What does the future hold?

[Sparticus]

Is there any news from Intus or resmed of what we can expect from future machines, it would be nice to know how far in front you are looking and what gadgets are we going to get?

[James @ Intus]

It's all under NDA but there will be some developments, including rumoured "CPAP Killers". Something innovative is due to launch late this year which is supposed to take the mask out of the equation. But as with anything novel, you can expect a good few years before it gets refined, accepted and rolled out proper.

[Sparticus]

It's all under NDA but there will be some developments, including rumoured "CPAP Killers". Something innovative is due to launch late this year which is supposed to take the mask out of the equation. But as with anything novel, you can expect a good few years before it gets refined, accepted and rolled out proper.

I take it then they are going to use tubes then, not very innovative is it with todays tec. I guess it all comes down to imagination on how far you could take it. For me I would like to see more patient involvement. Why all the secret menus and hidden data? Why not involve the patient more and free up the NHS, a simpler sytem of data that a patient can understand and a display that can be plugged into a tv or computer and show live streaming info. Instead of all these different AHI readings for tec heads why not just one, or better still why not when you wake and you stop your system running push a button that then display if your night was ok using maybe a traffic light system and if something is wrong then maybe a message saying "Call Clinic, Mask Leaks" or something like that.

All we are ever told is you have OSA take this stick it on ya face at night see you in 6-12 months, what bloody good is that!!!! Why not do this to all patients, "You have cancer, come back in 6 months if your still alive"!!!!

Its time the companies gave more power to the patient. Its them who made all the hiiden menus so the patient couldnt gain access to data that belongs to them and not the NHS. I would find it quite soothing and relaxing while my stats are playing out live on the tv, would probably make me far more interesting than launching the mask and saying bugger that. Come on INTUS & Others lets see some imagination and some patient input for a change after all its we that are ill

[James @ Intus]

You forget that money overrules everything. The hospitals want to remain in control so they can bill the slots to the PCTs to get their funds. And the manufacturers care most about the US market, they're unlikely to tailor a whole product to the NHS. So whilst it's nice to have the patientin control, it's not realistic. The NHS would colapse further and you'd end up with even worse service.

Better would be to get the undiagnosed population diagnosed so demand increases so more CPAPs get made so hopefully costs per unit drop.

[Sparticus]

Yes I know that the NHS is ruled by money ok lets look at it a different way. My seal has gone on my quattro and I need a new one, So what the procedure at sleep clinics make an appointment see a nurse see a tec to check the mask get a new seal and then back off home, now how much did that cost, Petrol fees, nurses fees, tec's fees admin fees and the cost of the mask cushon, hows this sound, Phone clinic tell them I need a cushon for my mask, ok will send one out.

Price of a call, cost of post and cost of cushon, now how much did that save?

with osa the patient doesnt need constant care as care = cost. As for companies not tailoring there machines for the NHS, of course they are? Thats why some menus are hidden so patients cant access them which gives the nhs an excuse to call you in.

I phoned my clinic this morning my mask with be here tomorrow in the post.......probably why we have one of the best clinics in the country

[Fredxx]

You missed the fact that the time spent in appointments which don't add value to the care (like "I need my mask seal replacing") take away the time available to work with new patients and get more off the waiting lists and treated.

Of course, then you find that they have only budgeted for handing out 75 machines this year, so if you are No 76, you have to wait for next years budget...

[Sparticus]

...and finally data can be sent via email and conferense calls can be taken with your nurse or GP so unless Im having problems then I dont see why I even need to go to hospital which is about a 60 mile round trip.

What ever happend to the 21st century promises of hi-tec futuristic things..... bloody polaticians

[HairyEars]

...and finally data can be sent via email and conferense calls can be taken with your nurse or GP so unless Im having problems then I dont see why I even need to go to hospital which is about a 60 mile round trip.

Hear hear! Think of the money saved by all parties.

[Fredxx]

I have to admit, I wouldn't save my clinic much...in 9 years of CPAPing I have only been back to see them 4 times. Everything just works, and it is cheaper for me to buy a mask than to take the time off to go to the clinic for a free one.

[Berneta]

Mask or Parts

Hi everyone, I consider myself very lucky to live in the States. If I need a new part for my mask--they have a delivery schedule in my area on Thursdays. All I have to do is call and order the part I need (or a whole mask if parts won't work)-- and they deliver it free of charge on the next Thursday. I sign for it, and they charge my insurance company. No long trips, no clinic visits unless I have a big problem that needs another sleep study, I can also call the Therapist for helpful info, or send in my Smart Card to be read free of charge too. So my supply Clinic only has a small number of people who work daily-- with part timers for their days off. No huge building or lots of waiting rooms needed-- and the low overhead allows them to send out a delivery truck every day, when needed. Twice a year they hold one day for people to come in and try different masks to see if they want something else. IF they want a new type of mask they get a sleep study to help them adjust to it. So--I intend to get new parts--until the mask I have is no longer useable. (since I do so well with the Bravo). I can imagine how annoying and costly it is for all of you to have to go through what you do. And if your mask is a real problem for several days--then you have to drive who knows how many miles in a fatigued state. I hope things get better for all of you. Of course the difference is that you all can get a free mask--and we all have to pay for our own, or have the insurance that pays for it. Our Government Medicare will pay for supplies over here, for the needy. Boy--the delivery trucks make all the difference over here. It must be very frustrating to go through what you have to to get service. If they took the time to fit each person properly at the Sleep Study-- it might not be needed to keep trying different masks. Then maybe they would be giving away less masks, and could provide a delivery system. I live about 30 miles from my Supply Clinic. Of course someone has to keep records of who should get what on what day. If I want something on a day other than Thursday--then I have to pay $25.00 for a special delivery. I can't imagine someone having to drive 60 or 100 miles in a sleepy state. Something for Intus to think about. Our system isn't perfect--but a little thought might make yours even better! X Berneta