High pitched noise suddenly is occuring with Remstar M auto

Hi there. I have been using the Remstar M Series auto with A flex for the last 3 years, with an Optilife Pillow mask. Suddenly, about 3 weeks ago, I started hearing a high pitched noise when I exhaled. The noise is keeping me awake at night. At first we checked out the hose for leaks, and the nose piece, and couldn't find a thing. I have not changed the settings at all for the machine. I did remove the humidifier about a year ago.

As a control, we connected my hose to my husband's new PR system one auto. There was NO high pitched noise. So... clearly it is the Remstar's problem.

I know they discontinued that model, so should I be looking for a new machine? From reading your posts, it seems like you all like the RESMED Auto S9- assuming insurance will pay, and the Swift FX with headgear?

My other problem is that we switched insurance carriers, and the doctor that performed the sleep study is no longer affiliated with this insurance carrier. My equipment supplier was very lax, and never followed up with supplies. Now my prescriptions have run out. I called the insurance carrier, and they told me they would still pay for equipment, despite my being responsible for payment to the doctor. I called the doctor's office and a follow up visit will cost a few hundred dollars. But.... I think I need a new machine, so I have to absorb the cost of the doctor's visit.

Do any of you have any suggestions as to what might be causing the high pitched noise, so I can avoid having to buy a new machine?

Thanks

Not sure what you mean by your prescription has "run out". I would think it's indefinite. If not, I would call them and see if he can write another 'script without a visit,

But I agree the noise indicates there's a new machine in your near future...

Can you not take the machine to a DME and ask what's wrong?

Julie wrote:Can you not take the machine to a DME and ask what's wrong?

Exactly what I was wondering. You should take it to your DME who should be able to sort this out for you.

My guess is the bearings are going. Have you ever flown with this machine? Dropped it or spilled any water inside the machine?

Hi there. The DME - Medstar on Long Island has exhibited truly poor customer service over the last 3 years. When I needed a new mask, and hosing, it took about 3 tries to finally get what I needed. This was not a problem of the insurance company, but of the DME. They are not located that close to where we live, so they initially did the set up in home, and they came out for the appointment. My prescription is still good, but since changing medical insurance, I guess they need a doctor's approval every few years or so. I did call the doctor's office, and was told I had to come in for a follow up appointment to get a duplicate prescription.

I just thought that the high pitched noise might be a temporary minor problem.

In regard to the DME... They are not located near here. I also have to work during the week, and can't afford to send out the machine to be serviced. And yes, I have flown lately, but have not spilled water on it.

Thanks

When you flew, did you carry it on, or did you check it?

Hi there. We carried both machines on the plane.

Thanks

Nadine,

If it's in your medical records that you use a cpap, your current GP should be willing to write you a new script. Just be sure he writes it for the machine/mask YOU want. You may have to tell him exactly what you want. Failing that, he should certainly be able to find you an in-network sleep center. It would also be a great opportunity to find a supportive DME closer to your home.

Good luck!

Wouldn't the original prescription still be good online--such as our host site or CPAPAuction? The reason I ask is because I bought a brand new 0 hour Remstar Auto with Aflex, including the humidifer for $200.00. It is a beautiful machine and it wanted the M series because I have the Encore software. Also my previous machine was an M Series so the humidifier and parts would all be interchangable. You might come out just as well doing something like this --you will still be paying out of pocket but it would probably end up less than your copay.

Hi there. Unfortunately, almost all of my doctors are new, due to the change in my insurance carrier. Therefore, the GP knows nothing of this particular prescription. The sleep study doctor is near my home, although no longer covered by my insurance. I will request a different DME, and ask the doctor to right the prescription for a RESMED Auto 9, and Swift FX Mask. (hopefully my choices are good.) It's incredible, as I live in Manhattan, in NYC, and no suppliers seem obvious. They all seem to be under Pseudonyms, and are huge profit making companies. My husband has to pay for his own machine, as his sleep study was done in Canada, and prescriptions are not accepted here by the insurers. I know that the DMEs charge at least double as the internet sources... but we have to accept it.

Donna- thanks for the advice.. but... the followup doctors visit should cost about $200. He can write another prescription for a new machine. I won't have to take another sleep study... I hope! so... it is still less expensive to go to the old doctor.

Thanks

Just make sure that this time you get a copy of it in your hand.

Hi there

I do have a copy of the sleep study, but not of the actual prescription. In retrospect now, I wish i had asked for it. I never knew how the DME industry worked. Now I know why our insurance premiums are so high.

thanks

nadineb wrote:Hi there. Unfortunately, almost all of my doctors are new, due to the change in my insurance carrier. Therefore, the GP knows nothing of this particular prescription.

Which is why you should get a copy of your prescription, in your hand.

nadineb wrote:The sleep study doctor is near my home, although no longer covered by my insurance.

There you go. You should be able to get a copy of your old prescription there. If they charge you the price should far less than $200.

Your call.

nadineb wrote:Hi there

I do have a copy of the sleep study, but not of the actual prescription. In retrospect now, I wish i had asked for it. I never knew how the DME industry worked. Now I know why our insurance premiums are so high.

thanks

My understanding is that your original doctor cannot refuse to give you a copy of the Rx and sleep study. But you need to request it.

If you don't want to approach the original doctor, you also have the option of asking cpap.com to request it for you. This is a service that cpap.com offers.

To request this service, you need to create an account with cpap.com. Then select "upload new prescription". On that page there is a button where you can request them to get the Rx for you. Of course, you then may feel obligated to make your purchase from cpap.com, but that may be cheaper than a new sleep study.

Also noted: once the Rx is loaded with cpap.com, you can download a copy of it for your records.

My machine recently developed the same whine after almost 8 years. I took the machine apart and verified it was the motor. It has run this way for about a month, at least, and it does change pitch and wake me up sometimes. I will soon be in the hunt for a new machine as well.