HELP! Cpap.com can't ship Resmed Products to Canada

[Fitdiculous]

Long story short I decided NOT to purchase the Swift LT mask from a local DME (they were charging $240CAD), I say long story short because there was some customer service issues I wasn't impressed with as well while I was going through getting my machine.

Not knowingly, I was just trying to place an order on cpap.com and they informed me (and it's happened within the last 3 weeks) that Resmed no longer permits them to ship to Canada or DME's in Canada.

This IS the mask that is right for me after demo'ing a few, so I definitely need it (can't imagine how it will be using the FlexiFit 405 for the time being). Am I stuck having to purchase it at DME? is there somewhere else I can purchase it online? I live in GTA (Greater Toronto Area) so driving down to Buffalo area isn't out of the question. It might be a good way for me to get some additional accessories as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Julie]

You can buy Resmed equipment at Vitalaire in various places in Canada. It will cost a LOT more than in the U.S. but your insurance should pay as long as you only buy within their timeline - i.e. (examples, I don't know your insce. co's guidelines) a new machine every 5 yrs, new mask every 3-6 mos., etc. But DO check with them before buying anything to make sure of what you're covered for.

[Fitdiculous]

You can buy Resmed equipment at Vitalaire in various places in Canada. It will cost a LOT more than in the U.S. but your insurance should pay as long as you only buy within their timeline - i.e. (examples, I don't know your insce. co's guidelines) a new machine every 5 yrs, new mask every 3-6 mos., etc. But DO check with them before buying anything to make sure of what you're covered for.

I bought my S8 Elite II today from Vitalaire but not the mask. My insurance company will only cover the "basic" mask which comes with the unit. My insurance plan from work is really bad.

A new mask every 6 months IS covered however, but I'm not sure if I have to buy the original (1st one) from a local DME or if it can be online? Also, they are very vague and say that replacement mask is only covered if is a "reasonable" amount.

It's a new problem that I just encountered and really at the end of the day didn't anticipate at all. I was GOING to bite the bullet and buy the LT with the machine today, but out of spite and principal I'm not going to (also know full well I can order it online on cpap.com). The "no shipping to Canada" really throws me off

[plr66]

What about bidding on this mask on cpapauction.com, since an individual who is selling them is not bound by that rule. Another idea might be to order from cpap.com if they are willing to send it to you c/o General Delivery at a post office you identify in Buffalo.

[BlackSpinner]

Since you are near the border, what you do is get a PO box in the US and get all your stuff shipped there. I used to have a PO Box in Platsburg so I could order clothes from US catalogs back in the days when our dollar bought more.

[Babette]

Good idea about the PO box near the border.

If that fails, you can see if they will ship to someone you know in US and have that person forward it on to you.

That way you have an invoice to YOU that you can present to your insurance.

Or if that is not an issue, and you're just doing this out of pocket, have someone in the US do the purchase for you, and mail it on to you, and you reimbuse them via PayPal.

Not offering. Just tossing out ideas.

Good luck!
B.

[Fitdiculous]

hmmm... all these suggestions certainly make sense, I guess I want to find the path of least resistance

if it gets sent to someone I know in the US and they send it to me will I get taxed on it? or because it's still "medical equipment" it will be exempt? will customs care at all this is a RESMED product?

[Froro]

I just ordered a swift lt for her from amazon and haven't been sent any notification that it won't be coming. I guess I'll know maybe tomorrow. I ordered it last night pre skitter question

[Hose_Head]

Not knowingly, I was just trying to place an order on cpap.com and they informed me (and it's happened within the last 3 weeks) that Resmed no longer permits them to ship to Canada or DME's in Canada.

Well this is an interesting turn of events. I am just now in the process of selecting a new blower for purchase, to be used as a backup and travel machine. I had seriously been considering the Resmed Autoset II. Resmed's products are now off my list of potential purchases!

This also is making me reconsider my usual bi-annual purchase of a new Resmed mask (either an Activa LT or Swift LT was next on my list). I really don't want to, but I guess I'll have to find another manufacturer to support.

I wonder what prompted Resmed to pursue this ill-advised policy? I know they are only in the business of manufacturing and selling to the DMEs, but how do they think they'll make any money in Canada if the end-users stop buying their products?

Maybe we canuck hose-heads should pool our purchases and order up a single truck load of Resmed products once per year, purchased and delivered to an American drop box and picked up by our own importer. I've seen this done by Canadian buyers of computers, motorcycles, etc. Why not CPAP equipment?

[Froro]

You know...I saw this post earlier and had a chat with the other half about all of this. Our insurance companies are getting hosed by the DME's up here.

Perhaps we should approach the competition bureau or some gov't arm or even the insurance companies themselves with this issue. I think it's revolting that my machine retails up here for $2300 from DME's here and can be purchased in the States for under $800.

Maybe the DME's up here were getting angry with resmed for allowing us to purchase via the US.

All I know is I'll be very happy if my new Swift lt for her comes in for what I paid. I found it on amazon for $89 USD. (the shipping rate is exceedingly outragious at $43 but still cheaper than the $300+ up here for the same mask.

[MoneyGal]

Huh. I'm a ResMed gal and I live in Toronto. I'm going to call my DME - the Sleep Management Group - and see if they have any info on this. I don't have any insurance coverage, so I don't need to comply with insurance rules. And because I have a phenomenal doctor, I paid $500 out of pocket, all-in, for my equipment. But I am due for another mask soon.

[apnez]

First, you should complaint to Industry Canada as this is an illegal decision and commercial practise. It is against anti-monopolistic laws and Free trade Act to limit or restrain commerce and free trade between Canada and USA. Same thing happened in the car industry when the CDN$ was higher than USD$. Industry Canada closed their eyes during the "adaptation" period but it was clear that such practises were not for ever.

For those who are prisoners of ResMed, may be a practical solution would be buying now from Australia.... and now longer buy new ResMed equipment. My wife will buy a new machine in a few weeks and will now buy a Respironics.

[6PtStar]

First you can't get Rescan any more if you are a end user. Now this. Resmad did this and started this mess with MAP pricing until the other big three jumped on the band wagon. Did not do any good to boycott then then more than likely won't notice now either. Not enough of us to get any attention. They just have a nack for messing every thing up.

Jerry

[Froro]

thanks for that reply apnez! I couldn't remember who this should be reported to.

Hubby thought it had something to do with "monopolistic" competition issues but couldn't remember what department covered it!

BTW.... SMG group is who charged me $2300 for the elite2, humidifier and mask.

shameful

[Julie]

I think a lot of you are not aware that Resmed started this business last year, and 99% of other DME's (in the U.S) have been complying with it all along. Cpap.com just held out until it became impossible for them to go on, so don't expect big changes now from Resmed, the issue is old and they haven't rescinded it yet! Plus they just don't seem to care whatsoever for us at all... we're just 'patients'.