What equipment to ask for

james_in_baltimore · Post by **james_in_baltimore** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 11:39 am

OK, so I had my first night with a CPAP last night at a sleep clinic. My sinuses got extremely dry and stuffy - I was using a nasal mask. I also had an episode where for an hour or two I felt like I couldn't breath. Maybe a machine with the C-Flex and Himidifier would have helped? So I was wondering what equipment to ask for when I go in for my follow-up?

I know there are a lot of differences as far as what masks work best for which people, but if I could get some recommendations on what is popular/new in this category to give me a starting point, I would appreciate it. I mostly sleep on my back, but spend a good amount on my side too. I also found the masks they had extremely uncomfortable. I had red marks and the bridge of my nose is still sore.

Also, I know a humidifier is important, along with software, and the ability to attach a battery if I'm going camping - so which machine(s) would probably work best for me? I tend to like the versatile high-tech stuff.

Thank you so much for you help in advance.

James

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, C-FLEX, CPAP

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 11:43 am

Here's a link you can click on to another thread with the same question:
Newly Diagnosed, looking to confirm equipment selection

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 12:46 pm

james_in_baltimore wrote:My sinuses got extremely dry and stuffy - I was using a nasal mask.

Yes, definitely be sure you are given a heated humidifier with whatever machine you receive.

I tend to like the versatile high-tech stuff.

Then, try to get one of these:

Respironics BiPAP Auto with BiFlex

Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex

Puritan Bennett 420E (autopap)

ResMed S8 Vantage with EPR (even though the EPR can't be enabled when using the Vantage in Auto mode)

If they won't let you have an autopap machine, then try to get one of these straight cpap machines:

ResMed S8 Elite with EPR (not the Escape)

Respironics REMstar Pro 2 (not the Plus, and not the Pro without a 2 in its name.)

Puritan Bennett 420S (not the G)

There's nothing wrong with the machines that I tacked "not" onto. They can provide perfectly good treatment. They just don't record any data other than "compliance" (hours of use). If you decided you wanted to get software and check your own overnight data, you'd be disappointed with one of the "not" machines.

Do get a copy of your Rx from your doctor. You never know when you might want to buy the machine YOU want (or an extra machine) from an online cpap supply store.

james_in_baltimore · Post by **james_in_baltimore** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 1:29 pm

That was a good link.

Oh, and thanks for all the machine suggestions. After reading a bit more and doing some research, it looks like an ideal buy might be -
REMstar auto C-Flex CPAP w/heated humidifier and either the comfortlite 2 or the comfortcurve. Of course I would also want the software and the converter for auto plug. Thank you for the suggestions. It looks like it may be a battle to get the equipment I want, but thanks to this forum I can go into my follow-up prepared.

chdurie2 · Post by **chdurie2** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 2:18 pm

i don't think you need to pin them down to one machine. it's not like you have to have a miata or whatever if they're willing to buy you a sports car. the main point is the optimal machine is autopap, and i think a step down from that is C-flex.

the mask, however, is a different story. that's where you may start to want to do some insisting, depending on what they are offering. based on your description of your experience, nasal may be out, but imo and many others, resmed activa is the best nasal mask. in full face, in order of most people's preference as confirmed by cpap.com rep, you have resmed ultra-mirage full face, fisher & paykel 431 and respironics comfort-comfort something. they probably won't have resmed series 2 because that is an older mask, but many people still like it. (cpap.com still sells it even though i think the manufacturer has discontinued it. in the nasal pillows category, you have resmed swift, puritan bennett breeze (accommodates different size nares, aeiomed/everest aura and nasal aire II. you could call the cpap.com rep and ask for objective popularity ranking, but it seems here there's a real mix of fans of the different ones.

choice of mask through insurance is important, because how many different ones will they let you have when you first start until you can't change again for 3-6 months without paying for it yourself or waiting? a few years ago, my insurance gave me two sizes of resmed simplicity (not so good,) resmed nasal mirage (good, especially then) and two sizes of resmed ultra mirage full-facial series 2 (good, especially then.) and that was it. but i don't know how they dole them out now to a newbie. if through poor choice or their stinginess, you can always start playing ebay games for new masks at cut rates.

and yes, you want heated humidifier, but i think that's a given for insurance companies.

good luck.

caroline

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 2:28 pm

James,

Shouldn't be a "battle". Insist on what you want.....and better yet, purchase from CPAP.COM and submit the bill to your insurance for reimbursement.

It's YOUR therapy and YOUR money.

Best wishes,

Den

james_in_baltimore · Post by **james_in_baltimore** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 3:00 pm

Thanks again. Yes, I suppose I shouldn't necesarily insisit on specific model, but I think I want auto and I want C-flex - which narrows it down to one model. As for the mask - yeah, I get that there is a lot of variation in what works and I suppose I'll start with the ones they will give me and then buy ones from there as I get an idea of what I don't like.

thanks again...

oh - and hopefully I can buy and bill...that would be best.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 5:48 pm

If your pressure is high, then the doctor might want you on bi-level. In that case, go for the Respironics Bi-level Auto (something like that). You can still get software for it.

Pagarc · Post by **Pagarc** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 7:17 pm

James, I've been on CPAP two weeks as of today.
My Dr. recommended the REMSTAR Pro2 C-Flex with Heated Humidifier, and Respironics ComfortSelect Mask . This machine has data record features with optional software and card reader.

So far so good, C-flex definitely works and makes exhaling easier (at least for us newbies) and the HH is a must. The mask will be the wild card. I have gotten use to the Respironics ComfortSelect Mask, which I didn't think I could do because like you I mostly sleep on my back, and then would change my position to the side in the middle of the night. However, I'm glad to report that I now sleep so soundly that I know always seem to wake up on my back, no more tossing to the side. I'll just go with that mask until its time to replace it.

BTW, my nsurance did not cover OSA therapy so I purchased my equipment from my DME for about $900. If I would have know about CPAP.com I would have bought directly from them and saved about $400.

Good Luck!

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): respironics, humidifier, cpap.com, C-FLEX, CPAP, DME

Mask

Additional Comments: Large mask collection

What equipment to ask for

What equipment to ask for

Re: What equipment to ask for

thanks