Just picked up a new swift!!

Jetmech · Post by **Jetmech** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 7:10 am

Hi everyone! Went to my Dme on Monday and picked up a new swift and boy howdy!to me its better than sliced bread!I tried the breeze and couldn't stand it and have pretty much worn out my Acitva.I like the breeze cause its simple to use,light to wear and easy to clean and adjust.So far its been pretty leak free!!!! I have Tricare Prime and they replace my masks every 6 months and hoses one a year. My Dme charged the insurance company $199.00 for the mask and $49.99 for the head gear!!!My copay is $55.00.What do you think??Is this highway robbery?

CollegeGirl · Post by **CollegeGirl** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 8:35 am

You didn't know that DME is Latin for "Armed Robber?"

No, seriously. I wish I was joking.

Almost all DME's (the nice ones that are regs on this board are the exceptions to the rule) are all about profit, and not at all about patients.

Glad you like your new Swift, though!

peg · Post by **peg** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 9:48 am

Hi,
I just got a new swift on Monday. Like you, I think it's pretty nice also. I have used the HC407 for three months and like it. But the swift makes it a little easier to sleep on my side. Although, I have gotten used to sleeping on my back for three months. I never slept on my back before. Just one new experience after another!!!
CPAP is in the top three of medical miracles!!

I don't care what the DME charged the insurance company, it's worth every penny!

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:30 pm

Jetmech (Bill): That is highway robbery, but what's new? I'm on Tricare Standard, and buy my own CPAP equipment - including my original Remstar Auto. In fact I did it over the internet because my local (rural Arkansas) DME was inflexible and ignorant (sorry to have to say that). Then I send my paid invoice and copy of my prescription to Tricare and they reimburse me, minus my 25%. Can you do that with Prime? If so, you can buy it cheaper and save on your co-pay.

Bill and Peg: Did either of you try the Aura? How did you decide on the Swift vs other options?

Peg: You said you are a side sleeper - doesn't that piece on the side of the mask keep you from sleeping on that side or bother you at all?

Linda

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 9:04 pm

Linda, I am a side sleeper also using the Swift. It hasn't been a problem with that side thingy for me, I might be one of the lucky ones, though.

peg · Post by **peg** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 8:38 am

My DME let me bring home the 407 and the Swift to try for two weeks before I made my decision on what mask to start with. I also tried the Activa (it felt really big and heavy). I like both of the others and decided to go with the 407 first and then the Swift. My insurance pays for a new mask every three months. I wasn't sure that I could tolerate the Swift day in and day out. But after using it this week, I am really pleased with it. I use the ramp feature with it, (I don't need to with the 407), my pressure is set at 11 and it's a little intense at the start up.
When I sleep on my side it's on my left side so I put the hose hook up on the right side and have the hose coming over the headboard. I don't even know that it is there.
Surprisingly, I hardly notice this mask at all while I sleep.

BTW........
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!

DrainedDad · Post by **DrainedDad** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 11:46 am

I just picked up my new Swift last night. I chose it mostly because I wanted to try something different. I didn't use it last night because I didn't want to fight a new mask on a work night but I will definitely be using it tonight.

My DME charged my insurance $477 , with my co-pay I only paid $47, but what gives?! It is no wonder that insurance cost so much when DME jack their prices so much.

I am going to approach my insurer and give them this information and see if they will change their policy to allow purchasing on line, right now we have to go through a DME. It seems like they would want to save the money. We'll see.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Fri Dec 16, 2005 1:08 pm

DrainedDad, I had no idea that DMEs jacked up their prices so much - now that is highway robbery. Plus, you would think for the money they get, that they would try to be more knowledgeable and helpful (thus being indispensable) than most of them are now.

I totally bypassed my DME and purchased online. Fortunately, my insurance Tricare Standard (retired military), allowed me to do that. Saved them bunches of money. Plus my "out of pocket" which is 25% was much lower than going through a DME.

I agree, no wonder insurance premiums are so high when the insurers are getting robbed.

Just picked up a new swift!!

Just picked up a new swift!!

Highway robbery