Newbie Question

Hi

I'm about to buy a cpap machine , first time. I was considering skipping the DME and purchase directly from the Internet. Being new to cpap therapy ,would I be at a disadvantage not having local support from a DME ? Who can change the setting on the machine if nessasary? What do you folks think, any advice would be appreciated.

You can change it.

Just make sure that you get a fully data capable machine and the software to go with it. That way you'll be able to see the impact of changes.

thanks cflame1

sounds like I should go with the auto cpap, not sure if the entry level machines offer a fully data capable.

You can go to our hosts at https://www.cpap.com and read all the reviews on the data capable auto machines. Their service and prices are excellent. You'll have to purchase the software also to monitor your therapy but it's really necessary. Good luck, Dori

You've already had a sleep study and been titrated, right? If you had a good titration (enough sleep and captured you in REM while supine) your titrated pressure is likely to be pretty much what you'll need on a nightly basis. If your titration did not go so well, you're more likely to need to find a therapeutic pressure. An auto titrating (apap) machine can make that search more direct, although a continuous pressure (cpap) machine with data can accomplish the same thing. It would just be a little more of trial and error. If cost is not a factor, why not get all the bells and whistles just in case you need them. If that's not how you prefer to operate, just be sure to get a machine that provides data you can access.

One other point, if your studies showed any indication of complex apnea, central apnea, or need for a very high pressure, that could change the machine you should consider. Often due to insurance contraints a cpap is ordered initially and then upgraded after it is proven necessary. Buying online doesn't give that option, so think twice and buy once.

Sorry, probably much more than you'll need to consider, but I'd hate to later say, "Oh, didn't think to mention that when you asked." Best wishes.

Kathy

I had a sleep study and titration, but once I got the RX in my hand, I went to cpap.com and bought my cpap. I spoke with 2 local DME's and didn't think I would get enough service and support to warrant paying twice as much. They did offer mask exchange within 30 days, but the prices of their masks were also double. You can pay an extra $20+ when you buy a mask from cpap.com, for mask insurance, so you can return the mask for refund of the purchase price, if it doesn't work for you. Well worth it.

My experience is, if you're proactive, and take the time to read the wealth of information here, and ask questions when needed, you'll have plenty of support.

Good luck to you.

The only disadvantage will be being able to try on a mask BEFORE you buy it. If you have read much here, you already know finding a good DME is no small feat.

But you can get mask fittings at most sleep centers too. Check with yours cuz the mask (fit) is the key to success. Sleep Center are esp. good for this cuz you can lay down with machine at FULL pressure too. They will usu. have an RT who does just mask fittings too.

Then you will need a script from the doc for the mask, too. Get a copy in your hand - don't let them just fax it over. If they do fax it get another copy for yourself so when you need it you won't have another co-pay. In fact request it simply say "Mask of patients choice".

Good luck

Using both the dme and online make the most financial sense to me.The dme's are good for trying everything out and getting a hands on experience while online give you lots more options for different kinds of products.This all depends on your insurance, one thing that worked for me is calling all the dme's and finding one that only sells machines that took my insurance this way you can bypass the Cort furniture concept of renting your applinaces.

Generic prescription+ self pay= lots of good choices. I make sure that the 'script says "autopap" auto set and mask, not anything more specific. That way, you can make an informed choice. To reiterate what everybody else will say, fully data capable is the only way to go, as you know what your treatment is doing and can monitor it. Changes are obviously easily possible. Cpap.com is excellent--they have great service, excellent pricing, and will answer questions in detail, with great advice and insight.

Thanks everyone for your help, my original prescription was for a regular c-pap w/pressure setting of 10. Think I found a regular c-pap that is fully data cabable the Resmed S8 Elite II.

You can buy an auto pap from cpap.com with a prescription for a regular cpap machine.

Autos are considered Auto cpap machines. You can also buy a straight cpap only machine with that prescription.

If you buy an auto, it can also be run in straight cpap mode if that turns out to be better for you. You have 2 machines in one. Using it in auto, can help you in checking to see if your pressure is still right for you.

Of course, having software helps with the settings and any changes too.

There are many people that have problems with there masks and seem to try several or stop using them at all. I have found a product called RemZzzs @ RemZzzs.com that claims to reduce noise and air leaks, prevents skin irritations and pressure marks, keeps mask in place and promotes a comfortable full night sleep for you and your partner. This might be something that you take a look at remzzzs.com.

Rude Awakening for the Do It Yourselfer

I just learned that ResMed will no longer sell Full Data Software to the end user, it will only be available to clinicians. The old software will not work on new machines. Sounds like Respironics may follow on new machines, not sure about the other machine brands.

Register and send me a PM, Boris...