Hello...New Member w/?'s Re: RemStar and DME's

Hello all...I've been lurking around this forum since yesterday when I got serious about getting a new CPAP machine (following my doctor's continued recommendations). I've had a sleep study (terrible experience) and they recommended a CPAP machine set at 11 to treat my OSA. I have been talking with a DME (they're affiliated with the company that did the Sleep Study) and they are trying to sell/rent me an entry level machine from Puritan (420G), Fisher (220LE), or Respironics (RemStar Plus) at a cost of $330 (after insurance). They have been steering away from Respironics because of previous "blower problems" they have experienced. Anyway, after doing significant research on the internet within the last 24 hours, I've opened my eyes to the numerous other options out there that are available. I'm currently leaning towards a machine from the very company that the DME is cautioning against...Respironics. My "dream machine" happens to be the RemStar Auto with C-Flex and Warm Humidifier. The DME says they can get me this unit, but it will likely cost me an extra $250 on top of the $330 they want for one of their recommended systems. I've also discovered that I can get the same unit over the internet for less than $200 (after insurance). However, with the internet option, I appear to be loosing some (valuable?) services such as a rent-to-purchase option, lifetime repair loaners, try-before-you-buy headgear, and future support (whatever that includes).

Anyway, my questions are:

1) Have there really been blower problems with Respironics CPAP's in the past, and if so, have the problems been resolved?

2) Are there other cost-effective options if I want an APAP with C-Flex?

3) With the RemStar Auto, there appears to be a problem with its ability to adjust airflow properly when used with headgear that has small diameter tubing (like the Aura and Breeze). How much of a problem can I expect this to be if I go with this option?

4) Is there significant value to the benefits provided by going through a DME versus the internet, assuming it will cost me an extra $380 to do so?

I've already learned a wealth of information for the real-life experts on this forum. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences, and for helping me through the first phase of my CPAP extravaganza...

SleeplessinKC,

Welcome!

The auto is definitely worth the extra $250.

If you want and Auto with C-flex the REMstar is the only way to go. (Great machine)

I (and many others) use the aura/Breeze/Swift with all the auto machines and have had no problems with it.

I have heard about the Blower problems with the REMstar machines, but only in the context that you talk about... "I heard somebody said the REMstar machines have blower problems" But I never heard someone who actually had a problem post on the subject.

If you find a good DME the $380 would not be a bad price to pay, but (and this is a BIG but) many DME never deliver on the service and support they claim to give. My experience is to do you best to see all of what is available by reading posts by real users on the forums and make a decision based on what will work for you. I have done this and have never bought a mask I couldn't use.

Sounds like you're on the right track!

I have only been a member here for a couple of weeks, but I have been reading all the messages on this forum and talkaboutsleep and have never seen even one message indicating there are blower (or any other) problems with the Respironics line. My DME seems to only stock Respironics. I suspect the DME's either specialize in one brand or maybe even get a special deal by buying in quantity and tend to push that line.

I am also new to this, but after doing all the research I bought the respironics REMstar Auto w/heated humidifier and c-flex. I've only used it one night, but so far I love this machine, and I use the Aura mask and I love it too. I have some seal/leak issues to resolve with the mask but I know it can be solved. I do not have DME coverage so I had to pay for the whole thing. My decision was to get the best I could as this problem is too serious to mess around with anything less.

My health care provider actually reccommends the ResMed Spirit machines. They claim the software is better. They also recommend CPAP over APAP saying CPAP machines are more durable and cost less. I still went with the auto as I want to make sure I get the correct pressure I need as time and my physical condition changes, without having to be retested.

The REMstar machine is so much nicer than the Resmed machines they had loaned me. By comparison it's totally silent and a much nicer physical size. The Aura mask comes with very comfortable head gear that works very well for me. I was able to move my head on my pillow without causing the nasal interface to move. I also changed from using my big fluffy feather pillows to some new memory foam ones. Linens and Things has a great pillow selection. As you can see I decided my diagnosis of 45 AHI warranted a total redesign of my sleep environment to find a total combination that works for me.

As you can see I decided my diagnosis of 45 AHI warranted a total redesign of my sleep environment to find a total combination that works for me.

Way to go, Ron!! I didn't have a diagnosis, other than the one I gave myself; but exactly as you did, I set out about a year and a half ago to get the best treatment possible including redesigning my sleep environment. The message boards were invaluable sources for educating myself about what I needed.

It worked. I've never slept better in my life or felt more refreshed and ready to get up in the mornings.

I use the same set up you mentioned in your signature. Plus another mask or two for rotation when I feel like a change for a night or two...and a roll of tape for controlling mouth air leaks...and the Aussie heated hose to stop rainout...and Encore Pro software/card reader.

A month or two ago, I even bit the bullet and bought an adjustable Tempur-Pedic bed. Heaven!

Despite the expense, redesigning, and "getting used to it" in this kind of treatment, it's worth it when all the pieces of the puzzle come together and actually work....comfortably.

I'm very much into comfortable treatment. If I'm going to spend a third of the remainder of my life sleeping with a machine going, I want it to be good treatment made as comfortable as I can get it.

SleeplessinKC: You're asking the right questions. Wader, ballast and IWannaSleep are telling you right, imho. Good luck!

Thanks all for your encouragement and recommendations. Today, I made the decision to bypass the DME and go with the internet provider (CPAP.com), provided Tri-West gives me an authorization. With my doctor's help (its great to have a PCP who's on your side), I'm wading through the insurance prerequisites now, hoping to make my final purchase early next week. Heck...The thought of my new C-Flex is already making me feel more rested!!!

P.S. I showed my wife pictures of the mask and asked her if she'd ever made it with an alien....judging by her laughter, I don't think I'll be wearing it to bed EVERY night of the week!

I don't have the Remstar, as I started with the PB 420E, and H20 Humidifier, but I do use the Swift nasal pillow. It works for me. I can't tolerate anything as firm as the breeze/new aura, but swift does work and by my checking my numbers daily with the SIlverlining software program I can monitor my own progress. The 420E holds several hundred sessions, I can save the data on my computer and click back on whatever night I want to check on. Figure out my AHI, and see how many/or better yet few episodes I'm having, or hopefully NOT having!!

Good luck....Best source is RG on the Remstar, she's very helpful and knowledgeable about your unit.

SleeplessinKC wrote:Hello all...I've been lurking around this forum since yesterday when I got serious about getting a new CPAP machine (following my doctor's continued recommendations). I've had a sleep study (terrible experience) and they recommended a CPAP machine set at 11 to treat my OSA. I have been talking with a DME (they're affiliated with the company that did the Sleep Study) and they are trying to sell/rent me an entry level machine from Puritan (420G), Fisher (220LE), or Respironics (RemStar Plus) at a cost of $330 (after insurance). They have been steering away from Respironics because of previous "blower problems" they have experienced. Anyway, after doing significant research on the internet within the last 24 hours, I've opened my eyes to the numerous other options out there that are available. I'm currently leaning towards a machine from the very company that the DME is cautioning against...Respironics. My "dream machine" happens to be the RemStar Auto with C-Flex and Warm Humidifier. The DME says they can get me this unit, but it will likely cost me an extra $250 on top of the $330 they want for one of their recommended systems. I've also discovered that I can get the same unit over the internet for less than $200 (after insurance). However, with the internet option, I appear to be loosing some (valuable?) services such as a rent-to-purchase option, lifetime repair loaners, try-before-you-buy headgear, and future support (whatever that includes).

Anyway, my questions are:

1) Have there really been blower problems with Respironics CPAP's in the past, and if so, have the problems been resolved?

2) Are there other cost-effective options if I want an APAP with C-Flex?

3) With the RemStar Auto, there appears to be a problem with its ability to adjust airflow properly when used with headgear that has small diameter tubing (like the Aura and Breeze). How much of a problem can I expect this to be if I go with this option?

4) Is there significant value to the benefits provided by going through a DME versus the internet, assuming it will cost me an extra $380 to do so?

I've already learned a wealth of information for the real-life experts on this forum. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences, and for helping me through the first phase of my CPAP extravaganza...

I went the same route, and got reimbursed from Anthem BCBS. My 20% of the machine was $202. I would suggest spending the extra $199 and getting the software to monitor the Remstar Auto. It will help give you an idea of how well you are doing, and can help troubleshoot issues like mask leak etc. If you aren't sure, you can get the machine, and a number of folks here have offered to read the cards and provide the reports at no charge (myself included). If your DME is willing to make sure you have the right mask, you might try the route of "I already have a machine, I just need masks, can you supply them?" and see what they say. If they are a good one, they might let you do that, if not I would suggest looking at the mask threads here and on http://www.talkaboutsleep.com and make a decision based on that.

Good Luck!