Bleep/DreamPort nasal mask review thread

[djams]

I've got a high deductible, low cost HSA. I can buy online using my HSA debit card. Only have to start worrying about dealing with insurance after my deductible is met.

BTW - these HSA's are the best thing ever. My financial advisor calls them a "tax triple threat". Why oh why didn't these come about back when we were young and fit as a fiddle? I spent 20+ years paying thousands for medical coverage, and all we used it for were yearly checkups.

[katestyles]

In one of my fantasy moments, I did wonder how hard it would be to start up my own DME, for CPAP supplies only, and work with insurance. There has to be a way to make this work.......

I even started to look at the requirements to start a DME business in my state.....there were not many.

Failed at the first hurdle - I have to make up a user name that MUST be my second name, first initial and 4 digits. I can't find 4 digits that work.

[prodigyplace]

Slightly unrelated question, but somewhat related:

If my insurance allows for pillows every 2 weeks, then are DMEs able to back date purchases? For example, if I order a Bleep 2 pack, can they charge one for two weeks ago and one for today? Or do I literally need to put in an order every 2 weeks and pay for shipping, etc?

I think they can forward date at least. My DME sent me a 5 pack of pillows.

[bjhunt01]

So I have an insurance question about all this as I'm new to the game. I'm on Medicare. If your DME doesn't file for you, I assume we just file our own claim and submit the bill? Is that the way to do it? I've been paying out of my own pocket to cpap.com and would rather file and get reimbursed if I can. Thanks for any help!

[Dreaming1]

Who is your cpap supplier? I just noticed Stuart posted on LinkedIn an announcement about Nationwide Medical. Must be for real...

[zoomzoom]

Who is your cpap supplier? I just noticed Stuart posted on LinkedIn an announcement about Nationwide Medical. Must be for real...

Wish Apria would get involved! Or Lincare. I think those are the two national brands that my insurance contracts out with. Everyone else (although not sure big Rotacare is) seems to be more local versions

[zoomzoom]

Slightly unrelated question, but somewhat related:

If my insurance allows for pillows every 2 weeks, then are DMEs able to back date purchases? For example, if I order a Bleep 2 pack, can they charge one for two weeks ago and one for today? Or do I literally need to put in an order every 2 weeks and pay for shipping, etc?

I think they can forward date at least. My DME sent me a 5 pack of pillows.

I would absolutely be OK with this if they forward dated them as to save on shipping costs (or make an order big enough to avoid shipping altogether).

Another thing I'd like to know is that if pillows are available 2x/mo, from which date does the 2x/month start? Does it start at the end of the compliance period (3 months), from the date you first start therapy/pick up the machine, or some other date in the future? I've met my deductible due to the CPAP purchase, and would like to stock up on pillows and headgears as I won't be meeting the deductible (under normal use) next year.

[prodigyplace]

Another thing I'd like to know is that if pillows are available 2x/mo, from which date does the 2x/month start? Does it start at the end of the compliance period (3 months), from the date you first start therapy/pick up the machine, or some other date in the future? I've met my deductible due to the CPAP purchase, and would like to stock up on pillows and headgears as I won't be meeting the deductible (under normal use) next year.

A lot of this depends on your DME provider. They REALLY like to put you on a list where they automatically send what insurance will pay for.

After the first month, Lin(don't)Care sent me a new humidifier tank for my S10 AutoSet because my insurance states "as needed" I got off that plan quick because my insurance only covers 80% of the cost.

[bjhunt01]

Hello all: I don't find an answer to my question that I asked earlier. I am new to this.

I'm on Medicare. If your DME doesn't file for you, I assume we just file our own claim and submit the bill? Is that the way to do it?

And.....Someone asked who my supplier is. It's Americorp Healthcare/American Durable Medical Equipment in Dallas. Not sure why you asked?

Thanks.

[Pugsy]

Hello all: I don't find an answer to my question that I asked earlier. I am new to this.

I'm on Medicare. If your DME doesn't file for you, I assume we just file our own claim and submit the bill? Is that the way to do it?

And.....Someone asked who my supplier is. It's Americorp Healthcare/American Durable Medical Equipment in Dallas. Not sure why you asked?

Thanks.

My understanding is that there is no way for Medicare patients to file their own claims to Medicare to seek reimbursement.
All claims have to be filed by a Medicare approved provider.
Call up Medicare and ask them.

[bjhunt01]

Thanks. Just thought someone would have experience with this to avoid calling Medicare!!!!

[Pugsy]

Thanks. Just thought someone would have experience with this to avoid calling Medicare!!!!

Well.....supposedly there is a way but I think I read that if the provider isn't approved by Medicare then they won't pay even if you do file yourself
This doesn't address that little potential problem and at the moment I can't find that documentation. In general I don't hold out much hope for getting reimbursed.
https://www.medicare.gov/claims-appeals ... le-a-claim

[ChicagoGranny]

Is there anything that can be concluded from this thread? Does anyone want to attempt to tally up a score?

There is only one customer review at cpap.com --->

I tried to love the Bleep, but, with some regrets, I had to return it. The things I loved: increased air to my nasal passages and freedom from headgear. The things I didn't love: the sensation of pulling on my nose; the inability to quickly remove it; the noise from the vents; and the sticky residue left behind when I took off the adhesive pads. If I had been able to sleep better than with my P10, even with all the disadvantages, I would have kept it, but after five nights of trying, I had to send it back.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/bleep- ... -cpap-mask

[Dreaming1]

Not sure what the point is ChicagoGranny. Looks like cpap.com was late to the game...14 reviews on the cpap shop.
https://www.thecpapshop.com/bleep-dream ... er-reviews

https://www.thecpapshop.com/bleep-dream ... h-adhesive

7 more on another competitor site: https://www.directhomemedical.com/dream ... sleep.html

3 more as screen shots from other sites attached. What’s to tally?

[Dreaming1]

Wanted to share this wall hook idea for tubing. It’s been great at keeping the tube centered over my head and not letting it slip around.