CrohnieToo wrote:
I have the new Resmed S8 II VPAP Auto w/the Humidaire 3i integrated humidifier. I love it. I love the ease of access to my nightly data via the LCD screen. I love the new EasyBreathe technology. I love the therapy I am getting w/it.
BUT your sleep lab or local DME supplier will need the ResScan 3.4 software as ResScan 3.3 can't support the S8 IIs. Or at least not the VPAP Auto.
Another option is the Respironics PRE-M SERIES Bi-PAP Auto w/Bi-Flex. The pre-M series were much better devices w/a much better designed integrated humidifier.
Another nice thing about the Resmeds is they don't have that extra "power brick platform" that the Respironics have for their integrated humidifiers.
Thanks, Rest & CrohnieToo, for your suggestion on machines. I was overwhelmed by the differences in choices from Resmed.
My husband (he's the BEST!) helped me explain to the DME (Apria) why I should get a replacement for my Respironics BiPAP. I got the first machine in January. When it failed to record/download the nightly data properly, I got a replacement in May and it was a rebuilt machine. That one wasn't any better so they sent a third machine in mid-June. Imagine my surprise when I took the Smartcards (I kept the other from the 2nd machine) in to the hospital and there was May data on the NEW card that I received in June! That's when we decided it was time to switch manufacturers.
So we talked to the insurance company's customer service department at Apria. They were helpful and agreed to a swap if I could send a new prescription. When I called the hospital and told her what I wanted, she said she would check with her supervisor and most likely fax over the new scrip that day. I must admit I was expecting some resistance but never got any.
Later in the day I got a call from Apria. He said he'd talked to the local manager and told him they would be swapping out machines and mine was on order. I was told to expect a call for delivery within the next 2 weeks and they would call for an appointment. They would not charge me for any difference. (Skeptic that I am, I want to know if the Resmed S8 II VPAP auto w/humidaire 3i costs less than the Respironics.)
I plan to order the software & card reader so I can look at the charts myself. My laptop runs Vista and I've emailed Resmed to see if they can tell me where to get ResScan v3.4.
I'm certain that I couldn't have done all of this without YOUR HELP. I'm sending you both a HUGE THANK YOU! along with a large basket of virtual flowers and boxes of virtual chocolates. You're the best, and I know I'm not alone in feeling gratitude for your time.