New to board, first CPAP tomorrow

[mayondair]

a capped rental is very common with CPAP equipment and insurance. It does not put you in a good situation. The longer you keep that dataless brick the more insurance money a new DME will lose out on, this will not make you an attractive customer to them, esp when you want a higher priced machine. Call you insurance TODAY and find out what other DMEs they deal with, call the new DMEs TODAYand see if they will provide the specific model you want, be aware that the humidifier is often an outright purchase, so make sure that if you own it, or your insurance has paid outright for it that you get a new machine that is compatible with it. Almost all insurance companies pay by code EO601, which covers any CPAP or APAP machine, from the cheapest brick to a fully data capable APAP., don't let the DME tell you that you need an RX for data. . Get rid of that brick ASAP! You do not want to be stuck with it for 5 years. do you really want to do business with a DME who has lied to you and who does not have your best interests in mind? Robysue has given you good advice.

[Dive Apnea]

I just got off the phone with my insurance,they said, so long as any money is out of my pocket thus far, I can go to a new DME to see if they will get me the machine I want, based on the Rx, and E0601.

I just talked to the DME, and they once again, said I'd need an Rx stating specifically that I need a data capable machine. So, either that is their policy, or they are just trying to hope I settle with what they gave me. Which I am not. I even informed them, that I was provided with a list of DME's in my Insurances network, and will go elsewhere for a data capable machine, they didn't flinch.

They will not refund me for this first month ~$103. I am not made of money, but my wife will gladly give up that money so I do not snore over the next month to find out what machine I should get.

This actually gives me time to look around, compare prices if I go out of pocket, or find a cooperative DME. I have list of Local DME's from my insurance, The only thing that stinks, is deciding on which brand, and deciding between CPAP, and autopap. I actually have a Dr. appt on 8-14-11, so I guess it wouldnt hurt to ask about a Data Capable CPAP Rx.

Wow, there is so much to learn, and know about this, thanks so much for everyone's help, and patience... I guess, I am lucky in the Internet/Forum age to get so much help at my fingertips! thanks!

[mayondair]

If you are not made of money (like most of us) get a data capable autopap, you can always run it in CPAP mode, you can troubleshoot, and hopefully avoid those expensive sleep lab visits. ask the doc for an RX , or if he isn't cooperative any CPAP RX will let you buy an auto online. Check out CPAP.com auction, also Secondwind.com. And of course CPAP.com. I'd look at 3 autos, PR SYS 1 auto with AFlex, ResmedS9 auto set , and Devillebiss intellipap auto with smart flex. All are top of the line, all data capable, all have soft wear available, free or otherwise, all have some sort of exhalation relief.
with a rental of 103$ you could own a machine in a few months and be far ahead. Online prices a usually a lot better than the local DME.
Best to keep the Mrs happy by not snoring

[Dive Apnea]

If anyone is still reading this thread... My CPAP complinace hours, doesnt seem to be adding any past the first night, (fri night). I have used it every night fri, sat, sun, mon.. It says 7:48 hours... At first, I thought maybe it was an average. But under monthly it says the same thing. I unplugged it last night, and re-booted, still only 7:48 hours.

[cflame1]

it is an average... 7 day and 30 day average.

[Pugsy]

If anyone is still reading this thread... My CPAP complinace hours, doesnt seem to be adding any past the first night, (fri night). I have used it every night fri, sat, sun, mon.. It says 7:48 hours... At first, I thought maybe it was an average. But under monthly it says the same thing. I unplugged it last night, and re-booted, still only 7:48 hours

Go get SleepyHead and see how many hours it says you have used the machine for each night. I know it is the PR S1 Plus and it will only show hours of use but maybe it is messed up. Also check blower hours. See what it says.
If it doesn't show use on those other nights (heck even if it does) it needs to be reported to DME.
The 7/30 averages applies only to AHI. Hours of use should be a running total and not stuck on 7:48.