Finally got my tests done

Hello everyone.
I finally got fitted for a machine and thanks to this forum I knew what equipment I wanted to try..
I was fitted with the ResMed Swift LT mask which was super comfortable, no issues at all with fit.

I asked the doctor to perscribe the Res-Med S8 auto-set II due to its quiet (24db) operation and its ability to automatically adjust and lower exhale resistance.

My Doctor said that since they only needed a setting of 5 to stop my apnea an auto-set machine was not necessary.

I then went on to explain to the nurse why I wanted the S8 autoset :
1) Quietest on the market.
2) If I have a cold, gain weight, drink alcohol, or simply get older, the machine setting will likely change.

Also they are making me buy through a DME . The response here was the DME keeps an on going warranty for the product where-as if I bought it myself, the warranty would only be the manufacturers warranty.
I couldnt argue with that but I was wondering if CPAP.COM holds warranties on machines ?

Im supposed to get my machine on Friday. Im not certain which machine it will be although I was told it is a res-med unit.

Thanks to everyone for the education. I think I caught the nurse off guard knowing as much as I do prior to actually using a machine.

I will return it if it doesnt perform to my liking though. Thats a guarantee.

peppi wrote:My Doctor said that since they only needed a setting of 5 to stop my apnea an auto-set machine was not necessary.

Hi,

I wonder if that doctor uses a CPAP machine? If they did, they would know that most people have a hard time breathing with such a low pressure. Most people report that they simply cannot get enough air at 5. 8 sounds like a better place to start, so long as the added pressure doesn't cause any problems. You might still benefit from an auto machine. For example, if you are position sensitive, the auto machine can ramp up a bit to take care of your needs if you happen to roll over onto your back.

peppi wrote:Also they are making me buy through a DME . The response here was the DME keeps an on going warranty for the product where-as if I bought it myself, the warranty would only be the manufacturers warranty. I couldnt argue with that but I was wondering if CPAP.COM holds warranties on machines ?

This is a scam alert in my book. A medical office cannot require you to use any particular vendor. Your insurance company might have a preferred DME, but often, if you tell them that you want to save them money (which you will by buying from a vendor like cpap.com), they will often accommodate you. You might have to talk to a supervisor to get the OK since it is a little unusual of a request for them. The warranty thing is an outright lie. They want you as a captive so they can rob you blind.

-john-

Do NOT accept a Resmed S8 Escape II w/EPR, accept NOTHNG LESS than the Resmed S8 Elite II w/EPR. Look on the top of the unit in the navy blue above the LCD screen where the model name will be: Elite II or Autoset II is what you want. Of course, you would PREFER the Autoset II, but the Elite II will do right by you and is every bit as quiet and has the EasyBreathe technology AS LONG AS it is an S8 II. Just be sure to REFUSE a Compact or an Escape. They are bare bones & capable of compliance data only.

Also - I would call my insurance company and ask what local DME CPAP providers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than just this one. That way if you are NOT happy w/this DME provider your sleep lab has insisted on you will have the other options to shop. But first, cut this DME provider some slack, they MIGHT be more accomodating than your sleep doctor.

I asked my insurance provider (BCBS) if I could purchase online and they said yes however it would be considered an out of network expense and therefore subject to a separate and higher deductible and payable at a lower rate once the deductible was met. You definitely have to do your homework to make sure you get the best deal for you! The other thing I realized is even thought the DME might charge my insurance $2000 for a machine, BCBS will write off a considerable amount if it goes over the contracted rate. Additionally, if you are at the end of your insurance year and have met your deductible and / or your out of pocket expenses, ask your insurance company if you can purchase the machine outright rather than renting it into next year. In my case, because I had met my OOP expenses for this year, my machine will be 100% paid for by insurance. Good luck with your endeavors and welcome to the board!

Thank you for all the info.
I called My insurance company (Aetna) and found out I have a yearly deductible of $600.00 anyway so it wouldn't matter where I bought it, I'm going to be paying out of pocket assuming the unit is less than $600 so I will get the Autoset II.


I really appreciate all the help and welcome!