Resmed Policy Warning and Information

johnnygoodman · Post by **johnnygoodman** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 10:36 am

Resmed Policies Will Soon Effect CPAP Internet Buyers and Providers

We are compelled to inform you that effective October 1st, Resmed will impose new dealer limitations which will have a profound effect on all those who may be interested in buying Resmed products online. Here are the main points:

1. Resmed has chosen to grant only certain Internet CPAP providers permission to sell their products over the Internet. All other existing Internet providers will no longer be able to buy Resmed products.

2. Resmed is imposing price controls on all of their masks, humidifiers and machines sold over the Internet. This results in price increases for the consumer of 40% to 45% on average and in some cases much more. These price increases do not effect traditional "Brick and Mortar" CPAP providers.

3. Resmed will no longer allow the sale of their software products over the Internet.

Resmed has publicly stated that they are actively working to depress the sales of their products through Internet retailers. We advise anyone wanting to buy Resmed products from an Internet retailer to complete their purchases no later than Saturday, September 30, 2006. CPAP.com will offer Resmed products in October consistent with Resmed policies. Resmed pricing will be much higher and inconsistent with market forces and competitor's offerings.

After speaking with other manufacturers at the Medtrade Convention in Atlanta, it is clear that most are committed to building relationships with all CPAP patients and providers. We think that is the best way forward.

https://www.cpap.com/DisplayNewsletter/25

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 11:04 am

johnnygoodman wrote:After speaking with other manufacturers at the Medtrade Convention in Atlanta, it is clear that most are committed to building relationships with all CPAP patients and providers.

Thanks for the information, Johnny. I imagine we all were wondering if it was really going to come to pass.
I think it would be interesting to know what conversations took place in the board rooms of the other manufacturers.

Best wishes,

Den

Paul B · Post by **Paul B** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 11:14 am

Too sad. But if someone insists on shooting themselves in the foot, there's no way to stop them.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 11:14 am

johnnygoodman wrote:After speaking with other manufacturers at the Medtrade Convention in Atlanta, it is clear that most are committed to building relationships with all CPAP patients and providers.

It's good to know that the other vendors are not planning to follow willy-nilly along.

For those interested in observing free-market forces in action, this could be fun to watch, although I do feel for those folks who have found Resmed products most effective at treating their apnea symptoms.

Regards,
Bill (who observes business blunders daily on the front pages of The Wall Street Journal)

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 12:28 pm

Paul B wrote:Too sad. But if someone insists on shooting themselves in the foot, there's no way to stop them.

A "Friend would hand them a Shotgun" Jim

The man · Post by **The man** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:02 pm

Isn't what they are doing possibly illegal?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:14 pm

The man wrote:Isn't what they are doing possibly illegal?

We went through that discussion some time ago. There were any number of examples of other companies requiring "mandatory minimum pricing". It SEEMS like it should be, but then in many cases, stupidity isn't always illegal.

Den (who can see them holding their double-barrel 10 gauge, cocked and loaded....pointed downward)

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:27 pm

The man wrote:Isn't what they are doing possibly illegal?

I'm sure they're aware that it's NOT illegal.
Other companies do this also.
For example Apple Computers won't allow anyone to sell their hugely popular iPod products at a discounted price. So their prices are pretty much the same no matter where you go.

Bastards!

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:29 pm

I think this past Sunday's cartoon of Dilbert can be readily adapted to this Resmed predicament. Dogbert was instructing wannabe managers by having them throw a rock straight up into the air. Those whose rocks landed on their own heads were then allowed to graduate.

Regards,
Bill (wondering if an entire board of directors can be of this ilk)

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:36 pm

Goofproof wrote:
Paul B wrote:Too sad. But if someone insists on shooting themselves in the foot, there's no way to stop them.
A "Friend would hand them a Shotgun" Jim

I don't know about that.
Again, I'll cite Apple computer as an example. They seem to be doing great with all that price fixing of theirs. I've wondered if somehow that makes their products all the more desirable to some folks(certainly, not me). Maybe they're thinking "hey, it must be the best if they're charging double the price, I better get me one!"

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:46 pm

Thanks for the update Johnny.

I'm without insurance, have spent thousands on Resmed equipment, they won't get another dime from me.

Sure would like to know if anyone has tried the Mojo Full Face mask, because I'll be needing a replacement for my UMFF.

Sure wish Respironics would improve the quality of their FF (headgear, clips, possibly improving the headgear pivot), because I'd consider it.

When asked to comment on how this change would positively impact patient care Resmeds CEO had no comment:

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 3:32 pm

*Sigh.* Well, I guess it's time to cough up the work-study money I can't afford, to buy that Breeze I want to try (no offense to my beloved Aura, but I want to try -everything- at some point, and it seems as if I don't do it now, I won't have the chance with ResMed. The breeze is the only one of their interfaces that a) I don't have, and b) gets enough positive reviews around here for me to want to check it out before it goes up by $50.

My ins. pays for 2 masks per year. Until I get to where I can afford to pay for masks consistently on my own, those two will always be the Aura and the UMFF. No messing with perfection for me - if I didn't have at least one working set of each in my drawer, I'd be in serious trouble!

Thoughts on the Breeze and the intelligence of my "plan?" I'm sleep-deprived today, so may not be thinking straight.

sleepyred · Post by **sleepyred** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 4:24 pm

[quote="CollegeGirl"]*Sigh.* Well, I guess it's time to cough up the work-study money I can't afford, to buy that Breeze I want to try (no offense to my beloved Aura, but I want to try -everything- at some point, and it seems as if I don't do it now, I won't have the chance with ResMed. The breeze is the only one of their interfaces that a) I don't have, and b) gets enough positive reviews around here for me to want to check it out before it goes up by $50.

Thoughts on the Breeze and the intelligence of my "plan?" I'm sleep-deprived today, so may not be thinking straight.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:38 pm

sleepyred wrote:Isn't the breeze Puritan Bennett? Are they connected with Resmed?

Yes, the Breeze is made by Puritan Bennett (thank goodness.)

Puritan Bennett is not connected (thank goodness) with ResMed.

There are manufacturers (other than ResMed) making excellent machines and masks. Thank goodness!!!

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:44 pm

Guess I will be trying that Comfort lite 2 when my swift pillows run out. I wonder how long they keep on the shelf before deteriorating since I will put in an order immediately for a few more.

I will NOT be buying their stuff at 40 to 45% more.

Mask

Additional Comments: Aussie Heated hose for rain out/PapCap Headgear and chin strap

Machine

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