Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Judy on July 13, 2009 at 5:08pm

It totally depends on how helpful this local DME supplier is going to be. Some provide such poor service and education you are better off buying online and getting just what you want at a lot cheaper price. Whatever you decided be sure that you get a CPAP or APAP that is fully data capable or you will eventually regret it. Just because a CPAP has a data card does NOT mean it is fully data capable.

The online DME supplier will have your CPAP set up according to your CPAP script. And you will get the Clincians Manual as well as the Users Manual. There's no reason why you can't buy your CPAP and humidifier online and your mask from the local DME supplier IF you find the local DME supplier to be good to work with, honest and knowledgeable about mask fitting w/a lenient mask exchange policy.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on July 13, 2009 at 5:26pm

Julia,
Please tell us you secured a copy of your sleep study (a full and complete copy) and a copy of your non-descript script? The script should read your pressure setting(s), machine type - CPAP, BiPAP, APAP, etc. and the mask of the patient's choice. You need these two items now and in the future. GET AND KEEP COPIES !

If you didn't, you are entitled to them. Contact your issuing doctor and request them. Do not let them say No.

Depending upon your financial situation, there are several ways to get your equipment without empting your wallet.

Ask and I shall tell.

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Permalink Reply by Julia on July 13, 2009 at 5:31pm

No, I didn't get copies, but I will call tomorrow and request them. The DME is sending my script to me.

I have looked on Craigslist for my area nd see several machines that look affordable. I just don't want to throw away my money.

Thanks for the advice on getting copies of my study.


Dan Lyons said:

Julia,
Please tell us you secured a copy of your sleep study (a full and complete copy) and a copy of your non-descript script? The script should read your pressure setting(s), machine type - CPAP, BiPAP, APAP, etc. and the mask of the patient's choice. You need these two items now and in the future. GET AND KEEP COPIES !

If you didn't, you are entitled to them. Contact your issuing doctor and request them. Do not let them say No.

Depending upon your financial situation, there are several ways to get your equipment without empting your wallet.

Ask and I shall tell.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on July 13, 2009 at 5:39pm

but what incentive does the DME have to work with a patient if the DME isn't getting the sale on the machine and mask? put another way, will a local DME provide support for a machine and mask bought online from somewhere else?

Judy said:

It totally depends on how helpful this local DME supplier is going to be. Some provide such poor service and education you are better off buying online and getting just what you want at a lot cheaper price. Whatever you decided be sure that you get a CPAP or APAP that is fully data capable or you will eventually regret it. Just because a CPAP has a data card does NOT mean it is fully data capable.
The online DME supplier will have your CPAP set up according to your CPAP script. And you will get the Clincians Manual as well as the Users Manual. There's no reason why you can't buy your CPAP and humidifier online and your mask from the local DME supplier IF you find the local DME supplier to be good to work with, honest and knowledgeable about mask fitting w/a lenient mask exchange policy.

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Permalink Reply by Julia on July 13, 2009 at 6:12pm

So far, the DME has only told me what it will cost and they have agreed to send my script to me. They told me that the $1300 was the final cost and I will have to pay that, that that is the cheapest they can give me. They said this will cover a basic machine, heated humidifier (doctor did want me to use one) the mask and equipment.

I will write again with details of the script order once I receive it. I just am really low knowing I can't start using the machine tonight as I had hoped.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on July 13, 2009 at 6:20pm

Julia,
What Mike said is going to happen.

Once the DME figures out that you are not going to purchase from him, he is going to turn a deaf ear to you. He is in business to make money - period. Once he isn't making money off of you, he has zero incentive to help.

You need to go to your physician (they are required by law to provide copies to you) and obtain the copies and make sure that the doctor does not pin you to a certain mask. A mask is like a pair of shoes - you need to find the one that fits you. For the first time, I might consider shop several local DME's who are willing to work with you to determine the mask you like and feels the best to you.

Here is a Craigs List search engine that will allow you to do a nationwide search if you desire. (Yesterday, I found machines as cheap as $25.00 to $100 for great Resmed machines/complete.)

http://www.searchtempest.com/

When you shop Craigs List, make sure you purchase using PayPal as it affords you a buyer's protection. Research the item they are selling. Get the hours on the machine and ask what it includes.

When I do my searches, I just enter the name Resmed or Respironics and it gives me all the different units out there.

If you need some additional help, just send me an email. (check your page and it will be there.)

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Permalink Reply by Julia on July 13, 2009 at 6:25pm

Thanks for all the advise so far. Do you agree that I should get the mask from the local DME if I get the cpap from Craigs List?

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Permalink Reply by Dan Lyons on July 13, 2009 at 6:36pm

If it were I, I would find out if the DME has sample masks to see which one suits your needs. You can always ask if he has a lightly used samples which would allow you to see which one works for you. From that point on, you can buy your mask anywhere cheaper.

I can rebuild my masks for < $30.00 to as new conditions. You can buy hoses for 3 for $10.00, a yrs supply of machine filters for less than 15. You just need to learn where to shop.

I would also ask the dr for a script for the distilled water you are going top be using. With the script, it allows you to deduct it's cost from your taxes as a medical expense.

Julia said:

Thanks for all the advise so far. Do you agree that I should get the mask from the local DME if I get the cpap from Craigs List?

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Permalink Reply by Jim Nadolny, BS, CRT on July 13, 2009 at 6:56pm

Most local DME companies will NOT service a mask that is purchased from another place. However, some DME companies would not mind just providing the mask. The reason for this is (and this is from my insider information) that the cpap supply business, from a DME point of view, is a razor blade business! They don't care that you bought the razor somewere else as long as you buy the razors from them. In other words, they want your disposable supply business. Every 3 months a cushion, Every 6 months a new mask, Filters, tubing, headgear. I happen to know for a fact that the 3 largest DME companies in the country have Cpap supply divisions that do nothing but call patients to see if they need to reorder their supplies. The computer programs are set up to flag when a patient's Insurance company will pay for new supplies. So if they are smart they will service her and service her well! Most patients are on this therapy the rest of their lives. Thats a lot of masks over the years.

Mike said:

but what incentive does the DME have to work with a patient if the DME isn't getting the sale on the machine and mask? put another way, will a local DME provide support for a machine and mask bought online from somewhere else?

Judy said:

It totally depends on how helpful this local DME supplier is going to be. Some provide such poor service and education you are better off buying online and getting just what you want at a lot cheaper price. Whatever you decided be sure that you get a CPAP or APAP that is fully data capable or you will eventually regret it. Just because a CPAP has a data card does NOT mean it is fully data capable.
The online DME supplier will have your CPAP set up according to your CPAP script. And you will get the Clincians Manual as well as the Users Manual. There's no reason why you can't buy your CPAP and humidifier online and your mask from the local DME supplier IF you find the local DME supplier to be good to work with, honest and knowledgeable about mask fitting w/a lenient mask exchange policy.

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Permalink Reply by Julia on July 13, 2009 at 7:10pm

I am appreciating all the advice. My panic feelings are abating. I am beginning to feel like there are things back in my control again. This is such an unknown world to me, it sounds pretty complex and complicated...something I hope will improve with experience.

I can already tell this is a great group to turn to for help.

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Permalink Reply by Moe-jo on July 13, 2009 at 10:08pm

Jim Nadolny, BS, CRT said:

Most local DME companies will NOT service a mask that is purchased from another place. However, some DME companies would not mind just providing the mask. The reason for this is (and this is from my insider information) that the cpap supply business, from a DME point of view, is a razor blade business! They don't care that you bought the razor somewere else as long as you buy the razors from them. In other words, they want your disposable supply business. Every 3 months a cushion, Every 6 months a new mask, Filters, tubing, headgear. I happen to know for a fact that the 3 largest DME companies in the country have Cpap supply divisions that do nothing but call patients to see if they need to reorder their supplies. The computer programs are set up to flag when a patient's Insurance company will pay for new supplies. So if they are smart they will service her and service her well! Most patients are on this therapy the rest of their lives. Thats a lot of masks over the years.

This makes sense. My DME just posted a notice on their website welcoming internet shoppers who have purchased their machine online. Part of the message states "...Service Program for clients who have purchased their CPAP and accessories online. Often, the CPAP device requires programming and settings, particularly for new customers who have never owned a CPAP. The Respiratory Therapists will titrate your unit and adjust your mask interface, customizing your therapy to meet your needs". There's got to be something in it for them, I guess it's repeat business and referrals by word of mouth.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on July 13, 2009 at 11:03pm

cool that you found that, Moe-jo. can you let us all know which DME company it is so that we can check them out on the web?

Moe-jo said:

Jim Nadolny, BS, CRT said:

Most local DME companies will NOT service a mask that is purchased from another place. However, some DME companies would not mind just providing the mask. The reason for this is (and this is from my insider information) that the cpap supply business, from a DME point of view, is a razor blade business! They don't care that you bought the razor somewere else as long as you buy the razors from them. In other words, they want your disposable supply business. Every 3 months a cushion, Every 6 months a new mask, Filters, tubing, headgear. I happen to know for a fact that the 3 largest DME companies in the country have Cpap supply divisions that do nothing but call patients to see if they need to reorder their supplies. The computer programs are set up to flag when a patient's Insurance company will pay for new supplies. So if they are smart they will service her and service her well! Most patients are on this therapy the rest of their lives. Thats a lot of masks over the years.

This makes sense. My DME just posted a notice on their website welcoming internet shoppers who have purchased their machine online. Part of the message states "...Service Program for clients who have purchased their CPAP and accessories online. Often, the CPAP device requires programming and settings, particularly for new customers who have never owned a CPAP. The Respiratory Therapists will titrate your unit and adjust your mask interface, customizing your therapy to meet your needs". There's got to be something in it for them, I guess it's repeat business and referrals by word of mouth.

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