Has anyone used Apria Health Care? Whom do you recommend for DME in northern California?

[Pugsy]

Replacement cushions can and will last a lot longer than the time frame that Medicare allows for the replacement period.

Nasal pillows or cushions that can be replaced at 2 per month....those can last months and months with common sense care.
Full face mask cushions can also last for months and months with common sense care.
It's a guideline. You don't have to get them replaced that often if you don't feel the need.
And yes...while they will give you an almost complete mask every 3 months...they won't pay for the headgear except for once per 6 months. Makes no sense because if you change masks you most likely will be changing headgear as well.
Some DMEs just tell Medicare patients they can only get a mask once per 6 months (that's what mine does) but some will actually give you a new complete mask at 3 months and not expect to get paid for the headgear that is included. They are still making money even without Medicare paying for the headgear.

Medicare came up with all this....it's the government...does the government ever do anything that makes sense?

[Okie bipap]

Is that the best one for BiPAP?

Yes it is. BIPAP is a trade name for Philips Respironics. Bi-level is a generic name that applies to all brands. Calling all such machines BIPAP is like calling all facial tissues Kleenex.

[zonker]

Is that the best one for BiPAP?

Yes it is. BIPAP is a trade name for Philips Respironics. Bi-level is a generic name that applies to all brands. Calling all such machines BIPAP is like calling all facial tissues Kleenex.

but, but, but....*I* call facial tissues Kleenex!

[Okie bipap]

I used to call all of them "Kleenex", but not I call all of them "Puffs" since that is the brand we buy. That is much easier than trying to remember all of the different brand names.

[Janknitz]

I used to call all of them "Kleenex", but not I call all of them "Puffs" since that is the brand we buy. That is much easier than trying to remember all of the different brand names.

If you said "Kleenex" I'd know you want a tissue. But if you say "Puffs" I'd be scratching my head trying to figure out what the heck you want.

[beautifuldreamer]

Apria is fine if you use a regular mainstream type of mask - but if you require a mask that isn't as widely used - like I used a cloth mask, in a size small instead of a size regular . . . it took quite some time and several calls before they were able to give me one in the correct size, but they told me it would be the last time they would get it to me!

So I spent a few weeks to figure out which mask would be my second choice if the cloth mask was no longer available. A week after the prescription was updated, I called to inquire about it and the representative told me that they had a different size than I requested from my Respiratory Therapist. then the next day I contacted my RT and he said the correct size was submitted and to try calling Apria again- So I called Apria again, and the representative said the correct size was in the system. Interesting, sometimes you have to simply call and speak to someone different . . .

All that to say, if you have a choice of DME's find out which DMEs are most able to get you the mask and etc that you prefer

[Olivia]

I’m in SF Bay Area and use Nationwide Medical mail order. Yes, you can switch masks when it is time, your Rx has to say patients choice. When I recently got my Resmed bilevel VAuto they faxed an order to the doctor to sign with the specific bilevel I wanted so he wouldn’t have to think about what to write. I adjust my own pressures but they will set it to whatever is ordered.