ComfortGel and ComfortGel Blue Full-Face Masks

[BoomersRock]

What is the difference between these two models; I am not seeing it. I just received an invoice from my DME for a ComfortGel FFM. They billed the insurance company $377 for the mask and another $68 for headgear. The insurance company only paid $216 and $68. This is so out of wack with what CPAP.Com lists it at. What is going on?

Also, if I chose to buy my supplies from CPAP.Com, do I need the full prescription (machine & mask). Do they accept insurance?

[nanwilson]

If you haven't noticed by reading on this forum....DME'S are rip-off artists.........sometimes it is cheaper to buy out of pocket at our host..cpap.com.

[cappy]

I called cpap.com two days ago and they said that they are out of network for all insurance plans. They advised talking to my insurance company first.

[chunkyfrog]

Our insurance (BCBSNE) company's deductible is so high that unless we're getting a scheduled machine,
our stuff is all out of pocket--unless we want to go to the DME--in which case the out of pocket is the same,
but we have to wait for the time interval to be right.--and we may not get as much.
Naturally, the lovely folks at our favorite online supplier are prompt and friendly.
Edit: per the question about the two masks; the big difference is the new elbow with smaller air holes.
This is a better air outlet, as I have the same elbow on my Easylife nasal mask.
I'm getting a new CGBlueFF cushion (today) to put on my existing CGFF--I'll let you know if the fit is better.
I opted out of getting the whole Blue mask since the forehead brace adjustment has NOT been improved (!!!)
That would have been my FIRST change.
.

[BoomersRock]

Hi ChunkyFrog (LOVE the avatar BTW),

Is this what you mean regarding the elbow: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Comfor ... embly.html

I think I got the ComfortGel not the comfortGel Blue and my elbow looks like this pix.

[chunkyfrog]

Yes, that is the elbow on the original CGFF.
The new one has an oval-shaped blue part on top of the elbow where the vent holes are.
Look at the elbow on the EasyLife:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/easyli ... -pack.html
You got the older one--not surprising; the 'blue' is VERY new.
I don't see the replacement elbow for the new masks for sale yet.
The older style is a bit more costly, at least where I bought it.
It is my best-fitting FF mask--bar none. --but DH gripes about the draft.

[BoomersRock]

Yes, I am happy with this FFM so far. I had tried the Quattro and that didn't cut it. I am was able to eliminate the chinstrap and taping every night with the ComfortGel FFM. Been using it for two months.

[BoomersRock]

I did wonder why I didn't get the Blue CG FF as it was the latest model. I understand DMEs want seem to want to sell you the old stock. When I ask for my next replacement, i will as for the Blue CG.

[snuginarug]

$284 for mask and headgear? $179 is the highest price I've seen. I am wondering what is so special about your mask, lol. Does it make toast for you in the morning, or clean the bathroom? Do tell us if it does something amazing!

[BoomersRock]

I wonder why they charge the ins co so much; they probably know they will only pay a certain percentage anyway. But they paid $68 for a gecko nose paid it is only $25 on cpap.com!!

[chunkyfrog]

This is all creative accounting. (In my most humble opinion)
Any amount charged, but not collected, is probably written off as a "loss".
This is probably how the DME's "Palace of Versailles" is being paid for.
Someone in the IRS must owe her big time--to get away with that.
With accounting like that, she probably uses EBT for all her groceries--especially the steaks.