Hello Guest, Welcome to Apnea Board !
As a guest, you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use.
To post a message, you must create a free account using a valid email address.

or Create an Account


New Posts   Today's Posts

[Equipment] Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
#1
Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
Not sure the best place to post this as it's kind of complicated.
I received a Dreamstation 2 as replacement for my recalled Dreamstation 1
Didn't even try to use it. I have severe arthritis and having surgery on my thumb in a couple of weeks, the way that it works there is no way I could use itSad
Contacted Philips and they sent me a refurbished machine. No humidifier was included, I would have to pay out of pocket to get a new one if even available.
Questions about what to do with the machine below.
I have an appointment with my sleep doc next week, my DME says I will likely be able to get a new machine rather than deal with Philps.
I liked the Dreamstation but haven't tried anything else.
Looking for a recommendation for a new cpap machine that is easy to handle, only very gentle force to assemble, use and attach mask, humidifier and tank. 
He recommended a Resmed 10? Is that the best one?
I would like to be able to use computer software to connect to the new machine, it's been a while but I have used sleepyhead in the past.
I would like a machine that is easy to use but gives me a lot of adjustment options (I'm a techie) and will try different things until I find the right settings.
Lastly, now I have my old machine to return, the refurbished Dreamstation and the Dreamstation 2 to return as well.
think there would be no problem keeping the Dreamstation 2 and perhaps reselling it, it did not come with a memory card, not sure if someone else could use it?
So that's my storySmile
Ideas and recommendations welcome!
Post Reply Post Reply
#2
RE: Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
Meant to also say that I will continue to use the Dreamwear mask. Love it, it is the only mask I will ever useSmile
Post Reply Post Reply
#3
RE: Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
It's always good to hang on to a machine in case you need a backup.

You can also list your machine on places like MarketPlace, Craig's List, etc......
just not here on Apnea Board as that is against our rules. Smile
OpalRose
Apnea Board Administrator
www.apneaboard.com

_______________________
OSCAR Chart Organization
How to Attach Images and Files.
OSCAR - The Guide
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing therapy
OSCAR supported machines
Mask Primer



INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.  ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA.  INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
Post Reply Post Reply
#4
RE: Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
I used the Dreamstation 1 for about a year.  It was fine, but due to the recall, I bought a ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset.  It is so much better and more comfortable!!  I love it!  I kept the replacement machine as a backup.  I would suggest that you do the same.
Machine:  ResMed AirCurve 10 Vauto
Mask:  Bleep DreamPort Sleep Solution
Post Reply Post Reply
#5
RE: Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
Download the free OSCAR software. It's my understanding it replaced sleepyhead and is very good.

Resmed Airsense 10 or 11 AUTOSET machines both seem to be well received, are compatible with OSCAR, and have many adjustable settings.
I don't know how difficult they are in terms of your arthritis. 
My DME walked me through a whole hands-on tutorial of the machine, which would allow you to see limitations related to your arthritis, but I know not every DME does that. Maybe you could ask before taking the machine home?

You can purchase an SD card for the DS2. (Doesn't have to be a Philips SD) I agree with keeping it as a backup.
Post Reply Post Reply
#6
RE: Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
Any DME worth dealing with should allow you to test drive humidifier access in the store, especially if you mention your arthric hands.
My experience with the AAS10 is that it may take a good squeeze to remove the tank and to open or close it.
I haven't heard reports on the AS11 ease of use.

Definitely worth an in-store test.
Admin Note:

pholynyk passed away in October 2024
Click HERE to read his Memorial Thread

~ Rest in Peace ~
Post Reply Post Reply
#7
RE: Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
i have an Airsense 10 and the humidifier is a bear to release--you have to squeeze with a thumb on top and other fingers below--the distance isn't large even for my small hands. If you have one thumb that works you might be OK. I have a fused left thumb (3 surgeries on that one) and my right thumb is only about half functional but not too painful--no surgery yet. I'm able to get the the humidifier on and off with either hand, but my dominant right hand works better. If a squeezing motion hurts it might be difficult. I use pass over humidification (heated hose off and no heat from humidifier) most of the year so only fill humidifier once a week when I clean it and can manage. Do you have someone in your household that can do it for you?
Post Reply Post Reply
#8
RE: Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
How about humidifying the room air with an automatic humidifier, instead of having to pull the humidifier chamber off an on all the time ?

For the DS2, I can see some difficulty with pushing the release and pulling the tank body out and then fiddling with the lid.
If I recall on the AS-10, the tank just pulls out with a friction fit. How about using superglue to attach an ergonomic handle or strap to the end of the tank body ?
Post Reply Post Reply
#9
RE: Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
Hi, Chrysos  The ResMed AirSense 11 has one big on/off button on top  and a touch screen for access to all the information and functions.  You can get some results from the phone app but cannot control anything with it.  

I find the tank a bit finicky.  It doesn't take great hand strength but finding the right angles to get it in and out of the machine and to open it.  It would be well worth testing that out and also insertion of the hose into the machine.  

I've heard that the ResMed AirMini is controlled via app.
Post Reply Post Reply
#10
RE: Bad Arthritis, Dreamstation replacement alternative?
Thank you! This is just the information I was looking forSmile I will be sure to have my DME let me play with one before I chooseSmile
Post Reply Post Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  Supplier Online Schedule vs Medicare Replacement Schedule oneeyeopen 7 289 12-17-2024, 09:48 AM
Last Post: OpalRose
  Insurance | Replacement Schedule | DME Tracking phattyre 3 218 12-01-2024, 01:56 PM
Last Post: SarcasticDave94
  DreamStation Go Recall [consolidated replacement & compensation info & questions] PHXSleeper 154 28,481 11-30-2024, 01:13 PM
Last Post: ItsAllInMyHead
  HDM Z1 Battery Replacement Ephraim 14 6,300 11-14-2024, 02:59 PM
Last Post: SteveB260
  Oscar won't read replacement O2 Ring data Greg1582378 1 235 09-29-2024, 04:48 PM
Last Post: Crimson Nape
Question Canadian Provider Who Will Send ResMed 10 for Blower Replacement Rickyricardo 4 361 09-19-2024, 06:45 PM
Last Post: Rickyricardo
  Airsense 10 replacement: suggestions? newmar 7 520 09-11-2024, 08:07 PM
Last Post: Big Guy


New Posts   Today's Posts


About Apnea Board

Apnea Board is an educational web site designed to empower Sleep Apnea patients.