First an intro. My husband was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few months ago, and finished a two month trial of CPAP machine and mask a couple of weeks ago, without (we thought) success. Through all that time, he only got to try two machines and two masks. Sometimes they'd send him home with the wrong adaptor, or when he got the new machine, with sketchy instructions on how to use it. Time dragged on and it wasn't helping much.
This was very disappointing after hearing from at least two friends who were diagnosed, got their machines, and almost literally overnight, were feeling better. Sheesh, things are never easy are they.
His problem has been that he ends up breathing through his mouth. He was using a nose "pillow". Even with his jaw clenched shut, his lips would part, a 1/4 inch and the air would blow out. I'd wake up with a cold neck from the gentle breeze emanating from his mouth. Or he'd let out these occasional loud puffs. He tends to sleep on his side or stomach, and is not overweight.
Long story. After the two months, the company said the trial period was up and we'd have to pay $150/month to rent it, or buy it outright. I said I didn't think we should have to pay for equipment that we weren't happy with. He went back to the Dr., who called the company, and they're now extending his trial period. I hadn't thought the machine was helping much, but in the few weeks since he gave it back, he has been deteriorating, sleepy much of the day, low energy, bad blood pressure, too tired when he exercises etc. Now I feel like the bad guy for just not shelling out the $150.
They want about $1,600 for the machine (which has a built-in humidifier) and the mask. Looking at some US sites, I see that his setup can cost much less. But they need a prescription from a US doctor to send it to Canada. For now, he got his old setup back yesterday, and we'll work from there. I've been thinking of asking them to order the Hybrid mask for him to try (they've never heard of it). The company he's using is Clinical Sleep Solutions. We're in Vancouver, he was diagnosed through the UBC sleep lab.
If you've read this far, thank you. My question is, has anyone ordered CPAP supplies online who lives in Canada? Were there any problems? Are there Canadian companies or did you order from the US?
Thanks. I'll find out the exact name of his equipment tonight and post it tomorrow.
Theresa
Buying "online" in Canada?
I've order a hose from someplace in BC (my insurance covered it thank god) but I didn't save them much, only about $10 in the end, but I've seen a couple of places in Canada. What part of Canada are you in?
The prices even online aren't much different from the prices I got mine at in Ottawa. If you're in Ontario, the ontario governement has a medical equipment subsidy that we get through the DMEs, that you won't get if you buy online. It covers about 3/4 the cost.
Just remember if you buy out of country, you'll probably need to pay GST and/or duty.
Lynne
The prices even online aren't much different from the prices I got mine at in Ottawa. If you're in Ontario, the ontario governement has a medical equipment subsidy that we get through the DMEs, that you won't get if you buy online. It covers about 3/4 the cost.
Just remember if you buy out of country, you'll probably need to pay GST and/or duty.
Lynne
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i saw a canadian web site that was priced higher than i what paid at the dme in ontario- check before you buy
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| Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
You don't need to spend that much money on an Auto Cflex machine. If you ARE going to spend $US1600, buy a Respiraonics Auto BiPaP w heated humidifier, and you are set for anything. Or, if you don't need the versatility and features (mainly the Bi Pap feature -- one pressure on exhale another on inhale, particularly beneficial for those who need high inhalation pressures), save money and buy their Auto Cflex.
Check with cpap.com as to whether they will fill a Canadian prescription.
Best,
David
Check with cpap.com as to whether they will fill a Canadian prescription.
Best,
David
I read the CPAP.com web site as being able to accept your prescription from Canada for machines other than ResMed. It just says that you and your doctor must be residents of the same country.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Prescriptions.html#136
This link is freq asked questions
Give CPAP.com a call and talk to them directly.
You don't say what machine you are looking to purchase but the most expensive APAP machine is $709 US so you can save a bit purchasing a machine onlline. A regular CPAP is even less.
Also do a search on this forum for mouth taping. This works for me and may well work for your husband to stop the mouth leakage.
https://www.cpap.com/cpap-faq/Prescriptions.html#136
This link is freq asked questions
Give CPAP.com a call and talk to them directly.
You don't say what machine you are looking to purchase but the most expensive APAP machine is $709 US so you can save a bit purchasing a machine onlline. A regular CPAP is even less.
Also do a search on this forum for mouth taping. This works for me and may well work for your husband to stop the mouth leakage.
I can confirm Snoregirl's info, however there is one exception. ResMed won't let any supliers ship out of the country or use an out of country script.
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| Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
| Mask: Eson™ 2 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Thanks for the replies.
We live in British Columbia (Vancouver), so any Ontario rebates wouldn’t apply to us.
My husband is currently using a Fischer & Paykel Health Care Sleep Style 600 CPAP series with a Thermo Smart button and a 600ml reservoir for the humidifier; a heated hose with fleece hose cover; and an over the head nasal pillow that looks exactly like this http://www.cpapman.com/hdgr9.JPG but with a slightly different head gear, and a chin strap (big neoprene/Velcro contraption that goes over the top and back of his head). His pressure is set at “9”.
I have extended medical coverage which will pay 80% of the cost of CPAP, so that helps, but I just wanted to explore mail–order options. The cost for the above setup will be $1600 (our portion will be $320). I saw the machine on a US site for $570 USD.
He’s slept with his setup for two nights now, and so far so good, although last night, he had a lot of bad dreams (mostly about the kids) and woke up a few times. I’ve been sleeping heavily, but I didn’t wake up hearing him snore or hearing any leaks. Also, the humidifier reservoir was still mostly full, which it isn’t when he has leaks. He’s still a bit tired today, but he tends to go to bed late to delay the awful experience of sleeping.
Are there other machines that would be better than what he’s using? I printed out information about the hybrid mask to take to the store so maybe they can order it for him to try.
I’m not sure about taping his mouth though. Boy, would that put me in the dog-house with the in-laws. They already think this whole CPAP thing is a scam, and don’t “buy” it.
I can imagine with the tape on, his cheeks would bulge out. Although with no leaks for the past two days, maybe he’s on a roll and won’t need to change anything.
I called https://www.cpap.com/ ‘s 1-800 number and talked to someone. They DO ship to Canada, with a Canadian prescription. You submit your order, and they will e-mail you with a shipping estimate, you pay in Canadian $. It can take about 2 weeks to arrive. She said it costs about $25 US to ship a machine. Companies that don’t ship to Canada are: ResMed, Aeiomed and Breathex. They don't have his exact machine, but a 604 model, for $549.
So I guess right now I’m mostly wondering if he has the best setup, and what other options to look into. Thanks.
Theresa
We live in British Columbia (Vancouver), so any Ontario rebates wouldn’t apply to us.
My husband is currently using a Fischer & Paykel Health Care Sleep Style 600 CPAP series with a Thermo Smart button and a 600ml reservoir for the humidifier; a heated hose with fleece hose cover; and an over the head nasal pillow that looks exactly like this http://www.cpapman.com/hdgr9.JPG but with a slightly different head gear, and a chin strap (big neoprene/Velcro contraption that goes over the top and back of his head). His pressure is set at “9”.
I have extended medical coverage which will pay 80% of the cost of CPAP, so that helps, but I just wanted to explore mail–order options. The cost for the above setup will be $1600 (our portion will be $320). I saw the machine on a US site for $570 USD.
He’s slept with his setup for two nights now, and so far so good, although last night, he had a lot of bad dreams (mostly about the kids) and woke up a few times. I’ve been sleeping heavily, but I didn’t wake up hearing him snore or hearing any leaks. Also, the humidifier reservoir was still mostly full, which it isn’t when he has leaks. He’s still a bit tired today, but he tends to go to bed late to delay the awful experience of sleeping.
Are there other machines that would be better than what he’s using? I printed out information about the hybrid mask to take to the store so maybe they can order it for him to try.
I’m not sure about taping his mouth though. Boy, would that put me in the dog-house with the in-laws. They already think this whole CPAP thing is a scam, and don’t “buy” it.
I can imagine with the tape on, his cheeks would bulge out. Although with no leaks for the past two days, maybe he’s on a roll and won’t need to change anything.
I called https://www.cpap.com/ ‘s 1-800 number and talked to someone. They DO ship to Canada, with a Canadian prescription. You submit your order, and they will e-mail you with a shipping estimate, you pay in Canadian $. It can take about 2 weeks to arrive. She said it costs about $25 US to ship a machine. Companies that don’t ship to Canada are: ResMed, Aeiomed and Breathex. They don't have his exact machine, but a 604 model, for $549.
So I guess right now I’m mostly wondering if he has the best setup, and what other options to look into. Thanks.
Theresa
For myself, the most important part of CPAP is the mask (or interface if you prefer). The machine is just there and with the exception of cflex, I don't have to interact with it on every breath if you get my drift. The mask however is a completely different story. What works for me will not necessarily work for you even if we are similar builds & have similar sleeping patterns.
I tried out most of the masks on the market (I have a great, but expensive DME), and both mask's I settled on are Fischer & Paykel's. I have great numbers with the nasal mask, but I have to use a chinstrap and I don't like it. Taping is out of the question for me as I'm a little claustrophobic. The mask I use the most is a full face, the leak rates are a little worse than the nasal, but no chinstrap! It is a little bulkier and required a few more adjustments during the night but I got used to it faster than anything else.
When I started on CPAP, my experience was the same as your husbands, I didn't think it was doing anything as I didn't have a sudden burst of energy etc. When I had to give the trial machine back it didn't take long to realize that it was working. The morning headaches were awful. In the long run, the six weeks I spent without the machine were very beneficial. At the end of the trial, I was getting irritated everytime I put the mask on and with each leak. Now I realize that the headaches, brainfog, and low energy will be back if I miss 1 night and I don't get irritated at the machine. It was just a change in mindset, but it made a world of difference for me!
Chris
I tried out most of the masks on the market (I have a great, but expensive DME), and both mask's I settled on are Fischer & Paykel's. I have great numbers with the nasal mask, but I have to use a chinstrap and I don't like it. Taping is out of the question for me as I'm a little claustrophobic. The mask I use the most is a full face, the leak rates are a little worse than the nasal, but no chinstrap! It is a little bulkier and required a few more adjustments during the night but I got used to it faster than anything else.
When I started on CPAP, my experience was the same as your husbands, I didn't think it was doing anything as I didn't have a sudden burst of energy etc. When I had to give the trial machine back it didn't take long to realize that it was working. The morning headaches were awful. In the long run, the six weeks I spent without the machine were very beneficial. At the end of the trial, I was getting irritated everytime I put the mask on and with each leak. Now I realize that the headaches, brainfog, and low energy will be back if I miss 1 night and I don't get irritated at the machine. It was just a change in mindset, but it made a world of difference for me!
Chris
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| Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
| Mask: Eson™ 2 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
You might want to check with your insurance if they'll cover from an online provider. Not many will and you may end up footing the full bill.
I use a Fischer Paykell HC220 (previous model to what you have), about almost 2 years ago, it was their main line. I've been happy with it. Still I too had a bill of about $1200.00. After our Ontario grant, the bill came to about $400 and my insurance paid for that. The company my DME is with is Access Therapy, I too get to try my masks, usually on about at 2 week basis for each one. Took almost the whole month to find a mask that worked for me.
When I went to get another one, they again let me try a number to find one and I actually found one in about 3 weeks this time (2 tries).
The only time I used an online service was for a new hose, when my cat killed the first one. I submitted my bill with a note that it was cheaper than buying from a DME and low and behold... they paid it.
My husband too is skeptical about the use of CPAP, but he does agree that it has done well for me. But he still believes its all a scam, with the big prices. And the fact lots of people are being diagnosed with it. (Mind you he has the same feelings about ADSD patients).
I think there is a disadvantage with buying a mask on-line... you buy, not try first, and you can't return it. My DME is good, as I said before, they allow the try option.
Lynne
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, CPAP, DME
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, CPAP, DME
I use a Fischer Paykell HC220 (previous model to what you have), about almost 2 years ago, it was their main line. I've been happy with it. Still I too had a bill of about $1200.00. After our Ontario grant, the bill came to about $400 and my insurance paid for that. The company my DME is with is Access Therapy, I too get to try my masks, usually on about at 2 week basis for each one. Took almost the whole month to find a mask that worked for me.
When I went to get another one, they again let me try a number to find one and I actually found one in about 3 weeks this time (2 tries).
The only time I used an online service was for a new hose, when my cat killed the first one. I submitted my bill with a note that it was cheaper than buying from a DME and low and behold... they paid it.
My husband too is skeptical about the use of CPAP, but he does agree that it has done well for me. But he still believes its all a scam, with the big prices. And the fact lots of people are being diagnosed with it. (Mind you he has the same feelings about ADSD patients).
I think there is a disadvantage with buying a mask on-line... you buy, not try first, and you can't return it. My DME is good, as I said before, they allow the try option.
Lynne
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, CPAP, DME
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, CPAP, DME
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CL
One other thing to consider about ordering online is the method of shipment.
Some companies do not offer any form of insurance or tracking and unless you have an established account with fedex or ups you are taking a gamble everything will come through.
I have ordered the hybrid mask and was told it would take 10 business days. That was up yesterday, let's hope it's in the mail today. I would recommend you sent up an account with a company, just so you have some insurance with a valuable purchase. Funny they haven't set this up since they are shipping to Canada?
Some companies do not offer any form of insurance or tracking and unless you have an established account with fedex or ups you are taking a gamble everything will come through.
I have ordered the hybrid mask and was told it would take 10 business days. That was up yesterday, let's hope it's in the mail today. I would recommend you sent up an account with a company, just so you have some insurance with a valuable purchase. Funny they haven't set this up since they are shipping to Canada?
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I think most of us would agree with him about the "big prices", but the therapy is genuine.ldemmery wrote:My husband too is skeptical about the use of CPAP, but he does agree that it has done well for me. But he still believes its all a scam, with the big prices. And the fact lots of people are being diagnosed with it. (Mind you he has the same feelings about ADSD patients).
It's not a scam. It's a physical affliction that does terrible things to a person.
Please tell him there are LOTS of believers here that would be more than happy to have a chance to convince him otherwise.
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Darth Vader Look
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Yes you are able to order xPAP equipment from the USA if you live in Canada. If your province has a program to pay for the device or a portion of it, you will have to buy it in Canada in order to take advantage of the program. In Ontario it is the Assisted Devices Program in association with OHIP. My suggestion is to find an online supplier who is close to you in order to reduce shipping charges and will also match the lowest price. If you are Resmed addicted, there are online sites that will ship to Canada. Because this is a medical device/supply there is NO duty or GST payable on it. UPS may try to profit from it by trying to take advantage of you not knowing this but if you put them straight, like I did, you should not have a problem. Just make sure the internet store marks the box clearly as medical supplies. The exchange rate is between 12 and 15% right now.
So what's the deal with Resmed that they won't ship etc. Are they really such a great supplier?Darth Vader Look wrote:If you are Resmed addicted
Theresa
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed
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Darth Vader Look
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Resmed doesn't want online suppliers of their equipment (in the USA) to be supplying other countries with this equipment. The word is that if you are Canadian you have to buy from a Canadian supplier. Same for other countries. I was still able to buy from the US after this went into effect with no problems. The Resmed product was shipped to me about 2 months after the ban came into effect. Because of this and other idiotic policies (read as 40% increase in Resmed online sales) Resmed is bringing into force, I have decided to purchase other manufacturers equipment instead.
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[quote="Darth Vader Look"]Resmed doesn't want online suppliers of their equipment (in the USA) to be supplying other countries with this equipment. quote]
Thanks. What I was mostly wondering though, being new to all this, what's so special about Resmed? Is their equipment really that much better than other suppliers'?
Theresa
Thanks. What I was mostly wondering though, being new to all this, what's so special about Resmed? Is their equipment really that much better than other suppliers'?
Theresa