Swapping out a mask with DME

[ladyhen]

If you're within the first 30 days with a mask and they have the 30 day trade out deal - do you have to give back the first mask? I'm having a couple of relatively small issues and while I'd like to try another mask, I'm afraid that I might do worse than what I have now...

[Pugsy]

Depends on the DME. There is paperwork involved that DME has to do to get a credit for the mask that doesn't work out. I don't know if they actually return it and they can't use it but some do make you turn in the old to get a new.

[Kahfree]

My DME never asked for the mask back nor did they say anything negative about me getting a new one. I guess I will know when the paperwork arrives from the Insurance company as to what they pay for and what they don't.

[rested gal]

Depends very much on what a particular DME wants to do...if they'll even let you swap at all.

If they will let you try another mask and if they want the first one back in order to do the swap, you might ask if you could keep the first mask just for a few nights while you try the second one. Giving you time to try both at home before having to decide which one to keep and which one to give back. A nice, cooperative DME should be willing to let you do that, imho.

Worth asking.

[bap40]

My DME wants their mask back pronto. At my last mask time I wanted to try the Opus instead of my usual Swift LT for her. As we were leaving the rt's office she started to say something about hoping it worked out since I could not return it……… before she was even done speaking I spoke up and said I was glad I had 30 days to try. Burst her bubble and I did return it a few days later. Just did not work for me and went back to my Swift. I really need to find another DME. This is my 2nd DME and these people are not that nice.

[Tip10]

I guess I'm lucky -- although I've only done it once but I just went and got my second mask in a little over a month. Insurance covered both without any question. From what my DME tells me about my insurance they aren't really too particular as far as time lines. When I started I asked about mask replacement schedules and she told me that so far my insurance had been real good about approving a new mask just about anytime they were asked. I'd expect they might start balking if I were going in ever few weeks or month or so but so far I've been on CPAP for about 40 days and have two masks -- both covered by insurance. Perhaps they are more lenient at the beginning -- don't know.

[ladyhen]

I'm going to put a call in. She told me I had up to 30 days to try different masks (has been 2.5 weeks), but I'm not sure if she's still miffed about me pressing for the Resmed APAP instead of the Respironics LOL