Get Equipment from DME or Online

[TiredTooLong]

I would like to know what newbies have done in regards to getting their first equipment and what the pros and cons are. I will be taking money out of my 401K (which is not that big) to get my equipment. I want to do it right the first time. My local DME is Lincare. Does anyone know anything about them?

[LSAT]

Bad choice...taking the money from your 401K. The money will be taxed and it will not be available in later years. If you are paying out of pocket rather than with insurance use cpap.com. Linecare will be much more expensive. If you were a little older, you would qualify for Medicare. If money is short, you might look at used equipment for a couple years and then when you qualify for Medicare..you can upgrade.

[TiredTooLong]

Unfortunately my insurance for equipment is part of my 1500 deductible. I don't have the cash to pay for it. I'm 2.5 years from Medicare. And I live in a huge farming area 90=100 miles from any town of any size (Spokane, Wenatchee or Tri-Cities). Checked out Craig's list and didn't find anything. I'm not trying to be negative here just looking for the best solution.

[greatunclebill]

if you're paying completely out of pocket, it just might cost $1500. you need to get an exact quote from them. you cn get the best brand new pr sys one 60 series automatic on line for in the 600-700 range with a heated humidifier.

[Pugsy]

If you bought online....which machine were you wanting to buy?
If you bought from a DME...which machine are they going to offer to supply and how much will be the allowed amount that will be applied to your deductible (note that allowed amount and billed amount will likely be quite far apart). In other words what would your insurance allow and pay if your deductible had been met?

Do the math.

Do you have other health issues that meeting the deductible might help pay for stuff later this year?

[nanwilson]

I was in the same boat as you, i took it out of my RRSP's which is the same as your 401K. I would definately buy at cpap.com over a DME. I didn't know any better and bought from the DME, paid double the price for a straight cpap, and then ended up buying a used auto from one of the members here. !st choice would be used, 2nd choice would be cpap.com....waaaay last would be DME
Good luck
Nan

[LSAT]

Check.. http://secondwindcpap.com/

[dtsm]

Check.. http://secondwindcpap.com/

I second this - no pun intended. They are reliable, ship quickly and sometimes you get great buys. They're out of box are actually brand new units.

[osako]

Unfortunately my insurance for equipment is part of my 1500 deductible.

You didn't mention whether or not you got a sleep study recently. If you got one this year then perhaps it made a big dent in your deductible? Either way keep in mind that insurance companies typically make you "rent-to-own" the XPAP monthly for something like 9-10 months. If you insurance deductible schedule is aligned with the calendar year then at least a few payments on the XPAP would be subject to next year's deductible.

[TiredTooLong]

Had the Titration sleep study last Wednesday. The study was paid for. But the equipment is part of the deductible and as it is my deductible is $1500 and haven't used any of it this year, so rent or buy it certainly wouldn't help. I followed up on a couple of online possibilities and think I found a ResMed S9 for a decent price. Now I just wait for the report on Wednesday.

[dtsm]

think I found a ResMed S9 for a decent price.

Make sure it's the AutoSet [apap] and not straight cpap unit...

[archangle]

If you go local, be sure to check with your insurance to see if there is more than one DME who is in network for your insurance. Given a choice, you may get better service from one DME vs. another, and it helps to be able to call up a second DME and offer them your business if they will give you the machine you want.

If you go online, realize you have to figure a lot of the stuff out yourself (with our help). You have to handle your own setup, minor repairs, etc. Spare parts, etc. may be more difficult and time consuming. You need to be committed to figuring out how to do it yourself.

If this is your first CPAP, it can be intimidating, and you may need someone to hold your hand.

Yes, some of the DMEs do a bad job at the things listed above, but the local DME does do a lot for you, especially if they're well run.

[jtmarten]

Check.. http://secondwindcpap.com/

I second this - no pun intended. They are reliable, ship quickly and sometimes you get great buys. They're out of box are actually brand new units.

+1
Great products, great service too. Many used models, and fairly inexpensive new models as well.

[Goofproof]

If this is your first CPAP, it can be intimidating, and you may need someone to hold your hand.

Most of the Hand Holding I've seen from DME's, are so they can reach around and empty your wallet.

Get your script and order online fron CPAPdot COM, they are honest to deal with. Get a APAP, and a Full faced mask to keep you from mouthbreathing, and maybe a nasel mask, order filters for your machine too. Jim

[archangle]

Most of the Hand Holding I've seen from DME's, are so they can reach around and empty your wallet.

Get your script and order online fron CPAPdot COM, they are honest to deal with. Get a APAP, and a Full faced mask to keep you from mouthbreathing, and maybe a nasel mask, order filters for your machine too. Jim

Well, a lot of people aren't as knowledgeable about CPAP as you and me, and do need some help figuring out how to do this CPAP stuff.



Of course, maybe that's how her DME set her up.

By the way, I think a full face mask should only be used as a last resort for someone who can't make a nasal mask work. They tend to have leak problems and may make your apnea worse because they push your jaw back.