Spring 2022: How long is it taking a DME to get/fit a CPAP for new user?

[TANSTAF1]

Because of the Phillips recall and supply chain issues, is there a long delay in getting a CPAP? (Hopefully a ResMed) How long is it taking a DME to get a good CPAP for a newly diagnosed CPAP user on Medicare, MedEx, and a PDP? Initially the DME did not contact the patient. After no contact for a few weeks, the patient called and was told she should have called them and it would be 6 to 8 weeks, After 9 weeks the patient called and was told it would be another 8 weeks. Is this normal? If not, is it time to get a new DME? How is this done?

(My VA AirSense 10 developed the wheezing problem common to these. The VA said I was lucky it was still under warranty because if not, then there would have been a long wait. But the VA was able to hand me a new one on the spot.)

[Architect]

(My VA AirSense 10 developed the wheezing problem common to these. The VA said I was lucky it was still under warranty because if not, then there would have been a long wait. But the VA was able to hand me a new one on the spot.)

Thanks for info. I get occassional wheezing sound from my Airsense 10 Bipap, not often but happens, contacting VA sleep clinic Monday.

[TANSTAF1]

My noise was occasional too, and not THAT loud. I thought maybe it just needed some lubrication, but was concerned it might get worse/
louder. I recorded it on my smartphone so I could play it back in case it didn't make the noise when I brought it in, but the VA tech did not even try to listen to my machine or the recording. He said it's a valve and it can happen to even fairly new machines (within 3 months). I tried to attach my recording but a .wav file sound is not permitted. I was surprised that these have a 5 year warranty. gGod luck.

[chunkyfrog]

My noise was occasional too, and not THAT loud. I thought maybe it just needed some lubrication, but was concerned it might get worse/
louder. I recorded it on my smartphone so I could play it back in case it didn't make the noise when I brought it in, but the VA tech did not even try to listen to my machine or the recording. He said it's a valve and it can happen to even fairly new machines (within 3 months). I tried to attach my recording but a .wav file sound is not permitted. I was surprised that these have a 5 year warranty. gGod luck.

The 5 year replacement is not common--say thank you to the VA.

[TANSTAF1]

I don't know why the VA gets a bad rap. But the Boston VA is great.

I had been under the misimpression the APAP was under lease from the VA like all commercial ones. Before I got VA benefits I had to work hard to be able to buy my ResMed rather than a pricey lease which my Blue Cross Blue Shield seemed happy to pay month after month for some reason. I finally was able to get one for $550 on a Black Friday special.