[Equipment] Newbie Canadian needs advice before equipment purchase

[Nomi]

Newly diagnosed with prescription in hand, I’ve been recommended a few places to get my initial set-up. Am extremely wary of getting ripped off by these people. We have a government program here in Ontario that requires them to give you the following items for a flat fee of $554, of which the government pays 75%:

“APAP System Includes Pap Device Mask And Headgear, Heated Humidifier, Carrying Case, 6 Ft. Tubing, Power Cord, All Necessary Filters And Caps, Client Instruction Manual”.

They made it clear that any upgrades or extras will be solely my cost.

After lurking here for awhile I’ve decided that my preferred machine is the AirSense10 AutoSet for Her. Am sure they’ll probably try and force a crappy one on me but apparently I’m entitled to pick my machine so we’ll see how that goes.

I don’t seem to have any choice over what mask I get but they’re supposed to help me find one that works for me. And I suspect I’ll likely be deluged with suggestions for upgrades and extras.

Could you please give me some advice on which upgrades or extras I should avoid and which would be worth me investing some of my meagre dollars in? I’d really like to be able to go in there being as informed as I can. I’ve looked for threads in this topic but haven’t found any, so my apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere.

Thanks!

[staceyburke]

There really isn't any upgrades if you get the AUTOSET - for her or not. The AUTOSET is the key because there are many models of the ResMed S10, just like there are a lot of models of Ford cars.

The mask is very personal and not something anyone can tell you which one to get. Things to consider is if you ar a mouth breather - full face and if not a nasal mask is best but again there are a lot of different ones out there. be sure to try them at pressure not just sitting there.

[pholynyk]

In Ontario, only the ADP registered DMEs have to give you that price... The only extra I would strongly recommend is the ClimateLine hose - which has heating coils to prevent the humidity add by the humidifier from condensing in the hose before it can get to your nose.
The 10-series has an optional 'cleanable' water tank, which can be put in the top shelf of a dish washer... it's not necessary! I have been using my standard tank for seven-plus years, just rinsing with vinegar and water periodically.
As for masks, I go back and forth with a pillows mask and a nasal mask. Neither come from ResMed; the hose and connector sizes are standard, so no problems there.

[Nomi]

This is so helpful! Thank you so much!

[Nomi]

Can you tell me if it’s true that they have to give me the machine I prefer as long as it’s on the ADP list? Or can they just give me any machine that’s on the list?

[Dog Slobber]

I'm in Ontario, and I insisted on the AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her.

My DME *wanted* to give me an Elite, I re-enforced I wanted the AutoSet for Her.

The Ontario ADP program has this odd loophole where the AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her is considered a CPAP device. Because if this, almost always this is the device you want to get.

I don't know that a DME *must* give you a device, because it's on the list.  Some DMEs simply don't stock all manufacturers. 

My DME had upgrade packages, being fairly novice at the time I opted for the package that included:

• An SD Card
  
• A cleaner for inside the hose
  
• Climate Line heating hose
  
• Spare humidifier
  
• 2 packs of CPAP wipes
  

I've since learned that most of that was unnecessary or available cheaper. I wasn't all that upset because my insurance covered 85% of it anyway.

For what it's worth, I no longer buy my supplies from my DME, I buy them online, submit receipt to my insurance and get reimbursed.

[DaveCar]

Ya, get a Resmed Autoset 10. If one place has none, go to the next.
No rush on the climateline (heated) hose now that summer is here, can always buy that one later (online or not).
The "free" mask that came with mine wasn't to my liking, so I upgraded to an F30 mask (love it !) at my expense.

My supplies have been covered by my work insurance luckily, so I keep going back to the DME that I like.
When I loose coverage someday, I dunno.. I might go online ?
The DME did do me a solid when I got tangled up in the Philips toxic foam thing, so I do owe them business.
Best of luck in your journey. After the adjustment period you will love the change !

[clownbell]

Just a comment about masks. Different face shapes work better with certain masks. If the person at DME is skilled, they will look at the shape of your face and suggest what they think will work for you. If possible, get a mask fitting in the shop -- under pressure and laying down. The DME person should be able to show you how to fit the mask properly to your face. Try to find a DME who permits return of masks that don't suit you. If you are like many other users, you will end up trying several before settling on one. Aah, if only the world were perfect - - - -

[Nomi]

I can’t figure out how to reply to your individual comments here but would just like to say thank you so much to all who’ve replied. This is really helpful info for me and I feel a tad more confident to discuss these things with the DME. You guys are great, thank you!

[Crimson Nape]

You just did reply to all the posts.