CPAP Broke, New Laws, Black Market

My S9 Elite no longer works. The medical supply company I always used says I need a new prescription from a doctor...they say it's a new law.
My sleep study was 2011.
I know my pressure setting was 11, I didn't use the humidifier.

I just want a new (or used) CPAP, I don't want another doctor's visit and sleep study. My insurance is high deductible ($3500)

Suggestions?
Thanks,
Brett
brettstaylor@gmail.com

Secondwind.com and there are sellers on the forum. I highly recommend STLMark - I have bought from him.
Any one can write a prescription who can write one. Including your dentist.

And it is not "a law" it is an insurance rule.

You are entitled to a copy of your prescription. If you have online access to your medical provider you may even be able to download a copy of it, like I did. The doctor's office should be willing to give you the prescription.

For new machines, the best non-insurance prices are on our sponsor's site: cpap.com. The best used with a warranty prices are on secondwindcpap.com. The cheapest prices are on craigslist but it requires lots of due care and attention to not end up with an overpriced machine or something that reeks of smoke or has lots of hours on it.

Many people keep their old machines when they upgrade just in case something like this happens as sleep is impossible without the machine for many of us.

My original Rx, written back in 2009, stated that it was for a "lifetime" period. Insurance companies may require a new one but, on-line sellers (cpap.com) accepted mine with no problem. My newest RX now designates a 99 year duration. I'd request a copy of your original Rx so that you can have it on file in case you can't get a new one written. Good luck !

brettstaylor wrote:The medical supply company I always used says I need a new prescription from a doctor...they say it's a new law.

Only if you are trying to get the Insurance company involved.

If you have a high deductible as you have indicated, you can just buy one on your own using ANY RX you already have.

As mentioned many options, Secondwind, CPAP.com, Craigs List... private seller...

Suggest you remove your email address from your post.

Your regular physician can write a cpap script. Just ask him/her to do it for ya.

Thanks for all the help!
I found another website, http://www.1800cpap.com , and called them. They will take my sleep study in lieu of a prescription, so I've requested that from doc's office. There prices seem reasonable too.

Thanks again!
Brett

Update- My Primary changed his mind and wrote a prescription for me.
Now my decision is which one to purchase, another S-9, or something less pricy like this-

IntelliPAP Standard Travel CPAP Machine

I don't use humidifier, but the rep at CPAP.com said this was a quiet machine, and lists for $308 (vs. $724 for an S-9)

Any thoughts?

I guess it depends on whether you want an auto machine or just a straight cpap, also whether you're concerned about a machine that provides sleep report data. One factor for me was the LCD display on an S9 Autoset, it's is SO much nicer than the Respironics one that I just retired to backup duty. A straight, no-frills cpap machine can be pretty inexpensive compared to a "deluxe" model. Good luck !

What is the difference in a CPAP and an auto machine?

The "C" stands for constant positive airway pressure, an auto machine "reads" your breathing and apnea events and makes adjustments to the air pressure supplied throughout the sleep period. (As far as I know )

Gasper62 wrote:The "C" stands for constant positive airway pressure, an auto machine "reads" your breathing and apnea events and makes adjustments to the air pressure supplied throughout the sleep period. (As far as I know )

that's pretty much correct.

technically, they're all 'cpap' either straight pressure or auto adjusting. the C actually stands for "continuous"

palerider wrote:

Gasper62 wrote:The "C" stands for constant positive airway pressure, an auto machine "reads" your breathing and apnea events and makes adjustments to the air pressure supplied throughout the sleep period. (As far as I know )

that's pretty much correct.

technically, they're all 'cpap' either straight pressure or auto adjusting. the C actually stands for "continuous"

Cool! I knew it was somethin' like that. I think xpap sounds dirty.......

You should really try to get an auto machine because it gives you more options. It can be used in either cpap or auto mode.

Also, a machine that is supported by the wonderful, free SleepyHead software would be ideal. This will let you monitor your progress, get advice, and make adjustments, should it be necessary.

Used machines are the least expensive option. secondwindcpap.com sells tested machines with a warranty.

Money can be saved by buying on craigslist but it requires lots of checking and being careful and LUCK! 90% of the machines on craigslist are overpriced. I got the machine in my profile for $100 with 95 hours on it but deals that good are rare.

Trusted forum members often sell machines for a reasonable price.

Gasper62 wrote:Cool! I knew it was somethin' like that. I think xpap sounds dirty.......

I believe, sir, you are thinking about xxxpap.

there's some posts on the forum regarding that, one of which got dug up not too long ago.