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Permalink Reply by Judy on July 13, 2009 at 11:10pm

Wow! A local DME supplier that will service an online purchased CPAP!!!!! Boggles the mind, doesn't it? And what is even more interesting and exciting is that at least one local DME supplier has noticed the sales going to the online suppliers and decided to take POSITIVE steps to combat the issue. Good on them!

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Permalink Reply by Moe-jo on July 14, 2009 at 12:12am

My DME is a relatively new company, and they seem to be keen with respect to customer satisfaction, at least, that's been my experience. They are in Atlantic Canada with three locations, two in Nova Scotia, and one in Newfoundland.

http://www.thesnoreshop.ca/index.asp

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Permalink Reply by Judy on July 14, 2009 at 7:53am

Shucks! It figures! It would be one of our Canadian friends' local DME suppliers and NOT one of our greedy USA businesses. *sigh* Wall Street rules the USA.

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on July 14, 2009 at 8:06am

This to me is a good buisness move. Even if they did not get the original sale building a relationship with a new PAP user is smart. There has to be some money in mask upkeep alone. Not to mention that down the road that customer is going to need another machine. On top of that look at how much good PR. Jim's and Mo joes' DMEs just got.

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.

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 RockRpsgt on July 14, 2009 at 8:19am

Julia I would suggest that you get a new machine if you can. The Respironcs Pro M series or the Resmed S8 series(right Judy) are bth great models with all of the options you are going to need for your PAP journey. Both companies give you a few different machines in each series. This should make it easier for you to find one in your color.

Here is a link to help you get started.

http://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle/S8-Vantage-APAP-H3i-Heated-H...

I would also recommend that you might try to work something out with your local DME if you can. Show them some of the online prices. See if they will barter. Some profit is better than no profit. A good DME can be a valuble part your team.

Just my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on July 14, 2009 at 8:28am

Not quite, Rock Hinkle. Saying Resmed S8 is like saying Respironics M Series. The Resmed S8 Compact and Resmed S8 Escape are NOT fully data capable. The Resmed S8 Escape II is NOT fully data capable. To the best of my knowledge Resmed does not make the Compact in the S8 II series. The Resmed S8 Elite or the Resmed S8 Elite II could be considered the Resmed equivalent of the Respironics M Series Pro. The Resmed Compact and Escape would be in the same class as the Respironics M Series Plus, not capable of full data. So the Elite becomes the Resmed key word just as Pro II or Pro is the key word w/Respironics. (And remember, the Respironics pre-M Series Pro was NOT fully data capable. In the pre-M Series it had to be the Pro II.

These doggone manuffacturers just do NOT seem to have much imagination when it comes to naming their various models.

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on July 14, 2009 at 8:44am

Like I said just like buying a car Judy. OPTIONS

Judy said:

Not quite, Rock Hinkle. Saying Resmed S8 is like saying Respironics M Series. The Resmed S8 Compact and Resmed S8 Escape are NOT fully data capable. The Resmed S8 Escape II is NOT fully data capable. To the best of my knowledge Resmed does not make the Compact in the S8 II series. The Resmed S8 Elite or the Resmed S8 Elite II could be considered the Resmed equivalent of the Respironics M Series Pro. The Resmed Compact and Escape would be in the same class as the Respironics M Series Plus, not capable of full data. So the Elite becomes the Resmed key word just as Pro II or Pro is the key word w/Respironics. (And remember, the Respironics pre-M Series Pro was NOT fully data capable. In the pre-M Series it had to be the Pro II.

These doggone manuffacturers just do NOT seem to have much imagination when it comes to naming their various models.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on July 14, 2009 at 9:21am

Yep, and I DO love the Resmed options. *wicked grin* Forgive me, Rock Hinkle, but I've forgotten. Do you need and use a CPAP?

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on July 14, 2009 at 9:48am

I tested last year and had an AHI of 5. I have managed to maintain if not lose a little weight. As well I am an overall healthier person. At 6"2 250lbs and a narrow jaw i am still at risk though. I will probably test myself again before the year is out.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on July 14, 2009 at 10:18am

I just wondered and couldn't remember. If you are a CPAP user its a LOT easier to keep the models and options straight. (And see, you thought we were all so smart 'cause we could rattle of the brand and model names - now you know our secret!)

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on July 14, 2009 at 10:34am

This is my machine education. If I can learn to keep up here then I will be fine at work.

Judy said:

I just wondered and couldn't remember. If you are a CPAP user its a LOT easier to keep the models and options straight. (And see, you thought we were all so smart 'cause we could rattle of the brand and model names - now you know our secret!)

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Permalink Reply by Julia on July 14, 2009 at 12:00pm

Okay, now my head is spinning again. All those models thrown out there....after reading this, I don't have a clue which one is good and which one is not.

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