Out with the old...

[match8]

After over 14,000 hours, I am getting a new machine. I can count on my fingers the night of not being compliant, only due to camping or electrical outages. I joined this group a week into my CPAP life, mostly lurking and learning.

My new doctor is letting me have some say in what I will purchase. I currently am using a Resmed s8 Elite, Resmed Swift LT, 6' foot non-heated hose and have no software. After 5 years, I have some things I think I need with my new unit.

Here's my wishlist:
APAP vs CPAP - s8 Elite pressure seems great at bedtime but weak by 3 or 4 in the morning. It's been that way ever since I can remember.
Heated hose and cover due to keeping the bedroom temp in the low 60's at night in the Winter
Software - to be able to monitor my stats
Mask - Using a Swift LT, I like it bit have a bit of trouble with my jaw dropping and sucking wind through my mouth. Facial hear prevents me from using the full-face mask I have.

Any recommendations the above list or other accessories that would make my nights better?

This board has been a wealth of information over the years for me...Thank you all!

[archangle]

ResMed S9 Autoset if you want to stay with ResMed. PR S1 Auto if you want to consider Philips Respironics.

Don't let them give you an S8 anything. The card reader is no longer available. S9 and PRS1 use standard SD cards.

I presume you know to not let the DME con you into a cheaper model. i.e. don't let them give you a PRS1 Plus instead of a Pro or Auto. Similarly with S9 escape, elite, autoset.

Some people say you shouldn't mix heated hoses and covers. The PR machines don't have the heated hose option yet.

You'll probably have to get the software yourself. Insurance and doctors don't seem to want you to have it. There are a couple of free products in development for the PRS1 machines.

[howkim]

I recently purchased the "Ultimate Chinstrap" because my sleep doc wanted me to use a nasal mask and I have trouble with mouth breathing. With a little tweaking, it's working perfectly. It's pricy (~$60), but hey, it works for me. I think the URL is http://www.ultimatechinstrap.com.

[BlackSpinner]

s8 Elite pressure seems great at bedtime but weak by 3 or 4 in the morning. It's been that way ever since I can remember.

Every single machine feels that way. It is not the machine but your body adapting to how it feels there is no pressure change. It is like perfume - after the first 10 minutes your nose adjust and you can't smell it but everyone you meet will hold their breath if you keep putting it on.

[match8]

Thank you all for the recommendations. I didn't realize about the heated hose and cover issues. I'll look into that model chin strap mentioned. I wish the pressure sensation at the beginning of each night would last all night. I've become addicted to that feeling of air pressure at the beginning of the night, no ramping for me...lol

Can anyone give their experience of going through cpap.com as opposed to a regular DME. Any insurance hassles or problems of any kind?

[jmcanzo]

cpap.com will not bill your insurance. They do not deal with insurance. They will send you a form all filled out to send to your insurance co for reimbursement. It is up to the insurance co if they want to pay it or not. I bought all my stuff through cpap.com and used a medical spending account visa to pay for it. They co that manages the account did not approve it automatically. I sent in the script and the form sent from cpap.com and it was all covered. I bought software/data module, filters, mask cushion. It was still cheaper then going thru my insurance co. And I have good ppo of BCBS of Texas with $500 deductible