Why CPAP.com Requires Prescriptions

[sagesteve]

Johnny...PERFECTLY stated!

[JohnBFisher]

Johnny, first I feel for you. You do the best you can to provide an excellent service and need to struggle through all the rules and regs to help make that happen. The amazing thing is that inspite of the roadblocks, you continue to provide excellent service to one and all. And as others noted, you go out of your way to make that happen. Thank you.

Second, we the users of CPAP devices need to make it clear to our doctors and medical community that we are in charge of our therapy. There are *really* good reasons to seek their advice and obtain the benefit of their training. But as is true with any chronic illness only when the patient actively guides the process does the therapy work. This is true for diabetes, it is true for heart disease, it is also true for use of xPAP devices.

Still, thank you, Johnny for your efforts on our behalf. You've created a remarkable service and a community where we can all grow and prosper. Thank you for your efforts!

[Ms.Snuffleupagus]

Does anyone know how specific the prescription for a mask has to be. Mine says APAP with a nasal mask. I would like to order the Hybrid. Do you think my current prescription should cover it or do I need one that specifies a full face mask? As well how long are the prescriptions good for if I want to order from this site?

[rested gal]

I'm guessing that any prescription that mentions the word "mask" on it, no matter what type of mask and even if it specifies a brand and model name, would be good for ANY type of mask, any brand, any model. But I don't know that for sure. You could call the CPAP.com 800 number and find out.

Also, as far as I know, once you have an Rx on file with cpap.com, it's good "forever" and can be used to buy any number of the things mentioned on the Rx...multiple machines, multiple masks, multiple humidifiers. I don't think they require a new Rx each time. But again, you might want to check directly with cpap.com.

[Babette]

I don't understand why I can't buy a cpap when my Rx is for an apap.

If I can operate an apap, why can't I be trusted w/a cpap???

....it's not like transmissions.........

Hey, me either, but apparently it's the law. I was not allowed to buy a cheap cpap for travel on cpapauction because my script reads APAP. I went to my doc, told him the problem, and had him write me a script for everything under the sun. I just need to scan it into PDF version now, so I can fire it off when I want to buy something.

Cheers,
Barbara

[Babette]

BTW, Johnny, I know I was one of the grumblers. I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to offend you or make your life harder. I do understand now. You did a good thing by posting this thread with all the info.

Huggers to you and all your wonderful staff and family,
Barbaa

[Ms.Snuffleupagus]

Thanks for the info Rested Gal. Guess will give them a call.

[Wulfman]

I don't understand why I can't buy a cpap when my Rx is for an apap.

If I can operate an apap, why can't I be trusted w/a cpap???

....it's not like transmissions.........

Hey, me either, but apparently it's the law. I was not allowed to buy a cheap cpap for travel on cpapauction because my script reads APAP. I went to my doc, told him the problem, and had him write me a script for everything under the sun. I just need to scan it into PDF version now, so I can fire it off when I want to buy something.

Cheers,
Barbara

It's pretty simple, really.
The prescription for an APAP should have a range of pressures on it.......you can't set a CPAP for a range of pressures.

And, since the APAP has a CPAP mode, it CAN be set to a single pressure......consequently, you can get an APAP with a CPAP prescription.


Den

[rested gal]

I'm guessing again.

As for why a prescription for "autopap" can't cover a "cpap" machine...

If the prescription is for Autopap or "Autotitrating CPAP", it's going to have a range of pressures mentioned on it. Not just a single pressure.

But if a person wants to buy a cpap (which is a single pressure machine) with the autopap prescription, the seller has no way to know what SINGLE pressure to set the CPAP at. It would not be legal for the seller to guess (hey, I can guess, but they can't! ) at what single pressure to put it on.

If the autopap prescription on file says to set the autopap at 10 - 20, how is the seller supposed to know what single pressure to put in for the CPAP machine before shipping it? 10? 11? 12? 19? 20? Something between? They have to know what pressure and they have to see it there on the Rx.

On the other hand, a CPAP prescription for a pressure of 10 could be acceptable (used to be, I hope it still is) to use for buying an autopap. That's because a range of 4 - 20 will encompass any prescribed single pressure. So..the autopap could be shipped to the person, left at the default range of 4 - 20, and that single prescribed pressure of CPAP @ 10 cm H2O would be within that.

The question of whether someone whose doctor prescribed "CPAP" at one specific pressure for them should switch (on their own without asking their doctor, "Would this be ok?" ) to an autopap is a whole other ballgame. There are a few contraindications to using autotitration:

http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summar ... s=6&xl=999

Patients with congestive heart failure, significant lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients expected to have nocturnal arterial oxyhemoglobin desaturation due to conditions other than OSA (e.g., obesity hypoventilation syndrome), patients who do not snore (either naturally or as a result of palate surgery), and patients who have central sleep apnea syndromes are not currently candidates for APAP titration or treatment. (Standard)

Just now saw Den's reply, that I agree with. Yup..that's simpler. They can just set the autopap to CPAP mode at the single pressure and ship it out. That definitely would fill the "CPAP" prescription as written. I like your answer a lot better than mine!

[carbonman]

It's pretty simple, really.
The prescription for an APA blah...blah.....blah......consequently, you can get an APAP with a CPAP prescription.
Den

As for why a prescription for "autopap" can't cover a "cpap" machine...
....blah....blah....blah......
That definitely would fill the "CPAP" prescription as written. I like your answer a lot better than mine! [/color] [/b]

Geeeez, Loweezzz.......
how am I supposed to fireup the unruly mobs with this kind of thinking.

[So Well]

I will start keeping a copy with me when I travel.

[Wulfman]

I have a prescription on file with cpap.com that simply reads "Autoset CPAP 5 - 20 cm".

When traveling, I use a straight CPAP. If I want to buy another one, do I need a new script?

If I want to buy a brand other than Autoset, do I need a new script?

New script mentioning mask, hose, filters, replacement humidifier tank?

The newspapers tell me cocaine is very easy to purchase in the U.S. But a CPAP machine? Maybe not so easy?

Possibly not, but I'd ask CPAP.COM if I were you. Hoses, filters and replacement HH tanks aren't prescription items, so they wouldn't need to be on the script.

Rumor has it (actually it was in the news) that the EPA is going to start "regulating" (taxing/controlling) CO2 emissions (among others) since it's now considered a "dangerous, greenhouse gas"......putting it right in there with cocaine.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126013960013179181.html

I saw a sign once that says "The two most common elements in the universe are carbon and stupidity"
(there is too much of one of those in Washington, DC.)


Den

[rested gal]

Geeeez, Loweezzz.......
how am I supposed to fireup the unruly mobs with this kind of thinking.

Just pass out free pitchforks and torches.

They'll start millin' around and somebody will come up with somethin'!

[Patrick A]

I saw a sign once that says "The two most common elements in the universe are carbon and stupidity"
(there is too much of one of those in Washington, DC.)


Den

Den
Read my signature. I agree with you.

[LinkC]

I have a prescription on file with cpap.com that simply reads "Autoset CPAP 5 - 20 cm".
When traveling, I use a straight CPAP. If I want to buy another one, do I need a new script?

If I want to buy a brand other than Autoset, do I need a new script?

Technically, yes to both, since the 'script is specific. However, that 'script is ambiguous in that it states CPAP yet shows an APAP setting. (Not surprising when you notice the wide open range.) In practice, they will probably sell you either type in any brand.

New script mentioning mask, hose, filters, replacement humidifier tank?

I don't believe any of those are prescription items.