RX using S9 Elite data

[rockets26]

Hey guys,

I've searched on this forum and others but came up empty handed.

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea over 10+ years ago. Got a CPAP, didn't like it. The constant pressure made it difficult exhale. Moved onto an S9 elite autoset w/humidifier. It has worked great, but it's showing signs of aging.

The facility I got the sleep study at has tossed my records due to the time that has elapsed. Are there any docs out there that will take the data from an S9 SD card in lieu of a full on sleep study so I can get a new machine? I've seen places online that will ship you a device to try for a few days, then review the data when you ship it back. COVID possibilities have me a little leery of this path.  Just seems like a little much given that I believe the S9 records all the pertinent data. 

Lastly, is the Airsense 10 comparable to the S9 autoset? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Gideon]

You may be able to prove you still have apnea. You will not be able to prove that you don't have it.

Decrease the pressure to the lowest cpap pressure you can stand and then evaluate your charts. If apnea shows you still have it.
If your AHI is low you need a diagnostic test to see.

[Sleeprider]

We strongly recommend that you keep private files of any sleep study to avoid this problem. Keep in mind that records may exist with the primary doctor that referred you for a sleep study. The proof required by insurance varies, and Medicare wants proof that sleep apnea was documented by Polysomnographic study, however I have seen approvals based on a home sleep study. If you are not dealing with Medicare, your primary doctor can still issue a prescription for CPAP and supplies based on his professional judgement and knowledge of your health and history. I do not use a sleep specialist, and think the state of sleep therapy would be much better off if they didn't exist.

The Airsense 10 Autoset is the equivalent to your S9 in a modernized form factor with integrated humidifier. The therapy algorithms are about the same however there are standard and soft response modes now. Don't forget you can read your detailed sleep data using OSCAR which is a free shareware program linked at the top of this page. That can help document your needs and use of your CPAP. Finally, don't overlook the used and gray market for CPAP machines. I just bought a Resmed Aircurve 10 Vauto with 3206 hours for $150 off Craigslist. I use the SearchTempest search engine to find ads across the country to find good deals. There are a lot of Autoset machines available under $300 and you can ask questions to determine the use hours and verify nonsmoking environment. New machines are available online, for about $540 currently, and any new or old prescription will work without a sleep study.

[staceyburke]

Again, there are many places you can buy new and used. I purchased 2 machines from Supplier #2. It costs less than my deductible through insurance.

ANY Dr can write a prescription for it and some places don’t ask.

[DaveL]

rockets26 welcome to the forum.

I bought my S9 Elite used. It was easy. A co-worker decided that she wasn't going to use it. I put 22,000 hours on it.

i recently bought an S10 autoSens "for her" or whatever it's cost. I hadn't had a sleep test in about 12 years. My sleep doc had retired. So i eventually found a new one. He was really keen on selling me a new machine. I waited almost 2 years and got my S10

So...like said above, consider buying used. It worked for me.