Supply costs

[Bill44133]

Wulfman are you always so rude?? Or are you just a mean person?

Rude about what? I saw a post with lots of spelling errors, so I was wondering if this person's first language was something other than English. Either that or he didn't have a spell checker.

And the spelling of "Rotech" / "Rotec" was also a spelling error. Just pointing out the differences in the two companies.
"Rotech" has had lots of financial problems over the years.

On the contrary, for nearly nine years I've tried to be VERY helpful to the vast majority of people looking for information on the forum.


Den

.

+1 Den has alway been VERY helpful.. and I always watch for his postings. He brings alot of wisdom to the forum I always thought.

Thanks Wulfman !

[Wulfman...]

+1 Den has alway been VERY helpful.. and I always watch for his postings. He brings alot of wisdom to the forum I always thought.

Thanks Wulfman !

You're welcome, Bill.
I can't always guarantee I'll be sweet as honey to everyone, but I try to respond to posts in like kind. If they ask for help, I'm always willing to try to help in a nice way, but if they seem to have a chip on their shoulder, I may dish it back to them.
With the newer machines and software, I'm a bit at a disadvantage, so I try to pick and choose the actual threads to which I feel I can offer a valid opinion.
As I've said many times before, there ain't much "new" on the forum. Most of the answers are in the archives in the "Search" option.

I've also likened the forum to one big long-running backyard party at the Goodman house. Everybody brings "something" to the party. Some bring experience, some bring knowledge and expertise, some ask for help, some seem to want to crash the party (like some "Trolls"), or just mooch off the freebies they can get and then leave.
It is what it is. You can't please everybody.


Den

.

[kteague]

Senger, the start-up can really add up, but the replacement schedules of the insurances is when they will cover an item, not necessarily when it will be needed. I use my masks and hoses till they fall apart and tape won't hold them together. I started CPAP in 2005 and I'm on maybe my 4th hose. I could get replacements through Medicare if I was willing to pay the copay. Last time I just paid out of pocket because a new doctor's visit to get all the required paperwork was going to cost more than the mask itself. BTW if you're just starting out with this, getting a copy of your prescription and qualifying paperwork now will be helpful if you do decide to order from another source on some items.

Not sure what filters you will be using, but the foam ones can be rinsed and reused for a long time. Wouldn't want to use it if it is breaking down though. Some machines have an additional fiber filter for extra protection - particularly those with allergies. How long this can be used depends on your environment. Mine used to be ok for several months, but where I live now it's like all the L.A. smog is in my filters and a month of use is really pushing it.

The good thing is the need for replacement supplies can be staggered so the total financial burden isn't all at one time.

[LSAT]

Wulfman are you always so rude?? Or are you just a mean person?

Another poster policeman ?

[chunkyfrog]

Maybe I'm rude, too.
(though I try to limit myself to snarky)
Sometimes it just feels right.

[Bill44133]

Maybe I'm rude, too.
(though I try to limit myself to snarky)
Sometimes it just feels right.

No frog you are a wonderful lady.. I always read your postings.. You have lots of knowledge and always helpful to all the people.

[jencat824]

Wulfman are you always so rude?? Or are you just a mean person?

Rude about what? I saw a post with lots of spelling errors, so I was wondering if this person's first language was something other than English. Either that or he didn't have a spell checker.

And the spelling of "Rotech" / "Rotec" was also a spelling error. Just pointing out the differences in the two companies.
"Rotech" has had lots of financial problems over the years.

On the contrary, for nearly nine years I've tried to be VERY helpful to the vast majority of people looking for information on the forum.


Den

.

+1 Den has alway been VERY helpful.. and I always watch for his postings. He brings alot of wisdom to the forum I always thought.

Thanks Wulfman !

++1 I also have greatly benefited from Den's wisdom.

Jen

[Senger]

Ok so maybe you just wanted to throw your two cents in on my grammar ethics. Thanks wolfman. I can't tell you how much I apprieate you picking out ones faults vs looking at the positive. That's the way to be.

I change the cushions on my rest med comfort gel full face every 30 days. Tubing makes it about 60 then it starts to get week in areas

[Wulfman...]

Ok so maybe you just wanted to throw your two cents in on my grammar ethics. Thanks wolfman. I can't tell you how much I apprieate you picking out ones faults vs looking at the positive. That's the way to be.

I change the cushions on my rest med comfort gel full face every 30 days. Tubing makes it about 60 then it starts to get week in areas

I'm actually being "positive"......positive that you're throwing away lots of (somebody's) money.
And, thank you for making my case (in a previous thread) about the waste and abuse of insurance coverage in the CPAP supply business.
First of all, the Comfortgel mask is made by Philips/Respironics and not "rest med" (ResMed).
And, there's NO WAY you can wear out cushions in a full face mask in 30 days or tubing in 60 days.
That stuff will last for MANY months......or years.


Den

.

[Wulfman...]

I have health insurance Thur blue cross an blue shield but it seems that supply costs are Thur the roof any sujestions on a new supplier. I'm with rotec now

I thought of a couple more more "positive" things.......
One is you're apparently USING your equipment. That's better than some folks who come here.
The other is you're making your DME supplier smile all the way to the bank. But, I guess that's why you posted in the first place. (as a complaint)

Just because you CAN get replacements frequently, doesn't mean you HAVE to take them on the schedule that's allowable.
Use some common sense on the quantities you use and how you take care of the stuff you get. You'll save money.


Den

.

[Bill44133]

I have health insurance Thur blue cross an blue shield but it seems that supply costs are Thur the roof any sujestions on a new supplier. I'm with rotec now

I thought of a couple more more "positive" things.......
One is you're apparently USING your equipment. That's better than some folks who come here.
The other is you're making your DME supplier smile all the way to the bank. But, I guess that's why you posted in the first place. (as a complaint)

Just because you CAN get replacements frequently, doesn't mean you HAVE to take them on the schedule that's allowable.
Use some common sense on the quantities you use and how you take care of the stuff you get. You'll save money.


Den

.

On that note...

In order to make your cushions last longer you should be sure to wash your face before bedtime and also cleaning
them with the cpap wipes or the like after sleeping. {Thanks for that advise Den }

Also, when your cushions are worn out to add life to your cushions you should boil a pot of water and dip your cushions in it to bring the plastic back to life. {Thank You! Frog }

This website is filled with helpful people and helpful hints to make things work and stretch.
Sengar, when I read your post.. I seen me about 8 months ago with the same issue. My advise is read and ask questions.
People respond better to questions then a rant. Remember, we are all on the same therapy.
The people who have been here for a while have the wisdom. Are generous to share their knowlege with us.
I can't thank them enough!

I wish you well...