Looking for CPAP for relative

[GayleM]

I'm trying to help my cousin find a CPAP to replace his machine which he says is about 18 years old and not really functioning much if at all. He doesn't have insurance and is in a bad way financially. I haven't been on here in a while since my ancient computer quit working, but I remember sometimes seeing reasonably priced machines posted. Does anyone have an extra one not being used?

[IDontSnoreISwear]

One good source of used machines is secondwindcpap.com.

Good luck.

[Pugsy]

You might check with forum member grayghost4
Sometimes he has new or even gently used low hour machines that are quite reasonable.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=72737

Only recent machine posting that I remember has been from lordvader
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=111938&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
You might make him an offer. The hours of use don't qualify for "gently used" and his price has been coming down because he was a bit steep in the asking price and most of us here are notorious tight wads.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=111938&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Last I heard was "make an offer"

So you might check with both forum members and see what works for the pocketbook.
Secondwindcpap.com will likely require a copy of the RX and even though they have some really good prices...I think a private seller will be less expensive for the same machine.

[GayleM]

Thank you so much!

[egzbuen]

There are also brand new traveling machines within the sub 199USD price range. If he is OK with a brick, and would want brand new, he can also go that route. He doesn't only get a new machine, but he can bring it with him when travelling.

The unit will come with a full 2yr warranty as well.

Sent from heaven

[SewTired]

Just an FYI - if he is NOT seeing a doctor, then he should get an auto machine that can be read with Sleepyhead software. There are a lot of Respironics 560 auto machines out there. His needs have likely changed over the years, so a straight cpap probably is not the best choice.

[Gasper62]

Check listings on craigslist. Some real bargains can be found on there occasionally.

[verbatim]

Nobody mentioned the requirement for a "prescription".
A friend of mine under similar circumstances told me she had to do some "special things" to get around the requirement for a prescription.

While buying a used machine on Craigslist might not need a "prescription", wouldn't the other suggested options require a current prescription?

• Does the OP have the original prescription?
• Would it still be legally valid?
• If not, don't the machine sellers require one?

[49er]

Nobody mentioned the requirement for a "prescription".
A friend of mine under similar circumstances told me she had to do some "special things" to get around the requirement for a prescription.

While buying a used machine on Craigslist might not need a "prescription", wouldn't the other suggested options require a current prescription?

• Does the OP have the original prescription?
• Would it still be legally valid?
• If not, don't the machine sellers require one?

Yup, to buy from secondwind.com, a prescription is required:

http://www.secondwindcpap.com/script_info.html

I will let someone else address the legalities of buying a used machine off of Craig's list without a prescription.

49er

[jtravel]

If you buy from someone selling one on one of the Cpap BBS or craigs list a prescription would not be required.
The Internet store fronts do require a prescription.
I had a prescription many years ago and knew I was suffering from sleep Apnea once again but could not buy a machine from secondwind because I did not have a current prescription.
I purchased instead from a member of this board as I was really desperate and knew for a fact I needed it.
I told my primary care DR several times about my problem but he said I needed a new sleep study before he would write a prescription.
I don't do good in the in hospital sleep study environment and had already done it twice in the past at a vey high cost. I was not going to put myself thru that again or the cost.
I asked for a inhome sleep study option several times but was told no they would not do that because of problems they have experienced in the past.
I checked Craigs list but everyone in my local area wanted way too much for older machines then they were worth for me to even consider.
I took matters into my own hands and purchased here from a forum member.
It's not ideal by any means but I did what I had to do for my own personnel situation.
I'm angry that I pay weekly for health insurance out of my pay check that is basically worthless unless I spend the $1500 deductible each year first before they cover 80% of the cost.
I don't go to the DR very often and their is almost no way I spend $1500 before coverage kicks in.
The law now requires I have health insurance so I'm forced into paying for this health insurance scam no matter what makes sense for me.
I'm forced to premiums I can't benefit from so that those that don't work have health insurance coverage. The sad part is they get free everything and I get nothing of value even if I;m one of the suckers paying into the system.
I guess I would be better off just quitting my job and going on welfare so that I could actually get my health care needs covered.
Sorry for venting but the situation really makes my blood boil.

[LSAT]

Thank you President Obama

[GayleM]

Thank you all for your responses. Unfortunately my cousin doesn't have his prescription and doesn't have the money for a new sleep study. I've looked on Craig's List and everything I've found in my area is pricey. I'm waiting for a response from Grayghost to see if he has anything that will be suitable.

Have a great evening!

[yaconsult]

Amazon is another place that cpap machines and masks can be purchased. Not directly from amazon, but from third party sellers. I have never seen any of them require a prescription.