Time for a new machine * Need Advice *

Analog-X · Post by **Analog-X** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:24 am

Hi Everyone,

I'm due for a new CPAP Machine, my current unit a REMstar + is about 6-7 Years old. I have noticed that it does not provide the normal power as it used to, the air flow seems weaker.

Anyways, I now see that REMstar has a few new product lines... I would like to know if some of the features on the new machines are actually useful or gimmicky or don't actually work.

I need to use my local supplier due to insurance reasons.. and they have the following models available.

REMstar® Pro with C-Flex™CPAP System
REMstar® Auto Smart CPAP System
BiPAP® Pro Bi-level System with BiFlex™
Tranquility® Auto CPAP

This is a big investment and will be with me for the next 5 years, so I want to make sure I make the right decision before buying my next unit.

I'd like to get the opinion of people on all these new Auto Sensing system.

My Current REMStar Plus as an example, does not have features for when I exhale, basically I Have to fight against the air flow to exhale.. I'm not sure if this is a bad thing or a good thing.

Any suggestions or Advice would be much appreciated.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:32 am

Tell them to order you a REMstar® Auto M Series with AFLEX.

It has more options than any of the others. In order to get a Bi-level, you will need to have your doc change you Rx. If the doc agrees to change Rx, ask him/her to specifically write up for auto version with Bi-flex.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:00 am

Analog: The part number for this is DS510HS - accept NOTHING else. Period. The "H" also means it comes with a humidifier - all in one box.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:11 am

What Dreamstalker said!!! That's my machine, and I'm really happy with it. I get to customize it completely to meet my changing needs.

DreamStalker said it. I believe it. That Settles it.

Cheers,
Babs

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:32 am

Cool!!! Advice is much appreciated... I'll call my Local Dealer and see about availability.

I like the fact that the Humidifier is built in, rather than a separate unit.

I should be able to use my current masks right?

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:38 am

Yes, you should be able to use your current masks w/any new xPAP.

Boy, your local DME supplier sure doesn't offer much choice in devices, do they? Are they the only local DME supplier your insurance company is contracted with? Did you check w/your insurance company whether they are contracted w/any other local DME CPAP suppliers?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:38 am

yes.
go to sleepapnea.respironics.com/sleepsystems/

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:46 am

Ok... I called my Local dealer and I"m not too happy.

They are telling me that I need to take another sleep study to get a new machine.

They will not sell me any Kind of AUTO Machine because it needs to be approved by the Ministry of Health in Canada!!!

Grrrr...

So do you guys in the U.S. have to get re-tested before buying a new machine?

Analog-X · Post by **Analog-X** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:56 am

One other thing our health care system pays for $798. But most machines bought in Canada cost $1000 and up so the insurance company pays the balance.

CPAP Equipment and Masks are very expensive here. $300 for Full Facial Mask $150 for the type that covers your nose.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:06 am

[quote="Anonymous"]Ok... I called my Local dealer and I"m not too happy.

They are telling me that I need to take another sleep study to get a new machine.

They will not sell me any Kind of AUTO Machine because it needs to be approved by the Ministry of Health in Canada!!!

Grrrr...

So do you guys in the U.S. have to get re-tested before buying a new machine?

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:11 am

The Tranquility is a dinosaur I wouldn't bother with that one. The M series is a POS compared to the tank you now have, Bipap would be better,

But since you have to keep it for 5 or more years and probably next time around it will only cost you more in the way of insurance I would see if your DME could not get you a new Sandman Auto or the DeVilbiss Intellipap, it all depends on what your current pressure is.

IF I had my choice, I'd try for the Sandman with reporting software, I doubt very much your health system would pay for software but you could obtain that on your own.

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/covid ... chine.html

If your pressure is high you might want to stick with a Bipap.

Analog-X · Post by **Analog-X** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:18 am

When I got my first machine.. after a few visits.. I was discharged.. meaning I didnt have to see the sleep clinic doctor anymore. All I had to do was buy new machine when I needed it.

Now they are telling me I have to get retested...and its not that simple of a process.

I have to know phone my family doctor, book an appointment to see them in person just so they can write me another referal.

than once I get that referral, than I have to book another appointment to get another sleep study done.

This is frustrating... I think I'm going to see if I can go to Buffalo and get one from there.

I dont know if I have any paper work that would be considered an RX

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:34 am

If you don't have it, SOMEBODY should have a copy of your prescription......like the DME that you got your other one from. If you can get your hands on it, it will still be good for purchasing from an online supplier like CPAP.COM.
It's good for your lifetime.

Lots of other Canadians on the forum buy from CPAP.COM

Den

Analog-X · Post by **Analog-X** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:06 am

Would love to hear from other Canadian members and get their opinion.

Too me sounds like I'd have to go through too much hastle to get my machine, I dont mind paying $$$ out of my pocket to get the machine that is best for me rather than decided for me, because that is what the government is willing to cover.

silver123 · Post by **silver123** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:59 pm

I'm in Quebec and had no trouble purchasing an M Series Aflex machine from Vitale Aire. they have offices through Canda. So I'm not exactly sure what this approval by the Ministry is. they would not be seeling it if t was not. Yeah, it cost a bunch but insurance paid the majority.