buying suppplies online

[ellenjcg]

I have been getting all my supplies from a local medical equipment provider which happens to be out of my insurance network. I find the prices very high and noticed that there are much less expensive options for hoses, masks etc on line. Do most people purchase on line or through a medical supply company?

[RipVW]

I purchase almost everything online, primarily from cpap.com.

[pagebypage]

I mostly buy from my hmo. I pay 20%. When they won't cover, I go to cpap.com. I have looked at other online sites but have only purchased at cpap.com.

[KatieW]

Yes, cpap.com rocks!

[Julie]

Just check with your insce. co. that they have no problem paying for online equipment (once you submit the invoice).

[Babette]

I buy everything from cpap.com. And occasionally from cpapauction.com.

I pay out of pocket, the stuff comes LICKETY SPLIT, and it's cheaper than anywhere else. I submit a reimbursement to my insurance, and only get 70% back, but I charge the other 30% to my FSA, or shrug my shoulders and call it a day. The lack of headaches and hassles makes it so worth my while.

Good luck!
Barbara

[Soldier of Troy]

I tried to work with a DME. Never seen an industry where they worked so hard not to get your business... I buy everything online now.

[tonycog]

Ebay is another option for replacement parts - filters, hoses, seals, etc.

[cpackdude]

I never buy from a DME because they charge you insurance rates.. For example from a DME store you can buy a 2 pack of filters for 40 dollars and online you can find them for 9.99 at http://www.1800cpap.com DME's will get away with whatever they can. The good news is most insurance companies will allow you to get reimbursed for your online purchases, just call them and ask them there process.....Good Luck

[KatieW]

I recently got a good buy at amazon.com. I have the Comfortlite 2, and wanted to try the Direct Seals, which are $29 at cpap.com, $19 at directhomemedical.com. But I didn't know what size. I did a google shopping search and found a new headset with 3 sizes of Direct Seals (4, 5, 6/s, m, l) from a seller at amazon.com for 49.95 + 5 shipping.

I plan to use the backup headset with the Headrest which I've just ordered. Thanks for the lab rat tip, Kiralynx.

[Kiralynx]

I recently got a good buy at amazon.com. I have the Comfortlite 2, and wanted to try the Direct Seals, which are $29 at cpap.com, $19 at directhomemedical.com. But I didn't know what size. I did a google shopping search and found a new headset with 3 sizes of Direct Seals (4, 5, 6/s, m, l) from a seller at amazon.com for 49.95 + 5 shipping.

I plan to use the backup headset with the Headrest which I've just ordered. Thanks for the lab rat tip, Kiralynx.

Which size did you end up using, Katie? The Direct Seals worked the best for me, over the regular nasal pillows. I got a much better seal, with more comfort.

<g> And I hope you like the Headrest with the CL2 strap. I've been meaning to get some photographs of how I did it, but things have been more than a little crazy around here. Give me a hollar if if get it and wonder, "Now how...?"

[KatieW]

Kiralynx, I started with the #4 (small) Direct Seal. Yes, they are comfortable, and 0-low leaks.

To give my nares a little variety, I switch every night, or during the night. I get higher leaks with the Simple, but it's a nice break.

With the nasal pillows, I use both small and medium. I might prefer the small.

Thanks for your offer, I should be getting the Headrest in a few days, and will play with it, then give a holler if I can't figure it out. I am touched that you are thinking of others, and our minor little problems, with all that you are dealing with right now. Take care.