Time to shop for my CPAP!

[JimW159]

I have this one new in original box $100 shipping to Australia.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/hab/5859484759.html

reolhlains ,
Read grayghost's post again; he says it IS new.
And, yes, you need a prescription to buy from sellers in the regular CPAP channels of distribution in the US. When buying from a private party, while still not strictly kosher, this is often ignored by the two parties involved. In addition, I don't know if normal sellers in US require a US prescription, if they do, you may have a problem. Others may know for certain.

[reolhlains]

Read grayghost's post again; he says it IS new.

It does, but the photo shows that it has been used for 363 hours - so I think new means new condition, not brand new, never used.

[cands]

I should have asked - do I need a prescription to buy from the US? I don't have a prescription, and I'm not sure that the Doctor will give me one without doing another sleep study and consultation (essentially another $1,000!!!). Expensive issue this sleep apnea thing!!!

Your Australian doctor should be able to request a sleep study that is 100% covered by Medicare. Included for me was a full overnight study, a follow up consultation with a sleep physician, then a full titration overnight study and another physician consultation to obtain the prescription, all with no out of pocket expenses. I used the public system, but I believe some private clinics will bulk bill for sleep studies.

Google "Medicare Payment Sleep Study" in google.com.au (be sure to only include pages from Australia, to exclude USA Medicare)

[Pugsy]

If you prefer new zero hour machine...still check with grayghost...he has both.

If you want to use secondwindcpap.com...they won't require a RX for international buyers. They have both new and used machines available.

Shipping to Australia is going to run somewhere between $85 and $100 US dollars...depending on box size, weight and how much extra insurance is bought.

[palerider]

If you prefer new zero hour machine...still check with grayghost...he has both.

I honestly think I'd rather have a machine that's been used a little, just to make sure there's no quirks in it, before having it shipped to the other side of the world... better to find out before shipping if there's something wrong with it.... not writing data properly, etc.

[reolhlains]

I honestly think I'd rather have a machine that's been used a little, just to make sure there's no quirks in it, before having it shipped to the other side of the world...

That's a very good point Palerider!

[palerider]

I honestly think I'd rather have a machine that's been used a little, just to make sure there's no quirks in it, before having it shipped to the other side of the world...

That's a very good point Palerider!

I admit that opinion is formed because of the extended tale of woe recently from someone in oz who bought a brand new machine (respironics, not that it matters) through someone else here, had it shipped down there, it had data recording problems, had to be shipped back up here, back to the vendor, then another one get shipped... and that one did get used for a few days to 'test it out' before making the long trek back down under...

[Uncle_Bob]

Please consider any warranty repairs that may be needed. Most manufacturers will refer you to your DME or supplier. And do you have a backup machine

[yaconsult]

Do note that the machine he's selling has only 363 hours of use on it. That is only 45 days of use! It's practically new. And the expected lifetime of modern cpap machine is at least 5 year or 14,600 hours.

[grayghost4]

The machine I have at the moment is new in the original box , still sealed ... I simple reused a Craigslist add from a previous machine to list it. ... so I did not have to open the box and take a picture of the machine.

Because I am not a DME I can't offer warranty.

As PR noted a machine that has been used a short time has been "tested" so to speak.
I should probably open the box and test it before shipping it off .

[ichitumi]

Without a prescription, your only option in the US would be the secondary market or third party. I have used two machines that I got used. I'm happy with both of them and they are still running strong after many years.

You can always ask the number of hours that's been used and more importantly, whether it came from a house where anyone is a smoker.

I got mine used because the new machines were all over a thousand and close to 2 at the time. My insurance provider only offers a lease as an option and I wanted my own machine without long term contracts.

[LSAT]

New machines and masks from Amazon....no prescription required
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss ... words=cpap

[Shell_78]

My mum has bought two machines from Secondwind so far and I plan on buying mine from them.
Because it's a medical device, you don't have to pay customs tax getting it into the country - not that they openly tell people usually. So if you buy from the US, make sure to contact customs to get the paperwork, otherwise they more than likely will charge.

[Uncle_Bob]

Do note that the machine he's selling has only 363 hours of use on it. That is only 45 days of use! It's practically new. And the expected lifetime of modern cpap machine is at least 5 year or 14,600 hours.

I agree the machine sounds like it has been "run in" so to speak. I've been unlucky enough to have a brand new PR ONE series 60 fail in less than 30 days which was replaced under warranty.

[reolhlains]

Folks - I'm now home after some time travelling and need to buy my machine to stop the monthly rental.
I'm looking at the special on secondwindCPAP - (ResMed S9 Auto with humidifier, used) for $400.
What do people think of that and how does it compare with my DreamStation that I am using - will it feel much the same?
The DreamStation is the only one I have used and I'm now quite used to it and enjoy it - but happy to change as long as the feeling is much the same (i.e. I don't end up starting from the start again!). I also recall a post where someone said avoid a certain model - and I can't remember what that model was!!
Thanks everyone!!!