need a first machine, and short on money!!!

[bigmarksae]

Well actually it's not for me. My Father is in his 60's with no insurance or income to speak of. I'm looking to buy him a cpap. I have been reading posts for hours and there is much more to this than I thought. I don't know how he sleeps, I just know he's suffering badly. I know he doesn't WANT one of these, but he is having nearly fatal experiences with his apnea, so if I get him one he'll use it. I am looking to find him a first-timers "kit" that is well recommended? I can afford anything around the $500 mark, but I don't have the money for him to "experiment" with all the options. If I need more than $500 I will make it happen somehow, but I've saved this much up for now. I'd like to get him set up as well as possible with a couple masks that he can rotate and try out. I know I'm asking a tall order but anything helps...

thanks,
- hopeful and greatful

[cflame1]

does he have a prescription? What's his pressure, or does he know that?

[bigmarksae]

HE has been to the doctor and been advise to get a cpap. I haven't asked what his pressure is. He told me hehad somthing like 60 inturuptions in his sleep in an an hour. He is loosing his memory and haveing migranes dueto no oxygen. I don't even know if he has paid for his office visit but I am tryig get him a machine.

[LoQ]

Check out cpapauction.com and if there's one in your area, craigslist.com. You will need to upload his prescription for cpapauction.com, but you probably don't need it on craigslist. There's a ResMed Escape S8 listed on cpapauction.com right now for $35. I bet it will get lots of bids, but maybe you can find something else there.

[cflame1]

If he's got a prescription... check the prices at CPAP.com or cpapauction.com. Make sure that you get something that's data capable, because if he doesn't have insurance then somebody will need to check on the data to make sure that he's doing ok with it.

If he doesn't have a prescription... check your local craigslist or your local paper. Sometimes there are machines that show up on there that are used, but he wouldn't need a prescription for them... just watch the price make sure that you aren't paying for new if it's not.

[bigmarksae]

I have an FSA provided by my employer. Do you know if I can use that to purchase for him?

[LoQ]

I have an FSA provided by my employer. Do you know if I can use that to purchase for him?

Doubt it.

[packitin]

deleted

[Guest]

I'm leary of craigslist because I am so ignorant about what needs to be provided with the machine. I gues beggers can't be choosers, right? I'm in austin and there are several listed on craigslist.

[boston]

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/hsh/987598410.html


this is a sweet deal. i would call them and see if theyd ship it.

[Cari]

You might also want to check with local medical equipment providers. My provider occasionally notifies clients that they have rental units or closed out equipment for sale at very good prices.

[gorgo]

You can also check ebay

[alnhwrd]

I would suggest at least an S8 Elite, which will give easy access to nightly data via the LED screen. That way you can tell if the therapy is working, and have some idea about how to tweak his therapy. There is one on CPAP Auction with a humidifier, hose and mask for $75 (states reserve not met so you would likely have to pay more). Good luck!

[OutaSync]

If you find one from Craig's List, ask about how many hours are on the machine. Post back with what you found and someone will advise you if it's a good deal.

[Babette]

I have an FSA provided by my employer. Do you know if I can use that to purchase for him?

Nope.

You're a good kid. Could you register as a member of this forum, so we can contact you privately with offers of aid?

Going through it myself with my father. Best gift he ever gave me was to purchase Nursing Home Insurance for himself, and to put all his financial and legal affairs in order before I have to step in deal with any of it. Hint hint out there to you parents on this board.

Best of luck,
Barbara/Babette