New to all this. Apria vs. Online?

[jgoole]

Hi,

I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a prescription for an APAP machine. I do not have insurance and all costs will be out of pocket. My doctor refers everyone to Apria for the machine and supplies, as well as the resources for downloads/adjustments.

Apria wants $1605 for a Resmed AirSense 10, whereas I could buy a similar machine online for around $500, or the same machine for $880. If I buy my own, Apria won't provide any services and there aren't any respiratory therapists around apart from Apria. Do I need someone to read data and make adjustments? Is it worth going through Apria?

Thanks!

[OpalRose]

If your not going through insurance, then there is no reason to feel tied to Apria. What services will they be offering for double the cost? You can learn how to read your data with our free software and adjust your settings here on this forum.

Your best bet is to buy online. Check out the suppliers list at the top of page. Here is a link to help you choose a machine and know what to avoid.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_Choices

Without insurance, you would have to buy your own mask, but most of the online suppliers have a 30 free trial minus shipping.
One last thing, be sure to ask for a copy of your script and sleep study.
Good Luck

[chill]

Welcome! Supplier #2 can save you some significant money.

From what I have read on this forum Apria does not have a stellar reputation so you are probably not missing much from them. I had an excellent supplier here in Canada, but still got better information, ideas, and support from this forum.

The main (e.g. popular) alternative to the ResMed AirSense 10 is a the Phillips Respironics DreamStation. Both are top quality, but make sure you get a data capable machine, they come is several different models not all if which are APAP or data capable. Learn before you buy and ask questions here if you need help deciding.

[big_dave]

Do I need someone to read data and make adjustments?

You can download the data from your machine yourself. There are two programs you can use: ResScan and SleepyHead. You will want to use ResScan to print reports for your doctor. Go to the Private Files and Links part of ApneaBoard for instructions for downloading the software. SleepyHead is more user-friendly, but the link looks like it's broken right now.

If you purchase a Philips Respironics machine instead of ResMed, you will want Encore instead of ResScan.

[trish6hundred]

Hi jgoole,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Much success to you as you start your CPAP therapy and good luck to you on your machine decision.

[mattmill]

I sent you a PM.

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Apria? No go. Run, don't walk.

Go back to Dr. and get Rx. Send to other vendor. I have done business with #2 and they are good. Can also still find the Phillips Respironics 60 series autos (model 560) for sale less than $500 from a few online sources. Those machines are every bit as good as the Resmed S-10 from the standpoint of performance and reporting capabilities. Heck, I like the DeVillbiss Intellipap Auto, it is a darned fine machine, tough as snot, superior from a power backup standpoint, though reporting is a little more obtuse.

OMMOHY

[justMongo]

When someone actually creates a website for Apria complaints, you know they have a bad reputation.

[stanleydean]

Hi Jgoole and welcome to the forum. Several years ago the small, locally owned DME, with which I was extremely satisfied, was bought by APRIA. I quickly became dissatisfied with the new situation and found a new DME. Since I am on Medicare etc. I cannot completely avoid working with a DME but, so far I can be choosy on a limited basis.The challenge seems to be finding a good one that isn't subject to being bought by a not so good one. If you do not rely on insurance, you can easily free lance it, just soak up as much good information from this forum as time permits, you will not be disappointed.
Stan

[raisedfist]

Apria is awful. As a former customer I would never recommend them to anyone. I would get the machine on your own and use SleepyHead and the forums to guide your therapy to the sweet spot.