DME mask returns limited to 1 time?

[violetpro]

I'm new to CPAP and will be getting my doctor's prescriptions next week. I have chosen my model of machine (S9 Autoset with heated humidifier), although I've not bought any equipment yet. My next topic to learn is the masks. In talking to several DME's in my area (Southern California), I'm finding they all follow the policy of allowing only 1 return in the first 30 days. I'm just thinking that trying only 2 masks (1 to return, 1 to keep) as a new patient feels really limiting to me. Sure I might be lucky on the first or second mask, but if I'm not that lucky, then I'm needing to buy out-of-pocket each additional model to try it. Is there a smarter way for me to go about getting a well-fitting mask to begin with?

What is your experience nationwide with DME's with a more generous return policy for new patients?

My insurance is original Medicare, so I'm limited to the Medicare list of approved suppliers. The list includes 32 suppliers from all over the country from here to Florida. Anyone have experience with DME's on the list?

Here's the link to my list: http://www.medicare.gov/supplierdirecto ... k-to-top-0

Thank-you for looking at this together with me.

[DJL]

I went to Lincare in Washington State, and I kept my fourth mask. I did not have any trouble just taking them back and just explaining why it did not work.
One of the first three masks I explained that it was quite good and I may want to return to it, they said they would keep it to one side for me just in case I wanted to go back to it.

[Julie]

Cpap.com will let you try lots - for a fee ("insurance") which will be refunded if you buy a given mask.

[chunkyfrog]

I have bought several masks from them and paid the additional fee for return insurance
--on the ones I was trying for the first time. (sometimes the insurance is free)
Some masks were not a good enough fit, so I returned them, and I received the mask price,
but they kept the insurance fee as stated in their web site.
The return insurance period is for 30 days (including shipping), which works for us in the lower 48,
but others may not have the time needed.

[oak]

violetpro, i had the same experience with my DME (I have private insurance). Luckily I found a great mask on the second try. i read somewhere here that CPAP Care Club is a medicare provider and that others had good luck with them, although I cant confirm because I haven't used them. I found this on their web site:


If, within 30 days of getting your new CPAP mask, it doesn’t fit properly, CPAP Care Club will replace it for free – you only pay for shipping.

** Up to 30 days from shipment (a longer period may apply based on law or regulation). Some restrictions apply.)

Products sold by CPAP Care Club and affiliates carry manufacturers’ warranties. The company will honor all warranties under applicable law, including replacing, free of charge, and Medicare-covered equipment. Specific Manufacturer’s warranty information can be found in the product packaging, or on the manufacturers’ websites.

http://www.cpapcareclub.com/products/

[sawinglogz]

My understanding is that it's up to the DME to make their own policy, but here's what you should know:

1) The manufacturer will replace (for free) any mask they send you that you reject within the first 30 days of treatment. (Once used, a mask can't be given to anyone else.) They just have to fill out some paperwork.

2) The manufacturers don't generally limit this to just one mask.

3) DMEs sometimes don't want to incur the extra work and/or shipping expense (if applicable) of sending you a whole bunch of masks. It's possible they'll be more flexible if you're willing to pick up the mask in person.

4) #3 seems incredibly short-sighted and stupid since compliance drops dramatically when you have a mask that doesn't work for you, and if they're good to you up front, they have a lifetime of supplies they can sell you.

I was lucky and found a fairly enlightened DME who not only let me try multiple masks, but also didn't want me to return the "rejects".

[Stormynights]

My DME won't take back anything that is opened. American Home Patient. Buying from cpap.com is really nice when you consider that you can try the mask for 30 days and return it if you buy the insurance. It only costs you $25. to try a mask. That is very reasonable.

[chunkyfrog]

Mask insurance "premiums" vary, depending on the mask.
Sometimes the price for a specific mask will change, too.
Some masks I have not tried, because the insurance is more expensive than I want to risk.