I have a meeting scheduled with the DME my DR recommends on Tuesday. I asked lots of questions and I think they are annoyed that I know what I am looking for. They said that they usually recommend the Fisher & Paykel CPAP. Has anyone else heard or used it? I mentioned the Remstar Pro 2 and she said that the 2 is a bipap and they onlly have the pro. Can someone clarify this? I want to make sure that I get a quality machine the 1st time.
On a good note, my Dr wrote heated humidifer into the Rx, so that is one less battle to fight.
Advice and comments requested!
Time to meet with the DME - Help requested
7 posts
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Leinie,
The Fisher Paykel is a good working machine. They invented heated humidification. Make sure you get the latest model, the 234.
The lady you spoke with is somewhat clueless. The 2 comes in a BiPAP Pro 2 and a Remstar Pro 2 with C-CFlex.
Also a good machine that offers pressure relief upon exhalation.
Do not get the RemStar Pro, as it is an outdated model. If you want the RemStar make sure it is the 2.
I can see how some people get aggitated by DME's. Some DME's have no understanding of the sleep therapy equipment.
New users should request from their doctor to be referred to a sleep treatment speicialty company. Avoid the full serice DME's for sleep treatment.
The Fisher Paykel is a good working machine. They invented heated humidification. Make sure you get the latest model, the 234.
The lady you spoke with is somewhat clueless. The 2 comes in a BiPAP Pro 2 and a Remstar Pro 2 with C-CFlex.
Also a good machine that offers pressure relief upon exhalation.
Do not get the RemStar Pro, as it is an outdated model. If you want the RemStar make sure it is the 2.
I can see how some people get aggitated by DME's. Some DME's have no understanding of the sleep therapy equipment.
New users should request from their doctor to be referred to a sleep treatment speicialty company. Avoid the full serice DME's for sleep treatment.
Remstar
Try this site to see what the differences are. Skip the intro and select "products" to see the comparison between their various machines.
http://remstar.respironics.com/
Most people that use Remstar want the CFlex option, which reduces the pressure while you exhale.
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cflex
http://remstar.respironics.com/
Most people that use Remstar want the CFlex option, which reduces the pressure while you exhale.
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cflex
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DrainedDad
- Posts: 53
- Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:18 am
- Location: Caledonia, Mi
When I got my machine earlier this week (REMstar Plus) the DME wasn't annoyed that I knew what I was looking for. She commented that if more people would take the time to do the homework before coming in it would be easier for her to fit them.
I think the choice of the mask is more important than the choice of the actual xpap machine. You have to be comfortable in the mask or you are not going to sleep, regardless of whether you have REMstar, Goodknight, or Fisher & Paykel. Have your options in mind when you walk in and be sure to check each one out. I had about five masks that I had heard were really good. I compared each and narrowed down my choices. When I had two or three options I liked, I had DME bring them out so that I could test them for fit and comfort. Check out the headgear, the size of the mask, and how it feels on your face and head. When you have found one you like have them hook it up to the machine and lay down on the couch or floor, whatever is available (bring your pillow). Try laying in whatever positions that you sleep. Make sure that the mask stays sealed and that the head gear is comfortable. You're going to be wearing this thing everyday for the next six months or so before you get another; better make sure that you are comfortable in it.
Good luck in your decision. I hope your DME is as helpful as mine was but I've heard that many are the devil !
I haven't had any problem with my machine or mask; been sleeping all night every night since I hooked up to the hose. I guess I am just on of the fortunate few.
REMstar Plus: 10cm
heated humidifier: 3
Comfort lite
I think the choice of the mask is more important than the choice of the actual xpap machine. You have to be comfortable in the mask or you are not going to sleep, regardless of whether you have REMstar, Goodknight, or Fisher & Paykel. Have your options in mind when you walk in and be sure to check each one out. I had about five masks that I had heard were really good. I compared each and narrowed down my choices. When I had two or three options I liked, I had DME bring them out so that I could test them for fit and comfort. Check out the headgear, the size of the mask, and how it feels on your face and head. When you have found one you like have them hook it up to the machine and lay down on the couch or floor, whatever is available (bring your pillow). Try laying in whatever positions that you sleep. Make sure that the mask stays sealed and that the head gear is comfortable. You're going to be wearing this thing everyday for the next six months or so before you get another; better make sure that you are comfortable in it.
Good luck in your decision. I hope your DME is as helpful as mine was but I've heard that many are the devil !
I haven't had any problem with my machine or mask; been sleeping all night every night since I hooked up to the hose. I guess I am just on of the fortunate few.
REMstar Plus: 10cm
heated humidifier: 3
Comfort lite
I will lie down and sleep in peace Ps 4:8
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rested gal
- Posts: 12881
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Hi Leinie,
You wrote:
The annoyance that salesperson showed when you asked questions is pathetic, considering she doesn't know enough to give you correct machine information. She may feel threatened and angry that a customer walked in who was better informed than she is. She's probably used to playing "god" to bewildered patients who file through quietly, accepting anything she hands them. Including older machines (the "Pro") that are being discontinued by the manufacturer.
If you have to continue dealing with that particular DME store, you might want to print out a page to show the employee you spoke with exactly how the Respironics REMstar Pro II is described...from the link capt posted to Respironics' website... or by clicking the link below to the CPAP comparison page at cpap.com:
Comparison of CPAP machines' features.
DrainedDad, wow! You sure lucked onto a good DME!! That's the way they all should be! You gave excellent advice on how to try on masks...simulating your normal sleep positions as much as possible, right there....on the floor, if need be!
You wrote:
That would send up a red flag for me...that anyone employed by that store would get annoyed when a prospective customer asks questions which demonstrate that the customer really wants to become well informed about this kind of treatment equipment. If they know their stuff, they shouldn't mind answering any questions you have beforehand.I asked lots of questions and I think they are annoyed that I know what I am looking for.
The poster nicknamed "DME" is right on the mark: "The lady you spoke with is somewhat clueless."I mentioned the Remstar Pro 2 and she said that the 2 is a bipap and they onlly have the pro.
The annoyance that salesperson showed when you asked questions is pathetic, considering she doesn't know enough to give you correct machine information. She may feel threatened and angry that a customer walked in who was better informed than she is. She's probably used to playing "god" to bewildered patients who file through quietly, accepting anything she hands them. Including older machines (the "Pro") that are being discontinued by the manufacturer.
If you have to continue dealing with that particular DME store, you might want to print out a page to show the employee you spoke with exactly how the Respironics REMstar Pro II is described...from the link capt posted to Respironics' website... or by clicking the link below to the CPAP comparison page at cpap.com:
Comparison of CPAP machines' features.
DrainedDad, wow! You sure lucked onto a good DME!! That's the way they all should be! You gave excellent advice on how to try on masks...simulating your normal sleep positions as much as possible, right there....on the floor, if need be!
DME is "right on" about the importance of the mask. When I wanted to switch from a REMED Ultra to to a RESMED Activa, the DME would not sell me one until the rep fitted and had me test it, to make sure it was going to work properly for me. There are DMEs that provide the service that DME described. Just make sure you find a professional technician that will go the extra mile, because they are out there.
7 posts
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