DME did not think I needed a mask for when I have a cold!

[BlackSpinner]

I just got over 3 weeks of flu with complications. I used my Quatro as I couldn't stand anything touching my nostrils. When you are sick you don't need to have your O2 levels dropping below what is normal, it really doesn't help you heal.

[GumbyCT]

Both my DME and my doctor think it is reasonable for me to have a ffm with hay fever season starting soon, this even though I just got my machine and a Swift LT for Her.

I think that is more reasonable than going without CPAP as suggested by the OP's RT.

[plr66]

Echoing what the others have already said Esp. the "Idiot" part

fwiw - I have had far fewer colds since going on CPAP...O2 works wonders
1 Cold in 3 yrs = not bad.

Ditto GumbyCT. I was just reminded of the fact that I have not had a single cold or illness since starting cpap 18 months ago. Clearly one's health improves in many ways when breathing regularly.
But I definitely have had a backup FFM mask since the beginning, for times when I might feel unable to use my initially preferred nasal pillows.

[Jersey Girl]

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for all your thoughts/comments, advice. It was very helpful.

So, now I have a question about cpap auction. Do I need a prescription from my doctor to purchase from them? (I know that I need a prescrption for cpap.com, even though insurance is NOT covering it.)

Regards to all,

Jersey Girl

[GumbyCT]

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for all your thoughts/comments, advice. It was very helpful.

So, now I have a question about cpap auction. Do I need a prescription from my doctor to purchase from them? (I know that I need a prescrption for cpap.com, even though insurance is NOT covering it.)

Regards to all,

Jersey Girl

YES of course

However ,comma, I think they can/will transfer from one to the other.

Try CL if you do NOT have a script.

[KatieW]

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for all your thoughts/comments, advice. It was very helpful.

So, now I have a question about cpap auction. Do I need a prescription from my doctor to purchase from them? (I know that I need a prescrption for cpap.com, even though insurance is NOT covering it.)

Regards to all,

Jersey Girl

If you go to cpapauction.com, you will see a tab for Questions at the top of the page. Click on that, and one of the topics is Prescriptions. Click on that, and you will see:

http://www.cpapauction.com/cpap-help/55 ... tions.html

[BleepingBeauty]

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for all your thoughts/comments, advice. It was very helpful.

So, now I have a question about cpap auction. Do I need a prescription from my doctor to purchase from them? (I know that I need a prescrption for cpap.com, even though insurance is NOT covering it.)

Regards to all,

Jersey Girl

YES of course

However ,comma, I think they can/will transfer from one to the other.

Try CL if you do NOT have a script.

Yes, you do need a prescription on file to purchase from the auction. And no, they don't transfer prescriptions between the related sites (cpap.com and the auction). You have to submit to each one separately. (I found this out recently. I already had a script on file with the auction but, in order to buy from cpap.com, I had to upload my script to them.)

[rosiefrosie]

I just bought a mask from cpapauction and NO I did not need a prescription.

rosie

[BleepingBeauty]

I just bought a mask from cpapauction and NO I did not need a prescription.

rosie

Interesting. I just checked the auction's FAQ on this, and it confirms what you said: "No, a prescription is not required to purchase non-machine items. You may bid on and purchase masks, tubing, humidifiers, filters, etc without a prescription."

I'm not sure if something has changed, because I uploaded my script to the auction site awhile back, with the understanding that it WAS necessary. I'm not sure why you DO need a script on file to purchase a mask from cpap.com, but not for the auction site. Doesn't make much sense to me... (Unless auctions are considered to be person-to-person sales, much like a transaction done on CraigsList, rather than a purchase from a legitimate medical supplier.)

[GTOJim]

My wife recently joined me as a hose head. We have to use Aperia, Aperia makes appointments for groups of approximately people 6 who are getting new machines. RT explained to the group how to use their new machines etc. They also had sealed samples of several types of masks to pick from. The mask you pick is the one you buy. Once the package has been opened, no returns. No mask fitting was done, RT makes a guess for each persons size and type of mask.
In my wifes group the RT was asked about colds. The RT's reply to the group was "Just don't use the CPAP for a few days".

My wifes doc wrote a prescription for a generic nasal mask. RT would not let my wife pick nasal pillows, stated the prescription was written for nasal mask only. Wifes doc was very surprised at Aperia's policy, doctor considered nasal pillows to be a type of nasal mask.

[JoyD.]

.
Hmmm. I've been using CPAP religiously for a year. I have always been able to use either my nasal pillow OR my nasal mask even with respiratory infections and bad colds. Here's what got me through without too much difficulty:

* Echinacea capsules, Vitamin C (1000mg) & zinc lozenges taken at the "first sign" of a cold or flu (prevention)
* Fluids - especially hot green tea with a sugarless sweetener
* Warm saline rinses with my neti-pot at least twice a day (to keep the bacteria, viruses & gunk cleaned out)
* Flonase spray (prescription) as directed, to keep my nasal passages open
* A&D ointment on my nostrils during the day for healing of the local irritation
* If yellow/greenish nasal mucus, see a doctor for antibiotics

Hope this helps

Joy

[rosiefrosie]

I just bought a mask from cpapauction and NO I did not need a prescription.

rosie

Interesting. I just checked the auction's FAQ on this, and it confirms what you said: "No, a prescription is not required to purchase non-machine items. You may bid on and purchase masks, tubing, humidifiers, filters, etc without a prescription."

I'm not sure if something has changed, because I uploaded my script to the auction site awhile back, with the understanding that it WAS necessary. I'm not sure why you DO need a script on file to purchase a mask from cpap.com, but not for the auction site. Doesn't make much sense to me... (Unless auctions are considered to be person-to-person sales, much like a transaction done on CraigsList, rather than a purchase from a legitimate medical supplier.)

I'm not sure why either and think that you're right about buying person to person. I was begining to think I got away with something and was sure the cpap police were going to be looking for me.

rosie

[GumbyCT]

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for all your thoughts/comments, advice. It was very helpful.

So, now I have a question about cpap auction. Do I need a prescription from my doctor to purchase from them? (I know that I need a prescrption for cpap.com, even though insurance is NOT covering it.)

Regards to all,

Jersey Girl

YES of course

However ,comma, I think they can/will transfer from one to the other.

Try CL if you do NOT have a script.

Yes, you do need a prescription on file to purchase from the auction. And no, they don't transfer prescriptions between the related sites (cpap.com and the auction). You have to submit to each one separately. (I found this out recently. I already had a script on file with the auction but, in order to buy from cpap.com, I had to upload my script to them.)

Everyday I learn something - Life is a Learning Experience - If I don't learn something I feel like I have wasted it.

Today I learned that just because you took the time to include a link or do some research - it doesn't mean that anyone is going to read it.

If you go to cpapauction.com, you will see a tab for Questions at the top of the page. Click on that, and one of the topics is Prescriptions. Click on that, and you will see:
http://www.cpapauction.com/cpap-help/55 ... tions.html

So here it is from the link above - no clicking required.

My prescription is on file with CPAP.com, will that work?

Yes, this will work. You may transfer your prescription from CPAP.com to CPAPAuction.com.

I think I also have learned that while providing the link for reference is a great idea - a paste of what you are talking about can keep things in context as long as the internet is around. Fact is, the links are often broken and then you can't seem to find the info you were be referring to at a later time anyway.

This internet thingy is like the Wild, Wild West

[tillymarigold]

I personally do keep a Hybrid around for backup and it would make me nervous not to have it. HOWEVER:

1. I find that I get sick much, much, much less frequently than I did before CPAP.

2. For only mild congestion (i.e. I can breathe through my nose but it requires some effort), I just turn up the humidifier and use my regular nasal pillow mask--the humidification clears my nose out enough to breathe. I only use the Hybrid if I'm completely unable to breathe through my nose at all.

So in short, I've only had to use the Hybrid once (for two nights) in the three years I've had CPAP.

[bearded_two]

I have used nasal masks for about 14 years and I have never used (or owned) a full face mask. I use a nasal mask or nasal pillows, even when I am sick. I use a saline rinse and Afrin when I have a cold.