New CPAP'er looking for the Holy Grail

After a lot of playing around I agree with Jules that an Auto can work with a very narrow pressure as has been said before but what is the point. Now one thing with the M-series Auto with Aflex is the added option of Aflex which I really like and you can't get any other way. So that could be a good reason to get that machine. All in all though I say why complicate things and don't ever trust an APAP to "find" the pressure you need every night by running in a very wide range.

1)Data capable
2)Cflex,Aflex,EPR

I have to say that for some darn reason I have began to hate those blue lights,dumb,dumb,dumb... I didn't see how they could bother a person but I have "seen the light"! I hate those blue lights!

I really wanted to like the S8II with all the cool things like warming up the humidifier and almost not lights once they dim after 2 minutes and mask fit and some other cool features but I don't like EPR like I thought I did and it is a goofy shape and goofy looking but the H4I is excellent but the software was lacking. I am between the Intellipap Auto and M-series Auto w Aflex now but the M-series seems smarter and better software and Aflex but the Intellipap is quieter and neater looking (As if that really matters) and dimmer green lights and a better humidifier but VERY slow software and scores almost no AI on me and a lot of HI and Mixed. But I like the darn machine. It is actually pretty easy to breathe against at 15. In auto mode it is VERY runaway happy with leaks,snores etc... doesn't seem like a very intelligent algorithim but I plan to run in CPAP mode after all this playing around. The M-series also has a chemical odor which I have read about on here many times. I think my other M-series had the same odor for weeks. No odor whatsoever with the S8II and very little with the Intellipap.

While you may indeed do better with straight CPAP mode ... you won't know til you try both. Plus, an APAP can easily be set to work in CPAP mode however a CPAP cannot be used in APAP mode. Your copay will be the same regardless of whether you get an APAP or CPAP.

It is a no brainer ... get an APAP (any of he ones listed by cflame1) so that you have the option of using either APAP or CPAP.

I have to say that for some darn reason I have began to hate those blue lights,dumb,dumb,dumb...

The best "modification" I made to my M Series was to cut out three penny size circles from black plastic electrical tape, covered those annoying blue lights! They really bugged me, too!

DreamStalker wrote:While you may indeed do better with straight CPAP mode ... you won't know til you try both. Plus, an APAP can easily be set to work in CPAP mode however a CPAP cannot be used in APAP mode. Your copay will be the same regardless of whether you get an APAP or CPAP.

It is a no brainer ... get an APAP (any of he ones listed by cflame1) so that you have the option of using either APAP or CPAP.

Ditto!

Whatever you decide to do, be sure to get your prescription (preferably the original). You're entitled to it. It's good for life. You can also purchase an APAP (Auto) from an online seller like CPAP.COM with a straight-pressure prescription.


Den

My advice is simple. Don't be in a rush to make a selection. Continue to check replies to your topic. Use the search feature to broaden your understanding. See what you begin to be comfortable with and what makes sense. TAKE A BREAK! Sometimes we all get too anxious to make a decision! Go back and re-review you selections...if you still feel sure now, you are probably making a good, informed decision. Good Luck.

This is outstanding feedback, I appreciate it so much. I'm thinking it makes a lot of sense to go with the flexibility that may be afforded by APAP, even if it doesn't get used much. That's just the kind of information I was looking for.

I'm in no rush here other than the fact that this is now causing severe sleeping problems for my wife. We really need to get this process started for her sake, if nothing else. Not that we expect all to be right with the world the first night, but putting it off sure isn't helping.

The next big hurdle seems to be that I can't find a local DME who is in my insurance network, and sells any of the candidate machines. I'd love to just order one from cpap.com, but since they're not in-network, they aren't an option. I'm certain I'll go with them for accessories, filters, etc. Mike, are you happy with your DME, and if so, can you let me know who it is (via PM if appropriate)?

Any more advice, please keep it coming!

Buying one out of pocket can sometimes be cheaper than using a DME and INS. and the hassle factor can mean a lot. Jim All you need is a Script.

Goofproof is right....If you can possibly swing it, buy your own gear. There's always the possibility that your insurance company will reimburse you....if you jump thru the right hoops....and submit all the necessary paperwork.

The "hassle-factor" is a big consideration.

Yeah.....what they said. If you do an "advanced" search on the word "reimburse" and my user name, you'll find lots of examples of how I got my insurance provider to reimburse me for 80% of my equipment purchase from CPAP.COM.

Den

KSMike wrote:This is outstanding feedback, I appreciate it so much. I'm thinking it makes a lot of sense to go with the flexibility that may be afforded by APAP, even if it doesn't get used much. That's just the kind of information I was looking for.

I'm in no rush here other than the fact that this is now causing severe sleeping problems for my wife. We really need to get this process started for her sake, if nothing else. Not that we expect all to be right with the world the first night, but putting it off sure isn't helping.

The next big hurdle seems to be that I can't find a local DME who is in my insurance network, and sells any of the candidate machines. I'd love to just order one from cpap.com, but since they're not in-network, they aren't an option. I'm certain I'll go with them for accessories, filters, etc. Mike, are you happy with your DME, and if so, can you let me know who it is (via PM if appropriate)?
Any more advice, please keep it coming!

I haven't used a DME in many years. I bought mine from cpap.com, they will price match. You will usually end up paying the same by the time the DME charges 3-4 times what cpap.com does and you pay your % of durable medical equipment.
Cpap.com = $600 Top of the line Auto
DME = $2400 Base model x 25% copay = $600 out of pocket

Point well taken. The only thing is, my insurance has already told me they'll pay 100% with no deductible without even reviewing it unless it exceeds $1K, as long as it's in-network. Out of network, nada. So in my case, not having to deal with the co-pay is significant.

KS Mike
If your DME allows, the benefit of the Auto is it can be set in the straight CPAP mode and can be used as an Auto. It also has the full data capability. It was my choice when I "failed" the regular CPAP.

KSMike wrote:Point well taken. The only thing is, my insurance has already told me they'll pay 100% with no deductible without even reviewing it unless it exceeds $1K, as long as it's in-network. Out of network, nada. So in my case, not having to deal with the co-pay is significant.

Is that the whole bill for the equipment (online or local DME)?.....or......what is included in that figure? (

If they're talking about through a local DME, the bill will probably be somewhere around or in excess of $2500 for the machine.....and then they'll add the humidifier, mask, headgear, hoses, filters.....by individual item/prices.

Purchasing online will probably get you what you need for around $1000. (machine, humidifier, mask, hoses, filters, etc.)

Den

Yes, I've just been on the phone with the insurance company and am getting a different story than I did yesterday when I spoke with them. They're telling me I can go out of network and submit it for reimbursement now - which is what I thought should have been the case. As I told them, that's going to be a far better situation for all involved, including them.