DME extra charge for mask upgrade

[carbonman]

I just ordered a new mask from the Big A.
They will not honor the return unless you come in for a "fitting".
Don't know what they charge the insc. for that.

[GumbyCT]

Sure- when they are bringing you a brand spanking new machine - of course it should be fitted and under your set pressure. To pay $60 for a mask upgrade tho rubs me the wrong way. I smell illegal charges. And now they won't exchange? ha.

[mattman]

If the DME processes the paperwork to the mask manufacturer there is NO Charge to the DME during this 30 day period. It is the mask makers program NOT the DME's.

If this DME's refuses to honor this type of program for a newbie, they are not someone I would care to do business with.

I'm not familiar with this program. Do you have any information about this you can send me?

mattman

[Handgunner45]

See here for Respironics

http://sleepapnea.respironics.com/provi ... tions.aspx

[Really]

I'm not familiar with this program. Do you have any information about this you can send me?
mattman

Why are you always trying to make it 'about you'? Really??

Why is it you feel if someone doesn't read your post then they can't post? Really??

What is it that makes you the moderator at cpaptalk?? Really??

Why don't you talk to and help Belrad like the others are trying to do? Really??

I'm wondering how much other misinformation you have shared? Really

[Muse-Inc]

IMHO that was both petty and insulting. I appreciate mattman's comments; he's here sharing and learning like the rest of us...he has a different take on some topics because of his background. If you don't like his posts, don't read 'em, no need to belittle, just post questions or corrections if need be. We're mostly adults with apnea here, thus everything posted has to be evaluated for reasonableness and suitability.

[mattman]

See here for Respironics

http://sleepapnea.respironics.com/provi ... tions.aspx

I never knew about that. That's awesome. Thanks!

[cpapqueen1]

All the manufacturers have the 30 day mask guarantee program. The caviet is that you must go through the mask fitting workshops provided by the manufacture rep in order to take advantage of the program.

[BleepingBeauty]

All the manufacturers have the 30 day mask guarantee program. The caviet is that you must go through the mask fitting workshops provided by the manufacture rep in order to take advantage of the program.

I don't think so. I actually asked ResMed about this, and the person I spoke with at the company (when I was seeking new "old" pillows for my Swift LT mask - that story's in another thread) was totally unaware of any 30-day return policy on their masks.

If you can point to evidence that each of the manufacturers offers this kind of policy, please do so. Thanks.

[cpapquuen1]

It is true!! The big "3" Respironics, Resmed and F&P all offer this, and have depts that handle the mask replacement programs. Another "perk" when you go through a DME!

[BleepingBeauty]

It is true!! The big "3" Respironics, Resmed and F&P all offer this, and have depts that handle the mask replacement programs. Another "perk" when you go through a DME!

No offense, but I asked for evidence. Your statement (which I hope is true) doesn't equal proof. As I said, the person I spoke with at ResMed was unaware of any such replacement program. My DME is unaware of these programs, too.

There's a Respironics link above. Links to ResMed's and F&P's replacement policies, please? I haven't found them.

[belrad]

Just to follow up on my original post:

My DME gave new mask without any upgrade fee and I got to keep old mask. I didn't need to do anything, not sure why initially they mentioned upgrade fee but looks like it all worked out itself and now I can just focus on my therapy instead worry about mask exchange rules .

Thanks everybody for comments and advices.

[mattman]

Glad that worked out for you Belrad. Everything else aside, that's really the only important thing!

[GumbyCT]

My DME gave new mask without any upgrade fee and I got to keep old mask. I didn't need to do anything, not sure why initially they mentioned upgrade fee but looks like it all worked out itself and now I can just focus on my therapy instead worry about mask exchange rules .

Belrad, I am happy this worked out for you.

Which mask did you go with? Unfortunately, masks are like fingerprints and what works for me may not neccessarily work for you. Be sure to search this forum for tips & tricks that many have posted to make a mask work.

This fee is one way many unscrupulous DME's take advantage of their sleep-deprived patients who aren't likely to know any better. It's so much worse if the patients insurance doesn't allow them to use another DME.

When we continue to give them business, we are part of the problem and not part of the solution. Have you checked your insurance to find out?

If I were you, I would definitely find another DME because you will only run into more obstacles with this one. Like when you ask for a data capable machine.

Once again, I am glad you got a new mask but just imagine if you hadn't found this forum? You definitely got your moneys worth here

Good Luck
GumbyCT who just can't trust his health to someone who will lie and cheat me. Call me wierd

[ufo13]

I have to AGREE with GumbyCT all the way! Just MY opinion!

All the best!


Steve,
ufo13