I would like to buy another one as a back-up and cut out my DME altogether.
The problem is I can't find out if I can do all the maintenance on it as far as the filters.
One of the online cpap supply stores sells the machine and they sell filters that fit it but they can't tell me if there is a filter inside the machine that also needs changing.
It would be great if I could find a manual for the machine but I can't.
If anyone has one any help would be appreciated.

Maybe this a link to the machine
http://everflo.respironics.com/

Try this?: http://global.respironics.com/manualsandliterature.asp

There is a Micro Disk filter: http://www.medexsupply.com/respiratory- ... ?iorb=4764

click on the image enlarger and you'll see a picture...the site pic is blank.

For what it's worth I would really advise against cutting out a DME provider for Oxygen supplies.

They need to be rebuilt about once a year which will cost a small fortune. IF they break, they tend to break pretty catastrophically requiring at least a full rebuild. If they also need new sieve beds that will more or less cost the same as a new unit altogether.

Then you have ongoing supplies, backup oxygen etc. And down the line if you need portable oxygen you might as well flat out forget going the self-pay route.

And how long will you be out the machine when it needs servicing? Will you be okay without it during that time?

Oxygen is something DME companies generally do very well. I doubt you'd see very much in the way of savings, if any at all.

Goshes, MattMan. I was provided w/a DeVilbiss 5 litre concentrator at the time for just overnight 2L of 02. In less than 6 months the "counter" stopped counting at 20055 hours (I obviously was NOT provided w/a NEW concentrator). The ONLY maintenace that has been done on this concentrator since I got it in April 2006 is for every six months a check of 02 output and filter.

I'm not complaining. I was also provided w/4 "E" tanks for emergencies, power outages, etc. and later on as 2L of 02 was needed occasionally during the day 8 "B" tanks and a Helios that I am terrified of and won't use unless my husband is available to fill the portable tank. When I travel I am either provided w/a temporary 3L concentrator and a supply of "B" tanks or arrangements are made at the "other end" for a 5L concentrator and "B" tanks as needed or any other supplies for VPAP or 02 that I might need.

The last time I went out of town the 3L concentrator died and a local company provided a loaner 5L concentrator and did I ever LOVE it!!! It was soooo QUIET as compared to my old 5L DeVilbiss and as compared to the 3L DeVilbiss that died. I wish I had paid attention to the brand and model concentrator it was. *sigh* I wouldn't mind one just like it. But, as I've indicated I really have no reason to complain about my local DME provider. They've been good to me. (NOT my first one tho!).

I was concerned when Medicare went to this 3 year rent to own deal for concentrators but my understanding is when this one dies they are obligated to replace it with another so its really not like renting to own a CPAP.

Since I don't do well w/the pulse regulator on the 02 tanks and since I don't need 02 all the time I tend to keep my "B" tank and an extra in the car at all times and have occasionally wished and thought of buying an extra regulator for the few times I need one in the house. Rolling the concentrator around a split level house isn't exactly convenient, nor is 50' of tubing trailing around the house to trip on, plus even 50' won't get me from one level to the others since the stairways alternate from one end to the other.

Two problems with owning an Everflo:

1. The compressors only last 12,000 to 15,000 hours and then you need a new compressor (they cannot be rebuilt). If you do not catch it the sieve beds will go next.

2. How will you know when the compressor is dying? Without an oxygen monitor there is no real way to test. The purity sensor built in will only warn when oxygen purity dips under 85%. By monitoring the output with on o2 monitor you will see the purity trend downward.

Everybody has "the" answers... First off, insurance companies have lost their minds...$225 per month rent to own program for a concentrator. At the end of three years, it's yours. STUPID!!! You pay 20% of that. For $500 or $600 you can own a new Everflo. See "redrock medical supply." Your insurance will reimburse you 80% of a months rental if you turn in your invoice...so the cost is... $375 to $450... It has a warranty. Some say 3 years, some say 5. I got 5. There are only two filters. You can change them both when needed. If I get 12000 hours out of mine, I'll be glad to buy another one and do it all again... I use mine at night only, so I put about 2500 hrs per year on it. 2500 x 5 years = 13,500 hrs...wow, end of warranty anyway. HOWEVER, at no more than $450 cost, even a 3 year warranty is a steal compared to paying the 20% per month of the insurance rental program for LIFE... $45/month x 1 year +$540... You put money in your pocket inside of the 1st year. So, all you intelligent whizzes that have replied, punch holes in my math. There is NO WAY you can go wrong buying a quiet, lightweight Everflo Q out of your own pocket... The durn thing stays next to my bed. I don't have to put it down the hall like my old Excel unit as it shakes the nails out of the studs with the noise and vibration it puts out...

Our insurance may NOT reimburse us. It depends on what if anything they will contribute to "out of network" purchases. Something each of us needs to give consideration to.

Michael-AL wrote:Everybody has "the" answers... First off, insurance companies have lost their minds...$225 per month rent to own program for a concentrator. At the end of three years, it's yours.

Just a random FYI, I'm not sure where he's pulling these numbers from but they are way off. It's more like $80 to about $105 depending on where you are. And it's for 13 months not 3 years.

Just thought I'd throw that in.

The filters on the EverFlo are internal. However, I suggest you pop of the plastic muffler cap on the back and wipe the grate with a damp cloth to keep it clear of dust. Suggested internal maintenance is 2 years.

MattMan, are you SURE it is a 13 month rent to own for a CONCENTRATOR?? i've been under the impression that it was 3 years for a CONCENTRATOR as well.

Mine was for 3 years. I was told that by my DME and Medicare. I used it for 15 months and turned it in because with my overnight pulse oximeter it said I no longer needed it and my Doc agreed. My DME came and got it and said I did not keep it long enough to own it.

Jerry

Slinky wrote:MattMan, are you SURE it is a 13 month rent to own for a CONCENTRATOR?? i've been under the impression that it was 3 years for a CONCENTRATOR as well.

No not at all sure

I thought the changes took it out to a 3-5 year rental but I think payments still stop at 13 months. Could be wrong though! I know the biggest change was that they went from always being a rental item to being capped out which turned ownership over to the patient.

But I'm far from an expert on it!

Most insurances do a rent to own for 12 months. Medicare does a 36 month cap but you never own it. All supplies and tank contents as well as all oxygen costs while traveling are included. 24/7 on call coverage is also included.

This being the facts as they are today our state association is trying to get Congress to do a "flip" in Medicare reimbursement for the concentrator (stationary system) and the tanks (portable system). The concentrator costs are no where near the costs for tank deliveries. With tanks you have to have trained drivers, DOT regs for how oxygen contents are delivered and tracked, heavy duty trucks with tank racks installed, Tommy Lifts fitted to the trucks, tanks tested every five years for fitness to remain in service, tank inventory and tracking and probably other costs I am not remembering. Concentrators for the most part are reliable but need to be at maximum output for oxygen purity at all times so they are rebuilt between 12,000 and 20,000 hours depending the the brand. Unlike CPAP therapy this is usually life sustaining equipment rather than preventative equipment.

So for nocturnal patients where the equipment is more on the preventative side than the life sustaining side purchasing the equipment can save money.

Thank you, Leejgbt!! That information is REALLY appreciated!