cpap auto

[Rolf]

I have gotten my doctor to prescribe a cpap auto cflex but the dme is balking at this. Is an auto cpap worth pushing for?

[wading thru the muck!]

Definately! ...Push...push...push!

[fcaen]

CPAP with C-Flex may be good enough, I can't say.

I can however compare plain CPAP versus APAP or APAP with C-Flex. Both APAP are MUCH more comfortable. After a month on CPAP, switching to APAP was almost weird. I had grown to expect fighting against 15cm on each breath out.

[capt]

It is not only worth pushing for, it is worth fighting for! They just do not make their normal profit. Have you checked with your insurance company about buying on line from cpap.com or with "billmy insurance" at cpap.com, to save everyone some money, especially you.

[sleepylady]

I agree, APAP is worth fighting for. If this DME doesn't want to provide the medical equipment you have a prescription for, then contact your insurance to see if they participate with a different DME. I had to fight for the APAP I wanted. In the end I got it, but had to mention my absolute frustration with them and the fact if they couldn't get my equipment I'd go elsewhere and even had made calls and found a couple of other DME's who would in fact get the equipment requested.

Melinda

[sir_cumference]

yes.
sir_c

[elliejose]

Definitely!!!!

With a pressure of 14, I had the same problem as you. I had no problems with my DME, but the c-flex made all the difference in the world for me. That's when I finally was able to sleep all night with my mask and thus reap the benefits of my treatment. Go to Bill my insurance on this site and fill out the information and they will check to see if you are approved to order thru them. Most helpful and cheaper too!!!

[snorzalot]

I am more familiar with Respironics equipment since that is what I have now. I'm sure other vendors might have the same options, but one neat thing I like about the Respironics PAP technology that you can purchase in both CPAP and BiPAP...

A single machine that will operate in a variety of modes!

In a nutshell my first Respironics PAP machine was the Automated CPAP. The terminology sounded puzzling to me until I learned it runs in the various modes.

- in standard CPAP mode with a fixed pressure cm H2O setting
- same as above with C-Flex
- it also runs in automated CPAP (probably should be called APAP) where you can configure the pressure on a scale and the equipment will operate at the lower end of the scale until you have apneas/events that require it to scale upward. This is VERY helpful for many that can't tolerate the higher pressures all the time. Likewise, there are occasions where you need a little more boost to stop an event then the standard CPAP provides so the scale is nice
- you can get everything above in APAP likewise with the C-Flex technology, so that's 4 modes of operation in just 1 PAP machine!

I think this type of technology is ideal especially for new patients that will likely NEED to experiment with machines, pressure settings, masks, etc!

Likewise, APAP technology is a huge contributor to patients on this forum desiring to download data from smartcards to evaluate their own therapy. They can learn the "better" scale that might work for them with APAP settings

Respironics makes BiPAP technology with operational modes similar to the above example. I have a BiPAP Auto now which I've found to work miracles for my personal tastes especially since I have a higher pressure setting on inhale and a separate pressure setting on exhale--don't let C-Flex or Bi-Flex for that matter fool you into believing it's BiPAP technology--it's a comfort setting, not a distinct multiple pressure system (search this forum for more discussions on C-Flex and read on Respironics Web site about their copyrighted technology before you purchase).

If you have a higher pressure setting (say 14 cm H2O or > ) AND you have trouble tolerating the higher exhale pressures of CPAP AND/OR APAP technology isn't available or working for you, discuss with your doctor, DME or sleep lab the idea of BiPAP technology. In my particular case it's been the difference this year with me being 7 hours compliant per night verses completely non-compliant in 1999.

Thanks!

[Guest]

I have gotten my doctor to prescribe a cpap auto cflex but the dme is balking at this. Is an auto cpap worth pushing for?

Isn't it your DMEs job to fill your doctor's prescription? Are they refusing to do so? The problem (for them) is your knowledge on the subject. You have researched your options, you know what you want, and you've dared to request a good machine. They don't stand to make as much money if they sell you the Respironics Auto w/CFlex. They'd prefer to sell you something older and with fewer features where they'll experience a much greater profit margin. Or maybe they've got too many XYZ machines and they're trying to clear them out, so they'll push those. Or maybe they're getting a particularly good kickback from one of the manufacturers this month. Or maybe the DME is having a sales contest and whoever sells the machine that brings in the greatest profit wins dinner for 2 at Bonanza. If you can, just forego the DME, buy it online from cpap.com and you won't be disappointed. The prices are excellent and the customer service is even better. DMEs are an expensive, time-consuming and unnecessary middleman.

[Ric]

The clerk at my DME showed me the reimbursement schedule for which my insurance would pay 100%. AMAZINGLY, a straight CPAP, a CPAP with a (non-heated) humidifier, an APAP, an APAP with C-flex, an APAP with C-flex and with a (non-heated) humidifier all had EXACTLY THE SAME REIMBURSEMENT SCHEDULE!!! Same dollar amount.

So guess which one they wanted me to buy?

And guess which one arrived "on accident" even after I told them exactly what I wanted? (hint: a straight CPAP, no humidifier) "Oh dear! minor clerical error."

And guess which one arrived "on accident" AGAIN the next time after they had to re-order it? this time an APAP without the C-flex even after I insisted on an APAP with C-flex? "Oh dear! another minor clerical error."

Eventually I got exactly what I wanted and insisted on having. I was punished by having to wait a few more days for all the "minor clerical errors". But worth it.

(I cheerfully paid a small extra for the "heated" humidifier)

[Ric]

I have gotten my doctor to prescribe a cpap auto cflex but the dme is balking at this. Is an auto cpap worth pushing for?

YES.

[yardbird]

Let's see... your DOCTOR has PRESCRIBED an auto CPAP with C-Flex. And the DME is trying to SECOND GUESS your doctor's orders?

I'd read that DME the riot act. You should (in this case) get what the doctor ordered.

Period.

End of story.

[clanrat]

As with most insurance-based industries, you'll find that the DME game is rife with shady ethics, confidence scam tactics, and outright criminal behavior. I'm not saying they're all bad, but do some reading here. You don't see a lot of happy stories.

The bottom line is that the DME makes more money when you get a base model. It's clearly not in their best interest to get you the best machine, rather than the cheapest machine they have.

They did it to two of my friends, and tried to do it to me.

The real key seems to be this: Don't sign anything until you've got the equipment you want.

I found it incredibly helpful to have print outs of the product brochures from the manufacturer's websites, as well as printouts of the pricing from cpap.com on hand when talking to the DME. That way when they start telling you LIES about pricing and features, you can call them on it.

Be polite, but firm. Insist on the best! This is the rest of your life we're talking about.

[tscip22]

I have recently fought the same battle with my DME. I persisted and my Auto machine has come in very handy. I have recently lost quite a bit of weight through dieting. My pressure has decreased from 13-10. Having the Auto machine allowed me to monitor my changing pressure needs. By having the RESMED S8 Auto, I was able to take my data card to my DME for them to print out my average pressure needs on their software. The machine I have allows me to operate in CPAP mode or auto if I am not sleeping well, and may need a pressure change. I am very happy I persisted and got my Auto.

[snoozie_suzy]

I was originally delivered a straight CPAP and heated humidifier. Both were nice items, but joining this forum I decided it would be a good idea to get the Remstar Auto. My DME said they didn't carry Respironics only Resmed. I called my insurance company and asked for other medical distributors, and was given a list.

I called back the DME and threatened to bring my business elsewhere, and suddenly out of the "clear blue" they did indeed carry Respironics also!

It seems telling them that you have found a different distributor that will comply with orders that your doctor has put forth was enough to shake some sense in them.

Needless to say I got the DME to bring over my new Auto Remstar 5 days later.

Suzy