frustrated with supplier...long

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 2:14 pm

I never did get what DME meant so maybe that is who I mean. Maybe they have a different name in Canada.

I was having trouble with leaks from my mirage activa and decided to try the breeze again. I bought one and used it for maybe a half hour and gave up because of extreme leaks. Bought a new mirage activa cushion and was fine with that and just forgot about the breeze.

A couple of days ago at a free clinic at the place I bought the breeze (where they test equip and supposedly make sure everything is ok) I showed the RT the breeze he had sold me and asked if he could help to see why I was getting leaks. He held it with his fingers over the openings where pillows should go and turned the machine on and sure enough air blew out the sides. He said he tries to talk people out of buying these masks and has complained to the company about it because you are required to seal it yourself with epoxy to keep it from leaking. I was shocked that he knew this but still sold the masks. I said well since you sold it to me knowing it was faulty I guess I will get a refund? he said sorry the warrantee time has expired.

i was already frustrated with the first company I used when I saw my record with my blue cross insurer and saw what they charged for my machine and original mask (compared to cpap.com). ...and that I had no help from them once they had their money so I switched to this company. Now I wonder if they are all the same.

i also asked the RT about whether I should try a machine with data since i have lost over 100 lbs and I think my needs may have changed. He said that machines with 'data' are a waste of money and that I just need to use a pulse oximeter for a night to see what my pressure should now be. Even I, with my limited knowledge, knew that that would only show if i desat but wouldn't give a pressure range. I was angry about that and the useless breeze so I told him I wouldn't be back. As I left i wondered where i would go next since they all seem to be the same

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 2:34 pm

Have you tried Vital Aire, I am on my second machine with them & am more than pleased with the service..... Noticed you mentioned pricing with with what your supplier charged Blue Cross etc compared to pricing with Cpap.com, I believe cpap.com is a U S based company, the machines are about 1/2 the price in the US.

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 2:45 pm

Thanks, I will look up vital air. I did buy my mirage cushion from cpap.com. It cost $125. from my supplier and $35. at cpap.com. Although it was more with the set S&H to canada cost of $17. and exchange it was still well worth it and Blue Cross actually reimursed me $41. ?? for it. Anyway will look up Vital Air now. Hope they are in BC. Thanks again.

Janine · Post by **Janine** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 5:50 pm

They are in BC

http://www.vitalaire.com/en/homecare/Locations

Where are you? I am using Clinical Sleep Solutions right now, as they are the only game in town (prescription was sent there).

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 7:10 pm

Actually it was clinical sleep solutions that sold me the bad breeze and told me not to waste money on a 'data' machine. haha. i will try vital air. thanks for your response. i just picked up daughter from ferry. she goes to school on your beautiful island. take care. Elle

Janine · Post by **Janine** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 9:35 pm

That unfortunately does not surprise me. Quality really seems to vary from person to person. Good luck with it. I am going to check out the Vitalaire next time I am in Victoria or Nanaimo.

dangergirl · Post by **dangergirl** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 9:50 pm

Elle wrote: i also asked the RT about whether I should try a machine with data since i have lost over 100 lbs and I think my needs may have changed. He said that machines with 'data' are a waste of money and that I just need to use a pulse oximeter for a night to see what my pressure should now be. Even I, with my limited knowledge, knew that that would only show if i desat but wouldn't give a pressure range. I was angry about that and the useless breeze so I told him I wouldn't be back. As I left i wondered where i would go next since they all seem to be the same

I got the exact same answer about data from CSS. And that an auto was not of any use and would not react soon enough to help me. I am reading everything here and think I will be buying on line! I feel like I know more about this than they do, and they are holding all the cards (they think). My Dr is great about other stuff, but seems to think his part of it is done now that CSS is in the picture.

Elle · Post by **Elle** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 10:00 pm

Exactly, they look at you like you are an alien if you want any answers. Either they are used to people not caring and just accepting what they are given (thinking the "authorities" know best....OR I was thinking my supplier is maybe used to being shunned (or re-shunned a la dwight shrute) and just ignores complaints. arghhh

DME_Guy · Post by **DME_Guy** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 12:09 am

I'll tell you what a waste is. It isn't the data the machines provide, it's the many Respiratory Therapist that think they know everything. All they do is set the pressure to what the doctor says. They all have there opinions on which machine is best and which mask is best. They usually base those opinions on which rep takes them out to the best lunch.

Respiratory Therapist are not necessary for CPAP equipment and supplies. All they do is add an unnecessary cost.

Just for fun, everyone should ask their Respiratory Therapist how much they learned about CPAPs and CPAP mask in school.

brodon38 · Post by **brodon38** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 6:35 am

From Experience with Vital Air, & by the way they are not the only supplier in my area, The RT is use has been very helpful, she has even gone so far as to show me how to change the pressure myself, was having trouble finding the right pressure for me, to save me a lot from running into their office so fequently. They have even followed up with me after to see how I am making out. By the way I now have 2 machines, a slightly used, like new resmed elite7 with humidifier is for sale if anyone is looking to buy a machine & does not have insurance.

frustrated with supplier...long

frustrated with supplier...long

Re: frustrated with supplier...long