New guy questions.

[Baxter-ZZ]

Hi all. I am new to the forum and to the CPAP club in general.

First, let me day that this forum has been very helpful answering a number of my questions. But I still have a few.

I have a question regarding the "smart card." Exactly what does it monitor? It seems from some of the posts that folks read the information from the cards themselves instead of sending the card to their doctors. Do you need to purchase software and some device to read the card? And if so, any recommendations?

The DME informed me that they would be providing a REMstar Pro C-Flex CPAP and Mirage Swift Mask. Now I am immediately worried that the DME rep. could not tell me if the "REMstar Pro" was actually the "REMstar Pro 2." But overall, from what I have read, this seems like a relatively normal set-up.

My one question regarding this equipment is the lack of a humidifier. Based on my review of posts, it seems to be a very popular piece of equipment. How important is a humidifier for overall comfort?

Thanks in advance.

[Goofproof]

If you get the pro 2,C-flex with smart card you are ok for data, if you get the pro don't accept it.

[Guest]

Now I am immediately worried that the DME rep. could not tell me if the "REMstar Pro" was actually the "REMstar Pro 2." But overall, from what I have read, this seems like a relatively normal set-up.

My one question regarding this equipment is the lack of a humidifier. Based on my review of posts, it seems to be a very popular piece of equipment. How important is a humidifier for overall comfort?

The DME didn't know? Big surprise. You should insist on the PRO2 because once you purchase the software, you can actually see how you're doing (AHI, apneas, hypopneas, etc.). If it's just the Pro, all you can see is how many hours you've used it.

A heated humidifier is hugely important. Demand it. Sounds like you have the typical DME, which isn't good. I would strongly suggest you consider eliminating the expensive and unnecessary middleman (your DME) and order all your equipment (machines, masks, software) from cpap.com for the best prices and the most knowledgable staff. Just for fun, take a look at the prices your DME charges vs. the price of the identical item at cpap.com. You will be stunned.

Like many of us, you'll probably find this forum to be the single most important piece for education, suggestions, and adjusting to cpap therapy.

[SleeplessinBradenton]

I, too, am new to this stuff. (Have had CPAP since Jan. 10 but am still am definitely in ADJUSTMENT period!)

I have also been meaning to ask this same question. I have the RemStar Pro 2 w/CFlex. When I go in to see my doctor, I have to take the Smart Card and he charges me $100.00 to read it! Believe me, I know this is a rip-off, but I can't do anything about it right now. Last time I was in, I asked what data the card shows him exactly (knowing from reading these posts occasionally that software is available to do it yourself) . He said all it tells is the compliance! Wonder why he is lying to me?? If I did purchase the software, I have no idea what I'd even be looking at. Is it that beneficial to have? Thanks!

[Guest]

He said all it tells is the compliance! Wonder why he is lying to me?? If I did purchase the software, I have no idea what I'd even be looking at. Is it that beneficial to have?

He is either lying to you, or he doesn't know better. Either way, it's bad news.

Yes, the software is beneficial to have if you are interested in tracking your progress and eliminating the need for a DME. Here is an example of what you can see with the MyEncore program (a free add-on) to the EncorePro software.

Click on this link: MyEncore

[Ric]

If you can slip the word "AUTO" into the equation, you will reap a TON of additional benefits.

Included therein, you can spent most of the time at lower pressures than you would otherwise. That equates to less work for your breathing muscles, more comfort at night (thus easier to adapt and comply), and overall a better experience.

The AUTO has the advantage in that it can respond to unusual or irregular events, including those annoying "top 10%" that get away. It will lurk at the lower pressure setting and only raise the pressure "as needed", which it does very quickly, and gently.

Also you will get an ongoing estimate of your titration levels. Something I find very useful. My actual sleep study and the PSG were probably more accurate with the 83 wires and cameras and technicians and all that. But only for THAT NIGHT. Turns out it takes a higher pressure than I was titrated to respond to even 90% of all apneic events, in the long term.

I should mention that I had to pay an extra $150 for the "AUTO" feature. Best money I ever spent.

If you get the model that records data on the smart card, you will need to read it about once a week to download the detailed information. If you are sending the card once a month to the DME, all you (they) are getting is compliance information. That only tells them (and your insurance provider) that you are worth the investment.

[ozij]

$100 for reading your compliance data?

viewtopic.php?p=35608#35608

O.

[Baxter-ZZ]

[quote="Goofproof"]If you get the pro 2,C-flex with smart card you are ok for data, if you get the pro don't accept it.

[Brent Hutto]

All Remstar Pro models have a data card. In the Remstar Pro the sole bit of data recorded on the card is how many hours you use the machine. In the Remstar Pro 2 the card is used to record fairly comprehensive efficacy data in addition to compliance.

The same system exists in Resmed machines, there are models with smart cards that only record time used and otherwise similar models which add the ability to record efficacy data.

If you're not paying extra or otherwise inducing your DME to sell you a machine with efficacy data recording the overwhelming likelihood is that you'll get the slightly cheaper compliance-only model. The presence of a smart card does not in any way imply the recording of useful data.

[Wulfman]

Baxter-ZZ,

Insist on AT LEAST the Pro 2 w/C-Flex......(first choice would be the REMstar Auto w/C-Flex). Those are the ONLY two Respironics CPAP/APAP machines that capture the detailed data. The "plain" Pro model was declared obsolete a year ago by Respironics.

Is your doctor charging you $100.00 over and above the office visit to read the card?

You can justify the cost of the software and reader for what two trips to the doctor (or two card readings) would cost.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... eader.html

It's YOUR therapy and YOUR money.......get THE GOOD STUFF.

Best wishes,

Den

[SleeplessinBradenton]

Is your doctor charging you $100.00 over and above the office visit to read the card?

Yes. I received one of the Explanation of Benefits letters from my ins. co. last week and it showed a charge of $100.00 for a "Breathing Test." I knew that I did not have a breathing test on that particular day. I called the dr.'s office and was told, "Oh, that's the charge for reading your data card." Needless to say, I was very upset. The item was not paid -- it is my responsibility because my deductible is not met yet. I have been very unhappy with this doctor, but I feel I am kind of stuck right now until I can get the insurance to decide they are going to go from paying for month-to-month rental only of the machine or outright buy it for me. (Actually, I will be buying it because of my deductible!) I have felt from the beginning that he is only in it for the money. Anyway, I don't feel I can dump the dr. or equally inept DME at this point. Thanks for the information regarding the Smart Card. I will definitely consider the reader later on.