New CPAP'er looking for the Holy Grail

I'm an example of a user with an Auto that is not using it in that mode. I have an M series Auto Bipap with Biflex and I am using it now in straight Bipap mode. I find that I sleep better going straight to my pressures of 24 inhale and 20 exhale. I like the flexibility of being able to put it in auto though. That way, I can see if my pressure needs change in the future. I know that sometimes the machines chase snores and such, but it will get me close. I like that my machine can be set for just about any mode.

Kerry

KSMike wrote: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.

Also consider, if you buy online, getting needed supplies at the same time, (Mask, filters, ECT) you can get them shipped free. If you order them a piece at a time you will have to deal with shipping fees. Jim And ask for the lowest price! Not the MAP price.

Thanks for the new advice!

So the list seems to be becoming:

M Series Auto CPAP with A-Flex
M Series Heated Humidifier
M Series Whisper Cap
Ultra Mirage Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
EncoreViewer 1.0 Software, USB Smart Card Reader
SnuggleHose cover, blue, for 6' hose
Ultra-fine filters for Respironics M Series
Standard filters for Respironics M Series
SleePAP CPAP Pillow with Pillow Cover
Hose quick connects
Luggage tag

Please tell me if I'm off in left field here. I realize some of that is "down the road" and beyond just focusing on getting a solid start, but as has been mentioned it would be nice to save some shipping and delays on things that are likely to be needed anyway.

Looks like a comprehensive shopping list to me, KSMike! You are smart to approach this as you are--doing your homework, gathering data!

If you don't mind a separate HH, the F & P HC-150 is a better HH than the others. If I had it to do over, it's the one I'd want. Jim

Mike.....

Your shopping list is very good......you're off to a great start......and you will be successful.

Goofproof's suggestion is a good one......both humidifiers have their pros and cons......I prefer the integral....others prefer the #150.

Either way, you'll do just fine.

I had a laugh Mike, when I noticed there's an Infidel Inside looking for, of all the things, the Holy Grail.

O.

ozij wrote:I had a laugh Mike, when I noticed there's an Infidel Inside looking for, of all the things, the Holy Grail.

O.

ozij wrote:I had a laugh Mike, when I noticed there's an Infidel Inside looking for, of all the things, the Holy Grail.

O.

You'd think I would have considered that before the OP.

I'd love to hear any specifics on why the HC150 would be a better HH choice!

The HC150 provides significantly more heated/humidified air than does the integrated one. And, because it's a stand alone, it works with other machines as well. So if you decided to get a different CPAP in the future, the HC150 would probably work with it. I started out with the integrated HH with my M Series Auto, then later purchased the HC150 to get more moisture. But, one never knows what will end of being best--I developed chronic congestion with my heated humidifier, so I switched to passive humification, no heat at all. Of course, you won't know about that preference (heated versus passive/no heat) until you give it a try for awhile. Good luck!

Any opinions on whether one is easier to clean/maintain between the 150 and the M?

If you use distilled water, there won't be much of a "cleaning issue" either way.

One reason I like the integrated humidifier....is that it comes on...automatically.....when the blower cranks up. I don't have to remember to turn it on.

One bad feature of the integrated humidifier....is that it holds less water than the 150.....meaning refills more often.

Also, there were some issues with leaking tanks on the integrated humidifiers......but a little scraping and polishing with a x-acto knife cured mine. I have (3) "M" series machines....all with integrated humidifiers.....and (1) out of (3) leaked. In other words, the tank failure rate I experienced was 33%......pretty crappy.

Hmm. I like the idea of smaller footprint and nicer appearance with the integrated, but it sounds like the 150 is really a better machine. Too bad.

The "M"eries footprint, is smaller if you don't add the tray to protect your nightstand from water damage and the towel and sponge and pan to clean up the water. jim

My DME - not too swift. My question...on a Respironics M series DS 200 HS can I access info daily on my CPAP effectiveness? Will it show me episodes and mask leakage. My DME doesn't know and doesn't understand why I would want this info. Heck, I just want to know if it is working. Just like a diabetes blood test monitor. Info is power

Thanks
Cape Cod Momma