Mask Exchange Policies

[SleepyinWhineCountry]

I gather that when looking for a DME company to use, I should look for one with a "lenient or liberal mask exchange policy" since many users go through several masks prior to finding a "keeper". I also understand that Respironics and Resmed (and likely other manufacturers) will accept masks from DMEs within 30 days that did not work for patients and will refund the cost to the DME.

Question: What is a reasonable mask exchange policy that I can expect?

One user wrote that Timberlake sent him home with 3 to try for a couple of weeks. A DME I talked to today said their policy is one exchange in the first 30 days (when I mentioned the manufacturer return policy, she said that is a one time only thing for each user). I know the DMEs do not have the reputation as the most honest group of people around and this woman was not the sharpest tack in the box so I don't know if she is right, or if she is lying, or if she is just too stupid to know what the real deal is. These two may be the extremes but I would like to get some idea of what the reality is and what I should expect/demand (or at least when I should take my business elsewhere). Also, it seems the mask exchange policy should be independent of insurance issues (true?)

Thanks for your input, I am still a newbie, a real babe in the woods, and I appreciate your help navigating this very confusing and difficult journey.

[jules]

The policy will vary from DME to DME.

Some places they open it up for you while at the DME, you bought it.

In dealing with cpap.com, if you want to be able to return a mask, purchase the mask insurance.

[chimp]

Sleepy
The three masks that Timberlake sent home with me were loaner masks. They were used (disinfected) mask w/ new headgear. After I decided which mask I prefered, I returned them and was issued a brand new mask of my choice and had a 30 day return policy on the new mask. They allowed me to use the loaner masks for two to three week before I had to return them. I received a nasal mask from Timberlake and bought a FF mask from CPAPAuction.com.

Mark

[mindy]

Some sleep labs will let you borrow masks for a week or so. I went through several that way.

Mindy

[SheZAAM!]

My insurance, Kaiser told me I could exchange masks as many times as I wanted in the first 30 days. I started with a full face mask, at their suggestion. The first chance I got, I exchanged it for a Swift LT for her and haven't looked back!