what should I do?

[kaykrazy]

I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea 2 years ago. I finally got around to contacting the DME and got my machine on June 18th.
I was given a Resmed S8 Escape II with H4i Heated Humifier and Swift FX Nasal Pillow.

I was told my pressure was set at 11.

I have had no contact with the sleep clinic or sleep doctor since by sleep study 2 years ago.
I asked if the settings and readings from 2 years ago were still accurate. The DME rep said most people are on the same pressure for years.

I like the nasal pillows but getting alot of mouth leakage. I've been taping and just order the sampler of chin-up strips and will be trying them tonight.. I tried a chin strap and it didn't help.

The DME rep told me I could only return the mask within 30 days. she told me she would be back out before the 30 days. She didn't.

She didn't mention anything about returning the machine.

I was geeked about getting a reader and software to monitor my numbers. I now realize the S8 Escape II is a low end non-data capable machine.
I plan to call the DME Monday. How should I approach getting an upgrade to a data capable machine? since it sounds like they don't want you to know your numbers or tweak your machine. Which machine should I request? Can I offer to pay the difference? Can I threatened to switch to a different DME? Is that possible? Doesn't that mean they wouldn't make any money on any future supplies?

I got my machine June 18 2010 and its now July 30...just over 30days. what should I do?


Kathy

[brazospearl]

Kathy, it's certainly worth talking to the DME about switching machines. Based on how they've helped your treatment so far, I wouldn't hold out a lot of hope on that front, but you won't know if you don't ask. I certainly would (very politely!) tell them that if they can't work with you on this matter you'll take all your business elsewhere. If you have a written prescription in your hand you are free to purchase your equipment anywhere you want, including cpap.com and cpapauction.com. It sounds like you might need to experiment with some other masks due to the mouth breathing thing. Many people have to try several masks before they find the one that gives the best therapy. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

[Janknitz]

Kathy,

The DME had no business telling you it was unlikely that your pressures wouldn't have changed in two years--you've been untreated for two years, your apnea may be much worse, your body mass may have changed, and a whole host of other things can affect your pressure needs. The DME just wanted to unload a brick onto you.

Return the machine. If it was on a rental basis, you are done renting it (if you have Medicare, it is definitely a rental). If it was a purchase, you might have to fight them. Say something along the lines that you've learned that you need a new sleep study and need to determine the proper settings now and you were advised to wait until the new sleep study to get a machine in case you need an auto.

Call a sleep clinic and get a new study. People's pressures DO change, and without a data capable machine you have NO way to know if the machine is at a good pressure for you or not.

When you have the new study, insist on a prescription for a data capable machine. When you are looking for a lab and doctor to do the new study, if you have any choice at all look for a doctor and lab who will work collaboratively with you and support your request for a data capable machine.