"Resmed not in Canada you say?" ... a pity

seanconnery · Post by **seanconnery** » Tue May 23, 2006 7:35 pm

I have ordered Resmed items from CPAP.com before but now I am told that that I can't and that Resmed has a policy not to have their products sent to Canada.

Have others experienced this? Does someone have an answer as to why this has happened?

My thanks

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Tue May 23, 2006 9:22 pm

there could be ways around that, but it would prolly delay the shipment for a good while, dunno what the deal is, if you could buy it in the us and then take it with you up north would be one way, i'm sure there are other ways as well.

Darth Vader Look · Post by **Darth Vader Look** » Tue May 23, 2006 9:43 pm

I guess I'm in the same boat with you seanconnery. I was fully prepared to purchase another Resmed mask but the dreaded border got in the way. I have no idea which rocket scientist/brain surgeon at Resmed concocted this silly stint but it sure pisses me off. There are only 3 choices that I see you doing:

1. Get a mail box just across the border and have the Resmed item shipped there. Not sure of the particulars but for just that it is probably not worth it.

2. Try finding an online source close to the border that you can walk in and buy the item from them.

3. Have the item shipped to a friend or family living in the USA, hopefully close to the border and go pick it up from them or have them readdress the unopened box and mail it up to you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 23, 2006 9:47 pm

Resmed is pushing hard to control the internet. They will cut off any dealer shipping internationally or dealer to dealer in hopes that everyone will have to buy from them in their local country (for much higher prices). They are bullying dealers and screwing customers. Don't buy their stuff if you can avoid it.

seanconnery · Post by **seanconnery** » Tue May 23, 2006 9:54 pm

I can do all those evasive tactics, but I would prefer to understand the reasoning behind this. With Nafta and 'open borders' to Canada, US, and Mexico, this appears to be some pressuring by Canadian resellers, or, Resmed deciding this policy on other than economic principles.

Johnny, can uyou shed a light on this please?

Bellcrest · Post by **Bellcrest** » Wed May 24, 2006 5:52 am

A short while back, just after they imposed this 'no resmed products outside the US' policy, I placed an order with cpap.com. they of course refused to send to me because I am in Canada.

I did however find the same product at another online supplier. This supplier had no problem sending resmed products to Canada.

One could also order from cpap.com and have product delivered to a friend in the US, then have the friend mail it on to you. Round about way, but always where there is a will there is a way. Personallly, I think I'll just not purchase anything resmed until they see fit to change this policy.

johnnygoodman · Post by **johnnygoodman** » Wed May 24, 2006 9:17 am

Greetings,

I am deeply saddened by Resmed policy. I believe that Resmed does not understand what the internet will mean to the CPAP industry and is constructing its policy accordingly. You ask me to shed light on this, but I see no reason it in. I do see that it will cause much short term pain for our business and for international customers. Long term I fear the pain will be felt by Resmed as other willing brands step up and meet the need.

Resmed just had an amazing quarter where they moved past Respironics to attain the largest market cap of any CPAP manufacturer. Right now they are kings of the world and feel as if they can take on anything.

I'd remind you that Respironics, Fisher & Paykel, Puritan Bennett, AEIOmed and Hoffman Labs would all love your business.

Johnny

seanconnery · Post by **seanconnery** » Wed May 24, 2006 9:18 am

Thanks for this.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Wed May 24, 2006 10:04 am

johnnygoodman wrote:Long term I fear the pain will be felt by Resmed as other willing brands step up and meet the need.

Gotta love competition. This might be the beginning of a very good thing. I have to wonder if we're seeing the first ripples of a reshaping of the industry caused by the internet. (My sympathies to those of you north of the US border though.)

Johnny, reading between the lines here a little, it would seem that the impact of the internet has been felt by DME's in Canada, and ResMed has merely responded in knee-jerk fashion to pressure from their customers. (Hey, as individuals we are merely just end users of their products, not ResMed's real customers, or so ResMed thinks.) It also puts into perspective how much ResMed responds to the desires of the end users of their products.

I'll forego the plug on the need for a users group, as I'm greatly heartened to think that at least one manufacturer has been affected by and responded to the actions taken individually by end users of their products.

The fact that the company took actions contrary to what many of the end users want, is merely an opportunity for the marketplace to respond.

Regards,
Bill

john5757 · Post by **john5757** » Wed May 24, 2006 12:18 pm

[

Bill,
I think that your statement is good.
I am not sure what is the market share that ResMed has in Canada and they are trying to preserve that share by protecting the local DME so they think. By the way according to CPAP.COM sales figures, Puritan Bennett is the "king of the Hill" not Resmed.
I have seen the "knee-jerk" reaction being used before. The state of Florida has banned internet sales of hearing aids to Florida for example.

seanconnery · Post by **seanconnery** » Fri May 26, 2006 10:17 am

I emailed Resmed to ask about their policy and thought you might be interested in the nature of their reply:

In response to your question about sales to Canada from the US. Since these
are medical devices most units sold worldwide from ResMed are configured
differently according to what is required by each country. Each country
will have restrictions, regulations and requirements for these devices that
manufacturers have to adhere to in order for the items to be sold in that
country.

Vitalaire will be the provider in most of Canada. Their general # for
contact is : 905-855-0440
They will be able to provide you with a # of a location nearest you.

Thank you for your inquiry,
ResMed Customer Service
ResMed Corp.
14040 Danielson St.
Poway, CA 92064

> "Global Leaders in Sleep and Respiratory Medicine"

It appears that we in Canada have different bodily requirements and therefore specialized engineering

Bella · Post by **Bella** » Fri May 26, 2006 10:25 am

Oh goody - the DME I've been dealing with is their "competition". I wonder if they will get supplies from Vitalaire. I need new Swift pillows.

Bellcrest · Post by **Bellcrest** » Fri May 26, 2006 10:29 am

Just checked out their website and locations.....some choice.

All Resmed products. I think I'll still look at the other options. I hate being treated like I can't choose a product and/or manufacturer for myself.

There other other options besides Resmed.

Prices here in Canada are ridiculous. Now we are a 'captive' audience fro Resmed.....I think not.

Bella · Post by **Bella** » Fri May 26, 2006 10:37 am

I agree. There are a few Vitalaire locations around where I live, so finding them is ok. But if they're the sole supplier, those ridiculous prices will get worse.

My insurance doesn't cover supplies, and it only covers a mask once every 5 years - a recent "improvement" from the once every 10 years. So masks and parts thereof are pretty much out of my own pocket. It's too bad that I love the Swift so much.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri May 26, 2006 4:50 pm

Just order from cpap.com and have your stuff shipped to a US address...

Say, anyone want to start a CPAP supply forwarding business?

Beware the evil DME Beware the evil Resmed

"Resmed not in Canada you say?" ... a pity

"Resmed not in Canada you say?" ... a pity

Resmed products

Vitalaire Canada

I'm with you!

Machine	Mask