Osbon vs Augsta MS (Soma erectSTF)

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Blakes

Hi,

I've been doing quite a bit of reading (especially the 'main' thread concering VED devices) to select a VED.  I appreciate the input from some of the experienced members like Old Man.  It appears that my insurance will cover most any VED.  My doctor (a renowned urologist out of Baylor) recommended the Osbon Erecaid.  I have read this is somewhat of the "gold standard" in the world of urology.  But I keep hearing of the 3 cylinder on this board, in particular the Vitality plus 3 (which I cannot find anymore) and the Soma erect STF (which I think REPLACED the Vitality).  

My question is:  If you could get insurance to cover ANY VED you wanted, which one would it be?  Which one out of the 2 that I mention above?

Thanks for any advice and experience you can share!!

Last caveat:  The insurance that will pay for this was actually replaced with a primary when I changed jobs.  Technically, it should have been dropped when I started my new insurance but it is still covering me.  So, while it will cover the VED, I'm a little worried they will come back and ask for the $$ back when I drop off the plan in January... any experience here would be appreciated as well.

Old Man

blake33:

First, I am sorry that you have joined the ranks of the Peyronies Disease group!! It is a most devastating disease and there is no permanent ''cure'' as we know it at the present. Xiaflex is supposed to be the ''promising thing'' since when, but to date there is no FDA approval, etc.

Now, to answer to your questions about VED models:

1. The Osbon Erecaid Esteem is only a one cylinder and has been a workhorse for RXs by most uros around the scene. It was the VED that got rid of all of my Peyronies Disease symptoms way back in 1995 after my radical prostatectomy. It is available today from the Timm Medical Division of Endocare, Inc. There are other medical suppliers that carry this VED and with some searching on line, you can find a better price than at the Timm company. Some of the Augusta Medical Systems accessories may or may not fit the Esteem VED.
I personally like the Osbon (Timm) cock rings as they are designed with the most comfort and ability to hold up erections without injuring ones penis.

2. The SomaSTF does not replace the Vitality as you stated simply because the Vitality is a one cylinder only. The STF model is a three cylinder VED and is a very good device of medical grade quality and has a limited lifetime warranty if registered with the Augusta company at the time for purchase. It does require a prescription from either your GP or uro stating that it is to be used for ED NOT Peyronies Disease as it has not been approved by FDA for Peyronies Disease therapy. It is one of the better grade VEDs on the market and has been used by many members on and off this forum.

3. Making a choice of which VED to buy when insurance will cover at least a portion of the cost must be made by each individual. The Erecaid Esteem one cylinder VED versus the Vitality OTC one cylinder VED would be a toss up except for the cock rings that come with the Esteem model is head and shoulders above those that come with the Vitality. However, the Osbon cock rings can be used with the Vitality OTC VED. This would be a personal choice, my personal preference are the Osbon rings.

4. The final choice of which VED model to buy really boils down to this: do you need a VED for erections o do you only need the VED for Peyronies Disease therapy? Both VED models mentioned above have their better qualities over each other, so a choice must be made by what a member's personal case of Peyronies Disease and/or ED.

The above statements are made only to clarify the difference between the two different company models and personal cases of ED and/or Peyronies Disease. My usual caveat is: Caveat preemptor - let the buy beware!

In addition, I have no personal interest in either company, nor do I receive any compensation for supporting the views expressed above by either company, just my personal experience and that of other members on and off the forum. Bottom line, I have used both model VEDs over the pasta 20 plus years of Peyronies Disease therapy.

Old Man
Age 92. Peyronies Disease at age 24, Peyronies Disease after
stage four radical prostatectomy in 1995, Heart surgery 2004 with three bypasses/three stents.
Three more stents in 2016. Hiatal hernia surgery 2017 with 1/3 stomach reduction. Many other surgeries too.

Blakes

Thanks Old Man for your help - much appreciated!

To answer your question:  For now at least, the VED will be used for peyronies only.  I have had some trouble with ED but I am still able to get erections, especially with Cialis.  So my main goal now is to stop/arrest any further damage.  I am starting to see only a slight left curve (with indention at the bottom left) but there are other "bands" and "rings" around the shaft.  This by the way is ALL a direct result of the drug propecia.  I am in my 30's and this all was a SUDDEN and drastic change in sexual functioning and physical changes to the penis, literally within weeks of stopping the drug (see 'post finasteride syndrome').

It sounds like (to avoid insurance hassles, hitting me back up for the $500 plus for a device) I could begin with the Vitality and later add the other 2 cylinders from Augusta Medical Systems for around $200 or a little less?  Not as good as getting the STF or Osbon fully paid for, but if the vitality (and VED in general) seems to work for me, I could look into funding the full VED with insurance before the end of the year.

Any thoughts much appreciated!!

Old Man

blakes33:

OK, since the Vitality OTC one cylinder only costs below $100.00 and does not require an RX (insurance won't pay this of course) for Peyronies Disease, you should consider doing that VED first.

If it shows promising results, then you could add the two extra cylinders (provided Augusta Medical would sell them to you) later. So far, I know of no member being able to buy them from Augusta. You should call Augusta on their toll free line and simply just ask if they would sell the A and B cylinder if you already have the Vitality VED. Then your know for sure if they are available before purchasing the Vitality.

The Vitality is available from this site at the cost stated above:  www.diabetessupplies4less.com

You could follow the one cylinder VED protocol posted in the VED board section of the home page index. The diabetic site URL is also listed in that protocol.

Let me know by PM if you have any specific questions.

Old Man
Age 92. Peyronies Disease at age 24, Peyronies Disease after
stage four radical prostatectomy in 1995, Heart surgery 2004 with three bypasses/three stents.
Three more stents in 2016. Hiatal hernia surgery 2017 with 1/3 stomach reduction. Many other surgeries too.