Hello - When I started on CPAP in March - they gave me a Resmed ELite- based on my request after doing a bunch of research.  I got used to it very quickly and like the way it works and the fact that it is so quiet.  Now the dr. wants to switch me to an auto machine - and the DME is trying to switch me to a Respironics machine - saying they are all the same and it doesn't matter.  He says that's what the dr. recommended but I do understand that Resmed does make an auto machine.  Anyone out there who can advice me of whether they like or dislike Respironics and why?  If I decide I do not want the Respironics......I will stand firm with them and say I want the other.  Thanks.

Dorgal wrote:

Hello - When I started on CPAP in March - they gave me a Resmed ELite- based on my request after doing a bunch of research.  I got used to it very quickly and like the way it works and the fact that it is so quiet.  Now the dr. wants to switch me to an auto machine - and the DME is trying to switch me to a Respironics machine - saying they are all the same and it doesn't matter.  He says that's what the dr. recommended but I do understand that Resmed does make an auto machine.  Anyone out there who can advice me of whether they like or dislike Respironics and why?  If I decide I do not want the Respironics......I will stand firm with them and say I want the other.  Thanks.

I think if you are happy with ResMed, you should stick with them.

Question........why does your doctor want to switch to an auto unit, after only 5 months on straight CPAP ?.........and you also seem to like it ? IMHO it doesn't make sense.....unless you are having problems, which doesn't seem to be the case. Other Question..........what happens to the ResMed Elite ?

I often hear the term 'my insurance will cover it'...........regardless, the money comes out of your pocket

IMHO, CPAP machines blow air......APAPs blow air at different pressures and using an algorithim try to anticipate events and deliver the required pressure.........the mask is the most important piece of equipment.

ResMed and Respironics (now Phillips) are the two largest manufacturers of cpap equipment in the world.............ResMed MAY be slightly bigger.

There has to be a valid medical reason for changes in equipment at this stage............you should be made aware of it.

Best of luck.

Daniel.


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Yes- There has been a change - -I started having apnea symptoms again - even WITH the CPAP on and no leakage.  It was determined that a higher pressure may help but I may not need it higher at all times.

IF you stay w/a Resmed you will not need a new integrated, heated humidifier. If you go with a Respironics you are also going to need a new integrated, heated humidifier. An extra sale for your local DME supplier.

ON THE OTHER HAND, WHICH Respironics APAP do they want to provide you with??? Respironics "just" introduced a BRAND NEW PR SystemOne APAP w/A-Flex Plus. From the description the doggone thing does everything but sleep for you. It might be worth while to keep an open mind on this - ESPECIALLY if you get to KEEP the Elite PLUS your insurance PURCHASING the APAP as well.

It MAY be that your doctor is only scripting a temporary loaner APAP to do an in-home titration. That is worth checking out too. Usually insurances "rent to own" a CPAP for you for 10 to 13 months and then it reverts to your ownership. APAPs and CPAPs are the SAME insurance (HCPCS) code so most likely the DME supplier would just be switching you to an APAP that will be paid off at the same time your Elite would have been paid off and taking the Elite back.

IF you have been checking your data via the Elite's LCD screen each morning you WILL be disappointed w/a Respironics, whether an M Series or this new PR System One as access is not as easy and there's not quite as much data provided via the LCD screen.

As far as effective therapy: Respironics makes a good device and provide excellent therapy. Respironics is THE leading xPAP manufacturer, with Resmed the second leading manufacturer. The rest of the xPAP manufacturers are way down the list from these two leaders. I think I read that Respironics and Resmed provide 80% of the xPAPs sold. I happen to prefer the Resmeds but sure wouldn't criticize the therapy that the Respironics devices provide. My preference for Resmed has nothing to do w/better or more effective therapy but rather w/the "little" things having nothing to do w/therapy such as easy of access to and amount of data available via the LCD screen, etc.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity mask, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Thanks for all the feedback :)    I use the LCD readout daily to measure my titrations - so I would not be happy with something that does not provide a reading.  I will call my DME and find out what moedl he is offerring and whether it is covered by insurance or not.  These games they play are worse than dealing with used car salesmen!

Be sure to check whether this APAP is just a temporary loaner or to be your new permanent xPAP.


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity mask, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

and if you have a choice, unless there is something newer that is better, the ResMed Autoset II is quieter and has newer motor than Autoset.
Good luck,
-me