Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris H on January 21, 2011 at 6:38pm

A 5 year old machine ? Is that not at the end of its life span ? So what if its an upgrade your horse is headded to the glue factory ! The insurance company in its best interest in getting you titrated well and keeping Costs down by doing so should replace your Old almost used up ready for the scrap pile machine. Why doesnt your insurance cover a machine? In my humble opinion.Good Sleep ,Chris 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by gordon on February 9, 2011 at 8:39pm

Saw a new sleep doc today. My oximitry test was abnormal, but he said because I used my CPAP during it (I wanted to know if my 5-yr old equipment is still working) the spikes on the graph could have been leakage from the mask. I had 8 episodes/hr. He checked my chest, lungs, heart, said all good. So, he said he'll set the pressure up 2 points to 13 and then sent the DME(onsite) in, and he brings me the Mirage FX mask, I am thrilled! it's so comfortable, I can't wait to try it out tonight.

I asked about chinstrap. I was surprised when he said they usually don't sell them. I think this needs more awareness. He's mailing me a "Premier" chinstrap. He offered me a Ruby, I declined, knowing it's hot neoprene now, he offered Respironics Premium, but I settled on the Premier.

He said my machine is still working great.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris H on February 10, 2011 at 4:19pm

Hi Gordon, Glad to hear your machine is still functioning properly 5 years old would have me thinking about a backup plan machine.I have gotten so attached that I would not want to be with out cpap .  I got the Mirage a week ago, my numbers have been better than in quite some time. I found glycerin (food grade) at my vitamine store .It is water based moisturiser protectant and is slightly stickey.My leakage with it has been down to arround .2/ls and face redness is reduced.Good Sleep,Chris

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by gordon on February 10, 2011 at 5:57pm

Chris- that's a DARN good idea and I want to thank you, because I have insurance (COBRA) only thru March and the Blue Shield/Anthem is DME-covered, I am pretty sure, now is the time to consider this, do I ask the DME like "I'd like to have a backup... this is REALLY old... like me, don't you think?" ("I dropped it a few times..." :~)

chris h said:

Hi Gordon, Glad to hear your machine is still functioning properly 5 years old would have me thinking about a backup plan machine.I have gotten so attached that I would not want to be with out cpap .  I got the Mirage a week ago, my numbers have been better than in quite some time. I found glycerin (food grade) at my vitamine store .It is water based moisturiser protectant and is slightly stickey.My leakage with it has been down to arround .2/ls and face redness is reduced.Good Sleep,Chris

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris H on February 11, 2011 at 4:43pm

I think you are gonna need a RX for a new machine ask the sleep people you just had test it  say you now need a data capable machine to monitor your very delicate condition for proper continued treatment. Or ask your Gp you can have them specify what machine you need and dispense as written.I am supprised your sleep doc did not say it is time to upgrade A 5 year old machine if you count it like dog years 7 to 1 is OLD . Good Sleep,Chris

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by gordon on February 12, 2011 at 1:53pm

I called the DME (Advanced Homecare) and told her I was having the humidifier go off at noght now and then, and explained I'm screwed if my machine stops working, she was super nice, and is calling my insurance to see if they will allow an upgrade, I told her my insurance runs out end of March, she said "we'll get this going for you", I'm sure they know my doc will need to write a new Rx, thanks for reminding me of that. They know I can't live without it, used every day since May 2006.They sent me the chinstrap, got in mail in 2 days!. It's a good one, made by Cardinal/Carefusion Puresom Premier, he picked the best for me, I've no complaints, it's not ordinary to get this good service. It's Scripps Hospital/clinics.

I'll have to buy my own insurance starting in April, wife did research and looks like Aetna has best coverage for the price, I'll have to find one that takes Scripps. Probably double my cost now.

chris h said:

I think you are gonna need a RX for a new machine ask the sleep people you just had test it  say you now need a data capable machine to monitor your very delicate condition for proper continued treatment. Or ask your Gp you can have them specify what machine you need and dispense as written.I am supprised your sleep doc did not say it is time to upgrade A 5 year old machine if you count it like dog years 7 to 1 is OLD . Good Sleep,Chris

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris H on February 12, 2011 at 2:45pm

Be sure to give your doc a heads up on your request for a fully data capable machine .He can specify which machine you need for proper titration." He needs to tell ins co know you need it .Sounds like your dme is working on it just as long as in time.Also get a copy if your Rx for your records if your dme fails you can send it to a different dme if necessary. Good Sleep,Chris

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by gordon on February 20, 2011 at 5:23pm

DME called Friday, they got approval from my insurance for a machine upgrade but needed me to fax my original Rx (2006), which I had a copy, I found out I have $1100 deductable on DME. (Anthem Blue Cross)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris H on February 22, 2011 at 2:58pm

Hi Gordon,  $1100.00  Man that stings. What is the ins co covering ? ? To have to be subjected to that is harsh .Where are we supposed to come up with money like that? My deductibles for the beginning of the year and expences so far this year taken a huge chunk out of my reserve my wallet is glowing so much I need oven mitts to touch it. I hope you you can find the $$ . Good Sleep,Chris

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion