Filters

[Pualani]

My insurance company is giving me a hard time. I guess two doctors saying I have sleep apnea isn't enough! I am due to replace filter on machine. Can I purchase them without a prescription? Can I wash them and reuse? Make them? Thanks.

[Pugsy]

Filters don't require a prescription for purchase.
The disposable filters can't be washed.
Check cpap.com or EBay for filters for the S9. They aren't expensive but it is something that is normally covered by insurance depending on the insurance plan....even Medicare allows replacement of the disposable filters on a monthly basis.

[chunkyfrog]

I get two a month through Medicare. Good thing, the AC being down this year, we sleep with the windows open.
You would think the dust would blow off the coal trains between here and Gillette. Nah.

[LSAT]

You have a machine...someone must have written a prescription and the insurance company (DME) accepted it.

[palerider]

My insurance company is giving me a hard time. I guess two doctors saying I have sleep apnea isn't enough! I am due to replace filter on machine. Can I purchase them without a prescription? Can I wash them and reuse? Make them? Thanks.

I believe the only thing you need an rx for is the machine itself, and complete masks.

everything else you can get from cpap.com, ebay, amazon... even mask parts and build your own

[palerider]

My insurance company is giving me a hard time. I guess two doctors saying I have sleep apnea isn't enough! I am due to replace filter on machine. Can I purchase them without a prescription? Can I wash them and reuse? Make them? Thanks.

also remember that the replacement schedule for the s9 filters is six months, and I have washed one with dawn dishwashing liquid in the past when I saw "oh, that thing is dirty and I don't have a spare handy".

now I just buy a dozen on ebay for 12$ or so and keep a stack.

[englandsf]

I change mine (exact same machine) about once very 6 weeks but get a new one every month. Your RX should specify the frequency of replacement for any consumables, if not get a new one. PM me for a copy of mine as a sample.

[LSAT]

The instructions that ResMed includes with the S9 says.. Replace filter every 6 months...more often if necessary. The filter is to protect the machine and has nothing to do with the air you are breathing. If the filter is clean there is no reason to replace it.

[chunkyfrog]

The instructions that ResMed includes with the S9 says.. Replace filter every 6 months...more often if necessary. The filter is to protect the machine and has nothing to do with the air you are breathing. If the filter is clean there is no reason to replace it.

The six month guideline is preposterous! I suspect re$med is opposed to making their machines last.
The hypoallergenic filters make a significant difference to the allergic among us.

[john844]

The instructions that ResMed includes with the S9 says.. Replace filter every 6 months...more often if necessary. The filter is to protect the machine and has nothing to do with the air you are breathing. If the filter is clean there is no reason to replace it.

The six month guideline is preposterous! I suspect re$med is opposed to making their machines last.
The hypoallergenic filters make a significant difference to the allergic among us.

I would interpret the guideline as a minimum. Change the standard filter every 6 months even if it does not appear to be needed. Change them sooner if you use your machine in a dirtier environment.

When I picked up my last machine the DME indicated the standard filter is intended to be cleaned out. Most of the collected dust is removed by just tapping the filter. I only do this once a month if I remember.

If you are using hypoallergenic filters they capture and filter more particles and would need to be replaced more frequently. I can't speak to how often the hypoallergenic filters need to be cleaned or replaced in real life, but 6 months would be the max on them too.

Thanks,
John

[chunkyfrog]

Six months might work if your HVAC were a really good system.

[palerider]

Six months might work if your HVAC were a really good system.

some of us may live in a less dusty pond

[Pualani91351]

Thanks for all the helpful info. Yes, have a prescription on file with DME. As I said insurance giving me a hassle because I have mild sleep apnea. Never mind that i wake up gasping for breath in the middle of the night and headaches in the am. Working on allergies - shots. The hypo allergenic filter sounds like the one for me.

I change our AC kfilter monthly. Even though I keep doors and windows closed, and vacuum that filter looks dusty after a couple of months. I try to change it monthly due to dust, grass, and tree allergies.

Ps. Can't figure out to reply under my name so replying as guest.

[jacobsbd]

The filters that go on the back of the machine should be covered.

you can also buy a filter that attaches at one end to the machine and the other to the hose that goes to your head. These are not likely to be covered. both are fairly cheap but if the insurance people think you are talking about the wrong one that could be the problem

[palerider]

The filters that go on the back of the machine should be covered.

you can also buy a filter that attaches at one end to the machine and the other to the hose that goes to your head. These are not likely to be covered. both are fairly cheap but if the insurance people think you are talking about the wrong one that could be the problem

it hardly seems worth fighting with insurance for filters that are so cheap and easy to find.