure of 10. I've checked the prices of the machines and you are right that the autos aren't much different in price. I'll check with my DME again and see if I can get my insurance to pay their normal part for the plus and get it applied to an auto with me picking up the difference. If that works out to more than one costs on line, I'll see what I can do there instead. I've requested copies of all my reports and prescriptions so, hopefully, I'll be able to buy it that way, if need be.

betty303 · Post by **betty303** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:34 pm

Having a specific prescription doesn't always work. If they won't provide what you want, try to get them to cover the cost of the Plus and offer to pay the difference for the Pro or whatever you want.

Definitely get a machine that is fully data compatible - not just tracking your compliance time, but also your Apnea Index, Hypopea Index, Apnea/Hypopnea Index, Snore Index, Leaks, etc. You will not be sorry, because it gives you so much more control over your treatment.

Check out the Auction site at https://www.cpap.com (the host of this site) - there are quite a few machines available that are used. I have used both the Classic "tank" and the M-series. (the smaller version of the Classic) and I prefer the Tank. I find it is quieter. If you travel often, then the size of the smaller one can be a definite advantage.

It sounds like you got a great start - so keep it up with a data capable machine!!

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 5:55 am

[quote="ffjoeret"]Thank you all for your replies. I still have a tough time knowing the difference between cflex, aflex, bipap auto, etc. but I'm learning. I have an HMO so my doctor works for my insurance. I have to pay 20% for the machine. I'm set at a pressure of 10. I've checked the prices of the machines and you are right that the autos aren't much different in price. I'll check with my DME again and see if I can get my insurance to pay their normal part for the plus and get it applied to an auto with me picking up the difference. If that works out to more than one costs on line, I'll see what I can do there instead. I've requested copies of all my reports and prescriptions so, hopefully, I'll be able to buy it that way, if need be.

Mask

Additional Comments: Pressure: 18