Doctor Prescribing Machine - HELP !

pratzert · Post by **pratzert** » Mon May 01, 2006 7:22 am

My Sleep Doc wants me to get on my CPAP machine ASAP.

He "usually" prescribes the Respironics REMstar AUTO C-Flex with Heated humidifier. He also "Usually" order the Respironiocs ComfortGel "Profile Lite" mask.

I know the machine is a decent machine, but have asked them to prescibe the Resmed Mirage Activa mask instead, and they said they will "try" but are not sure insurance will cover it.

What I'd like now... is some reassurance from some experienced hoseheads that the Remstar Auto C-Flex w. heated humidifier is a good choice? My pressure is to be set at 10. If they can't/wont' get the Activa Mask, will I be happy with that ComfortGel "Profile Lite" ????

And, The Resmed S8 Vantage EPR Auto with Heated Humidifier is about the same price (retail). Is that considered a "Better" machine ? I know it's a little smaller and lighter.

Here again, will I be happy with the Respironics Auto C-Flex machine?

Should I try to insist the Doc prescribe the Resmed S8 Auto instead , or just be happy I if I can get the Activa Mask?

It's all so new... and I have been reading some of the posts on the forum, so I do feel comfortable getting the Respironics Auto, but need a little extra push to be sure. Cause if not... I'll will start leaning on my Sleep Doc to prescribe the Resmed instead.

Time is of the essence.... the office os ordering the machine today.

Thanks you ALL for you help and input.

Tim

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, respironics, resmed, humidifier, mirage, activa, C-FLEX, auto

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, respironics, resmed, humidifier, mirage, activa, C-FLEX, auto

fredw · Post by **fredw** » Mon May 01, 2006 7:37 am

There is nothing wrong with the machine your doctor is perscribing. There are others out there, and some may argue that they are better, but about as many would argue the Respironics was the better machine.

As for the mask, it is personal choice. I think most of the people in this forum would suggest something else (quite a difference of opinion on which other to choose), but it is a valid choice.

I am wondering why the doctor is putting you on an auto adjusting machine with a single pressure. Most of the time, auto CPAPs are set to a pressure range, with the machine determining the actual pressure.

pratzert · Post by **pratzert** » Mon May 01, 2006 7:46 am

The only reason I am pushing for the Activa mask is that it "seems" to be an overwelming favorite of many on the various forums.

And if the Sleep Docs first choice of the Profile Lite is what I wore the night of my study, I did not think it to be very comfortable at all. It seemed to be pushing my eyeballs in, Perhaps it was too large or something.

I would think, that if the DME is doing their job correctly, they would bring sveral masks for me to try. But, unfortunately, the DME I have to use is Apria and I have not heard many good things about them at all.

Thanks, Tim

jcarn · Post by **jcarn** » Mon May 01, 2006 8:22 am

Don't stress about the RemStar .. you're getting one of the highest rated machines out there. I personally love the RemStar Auto. I think you'll be very happy with it.

The mask is more important .. you'll probably end up trying several. I like the Headrest (Aura) but I also have the Breeze and Ultra Mirage FF. Definitely see if the DME will bring some different styles/sizes. The mask is the most important part of your therapy.

good luck!

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon May 01, 2006 9:53 am

You are lucky, your Dr. might know whitch end is up, the Respironics REMstar AUTO C-Flex with Heated humidifier, is as good as it gets,

As far as masks go, it's up to you to find the one you need, If you mouthbreathe, in your sleep, the hated FF Mask is the best answer, for full treatment. Your limitations on masks are up to you. A nasal interface will work as long as you aren't congested or let the pressure out through your mouth, only you will know what you will do under treatment. I chose a FF Mask in the beginning because, I have congestion and somestimes have to breath through my mouth, and not getting the correct treatment isn't a option for me. I don't live near De-Nile, I don't like Crock's. Jim

pratzert · Post by **pratzert** » Mon May 01, 2006 10:09 am

The R/T from the DME is supposed call me within a few days to set up an "in-home" instruction on the machine.

When He/she calls, I WILL ask if they can bring out several masks for me to try. But as I said, the Doc is writing the script for the Activa mask.

Since the DME is Apria, I half expect them to tell me they can't or won't get it. That's when the fight will begin. But maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.

Sooner or later, I would like to try the little nasal plug thingies, as it seems they would be a lot less bulky and obtrusive as long as I could adjust to having something up my nose all night.

I have read that many experienced hoseheads have more than one type of mask to cycle through when one starts getting irratating. I think my insurance will only pay for a new one every 6 months, so I may be buying an alternate mask on my own.

Thanks, Tim

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon May 01, 2006 10:21 am

I agree with what everyone else had to say about the machine selection. It doesn't get better than that.

As far as the mask thing goes, remember that these people are "working FOR YOU". The mask selection IS the most significant link in this therapy. Get the one that works best for YOU. After all, you're the one that's going to be wearing it every night.....not them.

Best wishes,

Den

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 01, 2006 12:09 pm

Is there ANY source left where I can download the Encore software ?

With just having to pay co-pays etc for the sleep study, to have to shell out even MORE money is tough.

You can PM at pratzert@bcpl.net

Thanks, Tim

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:02 pm

That is me above as Guest. Don't know why I could not log in while at work later in the day. This message when I signed onto the forum said "FORUM LOCKED" whatever that means? I was able to sign on this time.

Anyway... I thought of another question or two.

How quiet is ths Remstar Auto w/c-flex?

How much noise doe sthe Comfort Lite mask make ?

How noisy is the Resmed Activa mask ?

Most seem to say the Activa is extremely quiet, but a few others said the exhaust was so loud, it kept them awake.

It's hard to sort it all out with such varying opinions.

Thanks Everyone.... Tim

Snoozing Gonzo · Post by **Snoozing Gonzo** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:02 pm

I've only had the Comfort Gel and Activa along with the Remstar w/ c-flex in straight CPAP in my relatively short CPAP career. As far as noise, its all new noise to your room so you will notice for a while.

I think the Comfort Gel exhaust is quieter than the Activa but what wakes me up is leaks and the Activa is better in that department for me. However, loudness is relative, neither is all that loud to me.

The Remstar is also very quiet with the filter loaded and the machine on the floor. Just a light whooshing sound as you breath - not as loud as my furnace or summer fan.

Certainly, none of the sounds are anywhere near the volume of my pre-CPAP snoring and gasping that could wake people several rooms away.

DME_Guy · Post by **DME_Guy** » Mon May 01, 2006 6:32 pm

I have access to nearly any machine I want and chose the Remstar Auto w/C-flex. It's working great for me. I love C-flex. EPR is similar but not as good as C-flex IMO. EPR is mechanical and C-flex is flow based. What this means is EPR will always lower the expiratory rate at the same level, regardless of how much you exhale. C-flex feels more natural when you exhale because it's based on flow. The bigger breath you exhale, the more it lowers pressure.

Many people are happy with the comfort gel. I haven't used it myself so I can't give you solid advice. The Resmed Swift is very popular now with my DME but I expect the comfort lite 2 to be in demand as awareness increases.

Good luck with your therapy!

pratzert · Post by **pratzert** » Mon May 01, 2006 6:57 pm

Well.... after all those comments, I am definately feeling better about the machine.

As for the mask.... well.... only time will tell.

Of course, this all depends on the DME actually delivering the machine and mask my Doc prescribed.

Thanks everyone.

Tim

Humidifier

Additional Comments: Auto range 11-15