Issues with CPAP Cost and Apria

I have had sleep apnea for over 6 years and have been on an auto cpap all this time. I
purchased my CPAP from Apria Health and now I have been told I have to pay 126.00 a year maintainance fees and I don't own the machine! The machine I have is the Respironics REMstar M Series AUTO CPAP with C-Flex, SmartCard, and Humidifer and the humidifier has leaked on me twice in the 1 1/2 years and needed replacing.

So what I would love to do is purchase my own CPAP (at a reasonable price)and not have to deal with APRIA or any other medical supply company and be at the mercy of the insurance company telling me what to do. I want to be able to set my own pressure range too. I want to manage my own supplies.

Any ideas, advise or perpective would be most appreciated.

Cathy
Austin, Tx

Hi Cathy,
I had the same problem with Apria. I started with a C-pap and then the Dr changed me to an auto. Apria wanted to charge me an outrageous monthly fee for the upgrade. Through the many helpful people on this site I realized that It was much easier and cheaper to buy my own apap unit from c-pap.com. They were very helpful, and I received my new machine in just a few days. Now I am in control of my own therapy!

By the way the new m series humidifier is easier to use and I have not had any leaking problems, also the plug is different so there is still a brick but it is slightly smaller and there is only one plug/cord to deal with.

Best of luck.
Caroline

Hmn, I have Apria, but my insurance bought my machine. I pay no fees to them (as far as I know). Never buy anything from a DME with your own money if you can avoid it. Cpap.com is so much cheaper.

Cathy,

You might try cpapauction.com, too. I see new and used machines going for very reasonable prices. I bought my new machine there.

Have fun shopping, and welcome to the forum!

Bev

Thanks everyone. I am going to that website now. I have never set my own pressure levels before. Will cpap.com give me instructions on how to set me levels?

It's an amazing thing! When you purchase your own equipment it comes with all the directions. They don't take the clinicians info out and hid it on you like the DME's do.

Best of luck