I heard from DME - machine choice

I just got the call from my rep with the DME company

She gave me the option of coming to my house, my work (really?!?), or me going there. I choose to go there... and just have her show me how to set it up because the only time she could come to my house during the next week or so would be in the middle of the day. But if I go there I could go later in the afternoon. Not very friendly for working people! that aside.. im going tomorrow.

I asked her what machine i was getting and she said Remstar Plus. I asked if I had any options on the machine and she said this is the one the sleep clinic likes their patients to use. The lady acted like she couldn't believe i was asking questions.

Is this a good machine? or a good-enough machine for a first machine?


I don't like not having options. I am very uncomfortable with this whole situation. If the machine is adequate, ill not worry about that too much. if it isn't, I might get my mom involved (haha im 35 but still get mom to help navigate the adult world

plus - compliance only card

not fully data capable

you need to get the doc to write script for pro or apap

I called the sleep clinic and told them that I wanted a different machine one that was fully data compatible. she said that she would call the DME and tell them i could have whatever machine i wanted, but when i went in for my follow up appointment they (sleep clinic) wouldn't be able to read the data from the machine, I'd have to have the DME do that and send the data to the sleep clinic.

I asked why couldn't just get the data from the machine and she said it isn't for patient use, don't have hte software, etc.

So im confused - the Remstar Plus apparently has a chip that the sleep clinic can access the data to see my progress... but I can't?
but according to the clinic, the other machines are not readable by patients, so i would need to go to DME to have it read, to send to clinic

the second seems like more work for me. I thought I would be able to access the data on fully data compliant machines.

ok - from the Our Wisdom section:

Software
...
With a data capable machine and software, you have data on your Apnea Hypopnea Index, AHI related to pressure, flow limitation, volume of mask leaks, snores, etc. If you are computer literate, most PAP software is easy to use, even for those who aren’t computer experts. If your machine has data capability and a smart card, you can take the card to a cooperative DME for a printout sent to your doctor, and don’t need to buy software.

Warnings: 1) Not all machines are fully data-capable, so select one that is. 2) Some software records only compliance (usage) for the DME and insurance company’s benefit only, so make sure the software also records AHI, leaks, and pressure. See software FAQ at See https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Software.html#FGID-56
Insurance won’t pay for software or a smart card reader, but you may be able to deduct them as a medical expense on your income tax. You don’t need a prescription for software. Software and readers can be purchased online often for less than $200 for both. See https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-products/software

Why would she tell me that I can't have the software and I can't read the data?

encore viewer is sold to patients to read the card - need the card reader too but all is for sale at cpap.com and other places

card in the plus tells them how many hours ONLY - no details on leaks or apneas

now how much info do YOU want?

jules wrote:now how much info do YOU want?

Keep in mind, before Tuesday morning, I didn't know for certain that I even had sleep apnea. Before last Saturday morning, It wasn't even a consideration in my life (I thought I'd come out of the initial test with an all clear). I'm trying to take all of this in quickly, and im learning as I go.

Since I don't know what data i CAN track, that's difficult to answer at this point. Basically, I would like to be able to access my own data to keep track of my own progress, improvements, setbacks, in as much of a real-time basis as I can. On a basic level, I want to know how many times I'm waking up. If there are other things that the machine can tell me that will help me make deicisions on equipment or lifestyle changes, I want to know those too. Mask leaking, etc.

But I want this information available to me, when I want it. not only to the Dr at the sleep clinic once every month or however often im supposed to go back in.

Don't let them give you a Plus. Don't accept one - you will regret it later if you do. The Plus only reports blower hours, that is, the time that the machine is turned on and blowing air. The # of Blower hours is ABSOLUTELY worthless for determining whether your therapy is effective.

You need a data capable machine, one that records/reports System Leak, AHI, pressure, ... The data capable machines can be setup to display this information on their LCD screen (the DME will normally set the machine so you will not be able to see it but you will find easy-to-use instructions on this forum to reset the machine to display this very helpful information). Getting a data capable machine will allow you to monitor your therapy and make changes. You will have some control over your therapy and will not remain uninformed. Most Sleep Drs and DMEs would like to keep you "in the dark" - they make more $$$ and you cause them less "trouble". Don't let them give you the el-cheapo PLUS machine. Stand firm re getting a fully data capable machine, and get an Auto CPAP if you can, otherwise, at a minimum, get a fully data capable CPAP (one that reports AHI, system leak, ....).

Read the Our Wisdom topics (click on the lightbulb at the top of the CPAPTalk screen) so you will know more about the journey that you are undertaking.

If having the data from the machine is no big deal to you then the plus seems to be a solid unit. I have one I now use as a backup but did use it for a year with no problems as far as operational issues and it does have C-Flex if you like that feature. What I didn't like about the machine was it is loud and the sound (whine) varies with breathing which can bother some people like me. There is a recall for the M-series humidifiers so you might want to check on that if the DME hasn't already. Mine is one that is but I have not had any problems with it so far.

I would try for a data capable machine if at all possible.

Just my 2 cents

I just got upgraded to a Resmed S8 Autoset II without any problems from my DME, but she did tell me that I did not need the software and card reader. She said that they don't want their patients getting into the "clinical menu" and start changing settings and altering their therapy. She set my machine for CPAP mode because that's what my doctor's prescription said, and she showed me how to access the results data on the machine LCD screen. She also told me that I could stop by with my data card anytime during their regular business hours, and they would give me a full data print out...no charge. I can't speak for your DME, but I would think they should be willing to give you a data print out any time you wanted one.

I know there are some very smart APAP patients here that use the software and data info to fine tune their therapy. At this point, my constant pressure of 10 is working just fine for me, so I'm happy with the basic data that I can read right on the machine, but it's nice to know that I have a machine that can be switched to APAP and give me all the data I could possibly want if my future therapy needs change.

When I went to my DME to pick up my machine: I was given from the start a Remstar Auto M with A-Flex which meant I wouldn't have to go back to get a higher end one that is fully data capable or is capable of Auto. Now I just need to get a card reader for my Vista x64 computer and I am set. The software is needed to get a better view of what your stats are from a weekly basis shown per diem. Also make sure you get a humidifier either heated/passover. With a heated humidifier when you put it on zero it is off. For mask selection: that is an individual choice: and must be sized correctly for face. One fact that some people might overlook is whether or not you are a side sleeper, back sleep, or stomach sleeper (your mask choices will vary then). If you use CPAP.com's sizing guide it will give you an idea of what size mask you need from the various styles.

CPAP will not fix "you" overnight it may take a day, weeks, et cetera, depending on how long you have been undiagnosed till you are waking up refreshed and not as tired during the day when you 'must' go to sleep. Putting the mask and machine on every night when you go to sleep and when you nap will help. You may wake up an hour or two earlier or more but your body is adjusting back to a normal sleep cycle and you will sleep through the night when it balances out.

"Every-time you are compliant in using your machine you take that first step to better health"- Me

The above is directed at everybody

DJ

xiola wrote:So im confused - the Remstar Plus apparently has a chip that the sleep clinic can access the data to see my progress... but I can't?

That is a Lie. My 1st sleep doc told me that too. Said I couldn't get to the data but they could, on any machine. Told me to bring the machine in for my next appt.

So I did. And that IS A LIE!!!
I fired them.....

xiola wrote:but according to the clinic, the other machines are not readable by patients, so i would need to go to DME to have it read, to send to clinic

This is also a LIE!!! You will need the software and reader but YOU can read the data at home (in your underwear) w/o them.

How can you trust someone who just lies to you for no apparent reason?

The people here are giving you good advise. The best thing you can do to help yourself is to take the time to read and search and read some more.

And do NOT take the newest System One (PR1) from Respironics because the software has not yet been released.

"Every-time you are compliant in using your machine you take that first step to better health"

DJ_Boxer, may I borrow that, if I give you credit?

My list of machines that record "full data" (AHI and leak info) and those that don't -- updated through Sept. 2009:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

DME might not understand what "Full data" is.
viewtopic.php?p=344265#p344265

xiola wrote:...Why would she tell me that I can't have the software and I can't read the data?

Because they less you know, the easier they can take advantage of you, like this: they get paid the same if they give you a cheap bare-bones compliance (hrs of use) or an expensive full (efficacy) data CPAP because these machines are billed to insurance using the SAME code. Which one do you think she wants to sell you? Yup, the one where she makes more $. The dumber you are, the better for them. Demand the full data machine & don't let her keep lieing to you. You can buy the software and read the data yourself. You still will have to take the smart card to the DME so they can justify their outrageous prices. You'd likely be paying less than your co-pay to buy it from out host https://www.cpap.com and dealing with folks who respect their customers and want you to succeed at this therapy. Good luck!

DottyG: Of course you can use it.

DJ