Nasal Aire II replacement Prong

jackr · Post by **jackr** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 7:32 am

These things are so expnensive. $32 each and a new mask for $89 comes with 3 sizes.

Anyway I am on my second mask so I have 2 of each Medium Plus and Extra Large that have never been used that I would like to trade for Large sizes if anyone had extra.

I would really rather not spend the money and hope a few people are in the same boat as me.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 10:20 am

I agree. I wish CPAP.COM carried the full size range version, then we could just buy that version, and trade off our unwanted prongs.

But, since they don't, I'm thinking of buying it here:

$98:
http://directhomemedical.com/masks-cpap ... ggodz3TZLQ

I use Medium Plus and would be happy to trade you when I buy a new mask. Sorry, already traded off the Larges I had from my original NAII.

I'll put you on my list for future trades. I should be buying a new mask soon, anyway.

Cheers,
B.

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 10:44 am

Don't want to hijack this post but Babette, How long have you had your NA II and why are you replacing it? I was wondering how long to expect it to last. Some one posted that he had been using the same one for 2 1/2 years. The instructions says the cannula can be cleaned up to 90 times.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 10:58 am

Not replacing it. But anticipating loss of seal due to cannula deterioration, and thinking I'd buy a new one sometime between now and October. My original DME told me I could have a new mask every 6 months. So, going on THEIR info, I was toying with buying a new one around October.

After talking with my insurance, and reading more here, I am interested in trying the experiment of buying a new mask SOONER than that, and seeing what the insurance does.

But, I think I want to let the current situation with the machine come to resolution before I do that. Not going to repeat that tale - it's been told elsewhere at LENGTH.

I've heard other NAII users complain of hoses hardening. I haven't experienced that, though they are grey. They don't seem harder to me, but I'd have to compare them to a brand new one to really tell.

So far, the cannula doesn't seem to be deteriorating the way you'd expect a more delicate mask to - like the Hybrid, for example, with that delicate silicone membrane seal.

So... That's my thinking! Thanks for reminding me you use it too. I should make a list of all the NAII users on this forum to contact for cannula trades when I buy my new mask.

Anyone out there with longevity tales, or deterioration tales, please weigh in and tell us your tales and your replacement schedule.

Cheers,
B.

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:14 am

Thanks, I looked at the cannula and the cost was only $24 as opposed to $99. Kinda figured the hose would last longer than the cannula so maybe a spare cannula might be a good investment, but then maybe not. Because my DME filed my mask twice I can't get a new one until December.

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:21 am

With some insurance, you can replace the pillows more frequently, like every month or maybe less. I think (but not sure) that this would be classified as a pillow. If things keep going well with me for the NAII, I'll try and get this as a replacement pillow at the end of the month. Check with your insurance provider to see.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:28 am

Ha ha!!! Love that line - check with your insurance. You really don't want to know what some stupid twit told me when I tried to get a SCHEDULE from them!!!!

"Well, you can get a new one when you need one."

ME: Okay, when is that?

"There is no time. It's when you need one."

ME: Okay, so when do you decide how often that is? Is 30 days too soon? Or 90 days? When would you refuse to pay for a new mask.

"It doesn't work that way."

ME: Okay, how does it work?

He never really spelled it out. I got the distinct impression he was not TOLD anything to say to me in this regard. Like it's a big honking secret. They'll decide if they want to pay for it, or not, on an individual basis.

OR... They decide based on their contracts with DME's, which appear to also be HIGHLY INDIVIDUAL. I'm seeing different DME's with different schedules for the same product. Which boils down to INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS in my opinion.

I have met a very intelligent person at my insurance, and I may try to contact her again and see if she can give me a more DEFINITE answer. But, as I said, I really don't want to open this can of worms until the last can is closed, sealed, and destroyed.

LOL,
B.

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:42 am

If you look on the billmyinsurance it shows the replacement schedule to be pillows (cannula) 2 per month, mask every 3 months (but no headgear) don't think NAII is obtainable without the headgear, mask with headgear every 6 months. I never heard or getting one when you need it???? I would not take any bets on that statement.

jennmary · Post by **jennmary** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 12:15 pm

My DME is pretty great. They gave me a full list of what and when as far as replacement goes on the very first day. They want to get paid.....and so they want me to know when I can get new stuff. They had it all printed up and individual for me. It went into the folder with all the other fun stuff they gave me. I didnt bother calling my insurance. They give me the runaround at every opportunity and I dont really feel like taking to them.

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 1:53 pm

6PtStar wrote:If you look on the billmyinsurance it shows the replacement schedule to be pillows (cannula) 2 per month, mask every 3 months (but no headgear) don't think NAII is obtainable without the headgear, mask with headgear every 6 months. I never heard or getting one when you need it???? I would not take any bets on that statement.

That's what my insurance company told me, too! But when I ask my DME if I can replace something, they say things like "Your insurance only allows a mask every 6 months, a pillow every month, etc." They told me that I could have a hose every month, but I really don't want a lot of extra hoses falling out of my closet, just a backup in case the old one gets torn or something. I haven't followed the schedule, but I do want a backup for the equipment I use.

(BTW, I use the Aussie heated hose, but decided it didn't make sense to use it in the summer because I don't seem to have rainout in the summer, so I'm saving it for the cold months.)

jackr · Post by **jackr** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 1:54 pm

RosemaryB wrote:With some insurance, you can replace the pillows more frequently, like every month or maybe less. I think (but not sure) that this would be classified as a pillow. If things keep going well with me for the NAII, I'll try and get this as a replacement pillow at the end of the month. Check with your insurance provider to see.

I dont have insurance for this. I have a $5000 durable medical equipment deductable so I dont bother. I just pay for it so you can see my why I am interested in a trade!

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 7:08 pm

jackr wrote:
RosemaryB wrote:With some insurance, you can replace the pillows more frequently, like every month or maybe less. I think (but not sure) that this would be classified as a pillow. If things keep going well with me for the NAII, I'll try and get this as a replacement pillow at the end of the month. Check with your insurance provider to see.
I dont have insurance for this. I have a $5000 durable medical equipment deductable so I dont bother. I just pay for it so you can see my why I am interested in a trade!

You could also post it in the Mask Roulette area. Then when this post goes to the bottom it would still be active, since you have an ongoing need. Here's the link. People looking to trade pillows or prongs would often check there, too.

viewtopic/t19546/Play-MASK-ROULETTE-Giv ... 374215e3bb

jackr · Post by **jackr** » Mon Aug 13, 2007 8:08 am

thanks, I'll try that.