DME's/ Sleep Apnea ripoff cures.

Rested Gal,

You mentioned Apria as your DME, do you live in Northern California ? Apria is my DME as well. Anyway, 1 week into using my CPAP, and all seems well (except the times I rip my nasal mask off!haha)

As far as SA ripoff cures, have you guys heard about the Sleep Angel ? What a $65 ripoff.

Scott, I've never bought anything from a DME. If I ever did, I think Apria would be the last one I'd choose.

I've always bought my equipment from online stores and eBay. No insurance, so I buy my equipment out of pocket.

Another, different, Scott here. I'm in Northern CA and have Apria as my DME. Needless to say, I've recently switched to getting my CPAP related stuff online.

When I went into Apria they had about 8 of us there with one representative (I assume she was an RRT) who showed us how to put on our masks and then basically let us go. She didn't even give me the mask that was on my prescription as she felt the one she was giving me was better. There was no discussion whatsoever about options for masks or types of machines (until I found this board I didn't realize there were so many options). I got a basic REMstar without humidifier (again, I didn't even know that was an option). Since getting my CPAP and mask from Apria I haven't heard from them at all (that was almost 9 months ago) - except when I missed paying a bill by about a week (my insurance is still "renting" the equipment). When I did call about a month ago to explore mask options, I was told that I needed a new prescription, then they would make an appointment for me to speak with an RRT. So I bought a mask from cpap.com. After some more research, I bought a new CPAP and a couple more masks from cpap.com -- they even took my original prescription from 9 months ago for the CPAP (why couldn't Apria couldn't just use what they had on file? $$$ is my guess - more for them, more for the docs, etc.)

So, now I've spent about $1000 or so out of pocket - which is still less than it would have cost me had I gone through Apria and insurance after their markups and my deductible. I'm thinking I'll still submit to Blue Cross to see if they'll pick up part of it - but even if they don't I think I'm ahead of the game at this point.

I'd be interested to know if your experience with Apria is any better (perhaps had I been more knowledgeable - known about these forums, etc. - and more proactive from the beginning, my Apria experience would have been different?)

Scott

WAY TO GO! (different) Scott,

You discovered the pot of gold at the end of the cpap rainbow. You deserve a pat on the back for taking matters in to your own hands and finding out you can get what's best for you and still pay less.

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your story.

Scott,

I went through the same process at Apria, except they made a follow up appointment for me . First on Dec 30th 2004, I received my first Remstar with the card in it, which they told me would give them a readout, so they know what to set my permanent CPAP at. Then Jan 6th they gave me my permanent CPAC machine, a Remstar Plus set at 8. I have a folllow up appointment for January 28th.

Since I have been diagnosed in late December with SA, none have this has cost me a dime, since I go through Kaiser. I unfortunately can't afford to go out and purchase $700-$1000 worth of equipment, though If I was forced to, I'd probably figure out some way to pay for a CPAP, since it probably is a life or death decision. I am thinking about purchasing a full face mask, since I am a mouth breather, and sometimes find my nasal mask on the floor next to my bed.

Also, nobody replied about the Sleep Angel that I mentioned, but believe it or not, I've found a good use for it, I use it in conjunction with my nasal mask(and headgear), and it sometimes helps keep my mouth shut.

Thanx for the info from everybody, I find the info on the board incredibly informative.

Scott: I too got lured into the misnamed "Sleep Angel" What a rip off! I ordered it on-line, so I made a copy of the guarantee, and returned it for a full refund minus the shipping charges. It seems like the old saying, that if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't! AL

So much interesting talk about people breathing thru their mouth. Many people think that they're mouth breathers because before wearing the CPAP they would awaken with a dry mouth from snoring or heavy breathing with the mouth open.

The truth is that while a person is asleep, they willl breathe through what ever is the path of least resistance! Closepin on the nose and they'll open the mouth to breathe, duct tape on the mouth and they'll use the nose.

My point is that if you're getting enough air in thru the nose,most people will keep their mouths closed. Now I'm not talking about lip squeaks and leaks which is usually the way the tongue is positioned in the mouth, but folks sleeping with their mouth open while wearing the mask or ripping the mask off at night which is usually done because of air hunger.
If you're starved for more air than the pressure should be higher.

Bob