Update machine?

I had a heart transplant on 8/3/13. Before I could come home I had to replace my mask, filter and tubing. The Apria rep came by the hospital and we talked about upgrading my 5 year old machine (ResMed S8) to a newer model. He basically tried to talk us out of upgrading the machine since it is working fine.

My question is should I go ahead and update my machine to take advantage of the technology updates, etc? I've already met my insurance deductibles and out of pocket max so I would think now would be a good time to update since it would cost me almost nothing.

If update is the way to go, which machine? I have the ResMed software/card reader but when I was in the hospital they used a Respironics machine and a Respironics full face mask. Loved the mask and tried it at home but with the ResMed it is so loud.

Suggestions?

Is Apria the only supplier in your network?
If so, I would ask your doctor to write a new prescription specifying make and model.
Your medical situation warrants the latest and greatest--no less!
I think your doctor would agree.

I would say yes... go ahead and get a new machine and use your S8 as a back up machine. The Respironics and Resmed are good machines. I'd get a S9 Autoset, but that's me.

heriff

I would upgrade the machine not really for effectiveness, but really as a hygiene measure at this point. I would also ask whether you should also install an inline bacteria filter. Following a transplant you need to do everything possible I'd imagine to prevent any infections.

Definitely wash out the equipment daily and replace the tubing and masks religiously. Humidifier with distilled water only!

What S8 machine do you have?

If you upgrade, be sure to get a fully data capable machine. Many DMEs will try to scam you with a "brick" CPAP that doesn't collect full data. And they'll lie to you about it collecting data.

If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check for yourself. If it's Apria or Lincare, check twice.

Read the links in my signature line for some info on not getting screwed.

A good new machine is worthwhile because it will gather a lot more data than your old machine. A good machine like an S9 Autoset or PRS1 Auto is like having a poor man's sleep test every night. You can tell whether your therapy is still working. You can even monitor your data yourself.