Getting CPAP-what should I ask about at setup

[Mischief]

I completed the second part of the sleep study and did well w/nasal pillows and settng of 9. I should be contacted this week about getting the equipment--my impression is that the DME people will be contacting me.

Assuming they come and actually talk to me about the equipment (from what I've read on this board, this seems to be hit or miss); other than:

1. how do i turn it on and off, use humidifier, and hook up hose, and use Ramp (if needed) are there any questions you think are very important to ask, or wish you had asked at set up.

I don't know the make or modal, but even if they don't provide it, I am planning on getting resmed 9s autoset, or 10s autoset for her.

used the nasal pillows for Her (pink strap, forgot manufacturer) and plan on continuing them. Also appears the 'slimline' (or whatever it is called-the slimmer hose) is preferred but I'm not sure if that is big deal.

Any suggestions re: what to be sure to ask would be appreciated.

I also want to thank the people on this board. I have learned a great deal from the short time i have been coming to it (and yes, I donated!! )

[Crimson Nape]

Your DME should provide you with a patient's operational booklet for your unit. All Resmed CPAPs come with them.

The slimline hose is just a plain old hose, just a little smaller in diameter. This varies by the person but my treatment responded very well by adding a ClimateLine heated hose in lieu of the Slimline. It reduces "rainout" (condensation) in the mask and hose.

If it said "For Her" it's probably a Resmed item. . . That's their latest thing.

Welcome to becoming a fellow "Hosehead". Dreams await!

[Mr. Van Winkle]

It was all a blur for me, But I chose not to use the DME the doctor wanted me to, so I had him send my prescription to my DME choice and about all can tell you is the doctor prescribe an auto machine for me and my pressure range is 9-15, which made since to me because it gives me a range rather than a fixed pressure. An auto set machine can do a range or a fixed pressure. But I do believe it has to be from your doctors prescription not just your choice.
I'm sure you'll get more responses so be patient your at the right place, there are lot of knowledgeable folks here.

Welcome

[Mr. Van Winkle]

Once you get the low down on how the machine will work,
remember to ask them how often you can replace parts like, mask,pillows, head gear, filters, hoses ect.
Also there are a lot of video's on You Tube on CPAP that can be very helpful, and of course this board.

[Eurika]

I would opt for the A10 since it is a newer model, and very easy to use, although I believe the S9 is much loved by users I would go for the latest model, particularly as it's been on the market for a while and doesn't appear to have any significant negative feed on forums.

[vsheline]

I completed the second part of the sleep study and did well w/nasal pillows and settng of 9. I should be contacted this week about getting the equipment--my impression is that the DME people will be contacting me.

Assuming they come and actually talk to me about the equipment (from what I've read on this board, this seems to be hit or miss); other than:

1. how do i turn it on and off, use humidifier, and hook up hose, and use Ramp (if needed) are there any questions you think are very important to ask, or wish you had asked at set up.

I don't know the make or modal, but even if they don't provide it, I am planning on getting resmed 9s autoset, or 10s autoset for her.

used the nasal pillows for Her (pink strap, forgot manufacturer) and plan on continuing them. Also appears the 'slimline' (or whatever it is called-the slimmer hose) is preferred but I'm not sure if that is big deal.

Hi Mischief,

Call them up before they come over, to inform them you are looking for a DME provider who will provide the AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her model, with heated hose.

You can find out from your insurance company which DME providers are included in your medical network.

Your doctor would likely be happy to include a pressure range on the prescription (so you can get an auto-adjusting machine), add a specific machine model, add a heated tube, and add "mask of patients choice" if you ask.

Even with a single fixed-pressure prescription, the DME can provide you the A10 AutoSet For Her model with the settings set for the fixed pressure. However, it often makes everything easier if the doctor prescribes a range for pressure, even if the range is very narrow, such as minimum 8 to maximum 9.

You will never have more options and power than before you accept a machine from them.

Good luck,
--- Vaughn

[Mr. Van Winkle]

You will never have more options and power than before you accept a machine from them.

Good luck,
--- Vaughn
[/quote]

Now that's the best advice you could have, get what you want before they suck you in!

Wish you well!


Mr. Van Winkle

[archangle]

Read the "useful links" in my signature line. It gives you a lot of advice on not getting screwed. Many new CPAPers get screwed with the wrong CPAP machine.

Some machines are very much more capable than others and it makes a big difference to your health.