Can my DME switch machines?

[Wulfman...]

Personally, I would NEVER own a ResMed machine.

Curiosity makes me ask: Why would you never own a ResMed?

Please keep in mind, that I also pointed out that the System One can do everything the S9 can.

I just flat-out dislike the company and in particular their policies, their bullying tactics toward sellers, etc.
I use a ResMed mask, but I had stocked up on them quite some time before they became the bullies that they are now.
I have also never liked their algorithms or their reporting software either. Keep in mind, when I started therapy, the S7 series was the "current" technology. The Respironics' machines (Legacy series/aka "Tanks") had much better technology and software in them than the competition at the time.
But, frankly, I'm not all that thrilled with what Respironics (now Philips/Respironics) these days as they seem to have tried to follow suit with the same tactics as ResMed as far as sellers go. Nor, do I think their machines are all that appealing (visually). Their M Series left alot to be desired and I can't say as I'm all that thrilled with what I read from the owners of the new System One machines. The "luck of the draw" is still at play........with regard to getting ones that are good or ones that are noisy or having other issues. I think both companies made mistakes when they moved the power supply outside of the machine cases. Those seem to be a source of some of the problems.

I hope that answers your question(s).


Den

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[Too tall]

You were probably issued a used machine. check to see if it with Sleepyhead software. They do this until the are sure you are going to be compatible with the CPAP. They won't tell you this unless you challenge them on it. If that's the case, just tell them you will consult with your insurance and see if they know they are paying for a used machine. That's what I did and got a new one asap.

But having said that, I wouldn't necessarily buy the S9 is better. If you are happy with your machine. Stay with it. I went by with the Phillips. I asked the same questions you did however.

[brivers222]

my DME gave me a brick... i e-mailed them asking about getting a "data smart" version and they said they could even exchange the brick for the Pro model..... free of charge. Pretty awesome!

[Janknitz]

Kona was NOT given a brick. He got the top of the line PR machine.

[robysue]

my DME gave me a brick... i e-mailed them asking about getting a "data smart" version and they said they could even exchange the brick for the Pro model..... free of charge. Pretty awesome!

Good for you. Would have been better if the DME hadn't set you up with the brick in the first place, but at least they cooperated when you complained.

But here again, your situation is not quite the same as the OP's. You were asking for an exchange from a brick (presumably the PR System One Plus or the PR System One SE) to a higher quality machine that actually does more stuff than your previous brick, and presumably the new non-brick machine is from the same maker as the original one.

If the OP's signature is correct, the OP is wanting to switch from a PR System One AUTO (top of the line PR model) to a Resmed S9 AutoSet (top of the line Resmed model) because he believes the AutoSet is somehow "better" than the System One Auto, when in fact the two machines are comparable when it comes to features and the amount and type of data recorded.

[alpha752]

my DME gave me a brick... i e-mailed them asking about getting a "data smart" version and they said they could even exchange the brick for the Pro model..... free of charge. Pretty awesome!

You're lucky, I wish I had that experience. When I asked my DME to switch my brick for a full data model, I got lies about how the PR System one SE is their newest model and the best machine, and how they can see my "data", even though the machine doesn't physically collect any. Thanks why I am going to just purchase my own machine and say screw the DMEs.

[brivers222]

my DME gave me a brick... i e-mailed them asking about getting a "data smart" version and they said they could even exchange the brick for the Pro model..... free of charge. Pretty awesome!

You're lucky, I wish I had that experience. When I asked my DME to switch my brick for a full data model, I got lies about how the PR System one SE is their newest model and the best machine, and how they can see my "data", even though the machine doesn't physically collect any. Thanks why I am going to just purchase my own machine and say screw the DMEs.

As an earlier poster stated, it was easy with my DME so I just thought that was the way it always worked. They traded in machine and my mask... Like the OP stated, I wasn't orignally given a choice as to what to use and being that i only knew of a cpap and whatnot a week earlier, who was I to question them. well i guess i did get a choice, Gel or Silicon for the Amara cushion.

I plan on saving up some extra money and buying another machine from this site so that I have one for home and one ready for the road. On here the price difference between the plus and the pro is only $101. so i will probably just get the "brick" model out of pocket for road trips.

[zoocrewphoto]

I don't think anybody meant to be snippy, just clarifying that the situations are different. We will always encourage people to get a fully data capable machine. And we despise DMEs for handing out bricks.

But it is unrealistic to expect a DME to take back a great machine and trade it for an equally great machine. Also, part of this specific issue in this topic is that the original poster believes that one machine is way better than the other, while there really isn't much difference. We don't want to give new people the misconception that one machine is great and the other one is bad when both machines are top of the line, great therapy, great data.

[robysue]

I don't think anybody meant to be snippy, just clarifying that the situations are different. We will always encourage people to get a fully data capable machine. And we despise DMEs for handing out bricks.

Exactly!

But it is unrealistic to expect a DME to take back a great machine and trade it for an equally great machine.

That is indeed my first point.

Also, part of this specific issue in this topic is that the original poster believes that one machine is way better than the other, while there really isn't much difference. We don't want to give new people the misconception that one machine is great and the other one is bad when both machines are top of the line, great therapy, great data.

That is indeed my second point.

[skram]

...
I just flat-out dislike the company and in particular their policies, their bullying tactics toward sellers, etc.
I use a ResMed mask, but I had stocked up on them quite some time before they became the bullies that they are now.
...
Den

They must treat US and Canadian sellers differently. My supplier was able to provide me with a new opened Quattro Air to try out and if I didn't like it, I could give it back (within 30 days) and they would return it to ResMed. As well, they were able to provide me with an AirFit P10 to try out, that they got from ResMed as a promotional/trial mask.

They seem to have a good relationship with ResMed (as well as F&P and Respironics).

[Wulfman...]

...
I just flat-out dislike the company and in particular their policies, their bullying tactics toward sellers, etc.
I use a ResMed mask, but I had stocked up on them quite some time before they became the bullies that they are now.
...
Den

They must treat US and Canadian sellers differently. My supplier was able to provide me with a new opened Quattro Air to try out and if I didn't like it, I could give it back (within 30 days) and they would return it to ResMed. As well, they were able to provide me with an AirFit P10 to try out, that they got from ResMed as a promotional/trial mask.

They seem to have a good relationship with ResMed (as well as F&P and Respironics).

No. It has nothing to do with local suppliers dispensing equipment locally, per se. But, try living in Canada or some other country and try ordering a piece of equipment with those companies' names on them from the U S. Equipment from those companies can't be ordered from other countries. That started a number of years ago. ResMed led the way and Respironics (P/R) followed suit shortly after.
These companies are "price fixing" and make no bones about it. But, the SCOTUS has ruled that it's legal for them to do so.

I'm under the impression that there are ways around it, but it's just "wrong". What ever happened to NAFTA and other trade agreements?


Den

.

[skram]

Den,

I forgot that my location is not in my profile on this forum (it is on the other apnea boards I visit) - I am in Canada.
(not sure why, but I had the impression from other posts that you are in the US)

I guess I wasn't quite on the same page as I haven't tied ordering from the US as I seem to be able to access anything I want so far locally.

[Wulfman...]

Den,

I forgot that my location is not in my profile on this forum (it is on the other apnea boards I visit) - I am in Canada.
(not sure why, but I had the impression from other posts that you are in the US)

I guess I wasn't quite on the same page as I haven't tied ordering from the US as I seem to be able to access anything I want so far locally.

Yes, I'm in the US. I just (intensely) dislike the policies the manufacturers have forced on the resellers. For the most part, there is no "free trade" with regard to this industry. This situation has been getting worse over the years since I started therapy. It's sad to see that users in other parts of the world (and there are many of them who have been part of this forum) can no longer order equipment they need from the seller(s) of their choice if they happen to be in another country.
As has been noted, there are ways to get around some of these situations, but that just shouldn't have to be that way.


Den

.

[paradoiley]

As a Canadian, I can tell you that it's this way with many many things.

Oakley Sunglasses
Asics Running Shoes
Cars

There are lots of things that you find on the internet for better prices than here, but cannot be shipped to Canada.