anyone of you bought CPAC online?  how does it work?  it's ligitimate?


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mild6

Mild6  -

A lot of folks have bought machines or supplies online.  Like any other online purchase there are good stores and ones that are not so good.  We don't promote a particular brand or vendor here to keep things impartial, so we won't be posting names of stores, but I am sure that as soon as a few folks see this they will pm you with their favorite store.  (Don't be afraid tho, they tell us they aren't salesman     )

I would also be interested in hearing about the Online stores - successes and failures.  Do we need to be concerned about support?  Or do all the machines go back to manufacturer for repairs.  The support issue would be my main concern.  Thank you!

mild6 wrote:

anyone of you bought CPAC online?  how does it work?  it's ligitimate?

Hi Mild6,

If this is your first machine I would not advise purchasing online. I agree prices are keener, but you are effectively on your own afterwards. The ancient Romans had a phrase for it 'caveat emptor' (buyer beware).

Most reputable stores will require a prescription. I believe it is illegal in the US to provide a cpap machine without a prescription.

For compliance purposes your first machine, in fact your first 6 weeks with your machine are crucial. It is reckoned that if you are having problems after this period you will need extensive help to ensure compliance. It's a big enough step in your life and unfortunately the online store is not interested in providing one on one backup.

After you become accostomed to cpap and have learned the possible problems and learned how to deal with them I believe a little online shopping is not beyond the bounds of prudence, however you should maintain awareness and be certain of what you are purchasing, paricularly in the area of mask size. I think it wise to stick to recognised brands and when pricing make sure to compare like against like, and that the products are suitably branded for use in your country. For example cpap products purchased anywhere in the US are usually unlicensed for use in Europe, as equipment for use in Europe must carry the 'CE' mark. It is not that the goods are inferior, but if there should be a problem you will find that no company will want to know about it.

Its an interesting situation. There are a number of very reputable online stores supplying a huge range of equipment at good prices, but one is always afraid of a rogue as we are talking about our health.

I hope to see some interesting views.

Daniel


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Kathleen wrote:

I would also be interested in hearing about the Online stores - successes and failures.  Do we need to be concerned about support?  Or do all the machines go back to manufacturer for repairs.  The support issue would be my main concern.  Thank you!

 
This has been discussed before.  It really has to do with comfort level more than anything else.  IF you feel comfortable fitting your own mask, and machine, then you will do fine.  If you don't then find a GOOD DME (durable medical equipper)  that will work with you, let you try masks until you find one that works.  
 
Some folks will tell you that you won't save money that way, and its cheaper to buy online.  This is true.  IN SOME CASES.  Don't make the mistake of "thinking" your machine purchase will be covered without discussing it with your insurance company.  There is at least one online store that now has a separate company that accepts insurance, but don't expect the prices to be the same as their regular store.  
 
I purchased online, and my only regret was not being able to try different masks.  That was a costly mistake for me as I purchased 3 masks to find one that worked.  
 
For folks that already know what works, and just need replacement masks/supplies, I think that the online stores will really give you a great discount.  For folks just starting out, its totally what you feel comfortable with.

Thank you all for responding.  The reason I asked this question is because I saw alot of bargains offered by those e-shops, products like those famous brands that are sold here at a much higher price by the agents.  Unlike you folks living in North America and Australia, our policy here has zero coverage on CPAC, and to aggravate the situation, the agents who represent the famous brands here charge ridiculously high prices for the machines.  

After negotiations with the agent, they let me try their CPAC for 5 days providing that I bought a nasal mask from them, which cost me USD 130.  I tried the machine for 5 days, finding the mask irritating and leaking air all night in certain sleeping positions, so I had to keep one posture all nite to avoid leaking, which in turn caused back pain.  Anyway, to cut the long story short, I find CPAC very hard to comply, yet after sleeping with this machine on for a few nights, I did feel refreshed and less tired.  So, I think it works somehow for my OSA, but I didn't buy the machine since I wanted to do more research on alternatives, and while doing so, I found online shops selling CPAC at a much lower price.  I figure that if the price is more acceptable, I won't lose too much even if I buy the thing and force myself to try again.


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mild6

ITS THE MASK!!! Like you found, the mask is for most the make it or break it part of CPAP therapy.  What mask did they give you?  Are you a mouth breather?  Give us a bit more info and we might be able to suggest a better mask...

Mike,
Sorry for late reply.  They gave me the Respironics Comfort Gel nasal mask, size M.  Unless I fasten it like hell, it leaks here and there.


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mild6

I have an appt today with a respiratory therapist who is associated with a medical equipment outfit.  I'm curious as to what will be offered (I think an xs gel mask will be fine, as a small was used during study).  I have concluded that the service and support of a local med equip supply is worth a lot to me. Appt. is at the store.
Will let you know how I make out!