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A flex versus C flex

Is A Flex in the Respironics line just a newer version of C-Flex, or is there a more meaningful difference?

thanks
Jan

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike on October 19, 2009 at 12:40pm
there's a more meaningful difference. C-Flex provides pressure relief during the expiratory phase of breathing. A-Flex does something a bit more aggressive during the expiratory phase of breathing, in addition to smoothing the transition between the end of inhalation and the beginning of exhalation. in other words. A-Flex is a more comfortable "comfort" feature. The catch is that the more comfortable A-Flex detracts a little more from the pressurized air you're supposed to be getting for your therapy.
Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on October 19, 2009 at 5:19pm
A-flex is a newer feature, but if I remember correctly the newer Respironics machines are supposed to have exhale relief that even tops the A-flex feature. The newer machines were just release in that last few weeks, and so doubt if many DME's are actually carrying them.
Permalink Reply by Jan on October 19, 2009 at 6:41pm
UGH UGH UGH!!!!!!!!

I didn't have the doctor's prescription because it was phoned in to the DME. I asked the DME for a copy of it after I was "checked out" with my equipment and leaving so I just threw it in my bag.

I had asked her what the difference was between C flex and A flex and she did not give me the correct answer according to the information you both provided above.

Just got home, looked at the prescription and see that it was written for an A-Flex...and she gave me a C-Flex. Bait and switch? Or human error???

This DME has a pretty good reputation (I checked). I wonder how they are going to deal with it. ...I went to them and they are an hour away from me.

I really was wanting to start practicing and using the machine for a couple of hours to get used to it...but I am guessing that I shouldn't since it is brand new.

Ugh ugh ugh

Jan
Permalink Reply by Mike on October 19, 2009 at 6:50pm
this is definitely NOT bait and switch. after all, by your own account, they didn't even know the difference between A-flex and C-flex. it was just human error/ ignorance.

that said, i would not return the machine because it has C-Flex and not A-Flex. I don't think the difference between the two amounts to enough to warrant going through all that effort. in fact, i see A-Flex as "training wheels" of comfort features and that the ultimate goal should be C-flex or no flex at all. I don't use any Flex at all at this point myself.

Jan said:
UGH UGH UGH!!!!!!!!
I didn't have the doctor's prescription because it was phoned in to the DME. I asked the DME for a copy of it after I was "checked out" with my equipment and leaving so I just threw it in my bag.
I had asked her what the difference was between C flex and A flex and she did not give me the correct answer according to the information you both provided above.

Just got home, looked at the prescription and see that it was written for an A-Flex...and she gave me a C-Flex. Bait and switch? Or human error???

This DME has a pretty good reputation (I checked). I wonder how they are going to deal with it. ...I went to them and they are an hour away from me.

I really was wanting to start practicing and using the machine for a couple of hours to get used to it...but I am guessing that I shouldn't since it is brand new.

Ugh ugh ugh

Jan
Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on October 20, 2009 at 2:21am
Jan what machine did you get?
Permalink Reply by Jan on October 20, 2009 at 8:58am
Hi Rock. I got a Respironics M Auto Adjusting with heated humidifier. It was supposed to be A-Flex but they gave me CFlex and called this morning to say that they will exchange it. I also got the Swift LT for her nasal pillows. I am really hoping that the mask works for me. It seems so much more comfortable than what they gave me to use during my titration.
Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on October 20, 2009 at 9:07am
The Lt is a good mask. Is the M a fully data capable machine? I don't believe so.
Permalink Reply by Jan on October 20, 2009 at 9:19am
Yes-- i need to buy a card reader and the software which was not carried by the DME. I believe I can buy that online. I would not dare be on this forum and come home with a machine that was not fully data capable....after reading posts here I practically tattooed that message on my forehead before heading over to the DME :-)

Going upstairs now to set it up and give it a trial run :-) Wish me luck on my maiden voyage!
Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on October 20, 2009 at 9:26am
Luck!

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