Prescription question

[solennial]

Hi. I have a prescription from 2006. I'm need to get a new machine - but CANNOT go through the expense of sleep studies, et. al.

The prescription reads:

Heated Humidifier - Full Face Mask - Remstar CPAP auto titrating/cflex Cflex setting on 2 Range 7 cm to 15 cm

I have a remstar auto adjusting cpap machine. Since then, I've changed the setting to 12 pressure and to CPAP. I've found that I don't like the variable pressure so a fancy machine is wasted on me. Also, he wrote the full face mask because I had trouble keeping my mouth closed - but that has went away so I use a small nasal mask.

My question:

I'm looking at the Fisher and Paykel 233 unit with the integrated humidifier because for $299 - I can afford that and it has excellent reviews.

Since my presecription has a 'brand' on it - will that restrict me from getting a different brand? Since it says full face mask / will that restrict me from getting any mask. A year or so ago I bought a mask from here with no prescription, so that must be a 'new' requirement I suppose.

Also will I get the clinician's manual with it? Since they specified a pressure 'range' on the prescription how will that be handled with this website's order process? My sleep study says that at a 12 - all apnea episodes ceased. Just my doctor thought I'd like an auto adjusting one better so he specified a range. Like I said - I really don't like it - I just want a constant 12.

Thanks - money is a huge issue. I have a different doc - live in a different area - and he isn't comfortable with prescribing anything without me doing a whole new sleep study - and I have not money or insurance for that.

Thanks!

[KatieW]

I suggest you contact cpap.com and ask them about your prescription. You can phone or email them.

Is your current cpap not working for you? Perhaps if you give us more information about that, you could get some help with that.

[solennial]

No, the current one was damaged on an airline flight and is 'going' out I'm afraid.

[KatieW]

Well, in that case....find out if cpap.com will accept your prescription, as is. If you are comfortable with buying at cpapauction.com, this is listed right now. As with any auctions, check the feedback of the seller, and ask how any warranty issues would be handled, before bidding.

http://www.cpapauction.com/auction-list ... -card.html

If you buy from Craig's List, a RX is not required. I would check out the machine in person, before buying it though.

Another thought, if you explain your situation, would the doctor (or his/her staff) who wrote your RX for the 1st machine be willing to re-write it, with just--"cpap with at 12 cm H2O + heated humidifier + mask of patient's choice".

If not, someone on the forum found an on-line sleep doc who will do a consult and/or home-evaluation and write a RX, for a reasonable price. http://www.cpapprescription.com/

[solennial]

I'll call the website's owner's tomorrow and ask. I doubt I can get something from original doc as it was 2006 and I live hundreds of miles away now. If anyone else has got a machine with a prescription that was too specific, I'd love to hear from you. The auction site mentioned seems to need a prescription as well.

Will keep looking at the thread.

[LSAT]

solennial...You said..."I'm looking at the Fisher and Paykel 233 unit with the integrated humidifier because for $299 - I can afford that and it has excellent reviews. "


I love my F & P 233. It doesnt give any data, but, it's quiet and there is no rainout. I think it is a great machine.

[TXStarfish]

I don't know what the state regulations, etc are where you live, but here, prescriptions expire one year from the date they are written. Like I said, that may vary in other states or with equipment. But, it is something you might want to check on. Best wishes to you.

[PST]

If I were in your shoes, solennial, and I couldn't get a DME to honor the 2006 prescription, I think I would try my regular family doctor. Any physician has the authority to write a prescription for CPAP. I would tell him my old machine was doing a good job for me until it failed, that I hadn't had a big change in weight or health, and that it isn't practical to go back to the sleep specialist or have another titration. I don't know if that'll work for you, but my doctor has been helpful when I've needed a new presription for medications originally prescribed by a specialist without making me go back.