I do hope this is nopt a policy violation. However, I want to get the information out, and suggestions back.

I have had three different PAP machines in the last 18 months. I forget what the first was, but given my sleep doc's seeming affinity for ResMed, it was probably a ResMed BPAP. No particular problems with the machine, in fact the humidifier reservoir design was quite convenient. The carry bag worked. There were separtate compartments for main unit and humidfifier. But, it wasn't particulary elegant -- lots of wasted space, no zippers (all velcro closures), not a lot of fun to travel with.

Then, doctor decided I needed APAP. This was a ResMed VPAP Auto 25. What an elegant design! The humidifier detatches from the main body, and has a separate compartment in the carry case. And, the carry case is actually smaller than the previous cary case. Plus, it has room for a full-face mask and hoses in a cary-on briefcase format. From an overall system design point of view -- Excellent!!!

Now, doctor has decided I need ASV because of the number of CSAs I'm throwing. Prescription is for a ResMed VPAP Adapt SV Enhanced. Let me tell you, I love this machine! The quality of sleep improvement for me is amazing.

It looks almost identical to the previous VPAP Auto 25, but at least half again as big. I wouldn't care if it was twice as large. The treatment I'm getting from this machine is so helpful, I will put up with some inconvenience. Remember, please, I have a lot of CSAs.

Now, here's my main point. At ResMed there seems to be a huge variation in how much the product managers care about the end user.

The user's manual for the new ASV machine is quite adament about keeping moisture out of the main unit. And, it goes so far as to say do not turn unit upside down with hudifier (ResMed Humidaire2i, in this case attached). It also says that when traveling, the main unit and the Humidaire2i must be placed in their separate compartments in the carry bag.

Well, guess what? There is no separate compartment for the Humidaire2i in the carry bag. The carry bag is designed in such a way that the main unit and the humidifier MUST be connected during travel. Also, as a minor point, the reservoir on this unit must be filled through the tubing connection -- a rather poor design choice in my opinion. There is no room in the bag for a full-face mask.

I called Customer Support about the obvious disconnect between user manual instructions and actual cary bag construction/design. ResMed Customer Support was awesome! They contacted technicions, and the Product Manager asking for some rational resolution of this obvious, and glaring error in the instructions to the user compared to actual delivered product. Customer Support actually called me back on a Saturday to tell me the Product Manager had no intention of ever correcting this issue, and the technicions could only suggest buying an additional bag.

I intend to pass this experience along to ResMed management, if I can figure out how. I don't want to bug Customer Support again, they tried so hard the first time. Does anyone have a suggestion?

Here are ResMed's chief executives:

http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/html/executive_team/executive-officers.html?nc=aboutus and their address is"

ResMed Corp
9001 Spectrum Center Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123

I found this stuff at the ResMed website.  This doesn't breach posting guidelines.  You can find our guidelines at the top of each forum.  We do not allows links to commercial storefronts, i.e., a company selling something.  Talking about equipment or even linking to a manufacturer's website (as I did with ResMed) is fine.

Vicki


_________________
Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Do not even let me get started about problem with Resmed management.

If I had my way all truck drivers would be boycotting Resmed CPAP.. but they are the only product on the market with wireless monitoring throu ResTraxx....


_________________
Just a truck driver with sleep apnea

xmxplxz wrote:

Customer Support actually called me back on a Saturday to tell me the Product Manager had no intention of ever correcting this issue, and the technicions could only suggest buying an additional bag.

I intend to pass this experience along to ResMed management, if I can figure out how. I don't want to bug Customer Support again, they tried so hard the first time. Does anyone have a suggestion?

When you send your letter, ask them how the response above demonstrates the effectiveness of their Corrective Action system  


_________________
Marie
Newbie with Severe OSA
ResMed S8 Elite II CPAP with EPR and H4i humidifier
ResMed Mirage Quattro full face mask
Contec CMS 50-E Pulse Oximeter

So, TruckerDad, what's your problem w/Resmed CPAPs that you would have all truckers boycott Resmed CPAPs if you could?


_________________
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.

My problem with ResMed.. is the comanies 2006 statement of projected earnings..which said in part...

"We anticipate increased sales to the transportation industry due to our ongoing regulatory lobbying efforts."

They put Dr. Barb Phillips on their medical advisory board. then worked behind the scenes to help her get appointed to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Medical Review Board. .. Where she promptly had very controversial guidelines issued which REQUIRE  a PSG for medical certification for DOT if your body mass index is over 30...

Guidelines which FMCSA has now had to back peddle on and modify.

Oh.. by the way.. there is not ONE decent study which shows commercial motor vehicle operators with sleep apnea.. have a higher risk of crash.. if fact there are 2 "poorlydone" studies that show the opposite.

Also, ResMed put a "white paper" on their web site on liability exposures for trucking companies about sleep apnea. The white paper has been used by ambulance chasers as pretty much a cook book on how to sue truck drivers in an accident if sleep apnea is involved. ResMed has been asked several times to take the white paper off their site but.. last time I checked it was still there....

I can go on and on.....


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Just a truck driver with sleep apnea

Thank you, TruckerDad. It sounds like some real "dirty pool" going on at Resmed HQs. It seems a though the "climate" at Resmed has changed since the new CEO in 2006.


_________________
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.