Feeling shortchanged. S9 Auto vs. Elite.

[Chuck Connors]

Right now I'm feeling as if I was shortchanged by my DME provider, knowing that they provided me with an S9 Elite instead of the S9 Auto. I've read the posts here and in other websites that they are both good machines. However, I feel that the S9 Auto fits my needs better than the Elite. My DME provider states that it's whatever your Doctor prescribed. The DME provider insists that the sleep Docs know the functionality of all of the equipment that's available in the marketplace, but I have my doubts about that claim. The question is, how easy or difficult is it to have the S9 Elite replaced with the S9 Auto at no charge or a minimal charge? Anybody know how flexible or hard headed DME providers and/or ResMed is on these matters? Or is it a matter of me selling my machine on the open market and purchasing an S9 Auto out-of-pocket? Thanks. -Chuck-

[RJames]

Have you used the Elite yet? if so... you have only one avenue... sell it...

[squid13]

If insurance is paying for it on the rent to own plan you can't sell cause it isn't your's yet. Not until the rental period is over and then it belongs to you. Medicare rents for 13 months before it belongs to you.

[Pugsy]

It all depends on how hard headed your DME is...how hard headed you are...did your insurance pay out right or are you in the "rent to own" program....
Obviously the Autoset can be set in cpap mode to satisfy the "doctors prescription" but some DMEs just won't budge. Depending on how long you have used the machine and what your contract is...it may or may not be able to be swapped out.
Some DMEs supply the Autoset from the beginning..they could all do that if they wanted to but the Autoset costs more and cuts into the profit margin.
Have you read Janknitz's blog about what to do if you find you have a brick? Obviously you don't have a brick but some of the options are the same.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/ down mid page I think it is.

If you want to purchase out of pocket...the S9 Autosets can be found and sometimes at some real decent prices depending on the source. Online suppliers require a copy of the RX but a cpap RX does enable you to purchase an APAP because an APAP is a CPAP with auto adjusting pressure capabilities.
Sometimes forum members have machines to sell..there is craigslist which can be risky if you aren't careful but I happen to know of one craigslist seller that is reliable and I would use her again. Not cheap but still less than online prices and her machines are new. Send me a private message if you want more information about her. I bought my S9 VPAP Auto from her and I would not hesitate to purchase another machine from her if the need came up.
I purchased a used S9 Autoset for my step sister from a forum member for $250 and that included the humidifier. It had some hours on it but it wasn't hurt and she just loves it. Deals are out there if one is patient. STLMark (forum member) sometimes gets his hands on new S9 Autosets...I think he asks $450 for them...I don't think he has one right now but you never know.

If you purchase out of pocket..the Elite can become a backup machine (good idea to have one anyway) just make sure that any compliance use requirements have been met.

[jonnybee]

Like you, I was issued an S9 Elite. After joining this forum and reading all the raves concerning the Autoset I decided I had to have one. I contacted my DME and upgraded, but I had to pay $300 out of pocket. Unfortunately, when using the auto mode, my AHI increased plus I discovered that I really didn't like the pressure changes; they kept waking me. So, I switched back to the straight CPAP mode and have never used auto again.

I wish I had my $300 back. Just be sure you actually need the Autoset before you lay out more money to upgrade.

[Chuck Connors]

Lots of insight here!! Thank you!!! -Chuck-