New To Cpap's...Need Advice

This one gives you a good many choices for comfort and effectiveness. It will be important for you to read everything you can here on this forum in order to make good choices when using this machine. It is also highly recommeded that you monitor your own therapy by ordering the card reader and software that can be ordered online.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

CorgiGirl wrote:I think that all Respironics machines with C-Flex is data capable, but I may be wrong, so I hope someone will correct that statement if I am. But if they are not, I'd fight to get one that is data capable. It's so hard to know how your therapy is going without it.

I may be wrong, but I think there's at least one Respironics machine ( the Plus ) which can have C-Flex but not be full data capable:
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/Remst ... chine.html

As far as I know, all the "Plus" models (even with C-flex) record only hours of use ("compliance") onto the Smart Card.

I would not get a Respironics Plus, even with C-flex. Not that it can't treat a person just as well as a fancier machine. I just always want "data", so I can see for myself how my treatment is going.

But you're absolutely right, CorgiGirl, to suggest to DisneyFan, that she try to get a machine that does record full data (AHI and leak info.)

Here's a link to a list I compiled of some machines that are "full data" recorders and those that are not:
viewtopic/t35685/viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

DisneyFan wrote:So does it mean I don't have the correct prescription on my machine?

If you mean, did the DME set your treatment pressure the way the doctor prescribed it... most likely they did get that much right. And they did give you a "cpap" machine. Just not the particular brand that the words "c-flex" call for, or even one with any exhalation pressure relief at all...which the Rx is talking about when either "C-Flex" or "EPR" appear on the Rx.

DisneyFan wrote:Should I contact the DME first thing Monday morning?

I would. But first write down the names of the machines that would fill the Rx as written (or "almost" as written...lol ) so you can be very specific with the DME about what you want them to swap for you...and why.

Respironics REMstar Pro M series (has C-flex and records full data.)
ResMed S8 Elite II (has EPR and records full data.)

They should be able to give you either of those two very good CPAP machines on swap. Either one would do. If you plan to buy software later to look at detailed data, I'd get the Respironics machine. If I had no plans to get software later, I'd want the ResMed machine, as the data it provides via the little window on the machine is much more useful, imho, than the window info Respironics gives.

rested gal wrote:

CorgiGirl wrote:I think that all Respironics machines with C-Flex is data capable, but I may be wrong, so I hope someone will correct that statement if I am. But if they are not, I'd fight to get one that is data capable. It's so hard to know how your therapy is going without it.

I may be wrong, but I think there's at least one Respironics machine ( the Plus ) which can have C-Flex but not be full data capable:
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/Remst ... chine.html

As far as I know, all the "Plus" models (even with C-flex) record only hours of use ("compliance") onto the Smart Card.

Thanks, RG. I stand corrected!

No problem, Corgigirl. You give excellent advice and you're helping DisneyFan immensely!

plr66 wrote:This one gives you a good many choices for comfort and effectiveness. It will be important for you to read everything you can here on this forum in order to make good choices when using this machine. It is also highly recommeded that you monitor your own therapy by ordering the card reader and software that can be ordered online.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

This machine is an "A-Flex"...what is the difference? My prescription is for "C-Flex."

DisneyFan wrote:This machine is an "A-Flex"...what is the difference? My prescription is for "C-Flex."

A-Flex and C-Flex are both exhalation relief on Respironics machines. On a Resmed machine, I believe it's called EPR. They all reduce the pressure a little bit while you are exhaling so you don't have to exhale against the full pressure. They all function and feel a little bit different. I use C-Flex as does my hubby, but there are others on the forum who prefer A-Flex or no relief at all. A-Flex machines have both A-Flex and C-Flex while a C-Flex machine has only C-Flex.

I believe that your prescription could be filled with an A-Flex machine because it also has C-Flex, but not vice versa. I'd get the A-Flex machine, if you can, since it gives you more comfort options in the exhalation relief area.

Keep reading so you'll to be an expert on machine types by Monday, so you can go in to the DME and read them the riot act!

I am so upset..I called the DME, they are telling me that my insurance only pays for the basic machine and the c-flex is considered a "luxury item" and that it's not required that if I want I can stick to the Tango.

They are offering me the s8 elite II, not the remstar pro m series I requested...but I would have to pay $175 cod.

I contacted humana and they wanted a procedure code, well the DME says there is no procedure code because it's an extra luxury item.

I am back and forth with the insurance and the DME...I don't know what else to do!

Hey DisneyFAN!!! That is total BS! There is no such thing as a luxury item. Under HCPCS code E0601 you are TOTALLY ENTITLED to the DS510HS or any CPAP machine! Call Humana and tell them that.

Your DME is cheating you AND they are not properly filling an Rx which is a much more serious issue.

Call your DME and demand the machine you want. Have them put in writing that they have to charge you extra for C-Flex. What NONSENSE.

I am still waiting for a call from the DME, they are scheduled to come pick up the Tango and deliver the s8 elite II...I have tried to cancel but they don't return my calls.

So I should NOT be charged for a machine that has c-flex? I thought, if it's in the prescription, obviously I need it.

They want me to stick with the Tango, if I don't pay the $175.

Should I return the machine and go with another DME?

DisneyFan wrote:Should I return the machine and go with another DME?

YES! Absolutely. They have definitely proven that your health or business interests are of no importance.

Take everything back and tell them you are reporting them for failure to correctly fill the Rx and putting your life at risk.

Do not do any further business with them no matter what they say or offer to do.

DreamStalker wrote:

DisneyFan wrote:Should I return the machine and go with another DME?

YES! Absolutely. They have definitely proven that your health or business interests are of no importance.

Take everything back and tell them you are reporting them for failure to correctly fill the Rx and putting your life at risk.

Do not do any further business with them no matter what they say or offer to do.

I second that! Run -- far, far away from these folks and find another DME. They aren't all as bad as this one, but you do have to keep on your toes to keep some of them honest!

I had a similiar experience .. was given the M Series Plus .. and started to ask questions from the start. I worked with my Doc and eventually received the auto I have now. It was well worth it. Hang in there and stick with what you want .. it is your therapy!

Again, ask that DME to provide you IN WRITING something that explains why (according to them) you're NOT entitled to the CPAP of your choice under billing code E0601. Ask them that and nothing more. Granted, the higher-feature machines cost the DME more to buy from the manufacturer while the reimbursement they get is the same regardless of the model. Some dopes on here call that "being greedy" vs. "trying to just stay in business in a potentially low reimbursement area." There are many CPAP users perfectly happy and compliant on a machine that doesn't record every detail or have additional features.

Either way, you deserve a factual explanation and not some nonsense that C-Flex "is extra" or "a luxury."

Guest wrote:Again, ask that DME to provide you IN WRITING something that explains why (according to them) you're NOT entitled to the CPAP of your choice under billing code E0601. Ask them that and nothing more. Granted, the higher-feature machines cost the DME more to buy from the manufacturer while the reimbursement they get is the same regardless of the model. Some dopes on here call that "being greedy" vs. "trying to just stay in business in a potentially low reimbursement area." There are many CPAP users perfectly happy and compliant on a machine that doesn't record every detail or have additional features.

Either way, you deserve a factual explanation and not some nonsense that C-Flex "is extra" or "a luxury."

DisneyFan -

Don't listen to this dumb medical equipment provider (aka - thedean) ... your DME already had their chance and they "LIED" to you. Do you want to do business with liars? Leave 'em in the dust and find some honest people to work with.