APAP for a newbie

[sunnyvale sleeper]

I'm new to CPAP having had my CPAP sleep study two weeks ago. After reading all the great info on this website, I had planned to go with the Remstar Auto with C-Flex as I struggled to exhale during my sleep study, even at 8-10 cm recommended pressure. I liked the idea of an AutoPAP seeking the lowest pressure to prevent OSA. But after talking with my DME today, they said the Remstar AutoPAPs are being returned and they no longer stock them. They recommended the Pro2 with C-Flex. I'm wondering if new users who are not as familiar with CPAP have a more difficult adjustment to APAP.

Anyway, I plan to rent the Pro2 for now (since I can't get the Remstar Auto with C-Flex). But I'd be interested in hearing newbie experiences with APAP. I also understand that the Encore SW is available from another source than my DME. I'd be interested in hearing more about this. I plan to get the datacard from my DME.

[mikemoran]

You will find on this board that many local DMEs are referred to as the Evil DMEs. People have much less trouble adjusting to an AutoPAP than a straight CPAP. The reason you originally selected the RemStar Auto is because so many like it on the board. Seems kind of contrary to what yoru local DME is saying doesn't it?

Autos are easier is so many ways and the best feature is they adapt to your actual circumstances. A straight CPAP is based upon pressure done during one study in a less familiar sleep environment. I find my auto rarely hits the pressure I was titrated at originally. Additionally, if your weight changes or allergies act up the auto adjusts.

The most likely scenario is your DME gets the same re-imbursement from your insurance regardless of the machine and since the auto cost the DME more it is conveniently out of stock. I suggest you go to billmyinsurance.com and see if they can help you get the machine you want versus the machine the DME makes the most money on.

[Wulfman]

sunnyvale sleeper,

I believe this is the first time I've heard of THAT excuse being used.

They're still available here:

https://www.cpap.com/

The DMEs make more money by selling the lower priced machines. Don't get me wrong.....the Pro 2 is a good machine......I've been using mine for over nine months and I love it. But, the Remstar Auto with C-Flex is over two hundred dollars more than the Pro 2 and they would rather pocket that much difference than give you the machine you want.
If your insurance provider will reimburse you for out-of-pocket purchases, I would suggest you get one from CPAP.COM. Another option is to check with BILLMYINSURANCE.COM and see if they can help you.

Best wishes,

Den

[jcarn]

But after talking with my DME today, they said the Remstar AutoPAPs are being returned and they no longer stock them. They recommended the Pro2 with C-Flex. I'm wondering if new users who are not as familiar with CPAP have a more difficult adjustment to APAP.

wow .. that sounds familiar. My DME gave me the same song and dance.
I called my Doc, had him write out a prescription for the exact machine I wanted with my pressure 6-13 "RemStar Auto with C-Flex". The Doc faxed the order to my DME and suddenly they had it the next day.

[sunnyvale sleeper]

Sounds like a lot of bad experiences with DMEs - too bad but I guess caveat emptor applies to CPAPs. I appreciate the pointers to both cpap.com and billmyinsurance.com, which both have the Remstar Auto with C-Flex. Looks like the Encore SW isn't so expensive after all, based on the price list on the cpap.com site. They have the USB smart reader at $140 and the reader with SW for $200. My DME quoted the package at $150.

Note that I didn't say I wasn't going to buy the Remstar Auto, only that I now plan to rent the Pro2, both to get some experience with CPAP and until I can get the APAP delivered. jcarn, I appreciate your input but I had already discussed the machine choices with my doc and she had the Remstar Auto with C-Flex in my prescription. Since my DME knows that I have a choice of 3 local DMEs covered by my insurance carrier, they probably don't have the Remstar Auto.

[Linda3032]

sunnyvale sleeper

I hate to take business away from CPAP.com, because they are great, but you can purchase the reader and software much, much cheaper. I will send you a PM regarding that.

Also, many insurance companies will not pay for the reader and software.

PM will be coming to you in 5 minutes.