A brand newbie

hbakar wrote:Thank you all so much! You guys are awesome! I am getting my mask and machine on Friday. I am pretty excited about it....I'll update you all...

It would be a VERY good idea to call whoever is providing you your machine and ask the make and model of the machine, then come back here and let us know what it is. If they're getting cheap on you, we'll let you know and you can refuse to accept delivery and insist on a better one. Let us know what they propose to give you.

Kilgore Trout wrote:I was apprehensive before I got my equipment (and by that,i mean I was freaking out) but I have to tell you this: a week and a half into therapy, I love this thing. I hadn't felt well-rested in so long that I forgot there was such a thing. Try it, you'll love it.

It kind of freaked me out when I was diagnosed and it freaked me out even more to find out that I'll be living with a machine until the rest of my life. I am used to the idea now though....If it is going to help me be healthy and change my life in a positive way, I am ready to put my heart into it. Life surprises us and challenges us in different ways and I ma ready to take it one day at a time

OutaSync wrote:

hbakar wrote:Woow Bev! This place is like hell, hard to keep your sanity..My husband was out the door roughly two months after we moved there and he is still gone..Hopefully, He'll be back next month and everything will be better.

Try to attend some funtions for the enlisted/officer's wives. There will be a lot of women in the same boat as you and it helps to have someone to talk to. It's much easier to make friends in your situation because you all will have at least one major thing in common.

In 1980 there was only one buger joint within 60 miles of the base and it was not a name brand, because the locals did not want any competition from the likes of McDonald's or Burger King. Has it gotten any better?

Bev

It is a little better now... I do try to involve and I even volunteer at AFRC 3 times a week, but it seems like majority of the military community is so used to moving around, they usually don't care about close friendship. I am sure not everyone's like that, but I'll be really glad when my husband's back from Iraq!!!!!

Welcome to the forum, you are among friends here. Read, ask questions, main thing to get up to speed on is how DMEs (equipment providers) will frequently take advantage of patients by giving the machine with the biggest profit for their company.


Microsoft Office 2010
Microsoft Office 2007

hbaker,
Welcome! One more suggestion: get an Auto PAP machine ( see my equipment list under this post). To see what other manufactures have in Auto machines, go to this link:
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machines/apap-machine.php

The S9 Autoset works great for me! The important data is read off the machine's screen like "leak rate", AHI, AI, and "Central AI". The software to download more data from the SD card came from a kind forum member here...for free! If you have a new-ish computer you don't need a special card reader to look at this information. Having an auto machine means it supplies the pressure I need when needed. Right now it's set for 7cm to 12 cm. It coasts along at 7cm until I begin to have an event. Then it ups the pressure to stop the apnea from happening. Having an auto machine (IMO) gives you more options that you can use to increase the comfort of therapy. It can run in constant pressure mode too (cpap). This is having the best of both worlds...so to say...APAP and CPAP together in one machine.

The S9 Autoset also has a hose called Climateline. This is a heated hose. If you like your bedroom cool then you may experience something called "rainout". Moisture condenses in the hose near your nose and when you change positions drops of moisture get into your nose. If you've ever gotten water up your nose you know how that feels. Imaging being jolted awake by that sensation! This is not to scare you...but 'rain-out' is one of the realities of therapy.
Sure hope you can find a great Equipment provider... you certainly have lots of people cheering for you here!
Cindy

chenpangpang wrote:Welcome to the forum.....

Another spammer. I checked GoDaddy Whois. Registrant name, city, and zip code are all fictitious (jumble of letters) for the 2 s/w sales links included. Probably counterfeit s/w too.

Welcome!

I'm a newbie here also. This group is so helpful, and you will not feel alone! Been on CPAP since May 5, 2011, and I'm doing well.

Slartybartfast wrote:It would be a VERY good idea to call whoever is providing you your machine and ask the make and model of the machine, then come back here and let us know what it is. If they're getting cheap on you, we'll let you know and you can refuse to accept delivery and insist on a better one. Let us know what they propose to give you.

This is very good advice. Since they are delivering tomorrow, you need to be proactive and find out which machine they are going to deliver to you. Get the brand and model name and number. Post it here and someone can tell you if you should accept that machine or insist on a better model (same cost to the government, but a huge difference to you). Geting a good machine is half the battle, getting a comfortable mask is the other half.

OutaSync wrote:

Slartybartfast wrote:It would be a VERY good idea to call whoever is providing you your machine and ask the make and model of the machine, then come back here and let us know what it is. If they're getting cheap on you, we'll let you know and you can refuse to accept delivery and insist on a better one. Let us know what they propose to give you.

This is very good advice. Since they are delivering tomorrow, you need to be proactive and find out which machine they are going to deliver to you. Get the brand and model name and number. Post it here and someone can tell you if you should accept that machine or insist on a better model (same cost to the government, but a huge difference to you). Geting a good machine is half the battle, getting a comfortable mask is the other half.

I just called them and they said that they will recommend me either ResMed or Fisher Pickel and they don't know about the model name and number yet...My insurance covers it 100% and if I don't like what they will give me, I should be able change it. I definitely let you guys know about the model number and the other things. This is all very confusing....I made a research about the machines online, but there are too many of them and I don't know what to pick....I guess the main question is what should I base my CPAP machine pick on? I am very confused...

Read this link posted by Janknitz,
http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx

OutaSync wrote:Read this link posted by Janknitz,
http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx

Thank you! That was very helpful. I am glad that people actually take time to do that kind of things to help others. I am just hoping that one day I'll have enough knowledge to be able to help others out too.

First, welcome to the forum.

Second, I'm real glad you've read Janknitz's blog about what you need to know before meeting the DME.

Finally, here's some additional information specifically about WHICH of the current machines from Resmed, Resprionics, and Fisher & Paykal are and are not full data machines. Before you SIGN any paper work, examine the machine itself and make sure it's one you are happy with. Accepting an only compliance data CPAP in hopes of soon upgrading to a full data machine is just setting yourself up for trouble.

Important Information About the Three Most Commonly Used Brands of CPAP/APAP Machines

For the three most common brands of xPAP equipment here's what you need to know about their most RECENT lines of machines:

• Full Efficacy Data Machines:
  • Resmed: The S9 Elite CPAP with EPR and the S9 AutoSet CPAP
  • Resprionics: The System One REMstar Pro CPAP with C-Flex Plus and the System One REMstar Auto CPAP with A-Flex
  • Fisher & Paykel: The Icon Premo CPAP and the Icon Auto CPAP

• Only Compliance Data Machines:
  • Resmed: The S9 Escape CPAP with EPR and the S9 Auto Escape CPAP
  • Resprionics: The System One REMstar Plus CPAP with C-Flex and the System One REMstar DS150 CPAP
  • Fisher & Paykel: The Icon Novo

Important Notes:

1) It is best to hold out for a full efficacy data machine right from the start. As soon as you accept a brick that records only compliance data, you will have a mess on your hands if you later try to upgrade it to a full efficacy data machine. So if a DME contacts you (because the sleep doctor's office sent the script) and makes an appointment to set up the equipment and then shows up with a compliance-only brick of a CPAP, REFUSE delivery of the machine. Yes, they will tell you, "This is exactly what the doctor ordered." But YOU are paying for the machine (through your co-pay and your insurance company's money) and you are under NO obligation to "accept" a machine that you believe will be detrimental to your health in the long run. Politely inform them that you will only accept <fill in list of machines that you find acceptable> and that if they are unwilling or unable to provide you with such a machine, you will take your business to a different DME.

2) The naming of two of the Resprionics System One straight CPAPs is particularly confusing:

• The System One REMstar Pro CPAP with C-Flex Plus IS a full data machine, but
• The System One REMstar Plus CPAP with C-Flex IS NOT a full data machine.

3) Technically the Resmed Auto Escape is not quite a "only compliance data" machine because it does give a minimum amount of data beyond the number of hours used. But not enough additional data for it to be considered a full data machine. If the choice is between the S9 Elite and the S9 Auto Escape, you're better off with the Elite in my humble opinion.

4) On-board Data: Each brand of machine has its own select set of data can be viewed directly off the machine's LCD. The Resmed S9 AutoSet and Elite have by far the best on-board LCD data of any of these machines since their LCDs will let you see all of the following: AHI, AI, CAI (from which you can easily compute OAI and HI); 95% Unintentional Leak rate; 95% Pressure Setting (AutoSet only); and hours used (of course). You can also easily change the reporting period from 1 day to 1 week to 1 month to 3 months and more. The on-board data for the Resprionics System One machines is limited to 7 and 30 averages for AHI (not broken down by type) and 7 and 30 averages for "Percentage time spent in Large Leak." That Large Leak data is useless in my humble opinion----in part because Resprionics leaves the definition of Large Leak undefined and in part because a Large Leak has to last an awfully long time to show up in a 7-day average (let alone a 30-day average). I've used both an S9 AutoSet and a System One BiPAP Auto so I know those machines really well and speak from direct experience. I am not directly experienced with the F&P Icons, but as near as I can tell (based on information in other apnea forums that I read), the on-board data for the Icon has the following data: 1, 7, and 30 day figures for AHI (but not broken down into type), leak rate, and the 90% pressure level and SenseAwake stats for the Icon Auto.

5) Software: The S9 needs ResScan, which can be downloaded for free once you know where to find it. The System One needs Encore Viewer (which can be purchased for $100 from a variety of on-line cpap supply stores). The Icon uses InfoSmart, which appears to be aimed at clinics and sleep doctor offices. I have no information about how a user might find and install the InfoSmart software for their Icon machine.

6) Data cards: The S9 and the System One both use standard SD cards for the data. The Icon uses a SmartStick.

hbakar wrote:I just called them and they said that they will recommend me either ResMed or Fisher Pickel and they don't know about the model name and number yet...

------

This is all very confusing....I made a research about the machines online, but there are too many of them and I don't know what to pick....

I personally would not accept a Fisher & Paykel machine.

I would insist on a ResMed S9 Elite CPAP machine.

It will make no difference whatsoever to your insurance which brand of machine they give you. If they try to give you a Fisher & Paykel machine, tell them politely you don't want that brand...that you want a ResMed S9 Elite. Be sure they understand you want the ResMed S9 Elite, not a ResMed S9 "Escape."

robysue wrote:First, welcome to the forum.

Second, I'm real glad you've read Janknitz's blog about what you need to know before meeting the DME.

Finally, here's some additional information specifically about WHICH of the current machines from Resmed, Resprionics, and Fisher & Paykal are and are not full data machines. Before you SIGN any paper work, examine the machine itself and make sure it's one you are happy with. Accepting an only compliance data CPAP in hopes of soon upgrading to a full data machine is just setting yourself up for trouble.

Important Information About the Three Most Commonly Used Brands of CPAP/APAP Machines

For the three most common brands of xPAP equipment here's what you need to know about their most RECENT lines of machines:

• Full Efficacy Data Machines:
  • Resmed: The S9 Elite CPAP with EPR and the S9 AutoSet CPAP
  • Resprionics: The System One REMstar Pro CPAP with C-Flex Plus and the System One REMstar Auto CPAP with A-Flex
  • Fisher & Paykel: The Icon Premo CPAP and the Icon Auto CPAP

• Only Compliance Data Machines:
  • Resmed: The S9 Escape CPAP with EPR and the S9 Auto Escape CPAP
  • Resprionics: The System One REMstar Plus CPAP with C-Flex and the System One REMstar DS150 CPAP
  • Fisher & Paykel: The Icon Novo

Important Notes:

1) It is best to hold out for a full efficacy data machine right from the start. As soon as you accept a brick that records only compliance data, you will have a mess on your hands if you later try to upgrade it to a full efficacy data machine. So if a DME contacts you (because the sleep doctor's office sent the script) and makes an appointment to set up the equipment and then shows up with a compliance-only brick of a CPAP, REFUSE delivery of the machine. Yes, they will tell you, "This is exactly what the doctor ordered." But YOU are paying for the machine (through your co-pay and your insurance company's money) and you are under NO obligation to "accept" a machine that you believe will be detrimental to your health in the long run. Politely inform them that you will only accept <fill in list of machines that you find acceptable> and that if they are unwilling or unable to provide you with such a machine, you will take your business to a different DME.

2) The naming of two of the Resprionics System One straight CPAPs is particularly confusing:

• The System One REMstar Pro CPAP with C-Flex Plus IS a full data machine, but
• The System One REMstar Plus CPAP with C-Flex IS NOT a full data machine.

3) Technically the Resmed Auto Escape is not quite a "only compliance data" machine because it does give a minimum amount of data beyond the number of hours used. But not enough additional data for it to be considered a full data machine. If the choice is between the S9 Elite and the S9 Auto Escape, you're better off with the Elite in my humble opinion.

4) On-board Data: Each brand of machine has its own select set of data can be viewed directly off the machine's LCD. The Resmed S9 AutoSet and Elite have by far the best on-board LCD data of any of these machines since their LCDs will let you see all of the following: AHI, AI, CAI (from which you can easily compute OAI and HI); 95% Unintentional Leak rate; 95% Pressure Setting (AutoSet only); and hours used (of course). You can also easily change the reporting period from 1 day to 1 week to 1 month to 3 months and more. The on-board data for the Resprionics System One machines is limited to 7 and 30 averages for AHI (not broken down by type) and 7 and 30 averages for "Percentage time spent in Large Leak." That Large Leak data is useless in my humble opinion----in part because Resprionics leaves the definition of Large Leak undefined and in part because a Large Leak has to last an awfully long time to show up in a 7-day average (let alone a 30-day average). I've used both an S9 AutoSet and a System One BiPAP Auto so I know those machines really well and speak from direct experience. I am not directly experienced with the F&P Icons, but as near as I can tell (based on information in other apnea forums that I read), the on-board data for the Icon has the following data: 1, 7, and 30 day figures for AHI (but not broken down into type), leak rate, and the 90% pressure level and SenseAwake stats for the Icon Auto.

5) Software: The S9 needs ResScan, which can be downloaded for free once you know where to find it. The System One needs Encore Viewer (which can be purchased for $100 from a variety of on-line cpap supply stores). The Icon uses InfoSmart, which appears to be aimed at clinics and sleep doctor offices. I have no information about how a user might find and install the InfoSmart software for their Icon machine.

6) Data cards: The S9 and the System One both use standard SD cards for the data. The Icon uses a SmartStick.

Thank you so much for taking your time to write me this very informative reply It has helped me to undertand the differences between the machines. I feel more brave and confident about this whole OSA thing because of you guys. Thank you again, your help is deeply appreciated!

rested gal wrote:

hbakar wrote:I just called them and they said that they will recommend me either ResMed or Fisher Pickel and they don't know about the model name and number yet...

------

This is all very confusing....I made a research about the machines online, but there are too many of them and I don't know what to pick....

I personally would not accept a Fisher & Paykel machine.

I would insist on a ResMed S9 Elite CPAP machine.

It will make no difference whatsoever to your insurance which brand of machine they give you. If they try to give you a Fisher & Paykel machine, tell them politely you don't want that brand...that you want a ResMed S9 Elite. Be sure they understand you want the ResMed S9 Elite, not a ResMed S9 "Escape."

Thank you! I am leaning towards the ResMed S9 Elite after all the things I have read so far! Thank you for the help!!!