New here-Replacing 10 yr old machine-question plz

Hi - I just happened across this forum as I was looking at different types of masks. Maybe this is a dumb question but is there a place to buy a used machine? Mine is 10 yrs old and the heating element overheats so I cant use it. I went to the dr. for a prescription and he insisted he couldnt do that w/o a new study or wouldn't write a prescrip. It's been about 4 yrs since my last study. I've had 4 of them in 10 years. I should have left and went to another dr.

I think they just want my money. All I wanted was a new machine because I really need the humidifier , now I owe over $1000 for my deductible and to top that United Healthcare is saying I have to pay my 30% monthly for 9 months, after I pay $1000 the first of 2012 for my new deductible. This is all way over my head financially. I honestly hung up and bawled. The results of my test specified the same identical pressure I've always been on and it was a waste of probably $2000 out of my pocket after deductible and my portion, which they're going to have to take $20 a month on. I am just so discouraged. I'm also tired. LOL

My machine's water reservoir is still the type that doesn't open up and I have a heck of a time cleaning it. As best i can of course. It's almost impossible to get the hard water stains out. Are there any lower cost alternatives to get a machine?

Without a RX for the machine you are pretty much stuck with secondary market like craigslist. With careful shopping an education on each machine model there are some deals out there. Any physician can write the RX though. Doesn't have to be a sleep doctor.

Or contact this person. Just posted recently. Probably very similar to what you have.

viewtopic/t70848/FS-Respironics-REMstar ... CFLEX.html

Or this person for Resmed.
viewtopic/t70851/FS-ResMed-S8-Elite-CPAP-Machine.html

Either would serve you well.

Does your humidifier chamber look like this?

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... ifier.html

If so, it does open up. You might want to buy a spare chamber from the link above, but you can separate the metal bottom from the plastic top and get into the chamber. I washed mine in the dishwasher weekly for years when I used that kind of machine.

You do need to be careful to completely seal the metal base plate into the plastic tank after you clean it, or it will leak.

If you can figure out a way to get around your scumbag doctor and get a prescription, you can buy a top of the line new Philips Respironics Series One Auto CPAP and heated humidifier for under $700 online. You may not be able to get your insurance to pay for it, but after deductibles, higher prices for a local CPAP seller, unnecessary sleep studies and doctor visits, it might be cheaper.

United Health Care. Let me rant:
Our union demanded they be removed from our county plan--their track record was that bad.

Megan,
If all you want is a machine to replace the one you have, you can find them all the time on Craigslist for peanuts. I have one listed here in the forum for $50 but I don't have the matching humidifier. I do have a completely functional stand-alone humidifier I could throw in though. The machine has less then 6 months use on it so it should last awhile. I've seen Remstar Legacy style humidifiers for $50 to $65 on Craigslist all the time. I gave up on using insurance and DME and have saved loads of money. PM me if interested.
Jamis

Thanks for the input. I checked and mine doesn't open. The girl at the dr's office said some didn't back then. I did try but I don't want to force it. I've been looking on line. I can buy one used like you all suggested, but one thing is, I put quite a money into my flex plan for 2012 and it will cover a used one I'm pretty sure. But I may have to buy from a place where I'll get a receipt, etc., in order to get reimbursed. I'll call them Monday. Overall with all I've read in the past 24 hrs I can see I can make it much less financially painful to get one on line myself. Apria quoted me over $1,000 for the Series 1 and I can get one on-line for substantially less. Not that I'll get that one.

I've been looking at a used Devibis Intellipap, it reviews are good and i can get one under $300. But I'm checking out craig's list also. I do want to try and get a quiet one And I'd like one that auto adjusts (I think)

Sounds like you just need a new humidifier and/or humidifier tank. You can buy those cheap at Secondwindcpap.com, and should not need a prescription. Talk to them about your needs--they can advise.

You have a right to your medical file, and should demand a complete copy. It should include your original Cpap prescription, which you can use in the future.

Good luck.

Check out http://www.secondwindcpap.com They have gently used machines that have been checked out, sanitized, and come with a warranty. Company is owned by a RT, and they have great customer service.

Even your dentist can write a Rx for a machine. I think if you can document your use over a decade, and that you simply want to buy a new machine, a generic Rx for a machine of your choice should not be hard to get. If you get an autopap you can self-titrate to be sure you are setting the pressures properly on the new one. I imagine the quality of therapy will be vastly different from your 10 yr old machine!

meganc wrote:Thanks for the input. I checked and mine doesn't open. The girl at the dr's office said some didn't back then. I did try but I don't want to force it. I've been looking on line. I can buy one used like you all suggested, but one thing is, I put quite a money into my flex plan for 2012 and it will cover a used one I'm pretty sure. But I may have to buy from a place where I'll get a receipt, etc., in order to get reimbursed. I'll call them Monday. Overall with all I've read in the past 24 hrs I can see I can make it much less financially painful to get one on line myself. Apria quoted me over $1,000 for the Series 1 and I can get one on-line for substantially less. Not that I'll get that one.

I've been looking at a used Devibis Intellipap, it reviews are good and i can get one under $300. But I'm checking out craig's list also. I do want to try and get a quiet one And I'd like one that auto adjusts (I think)

If you get a replacement, be sure to get one that records full data, and that you can get the software for it. I believe DeVilbiss requires a separate hardware module to record and access data. PRS1 and ResMed machines (of the appropriate type) will work the free and very good SleepyHead program.

Be careful. Each manufacturer makes some models that don't record much useful data.

If I were you I'd get this. viewtopic/t70848/FS-Respironics-REMstar ... CFLEX.html The price is good and the machine is outstanding, I use one just like it. Jim