switching cpap equipment

[rise&shiner]

After 4 days of using my remstar auto flex series m and liberty mask and that i got severe sinusitis, ear aches, sahara desert dry mouth. My DME had me send them the smart card because for some reason they wouldn't let me order the software even though I know that I have to pay for that out of pocket. That took two days and then told me that it was all related to the mask problems. Which I didn't think so so I called up my case manager and told him that I didn't think the humidifier was working because I had it set on 5 and I still had water left in humidifier in the morning not a little a lot. Turns out that the humidifier plate was not working. So company was going to send me out a replacement told them I wanted to start all over had to fight with them because they didn't want to send me out the resmed auto 8 because they were dropping that line and wouldn't let me be part of their trial for the new remstar pro series. So now for the last 4 nights I have been without any cpap. I am back to being extremely tired all of the time but my cpap ailments are disappearing.
I should be getting the series 8 and the full life mask early this week. Has anyone else switched from one manufacturer to another?
I really wanted the Devilbiss or the Sandman by Puritan Bennett which is what was used in my sleep study but my insurance carrier doesn't have a provider in my northern california area that carries either of those manufacturers and the mask that I really want to try is the soya which also no one in this area carries so I put in a grievance with my insurance company so that I can get those two things without having to pay a higher co-pay because I will have to go to a DME that is out of network.
I explained to my insurance company that it is like having 50 electronic stores int he area and I only get to choose from 2 and go to both stores and they both only carry the same model TV and had a problem with that one so now I want a new model. That they understood. Would really like to know if anyone has any other machine other that respironics or resmed.

[Lou Cypher]

I just switched from Respironics to ResMed.....

But I had an old tank with no data in the Respironics and now have the S8 Autoset II.. Just got it last week and am very HAPPY with it.. Still learning , much to learn and I don't know if my info can help you at all but good troubleshooting on your part about the humidifier....

it is disgusting that our lives and health are being held in the hands of DME's that aren't all that trained... I think DME's should be people with OSA so that they can understand what is going on with us...

Just my Two cents...

Good Luck with your equipment...

[Julie]

Hi, sorry for your problems, but I think you might be mixing apples and oranges blame-wise, a bit. Resmed makes really good masks, and Respironics makes really good machines. Both (along with lots of others, of course) make very good masks. What model of which machine and what mask you personally have are important as they need to suit you, but if a bad match is made, it doesn't necessarily mean the manufacturers are at fault, though the local DME might be (what else is new!). Another point screaming loud and clear is that while your humidifier was not working, it might have done so earlier on, and if it was set on high, could easily cause congestion that feels like sinusitis, so lowering it somewhat when it is working might help. You complained also of a very dry mouth, and while that certainly could have been the result of 'no' humidity, it can also result from your sleeping with your mouth open (unaware of it) whether a long term concern, or something that started when Cpap began (happens to a lot of us), letting all the 'good' air out. The answer is not higher pressure, but possibly a "full face" mask that will let your mouth open when you're sleeping without losing the Cpap air.

Maybe none of the above applies, and I do hope you get sorted out, but take one thing at a time and try to deal with it, if only so you're sure of what's causing which problem, and how to try and fix it. Good luck!

[rise&shiner]

I agree with not comparing apples to oranges.
So i guess the best way to explain how I am going through and what information I am looking for is breaking it down
1. Its very frustrating when you are not given choices as to which manufacturer of CPAP machines you can choose from because that is left up to the DME that is part of your Insurance. After all not all machines work on OSC the same way. If we get to try different masks til we find one that works for us we should be allowed to try different brands of cpap units as well.
2. Wanted to know if anyone has actually switched brands from the latest assortment. I started out on the Remstar two weeks ago and am now switching to the Resmed Auto 8 because I didn't; want to risk having a faulty piece of equipment as well as feeling like I was fighting with the machine on my cadence of inhale and exhale with that of the machine.
3. I knew even before I went in for my sleep study that I am a true mouth breather. as well as a side/stomach sleeper. I choke when I even try to breath just from my nose.
During my sleep study (had a split study) they had me try a nasal mask big mistake I was choking and gasping for air. Once they put a full face mask on me it was much better and I was able to breath and get some rest however, I was told at the end of my study that if I needed a full face mask to try the Liberty MIrage. So when my DME ordered my equipment that is what they ordered for me for a mask was the Liberty. I really liked the mask the problem ended up with the mask because I shift from side to side a lot while I sleep the nasal pillows were constantly coming out and if they weren't I ended up with air burst in my cheeks and then I started snoring again. Which is why the DME RT suggested I try the full fit face mask. Suggested this mask over others because I like to put on my mask and either read or watch TV
before I go to sleep (also wear glasses) and it is easier if I put on my mask for these activities then waiting until I go to bed so I don't wake up my spouse.

4.If I had my way I would like to try either the Intellipapp or the SAndman because based on my research I think one of those machines is abeter fit but I am being open minded that the Remstar Auto will work for me. I still wish I could get a Sola mask especially after reading other recent postings about the Full Life Mask but I will let you all know how that mask works for me when I get it this week.

[ozij]

I had been using the PB 420E for more than 4 years.

In the last 2 months I've tried the Intellipap, and Respironics BIPAP Auto, and I am now trialing a ResMed Autoset.

I tried the Intellipap for few nights, it did well one night, but then started zooming out of control even when I was awake, and I couldn't handle the pressure it was driving up to; I had rented it for about 2 weeks, did not even use it on all those nights..

I could use the Resprionics for all of two naps -- Resprionics' algorithm wreaks havoc with my breathing pattern and was absolutely useless for me.

My PB 420E -- the Sandman's predecessor -- was customizable and good because of that -- but gradually not good enough: I needed more pressure than I could exhale out against.

A few weeks after starting with the Autoset I'm very happy with it -- at this point, I still have to cap it's maximum pressure, but for me, its EPR at 3 is a godsend, since it turns out my apneas (and more so, my flow limitations) need something higher than 10 to be kept at bay, but I can't exhale against that pressure - I'm running it presently at min=7.4 and max= 10.4. It rises gently when I fall asleep, and then stays close to the max. However it varies pressure gently breath by breath based on flow limitations, chaging 0.2 cms. The more I use it, the more I'm getting used to it, the better it feels. I think it may be the right machine for me -- that does not mean it's right for others.

A switch may turn out to be a very blessed thing.

It is worth renting to try before you buy.
O.

[Julie]

Riseandshine - I still think you're blaming machines for the wrong reasons (sorry . I think you need to first identify what it is about your particular model of which machine is a problem (you may, as a newbie, be misinterpreting what's going on and not realize you can change certain parameters on certain machines to suit you better). Specifically what is your problem with the machine, and why do you think it's faulty? A very important way to help yourself here (on the forum) is to please fill in your user profile on your member page, using text rather than icons, so we can see instantly what exact equipment you have (eg. a Remstar machine could have things like "Pro" or "Plus" or other identifiers on top that we need to know about), what masks you have, and what your scripted, or set pressure is. Oh, and for what it's worth, I use a Resmed UltraMirage full face mask, a very popular one, that doesn't use 'cushions' or prongs, etc., but is just an extended version of their nasal mask that also covers my mouth.

[DME Provider]

Hello, I would like to be of help for anyone who is unhappy with the DME they are using.
Do not let the insurance or DME dictate to you can or can't have.
You a a patient have rights and have a say in your therapy. If you would like to talk
further please contact me at 877-290-8636 Ext 801

[jweeks]

it is disgusting that our lives and health are being held in the hands of DME's that aren't all that trained... I think DME's should be people with OSA so that they can understand what is going on with us...

Hi,

Your life is in the hands of a DME only when you allow that to happen. There are plenty of options for equipment. You are free to find a different DME, find an on-line DME, or use on-line sources yourself. One poster in this forum reports that they call the Mayo Clinic Store. They carry just about everything, and they can directly bill your insurance company. Do a google search for "mayo clinic cpap store" to learn more.

-john-

[cinco777]

For forum members that may be interested in contacting DME Provider, I "googled" the provided phone#. He is associated with Pulmonary solutions, LLC.

The company website has the following description:

Pulmonary solutions, LLC, is a family owned and operated company specializing in Sleep Disorders Modalities such as CPAP’s, Auto CPAP’s, Bi-Level’s, Bi-Level w/ back up rate, Home Oxygen, and Nebulizers. We service the entire tri-state including Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Lake County, Mendocino, Marin, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, Yolo, Sutter, Yuba, San Joaquin, El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramento counties.

Pulmonary Solutions has always been unique in its combination of old- fashion values integrated with cutting edge technology and ideas. We are committed to providing modalities that meet or exceed the standards of our industry, while providing services based on our respect of patient rights.

Our Mission
To become the “Greater Bay Area’s Elite” leader for the treatment of sleep disorders, providing quality service, utilizing cutting edge technology and to achieve success for compliance of patient’s treatment therapy.

More Details
Pulmonary Solutions philosophy is to “Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated”, which is with respect, compassion and dignity. We are committed to working cohesively with physicians and patients. We will strive for excellence so we can make a difference in the health care industry.

[timbalionguy]

There is a very easy test to determine if your humidifier is working. If you are using anything more then minimal heat, the water should be noticeably warm at the end of the night.

The various views on the various machines listed here has been very interesting and informative reading!

[drubin007]

figured I would chime in as well as one of those who has jumped brands...have not been online as much lately, work is cutting into my free time

Started off on a cpap (Resmed S8). after a few months saw the doctor for a follow up and told him I wanted an auto.
Never did purchase software for my device, but did record all efficacy data into a nice Excel Spreadsheet which I gave
him a copy of. I made my arguement for an auto and he obliged without arguement. I guess he could see that I take it
serious (I refused to consider the UPPP Surgery). He put me with a different DME and they have me on the Fisher and Paykel HC254. I have been on it for 2 or 3 months now? Actually on my second one of that same model. I have software for it, (it comes with a usb card built in). After a while the software would not read the card. tried different cards, and found a fix by unregistering the card and reregistering it... (the machine stores data for 1 year as well). No questions asked they swapped the machine for a new one... I like it better then the S8 as well. I think the heated humidifier works better, it seems to be a little quieter as well. I wish I could pull more efficacy data from the device itself for most days when I do not have time to load the card into the computer, but other then that very happy with the machine and the level of service from my DME. (Something most people in here cannot say)

[rise&shiner]

The point I was trying to make is that it was frustrating not to have a choice in which cpap manufacturer's equipment that I had or my doctor had a preference for me to use. I was limited by what was offered by the preferred insurance dmes decided to carry. The 5 DMEs only had the choice of just 2 manufacturers (Respironics and Resmed) is not much of a choice. It is frustrating not to be involved in choosing the brand let alone the model in the brand. I would of preferred to get the Intellipap or the Sandman because of being able to get the software and having used those machines in my sleep studies I was already familiar with them. If I was a road warrior for work I probably would of only be interested n the everest because of its ease of traveling. But I didn't have a choice in the matter.

My respironics Series M 510+ A-flex was indeed not working properly. The humidifier
did not warm up the plate let alone the water, the A-Flex also was faulty as well as the blue lights blinking all night. This was from the very first night of usage. As it turns out respironics has recalled many of these particular model, depends on the series # . When I read about this machine having recalls, that's when I tried to get a different brand and found out that the Dme I was using was only going to represent Respironics (they are verify intrigued by the new Pro machine and they do mostly medicare billing--I am not on medicare)
I went with this Dme because they seem to be the most customer service orientated and made it sound like if this brand or amchine didn't work out for meI could trade it for in for another model or brand without a problem. I just had to push them little to get a REsmed Autoset 8 and just not a replacement of the respironics. (Bu they they only sell the top of the line respironics or resmed so I wasn't worried about getting a non data unit) more considered about whether or not I needed a Bipap or one where my needs would be met.

I am happy with the Autoset 8 but since it is such a pain to get the software for it, I still would of preferred to get one of the other brands. Eventually I will get a back up machine and will get one of the other brands and pay the out of network insurance just didn't want to pay the extra 20% on my first go around to see how compliant I would be on the cpap and now that I know the I can be compliant I will eventually save my money and make the additional investment.

My DME has been wonderful on getting me any mask I have requested since I had and might still be having difficulty find a full face mask that works for me. I am now on my 6th mask and they are planning on geting me 2 more to try and the interesting thing is that they are only going to charge my insurance for the one that finally works for me.

S