ResMed vs Respironics in GTA --> Please Help!

ResMed vs Respironics in GTA --> Please Help!

Been scouring the forums for a few hours today and overwhelmed by the information!! just had an appointment today with a vendor for machines and was quite shocked with pricing considering what I saw online. I'm from GTA (Greater Toronto Area), and it's great that OHIP will cover $780, my insurance will only cover 80% of $280, so the rest will come out of pocket.

I got quoted $1410 for the ResMed S8 Elite II (with standard mask) and $275 for a ResMed Swift LT mask (my insurance doesn't cover masks). Equivalent price for a Respironics Remstar Plus M-Series C-Flex. The pressure I have been set to is 7. I have been told that I'll need extensive "proof" to get an auto-titration machine... like there has to be signifcant difference in pressure needed if I were to say sleep on my side vs back.... but that won't be able to be proven I guess until I get a "Bi-Level" machine (Such as the Elite II or the Respironics Remstar Plus M-Series C-Flex).

I was told that if I did qualify for the autoset machines that OHIP may cover the entire amount??? up to $3000 even?? my concern is not as much what I will pay out of pocket (which obviously I want to keep to a minimum) but that I get the "best" machine I can value wise... at the very least I would want something that has exhalation relief (EPR, C-Flex) ... but I seem to be at the Sleep Clinic's mercy if I actually don't "qualify" for the auto machines... are they that much better? what other vendors could I go to for best pricing? any help would be greatly appreciated!

you might want to search for posts with OHIP and / or Canada and / or Toronto

lots of threads some even suggest DME's to use

Hi, what a lot of us do is scan or fax a copy of our prescription for the machine to Cpap.com (they will keep it forever) and order what we need there. It's way cheaper, our local insce companies generally cover 80% (or whatever they normally do) of the cost and you would pay no duty or brokerage on the equipment as it is sent labelled "Medical device" or something like that. I've been doing it for years, as have a lot of other Canucks and it just makes no sense to go to places like Lifecare or Vitalaire (Can. names of Resmed & Respironics "DME's"). Definitely check with your insurance beforehand, of course, to be sure there's no problem, and of course call Cpap.com to ask about sending the script, etc. before ordering, and just what it should say to make sure you're covered for the widest range of equipment in future (for machines and masks - things like hoses, filters, etc. don't need prescriptions).

Fitdiculous wrote:ResMed vs Respironics in GTA --> Please Help!

Been scouring the forums for a few hours today and overwhelmed by the information!! just had an appointment today with a vendor for machines and was quite shocked with pricing considering what I saw online. I'm from GTA (Greater Toronto Area), and it's great that OHIP will cover $780, my insurance will only cover 80% of $280, so the rest will come out of pocket.

I got quoted $1410 for the ResMed S8 Elite II (with standard mask) and $275 for a ResMed Swift LT mask (my insurance doesn't cover masks). Equivalent price for a Respironics Remstar Plus M-Series C-Flex. The pressure I have been set to is 7. I have been told that I'll need extensive "proof" to get an auto-titration machine... like there has to be signifcant difference in pressure needed if I were to say sleep on my side vs back.... but that won't be able to be proven I guess until I get a "Bi-Level" machine (Such as the Elite II or the Respironics Remstar Plus M-Series C-Flex).

I was told that if I did qualify for the autoset machines that OHIP may cover the entire amount??? up to $3000 even?? my concern is not as much what I will pay out of pocket (which obviously I want to keep to a minimum) but that I get the "best" machine I can value wise... at the very least I would want something that has exhalation relief (EPR, C-Flex) ... but I seem to be at the Sleep Clinic's mercy if I actually don't "qualify" for the auto machines... are they that much better? what other vendors could I go to for best pricing? any help would be greatly appreciated!

Being quite blunt, if your titration is 7 CMs then an auto is an absolute waste !.

It will be a case of paying for a truck when a pickup will do an excellent job & if you choose a data capable S8 or M-Series, you will get just as good data.

Choice is yours

Good luck DSM

Fitdiculous:
I live in the GTA and have been using CPAP for about 5 years. I spent much time working my way through the "system" and have lots to share with you about getting the best deal you can. Typing this all out would take all morning and, as I have to get my sorry butt to work, I'm not able to spend the time typing. I'd have sent this in a private message but, as there is no "PM" button on your message, I can't.

So, if you want to talk about getting a CPAP setup in the GTA, send me an e-mail, I'll give you my phone number in my return e-mail, and we can talk for as long as is necessary.

E-mail is: monster1@sympatico.ca

Julie wrote:Hi, what a lot of us do is scan or fax a copy of our prescription for the machine to Cpap.com (they will keep it forever) and order what we need there. It's way cheaper, our local insce companies generally cover 80% (or whatever they normally do) of the cost and you would pay no duty or brokerage on the equipment as it is sent labelled "Medical device" or something like that. I've been doing it for years, as have a lot of other Canucks and it just makes no sense to go to places like Lifecare or Vitalaire (Can. names of Resmed & Respironics "DME's"). Definitely check with your insurance beforehand, of course, to be sure there's no problem, and of course call Cpap.com to ask about sending the script, etc. before ordering, and just what it should say to make sure you're covered for the widest range of equipment in future (for machines and masks - things like hoses, filters, etc. don't need prescriptions).

I know my group insurance at work will only cover 80%. not for "upgraded" machines either. In other words, they will only cover $208 period.... my only concern with ordering online is if OHIP will cover the $780. I'll definitely have to do some more digging around with this... ironically I've insanely tired lately from work and lack of sleep this past week ...

WillSucceed wrote:Fitdiculous:
I live in the GTA and have been using CPAP for about 5 years. I spent much time working my way through the "system" and have lots to share with you about getting the best deal you can. Typing this all out would take all morning and, as I have to get my sorry butt to work, I'm not able to spend the time typing. I'd have sent this in a private message but, as there is no "PM" button on your message, I can't.

So, if you want to talk about getting a CPAP setup in the GTA, send me an e-mail, I'll give you my phone number in my return e-mail, and we can talk for as long as is necessary.

E-mail is: monster1@sympatico.ca

that is very generous of you! email sent

Fitdiculous wrote:that is very generous of you! email sent

Think nothing of it! I've replied to your e-mail; feel free to call me tomorrow.