Used Mask from DME?

I went to pick up a new cushion for my Amara View mask at the DME. The one they gave me was in a torn baggie. I thought that was odd. Usually, the masks are in these airtight bags that obviously came from a manufacturer. Anyone ever received used equipment from a DME that was sold to you as "new?"

lwieland11 wrote:I went to pick up a new cushion for my Amara View mask at the DME. The one they gave me was in a torn baggie. I thought that was odd. Usually, the masks are in these airtight bags that obviously came from a manufacturer. Anyone ever received used equipment from a DME that was sold to you as "new?"

Was it a generic baggie or one that had the manufacturer logo? I received filters in a torn bag from my (former) DME. I called them and said that, even though the filters were in a manufacturer's bag, I could not be certain they were new. They sent new filters in a factory-sealed bag at no extra charge.

Why did you accept it? Why didn't you ask the DME rather than ask us?

lwieland11 wrote:I went to pick up a new cushion for my Amara View mask at the DME. The one they gave me was in a torn baggie. I thought that was odd. Usually, the masks are in these airtight bags that obviously came from a manufacturer. Anyone ever received used equipment from a DME that was sold to you as "new?"

That is odd. I'm really new to all things xpap, but in the general medical community, that item would NOT be considered new. If you were to try to return an item in a torn bag, they would refuse to give you a refund.

xxyzx wrote:

lwieland11 wrote:I went to pick up a new cushion for my Amara View mask at the DME. The one they gave me was in a torn baggie. I thought that was odd. Usually, the masks are in these airtight bags that obviously came from a manufacturer. Anyone ever received used equipment from a DME that was sold to you as "new?"

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mine opened bags to show me what they looked like
they are not necessarily used
more likely showroom models

Yes, what xxyzz said is probably what happened. I hope that I didn't sound alarmist or anything. However, anything that has been previously opened is no longer considered 'new' or 'sanitary' - which isn't necessarily the same as having been actually used by someone else. Problem being that you just don't know.

lwieland11 wrote:I went to pick up a new cushion for my Amara View mask at the DME. The one they gave me was in a torn baggie. I thought that was odd. Usually, the masks are in these airtight bags that obviously came from a manufacturer. Anyone ever received used equipment from a DME that was sold to you as "new?"

I would have found that odd also and would have asked for a different mask. Unfortunately, there are awful stories on the forum about some DMEs, and I would be careful when purchasing from them.
.

The ONLY time it is acceptable for a DME to sell you a mask in a non sealed bag is when they open the bag in front of you so you know that it is brand new and was sealed.
Used or not...demo or not.
Now if they want to give you something and not charge for it...that's perfectly fine.

My (former) DME brought out a mask in an opened bag.
There was a part missing.
They retrieved the part from who knows where.
This was my LAST visit with them.
I did not bother telling them why they lost my business.

The masks are often shipped with all of the parts, including interchangeable cushions of different sizes in a package (especially for nasal pillow and certain nasal masks). It's not uncommon for the DME to take out all but the size you need, and then sell the others at full price to other people. THEY don't see anything wrong with the practice--and if you look at your bill or EOB, you will see you were charged for each part separately, even if they came all together in the same package (which often costs less than the parts packaged separately). So they get to make extra money off freebie parts they stole from you.

I think this practice stinks because they are essentially getting paid twice for the same parts, and--as you point out--you don't know if the parts were on someone else's face before yours. The fitting with the DME is cursory at best, and you may find that the sizing isn't quite right, so it would be better to try another size cushion, strap, or frame that might have been included in the bag originally.

You should have complained before walking out with the bag. Now it will be difficult to prove.

I'm pretty new to all this, but ordered a Dreamwear nasal pillow fit pack from Amazon which arrived open and missing the interface that goes between the elbow and hose. Between your story and the one about the used machine pawned off as new by the DME I'm getting pretty paranoid.

When I saw that the cushion was in a torn baggie, I asked them if it was used. Of course they said no, "we would never sell a used mask." So, I suppose either they weren't telling the truth or, more likely, it was just being sold separately to make money. Still, this was a baggie and a torn one at that. Not acceptable.

When I saw that the cushion was in a torn baggie, I asked them if it was used. Of course they said no, "we would never sell a used mask." So, I suppose either they weren't telling the truth or, more likely, it was just being sold separately to make money. Still, this was a baggie and a torn one at that. Not acceptable.

They took advantage of you.

If I went into a car dealership and paid for a new car, then when I picked it up, looked at the odometer and is said 1,000 miles on it. I don't think I would have drove it home.

Even if I did, I am sure I NEVER would buy anything from them, period, but that's just how I roll! Jim

P.S. If you see a DME's mouth moving, they are lying!