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+--- Thread: Factors for determining New Cpap (/Thread-Factors-for-determining-New-Cpap)
Factors for determining New Cpap - Brad1959 - 09-01-2016
Hi all,
I was diagnosed with Sleep apnea aprox 8 years ago. Have been using the same machine, Resmed S8 Autoset. I have been told they are obsolete.
I understand that there are limitations on what can be recommended.
What questions should I be asking? There seems to be a broader choice of machines available. How do I choose?
The machine does work in controlling AHI, but the last 12 months the quality of sleep has gone south.
Thanks
RE: Factors for determining New Cpap - srlevine1 - 09-02-2016
There are a few basic considerations:
One, is the type of machine adequate to control your particular sleep issues (CPAP, APAP, BI-PAP, or ASV)?
Two, is the machine data-enabled so you can look at your sleep data using software like ResScan (ResMed), SleepyHead (Multiple) or another manufacturer's software. This is critical to manage your own condition and to provide feedback to your physician?
Three, does your doctor work with Medicare (US) or your insurance provider to insure the correct diagnosis, titration, and paperwork? If your machine is older than five years, you might be eligible for a Medicare replacement.
Four, does your doctor work with a vendor (DME) to provide the machine you want under insurance. If you are not using insurance, there are a number of options available from the fine vendors that are listed in the forum header. Some lightly-used machines might be acceptable if cost is a major factor?
Five, do you have a personal brand preference?
Personally, I would ignore CPAPs and go directly to auto-titrating (apap) units as they can always be used as a cpap, but cpaps can not be used as apaps. My personal preference is the ResMed AutoSense AutoSet (S10), but the Phillips and other brands might also suit your needs.
I made my decision among the top 3 brands due to availability, replicability, reputation, and reliability. I had an S8 Elite that served me well for years and saw no reason to change brand. The difference between ResMed and the other machines is usually how fast a machine will respond to an event and the way it manages pressure after the event. ResMed machines usually have more aggressive algorithms. Since you are a male -- you can rule out the ResMed for her machines.
I see you are already using a ResMed APAP, so an upgrade to the S10 AutoSense AutoSet makes perfect sense to me.
Best of luck with the upgrade.
RE: Factors for determining New Cpap - OpalRose - 09-02-2016
Hi Brad1959,
Welcome to Apnea Board,
Here is a link to help you in choosing a machine and which ones to avoid.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Archangle:Machine_Choices
It's important to do your research and be one step ahead of the DMEs/suppliers, because they will normally try to give you an older machine or a basic Cpap.
Insurance will pay them the same whether you get a Cpap or apap.
Be sure you have your doctor write a script for a fully data capable auto titrating machine.
RE: Factors for determining New Cpap - trish6hundred - 09-02-2016
Hi Brad1959,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck to you in finding a machine. Check out this link for a good guide on which machines to avoid and which ones to buy: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Archangle:Machine_Choices
Hang in there for more responses to your post.
RE: Factors for determining New Cpap - Brad1959 - 09-02-2016
Thanks all for the responses,
I have been looking at the ResMed AutoSense AutoSet (S10) but here in Aus
it is the most expensive option.
RE: Factors for determining New Cpap - cands - 09-02-2016
(09-02-2016, 05:04 PM)Brad1959 Wrote: Thanks all for the responses,
I have been looking at the ResMed AutoSense AutoSet (S10) but here in Aus
it is the most expensive option.
Hi Brad,
I just bought and Airsense 10 Autoset. Check out the deals on-line. The first 'bricks and mortar' supplier wanted to charge me over $2300. I was able to buy on-line for just under $1900.
I don't know what state you are in, but best to make sure the on-line supplier has a presence in your state. You will have to physically collect it , as they won't deliver
The Airsense 10 Autoset is a fantastic machine.
Cheers,
Steve.