Resmed S8 Elite vs Respironics M Series RemStar Pro

[wjb1044]

I should be seeing my DME next week to get my CPAP and I would like your "professional" opinion about which machine to get: the Resmed S8 Elite (NOT the S8 II) or the Respironics M Series Remstar Pro.

I have two DME's in my area that my insurance is contracted with: Apria and Sleepmed. I have already talked to both of them and neither one will let me get an APAP since my script specifically indicates CPAP.

Sleepmed has told me that I can get the Respironics, but the Resmed S8 Elite is out of the price range that my insurance covers (United Healthcare). Apria says that I can get the Resmed or the Respironics.

So, what are your thoughts and opinions?

[Slinky]

Both models will give you excellent therapy. More important now, since those are the two offered CPAPs, is a lenient mask exchange policy AND an RT you are comfortable working with, who is interested in YOU and your success w/therapy. Apria doesn't always have the best reputation but there's more than one Apria client in this forum who has had EXCELLENT care w/their local Apria branch office. Use you own judgement which RT you can work most successfully with and is willing to exchange masks as needed until you find THE RIGHT ONE.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hi there---I have the Resmed S8 Elite--it is a great machine!! It will show you the daily stats right on the LCD window every morning. The humidifier is integrated and part of the machine. It is compact, quiet and takes up very little room by the bed side. I have Apria and have found them to be EXCELLENT!! They are very caring, and they have been very good about sending me any mask that I want to try. I have CIGNA insurance so I am not sure if that makes the difference or not but I only need to make a phone call to Apria to send me masks, filters, hoses etc. No problems with Apria at all.Hope this helps in your decision making,
Carrie

[Wulfman]

Since both machines are pretty close in their quality of therapy, I'd suggest taking a look at the reporting software from each manufacturer and see which is easier to understand (my instinct is that the Respironics Encore (either version) is easier to interpret).

Den

[wjb1044]

Here is my update.

I decided to go with the Resmed. I'm thinking I will like the way it shows the AI and HI separately. (I don't have the money to shell out for the card reader and software for either of the machines.)

That meant that I had to go with Apria, which I was not too excited about. I went in today to get set up on my machine and was expecting the worse. I expected them to try and pass off an S8 Escape on me instead of the Elite and I didn't think I was going to be able to get the F&P humidifier without a fight. I thought they would try and force the Resmed integrated humidifier on me.

None of that happened. The F&P humidifier they did have to order, but that was not an issue. They even gave me an S8 Elite II, not just the S8 Elite! They had told me before that my insurance coverage was not enough to cover the S8 II.

As the RT was going through set up with me I asked about checking the AI and HI numbers each morning. She wasn't that familiar with it so she got another RT. She found it in the clinician menu, then she SHOWED ME HOW TO ACCESS THE CLINICIAN MENU!!! (She told me not to tell anyone; so it is our little secret ) She even went ahead and gave me the clinicians manual!

All in all, they were very nice and helpful. Even through all of the phone calls I had made over the past week, they have been patient and helpful. So, praise God that I have a good Apria office here.

[Slinky]

CONGRATULATIONS! Its always nice to hear of a good local DME supplier and especially nice to hear of an Apria branch w/good people to work with!!!!

[jnk]

. . . SHOWED ME HOW TO ACCESS THE CLINICIAN MENU!!! . . .

That RT deserves a big hug and some home-baked cookies. But protect her identity at all costs, please. We don't want her to disappear under mysterious circumstances.

[Guest]

I have been lurking in various forums for a while. I have only had two CPAP's so far. One has over 9000 hours and the other is over 18000 hours(the one currently in use). I noticed this post as I have been considering a replacement for my CPAP. Based on my observations from posts through most of these forums, I decided to get an APAP. I too, encountered wjb1044's challenge regarding the script.

I have two DME's in my area that my insurance is contracted with: Apria and Sleepmed. I have already talked to both of them and neither one will let me get an APAP since my script specifically indicates CPAP.

I had spoken to my Doctor regarding a replacement and provided some reasons for an APAP. The DME said that without a script specifying an APAP they couldn't provide the machine. The answer was to have them contact the Physician for a new script. I am expecting my ResMed S8 vantage tomorrow.

Just thought I would put in my two cents.

[Slinky]

Some local DME's are just jerks who prefer to be less than truthful than admit they won't provide an APAP for the amount of money they have contracted w/your insurance for HCPCS e0601. Insurances pay by HCPCS code, NOT by brand or model. APAPs are HCPCS code e0601 same as a straight CPAP.

[Guest]

I don't know if they contacted my Physician. I will get my APAP.

[Guest]

I don't know if they contacted my Physician. I will get my APAP.

I decided to register.

[sam1234]

I don't know if they contacted my Physician. I will get my APAP.

I decided to register.

[Slinky]

And registering earns you an OFFICIAL welcome to the forum, Sam.

[bigk]

Welcome Sam - but forget the Vantage - Get the Autoset II - it's the latest model - the Vantage has been superseeded. The S8II is quieter and has easy-breathe technology. A lot nicer than the Vantage.

[sam1234]

Anything s probably more sophisticated then my current CPAP. Since I have yet to accept delivery of the machine, I will talk to the tech about whether or not the S8 Vantage will meet my needs.

Sorry about hijacking this thread.