enquiry on ordering a new CPAP machine

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 6:38 pm

I've always felt that most people (those who want to handle their own treatment or treatment-tweaking) can do that just fine with the amount of information (especially the "overnight" data) shown in the LCD window of a ResMed machine. No software really necessary, imho.

It's the Respironics machines that I believe one realllllly needs to have software to see details about how the treatment is going. Mostly because "overnight" data is not easily available on the machine itself. Respironics dropped the ball badly on what info and how it's to be displayed in their LCD window, imho.

Jocelyn · Post by **Jocelyn** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 11:29 am

Hi everyone, thanks so much. Was busy during the weekend so couldn't come to respond all your replies.

Right now i m considering two models: one is Resmed Autoset II, the other is Respironics M series auto.

Really thanks to slinky and John for the software part. That is actually the question i wanted to ask.
For Resmed Autoset 2: How come i can add the ResScan Version 3.7 Software into my cart? does it mean that i can buy it?

For Respironics M sereis auto: can i purchase the EncoreViewer v1.0 Software anyhow even without the doctor's prescription?

Please correct me if i was wrong. So far, my understanding to the purpose of the software is to monitor the sleeping process and provides necessary data like the one in sleep test the next morning. With the software, we can see the evidence of the improvement of sleeping.

One more question i thought about today is what kind of mask is suitable for a new user? Though he was using a full face mask during the sleep test, but i saw on this webpage that the Nasal masks are the most preferred type from the consumer preference report. So which kind should be most suitable for a new user? any good recommendation ?

JohnBFisher · Post by **JohnBFisher** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:55 pm

Jocelyn wrote:... Right now i m considering two models: one is Resmed Autoset II, the other is Respironics M series auto. ...

I have an Respironics BiPAP Auto M Series unit. I love it. It is small, easy to carry, quiet, and did a good job, until my brain decided it needs the "Breathe, Baby!" feature. That's what my wife would do, night after night, time after time, when I simply stopped breathing. My new machine helps keep me tickin' along.

Jocelyn wrote:... For Resmed Autoset 2: How come i can add the ResScan Version 3.7 Software into my cart? does it mean that i can buy it? ...

You might be able to add it on a new prescription. You can probably have your doctor write a prescription that includes software to monitor your therapy. Then the dealer is obliged to sell it to you.

Jocelyn wrote:... For Respironics M sereis auto: can i purchase the EncoreViewer v1.0 Software anyhow even without the doctor's prescription? ...

Exactly. I had not problem purchasing the Encore Viewer software for my Respironics BiPAP unit.

Jocelyn wrote:... Please correct me if i was wrong. So far, my understanding to the purpose of the software is to monitor the sleeping process and provides necessary data like the one in sleep test the next morning. With the software, we can see the evidence of the improvement of sleeping. ...

That's exactly the point. For example, I knew I had problems with mask leaks, but it was not until I saw the resports that I knew it was pretty bad. So, I got a new mask cushion and it is doing much better. But without the data, I would not know, since I am asleep while the event occurs. So, whether it is tracking leaks, or apnea events or some other factor, you can SEE how the therapy is working.

Jocelyn wrote:... One more question i thought about today is what kind of mask is suitable for a new user? Though he was using a full face mask during the sleep test, but i saw on this webpage that the Nasal masks are the most preferred type from the consumer preference report. So which kind should be most suitable for a new user? any good recommendation? ...

I use the Quattro Full Face Mask now. Part of my problems is that my mouth would open and I would loose pressure. I used to effectively use nasal pillows. I found those less confining than a nasal mask (and much less confining than a full face mask). Though they no longer work for me, it sure made it easier to live with xPAP therapy while I could use them. But others will suggest nasal masks they like.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 11:17 pm

My list of machines that record "full data" (AHI and leak info) and those that don't -- updated through Oct. 2009:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

Whatever brand you choose, I'd try to get one that I've listed in blue as providing full data.

I'd not get a machine listed in red.

Jocelyn · Post by **Jocelyn** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 2:01 am

Please take a look at my cart:

Humidaire H4i Heated Humidifier
S8 AutoSet II CPAP Machine
ResScan Version 3.7 Software
Resmed ResScan Smart Card Reader for S8 and S8 II Machines
ComfortFull 2 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear - Medium (because my husband always sleeps with his mouth open, so full face mask should be better for him. This is what i got from the mask sizing guide. Hopefully it's reliable.)

Must I use the standard Prescription form? Is it okay i just upload the one that our doctor gave to us?

Is there any other things required for a complete CPAP set?

Last question is about the return insurrance. Is it really necessary?

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:58 am

You can use the prescription from your doctor BUT if you want to order the software and cable reader too that would have to be added to that presription in order for you to purchase it.

As far as the mask insurance - take a look at the price of the mask. If it doesn't work out for you you are stuck w/it and out all that money. I know, at least to me, that mask insurance seems expensive - but - if the mask doesn't work out for you that insurance can save you a good amount of money by allowing you to return that mask and get another instead.

IF you were re-ordering a mask that you've been using and that you know works good for you then I wouldn't bother w/the mask insurance.

JohnBFisher · Post by **JohnBFisher** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:08 am

Jocelyn wrote:Please take a look at my cart:

Humidaire H4i Heated Humidifier
S8 AutoSet II CPAP Machine
ResScan Version 3.7 Software
Resmed ResScan Smart Card Reader for S8 and S8 II Machines
ComfortFull 2 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear - Medium (because my husband always sleeps with his mouth open, so full face mask should be better for him. This is what i got from the mask sizing guide. Hopefully it's reliable.) ...

Humidifier and CPAP unit are well respected here. I'm pleased with my ResMed unit, so I expect the quality of their construction to be good. Software and Smart Card Reader will help keep an eye on therapy. That's good. I've not used the ComfortFull 2 Full Face Mask. It appears similar to the Quattro Full Face Mask that I use, so it should work. It has fairly good reviews on CPAP.com.

Jocelyn wrote:... Must I use the standard Prescription form? Is it okay i just upload the one that our doctor gave to us? ...

You can upload your prescription if you create an account. Once you log into the account, select the "Prescriptions" option under "Manage User Information". Then select "Submit New Prescriptions". You will then see a page that includes the following quotes:

You may do this by faxing your prescription to us toll free at ... or by using the upload feature on this page.

How To Upload With This System
Scan your documents into image or PDF files no larger than 3 Megabytes.

Click the "Choose" or "Browse" button on this page.

Browse through your file structure, locate and double click the image file you just made (image files usually .jpg or .gif).

Enter your name into the name field.

Click the "Upload File" button on this page.

Wait while the file is securely transmitted to our order processing system.

When transmission is completed, a success message or error message will appear

That should give you a sense of what to expect.

Jocelyn wrote:... Is there any other things required for a complete CPAP set? ...

Though not necessary, I recommend a hose cover. It may not be necessary to control rainout, but it makes the unit feel less "clinical" and certainly makes the hose more comfortable against the skin while sleeping.

Jocelyn wrote:... Last question is about the return insurrance. Is it really necessary?

If you might return the mask because either the size is not quite correct or because the fit is not quite correct, it allows you to reclaim most of the cost of the mask toward another mask. From the "return insurance" page, is the following explanation:

Purchasing return insurance makes sense if you are trying out new masks, new sizes of your current mask or if you simply want the option of returning the mask for a refund.

One final note. If you have not already done so, I would communicate (via email perhaps) with Johnny Goodman or the CPAP.com staff (or any online retailer) to see if they can ship a unit to your location overseas. I would hate to see you get this far only to discover they can not complete the transaction.

Anyway, I hope all this helps.

jjocelyn · Post by **jjocelyn** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:03 am

Thanks John. Really appreciate your readily help after my each reply.

I will consider the hose cover.

Could you do me a favour? Just help me call the hotline to double check with them about the shipping to Singapore. While i was filling the order form, it reflects to me that shipping by ground is free to Singapore and by USPS is only 45 Dollars. It's unbelievable thought it might be really that great! As we have 12 hours time difference, usually your working time is my sleeping time. So I would really appreciate someoen could help me double check with cpap.com. On my side, i will drop an email to them as well and patiently waiting for their reply.

It's getting more and more exciting when the real ordering is coming close.

roster · Post by **roster** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:08 am

Jocelyn wrote: Please correct me if i was wrong. So far, my understanding to the purpose of the software is to monitor the sleeping process and provides necessary data like the one in sleep test the next morning. With the software, we can see the evidence of the improvement of sleeping.

The software does not monitor sleeping. It monitors breathing. It records and reports flow limitations, snores, hypopneas, apneas and mask leak. The software does not report whether you are awake or asleep.

jjocelyn · Post by **jjocelyn** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:02 am

It's 1am here, going to sleep now. Hope tomorrow morning when i get up, i could get an answer to my previous post from a kind soul. Thanks a zillion!

jjocelyn · Post by **jjocelyn** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:13 am

what is the hose cover used for? Insulation and look only?
Well, it's summer all the time here, so is it still necessary to get a hose cover?

JohnBFisher · Post by **JohnBFisher** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:34 am

jjocelyn wrote:... Well, it's summer all the time here, so is it still necessary to get a hose cover? ...

Nope. I lived for quite a number of years without it. I just know from my own experience, it is nicer to have the fleece cover than not. But it is certainly not necessary.

P.S. I will try to contact CPAP.com and verify they will honor the prescription from your doctor and ship the unit to you.

JohnBFisher · Post by **JohnBFisher** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:38 pm

jjocelyn wrote:... It's 1am here, going to sleep now. Hope tomorrow morning when i get up, i could get an answer to my previous post from a kind soul. Thanks a zillion! ...

JohnBFisher wrote:... I will try to contact CPAP.com and verify they will honor the prescription from your doctor and ship the unit to you. ...

I just got off the phone with Leslie at CPAP.com. She notes the following:

ResMed products can not be shipped outside of the USA by CPAP.com. (This is a limitation placed on CPAP.com by ResMed).
ResMed products can be shipped to someone in the USA and then forwarded by that person to you.
xPAP units and masks shipped within the USA require a traditional prescription. (It sounded as if you have one for your husband. Not all doctors in all countries provide a traditional prescription for the xPAP therapy).
All other manufactured products can be shipped internationally.
They only ship via UPS International for products shipped outside of the USA.
The UPS International shipping costs are provided on the check out page.
The order must be placed in the patient's name via an account created for the patient. So, if your husband is the patient, but you created an account in your name, you will need to create an account in his name.
As noted previously, you can create an account (for the patient) and scan and upload the prescription to that account.

Due to unusual commitments, I would not be able to forward the unit to you, though I would normally volunteer to help. Perhaps one of the regulars can help and PM jjocelyn.

I hope this information helps answer your questions.

jjocelyn · Post by **jjocelyn** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 7:56 pm

Hi, John. Really thanks for your great help.
In that case, I have to get our Doctor to sign the Prescription form provided by cpap.com and ship the machine to US. It's okay if you can't forward the parcel to me as you have already helped me alot. My cousin is in US now so i can ask her to do the shipping for me.
Worst come to worst, I will have to give up the S8 auto unit and try the M series auto. I believe respironics produces great machines as well.

I am very grateful to those who helped me in this forum, especially you, John. Merry X'mas and Happy new year!

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