Escape Vs. Elite

Ok, I'm still new to all of this. I currently have the escape, thanks to the DMEs, I was not of course offered a choice. Am I correct in saying that I can not get any data from this machine? According to this site's description, it states something about downloadable software with the smart card. Will the elite show me data right on the LED or do I have to do something with my computer? I'm wondering how much difficulty the DMEs is going to give me about changing the machine. Is the escape, what my MD ordered or the sleep lab based on the raw data? Or is it the DMEs choice? I know that it was only a week between my 2nd sleep study (cpap titration) and me obtaining the supplies, so I don't think the MD really had much to do with it. I won't be seeing her for a couple of more weeks. I have to send in my data card on Tuesday, so I think I'm just going to show up and discuss getting the elite.

I thought that I answered these questions for you last night. The Elite WILL display leak, 95%pressure, AHI, AI and HI (for sleep session, week, month, six-month and year) as well as total hours used, session hours and number of sessions/total sessions, right on the LCD screen. You just hold down the left and right keys for a few seconds, and up they'll pop.

You're DME made the choice to give you the entry level Escape since it gives them the greatest profit. Your doc can (and should) order you an ELITE, specified on the script, or better yet, an AutoSet Vantage, which will work as a straight CPAP but also will auto-titrate (if you set it to AutoSet) to the lowest pressure that you require for patency, throughout the night. Both of these are fully data capable. The Escape will only give usage/compliance data to satisfy insurance compliance requirements.


Cheers.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, DME, AHI, auto

thanks again goofy...I appreciated your help last night, but just couldn't remember the answers to some of those questions. I think I'll just go for the elite, b/c I don't think I need the auto, plus it's much more $$. I have an 80/20 on DME.

Consider that savings now, over a lifetime, and especially if auto-titration allows you to sleep more comfortably and increases compliance because of its lower average pressures. CPAP blows at your titrated pressure all night long, whetehr you need it or not. Auto-titrating CPAPs blow at the lowest pressure required to maintain patency. Lots of folks just sleep better with APAP (though some do sleep better on straight constant pressure).

So, how much is your sleep worth to you? (BTW, the difference in costs given your 80/20 should be, for your share, <$50. Is your sleep worth less than that for you?)

Ditto on Chuck's suggestion ... the APAP (S8 Vantage) is worth the extra 20% cost.

I discussed with doc my concerns regarding pressure needs for sleeping on back vs sleeping on side and he agreed to switch out my Elite for a Vantage. Plus ... you always have the option of going straight CPAP with the Vantage but not the other way around with the Elite. Of course the DME does not like it cuz it cuts into their bottom line ... oh well.

- roberto

Melissa,

Just remember (in case you have to remind your doctor and DME) that this is YOUR therapy.....not theirs. YOU have the right to select which equipment YOU want to use.

Some people do fine on a fixed pressure (me for one) and some people do better on a pressure range. You can always run the Vantage on fixed pressure but you can't run the Elite on a pressure range. Remember, EPR is only usable on fixed pressure. As far as data, the Vantage and Elite will both give you what you need to see.

Best wishes,

Den

Also ditto on all the above.

PLUS you may not even pay more copay for the auto. CPAP has one billing code for all CPAP/APAP machines as APAP is just an autotitrating CPAP.

E0601

Even if you do pay $50 more for some reason as someone mentioned above, what is cheaper, another sleep study at 20% copay or $50 for an auto or whatever they charge. I think the auto. Not to mention the comfort of lower average pressures.

Explore all your options before you settle for the basic model.