Just trying to get ahead of the game/doing research

[jsmitty05]

I have scheduled to have a at home test sent to me through sleepcareonline. I have no doubt that I am going to need a machine. So I am trying to get ahead and do a little research before I start this journey. I can see a lot of people are saying to get a machine that is data-capable, and it may take a bit to figure out the right mask. I'm curious whether I should just buy a machine outright rather than go through insurance? I'm just concerned with dealing with the insurance and meeting all of the requirements and such. Would it be ok to get a used machine? Any and all advice is appreciated. I just wanna be super prepared when I start this journey. Thank you all

[Deborah K.]

Until you have your sleep study, you won't know which kind of pap machine you need.  Most here start with a ResMed AirSense 10 or 11 Autoset machine.  But your study may show that you need a Bilevel machine or an ASV, so I suggest you wait at least until the sleep study to obtain a machine.

If you have good insurance it's probably best to use that for a machine, but you can buy out of pocket if you choose, whether new or used. Our insurance pays 100% for our machines and supplies, so of course we use the insurance.

[HalfAsleep]

Usually the doc tells you whether CPAP or biPAP. Then, tell him/her to write in the prescription exactly which unit.
If insurance will pay for it, the prescription goes to a DME, usually selected by the insurance company. They dispense it. Get really clear before the pick up appointment exactly how to access the clinician’s menu before you go: that’s how you can tell whether they’re trying to foist a used machine on you.
You can also tell the doc to write a specific mask style in the prescription, but you might prefer to try different ones on.

[jsmitty05]

Thank you. Looks like everyone says to make sure you get a mask that feels comfortable. If they try to give me a "brick" machine would the insurance give me a hard time asking for a different unit?

[SarcasticDave94]

For most, a ResMed machine will be the best bet. If it's a CPAP, ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet possibly the newer AutoSet 11. If it's a bilevel BPAP, ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto or possibly the 11.

The 10 series is tried, works well, some say it's quieter than the new 11 series. Stock should be readily available on the 10 series, and likely cheaper.

I've been 4 years at trying to get a machine due to ASV not working with COPD, changing doctors to facilitate, tests, and wasted time. I'm getting ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto in a week. So I'm not saying get something I wouldn't.