"Black Market" CPAP?

snufflepgs · Post by **snufflepgs** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 2:18 pm

I am new to this. I had a sleep study a couple of years ago, was prescribed a CPAP, but lost my insurance before I could follow through and get the machine. I still don't have insurance, but am feeling the need to treat this disorder, preferably without the expense and inconvenience of going the legit out-of-pocket route. I have found a few used machines on various sites and forums. Assuming I have all the original diagnostic info, and assuming my condition hasn't changed appreciably, what are the downsides to buying a machine without a prescription from a private citizen? Will I be able to reset it to my needs? (I know it depends on the machine I get. Let's say for the sake of argument I'm looking at a REMStar Plus or REMStar Choice model.) Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 2:31 pm

If you were "prescribed" CPAP, there should be a prescription somewhere. And, if you don't have the original, your doctor (whoever prescribed it for you) should either have a copy or you should be able to get one from your files in their office....or they MIGHT write you a new one based on the past study.

You might luck out with buying a "previously owned" machine and then maybe you might not. There may even be some in your own community that are sitting in closets....unused.....waiting for a new owner.

Also, if someone on the forum has one for sale and sees your post, they may contact you, since trying to sell one on the forum is apparently frowned upon.

Den

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 2:32 pm

you need to find a Remstar Auto, there should be plenty of those becoming available with the new model now out. Make sure it comes with the Homecare setup manual so you know how to program it, if not come here and someone can help you set it up.

You need the autopap so it can find your ideal pressure, pressure is something you shouldn't guess at.

it all depends on the total hours the machine has, but you should be able to find one in the $250-$300 range used, little more if it has the integrated humdifier. Used, you can expect to pay about 50% of new, so with a humidifier I wouldn't pay more than $375 for one. Then it better be in the original box, have all the manuals and the travel bag.

if you have your original sleep study or prescription, it is not really black market, the script is good for life as there is no real cure for OSA. A cpap script will work for an autopap, they have the same medicare billcodes.

snufflepgs · Post by **snufflepgs** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 2:42 pm

I remember being told that there was an expiration date on a prescription, and that after a year or so, I would need to have a new study done if I wanted the machine. Maybe this is not the case? Thanks for your responses.

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 2:46 pm

Long, long ago, Ayn Rand helped me to understand that the "Black Market" is the "free market"....free from monopolistic coercion.

Do what you need to do....do what is best for yourself......'cause yourself is who'll suffer if you don't.

Learn from the wonderful people on this forum...they'll help you learn how to program YOUR machine....and even help you understand which machine is best for you. NONE of them will be giving medical advice of course....just friendly people helping other friendly people.

You can do it!

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:02 pm

snufflepgs wrote:I remember being told that there was an expiration date on a prescription, and that after a year or so, I would need to have a new study done if I wanted the machine. Maybe this is not the case? Thanks for your responses.

NOPE! They're good for life (yours).

Best wishes,

Den

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:37 pm

Rx's for medications expire-xPAP Rx's don't.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 4:47 pm

To expand upon the last posts. The script is good, INSURANCE companies may require a new study after a year, but you aren't worried about them.

On the APAP vs. CPAP issue. I agree an APAP would be preferable, but you can do it with a cpap with software (might be cheaper to just spring for the apap as the software and reader can be almost $200)... but if you have a friend with software...

Downside of used is of course you may get one from a person who claims it works fine when it doesn't.

No warrenty if it breaks after purchase.

Many of us have bought used stuff and found it to work fine.

I personally bought a used machine and was told it was a Pro-2 and in actuality it was a Pro. Worked fine, but no data and I think I overpaid since I wouldn't have paid what I did for a Pro. Worth fighting about? No. It works and I used it. Now I keep it for backup.

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oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 4:48 pm

Since its been a couple of years since your sleep study, I would also suggest an APAP. One warning on used machines is make sure it comes from a smoke free home. Its a bear to get the smoke odor out of a RemStar, because the insulation is glued in.

' '

snufflepgs · Post by **snufflepgs** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 11:30 pm

Thanks to everyone for their help on this. My doctor gave me a copy of the sleep study and a new prescription, so I've decided to go for a new machine (probably the REMStar Auto w/C-Flex). Now I just have to figure out the masks, and I'll be on my way.

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 7:33 pm

Good choice, I love my (tank). And it is cheaper than the new M model.

jmeatman40 · Post by **jmeatman40** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:28 am

I have a used cpap that has less than 40 hours on it.if you are interested contact me on yahoo as jmeatman40 i am selling this really cheap .Jim

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"Black Market" CPAP?

"Black Market" CPAP?

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