[Equipment] ResMed AirSense 10 CPAP

[Zachh1020]

Hi Everyone!
I was recently diagnosed with OSA. I picked up my first CPAP from my DME on Tuesday. It is a ResMed AirSense 10 CPAP. I'm new to all of this and not very educated on the the subject. When I got to the DME, that is the machine they aready had picked out for me ready and waiting for the demonstration. Me, being stupid on the subject, of course just accepted it, not knowing it did not record detailed data. Now that I have found this board and started reading a little, I realize this is a "Brick" machine and I would very much like to see my detailed data. I'm pleased with the machine, but is it even worth it to see if my DME has an exhange policy or are CPAPs not "exchangeable" items. What would be a good model, the Airsense 10 Elite?

Any help is appreciated!

[OpalRose]

Welcome Zachh1020,
Here ie a link that may help you distinguish between the different machines available.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_Choices

Don't feel bad, this is typical of what DME's offer, and most folk don't know any better.

What did your perscription say? If possible, call your doctor and ask him to write you a script for a fully data capable machine, preferably an auto CPAP. Then the DME would have to give you the machine according to your doctors script.
Good luck!

[trish6hundred]

Hi Zachh1020,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I would try to exchange the machine you got for either the Resmed Airsense 10 AutoSet or the AirSense 10 Elite, which are both data-capable machines.
Hang in there for more suggestions and much success to you with your CPAP therapy.

[zonk]

I'm pleased with the machine, but is it even worth it to see if my DME has an exhange policy or are CPAPs not "exchangeable" items. What would be a good model, the Airsense 10 Elite?

Any help is appreciated!

Absolutely, you don't to be stuck with this brick for the next five years ... seriously
AirSense 10 CPAP is an improved brick from previous bricks, but nevertheless an entry level machine.

My understanding, there is 30 days window of opportunity to exchange the machine. Talk to your doctor for a new script to specify the machine of your choice and add "dispense as written" so the DME have a legal obligation to dispense whatever the doctor ordered.
There are 4 models of AirSense 10 ... CPAP, Elite, AutoSet, AutoSet for Her
Insurance pay the same money for any of the above machines, all comes under the same billing code E0601. DMEs makes few extra dollars by flogging bricks, those lousy DMEs are on par with shonky used car salesmen

Elite is premium fixed pressure machine ... AutoSet can be used as the Elite or auto adjusting machine (2 machines in 1) so can adjust pressure during the night based on the degree of airway obstructions or/and sleeping position. IMHO, everyone should get an AutoSet, especially people who need pressure above 10. AutoSet for Her is the same as the AutoSet but have an extra mode designed to treat apnea in women but can be useful to some guys too

[kaiasgram]

I agree it's worth being assertive and insisting on returning the brick. The full-data counterpart to the CPAP model is the Elite. But if you're going to exchange the machine, the Autoset has the most versatility.

[Zachh1020]

Thank you all so much for the answers. I called my DME to see how the script was written, as my sleep specialist is between a few different hospitals and only handles patients from the office he is in that day. I do have to say that the respiratory specialist from at my DME is super nice and helpful. I spoke with her and she said the script didn't specify and she didn't even know there were different sub models of of the Airsense 10. She said she is going to speak to the ResMed sales rep to see what she can do. So I guess we'll see where that goes. My sleep doctor is in my hospital on Thursdays if I don't get anywhere by then.

[AlanE]

...she didn't even know there were different sub models of of the Airsense 10. She said she is going to speak to the ResMed sales rep to see what she can do.

That's kind of disturbing to hear that from someone who makes this a career.

Oh and

[Zachh1020]

...she didn't even know there were different sub models of of the Airsense 10. She said she is going to speak to the ResMed sales rep to see what she can do.

That's kind of disturbing to hear that from someone who makes this a career.

Oh and

I know, right? I do live in a pretty rural area, but it ain't no Mayberry.

Also, Thanks for the welcomes, everyone!