Request for your help in choosing the best setup for m

I am using a loaner APAP machine from my DME, and next week I will go in so the DME can read my settings and provide input to my sleep doc, who will write my script.

I have read a LOT on this forum and learned a TON (thank you!), but have some questions about sourcing a data capable machine.

I live in Ontario, Canada, where the provincial government provides some financial support towards the purchase of a prescribed CPAP or APAP. The DME my doc works with seems to provide the same machines at different price points, depending on the warranty services (or perhaps I should say "services") provided.

So, for example, I can get a ResMed Vantage at price X for the machine plus 3-year warranty, or I can get it at price Y for the machine plus 5-year warranty, unlimited "equipment checks" during those five years, and hose and filter replacements.

So, first question: in my shoes, would you choose a setup that provides you with a longer warranty and "unlimited" opportunities to get your machine serviced; or would you buy a basic machine and then get your filters and hoses online at a better price?

My second question is about data-capable machines. When I asked my DME about buying a data-capable machine, I was completely brushed off: "Oh, you don't need to do that. If you want to see your data just bring your machine to us and we will read the results for you. If you buy [the expensive package] you can come in as often as you want."

But, if I understand correctly, all of the ResMed machines are data capable. Is that right?

But if my DME does not provide the data capability (the card reader and the software), I would need to purchase that separately, right? I just want to be crystal clear that a machine I would buy would be data-capable, and that I *could* buy the card, reader and software elsewhere.

Cost isn't a huge issue for me, not because I'm rolling in dough, but because my parents have seen me struggle with my health for years now and my dad has said he will pay for anything I need above and beyond what the government assistance provides.

Your thoughts please!

MoneyGal wrote:But, if I understand correctly, all of the ResMed machines are data capable. Is that right?

If you're talking about seeing AHI and leak info, not all models of that brand, no. The Compact and the Escape models provide only "hours of use" data (no AHI or leak data.)

My list of machines that record "full data" and those that don't -- as of October 2008:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

Resmed, Respironics and most other xPAP manufacturers warranty their xPAPs for 2 years. I have my doubts whether the "extended warranties" you are being quoted are worth it, ... depends on much they charge for them. Usually if "electronic" stuff is gonna go to heck in a handbasket they will do so well w/in the 2 years. Check out the xPAP prices at cpap.com and compare them to the cost of these "extended warranties" over the course of the 2-3 additional years or whether you'd just be better off buying a CPAP (w/a 2 year warranty) when and if your "provided" xPAP goes kaput on you.

Thanks! RestedGal, your link was incredibly helpful. I'm going to go for the ResMed Elite or Elite II. I doubt my DME even provides the data card reader or software, so I will purchase those online, along with a hose cover.

MoneyGal wrote:When I asked my DME about buying a data-capable machine, I was completely brushed off: "Oh, you don't need to do that. If you want to see your data just bring your machine to us and we will read the results for you. If you buy [the expensive package] you can come in as often as you want."
...
Your thoughts please!

Although I didn't experience this with my DME, this seems to be a very common dodge. Another common dodge is the line "this is the machine that your insurance covers" (my brother experienced that one, and after a little persistence and sweet-talking, he was able to find out that's not exactly the case).

The "data" as RG and others have pointed out, in the non "fully-data-capable" machines is compliance data. That is, how many hours you've been using the machine. DME's want that info, I think, because they can then give it back to the insurance company to prove that you've been using it.

You already know if you've been compliant, using it, and whether or not you're starting to feel better.

But to "take charge of your own therapy", you'll probably want the AHI and leak rate data that RG talks about.

I had one followup appointment, with my somnodoc, three months after starting therapy. He had a 1-month report from my machine that the DME had gathered (I was lucky - he spec'd a fully data-capable auto machine for me). His first words to me were "you aren't compliant." I responded that yes, in the first month of therapy, I was traveling on three weekends and didn't use the machine, but other than that, I was using the machine 7 to 8 hours a night. I then went on to show him the data I'd gathered in the next two months (which he didn't have) where I was 100% compliant. His response was, more or less, to send him copies of the reports and then the DME wouldn't have to be involved.

I've ranted on this forum a few times, about my "old school" doctors that don't seem to respect patient education. But I prefer not to walk around under a cloud of ignorance, and I hope to eventually end up with a series of health care providers that respect my wishes.

Guy