A-Flex vs C-Flex, Questions, Questions, Questions

I am going to get my script tomorrow - and was told that the sleep center has equipment for there for me.
Here are some questions I have:

1. Does the sleep center normally sale/rent the equipment? Of all the threads I have read, people are always talking about thier DME supplier. Does anyone ever actually get it from their sleep center?

2. On the phone, when I asked about the equipment that they supply, I beleive they said it was the respironics, heated humidifier, with flex. After I reading bunches of threads, and looking over the supplier websites - I see there are 2 types of Flex, C-Flex or A-Flex. Does one machine do both? If not - do more people prefer one over the other?

3. My insurance company pays 100%, but will only pay for new durable-equipment once every 3-years. I am thinking it might be best to rent at first, instead of buy - until I find the right machine. Unless - there is one machine that does EVERYTHING! Anyone have thoughts on that? Renting before buying? Or just go ahead and buy?

Thanks in advance!
Brad

bc_TX wrote:
1. Does the sleep center normally sale/rent the equipment? Of all the threads I have read, people are always talking about thier DME supplier. Does anyone ever actually get it from their sleep center?

2. On the phone, when I asked about the equipment that they supply, I beleive they said it was the respironics, heated humidifier, with flex. After I reading bunches of threads, and looking over the supplier websites - I see there are 2 types of Flex, C-Flex or A-Flex. Does one machine do both? If not - do more people prefer one over the other?

3. My insurance company pays 100%, but will only pay for new durable-equipment once every 3-years. I am thinking it might be best to rent at first, instead of buy - until I find the right machine. Unless - there is one machine that does EVERYTHING! Anyone have thoughts on that? Renting before buying? Or just go ahead and buy?

Thanks in advance!
Brad

1. - yes there are cases where the sleep center is also the DME - beware - some are good - some are bad

2. - Ask them specifically which model they are going to issue you - even get the model number - for example: the DS 200 is a Plus and although it does have cflex, it doesn't have data. The DS200 H is a plus with humidifier. If you get the model number you can search cpap.com or the respironics site for what machine this is, or post the model back here and someone will tell you.

Aflex is the latest in the respironics technology and the aflex machines include the option for cflex so getting the model DS510HS would be wonderful. There is also biflex for respironics bilevel machines but that probably an option for you.

3. - Most insurances uses a 5 year cycle for CPAP machines - sounds like you got a plus there. The decision to buy versus rent has to be yours and theirs. Many times insurance requires a rental period before they will buy; you will have to check exactly what yours requires. Be sure to get it in writing if you think it is to your advantage.

When you ask about a machine that does "everything" are you having to stick to Respironics? There are people who prefer the algorithms from other brands.

The sleep center I used also supplied equipment - and they set me up with a CPAP on the day I got my prescription, too. They claimed I needed it badly, and didn't talk to me much about choices. I later asked about that, and they said of course I had choices. The equipment they supplied was very very limited in selection. I ended up returning the CPAP they gave me at first to them, and they gave me the prescription and I went somewhere else, after talking to my insurance company to find out my choices "in network".

The Respironics with flex probably isn't an Auto. Only the Auto has the A-Flex option - and not all the Autos have A-flex. The one auto with A-Flex can also do C-flex.

Some Sleep Labs are also DME suppliers. Just make sure the DME part is "in network" with your insurance. The DME might not tell you. Otherwise, just like any other DME supplier, some are good and some are bad.

Thanks for your responses.
I will call ahead today, and get some model numbers of the equipment they normally provide.

At this point, I don't know if I need C-flex, or A-flex. I know I did not like Bi-level, it felt like I was having to keep-up my breating with the pace of the machine's.

I am just so ready to get this going, get used to this thing being on my face at night (which I am dreading) and am ready to start getting some energy - and start losing some weight. I have felt so crummy for the past few months, tired all the time, no energy, hungry all the time - I am ready for something different. I really hope this helps me get myself back on track.

Thanks again for the help!

You want to get the Flex. You can always turn it off if you don't like it. At least you will have that option.
Also, you want a "data capable" machine. Not just compliance data. With Respronics it needs to have "Pro" in the name.

Good Luck.

If it turns out you don't need the options, you can always turn them off. Aflex machines also have the Cflex option but Cflex machine does not have Aflex. Likewise, APAP machines can be used in CPAP mode but CPAP mahcines cannot be used in APAP mode.

More options is more better ... get the Aflex machine ... demand the Aflex machine! ... the copay for you is the same regardless of what machine is provided.

Push hard for the M-Series Auto with AFLEX.... with integrated humidifier.

That will be your "foundatiuon stone".....and you'll build on that.

The AFLEX machine gives you 5-machines in one......you can set it up so that it's most effective....and most comfortable.....for you. It can operate as a straight CPAP machine, CPAP with CFLEX, CPAP with AFLEX, Auto-CPAP with CFLEX, and Auto-CPAP with AFLEX.

The M-Series Auto with AFLEX is data capable....meaning that you can add a card reader and software later....so that you can manage and monitor your therapy.

They'll try to talk you out of it......try to overcharge you for it......and generally try to BS you into taking a low end machine (that they make a higher profit on).

Stand your ground......know exactly which model number machine you want.....and have your doctor write your Rx with the exact model number you want. Get the model number from the CPAP,COM website.

You can do it!

Gerald wrote:Push hard for the M-Series Auto with AFLEX.... with integrated humidifier...

What he said. Welcome and good luck.