Cheapest CPAP Option For The (Effectively) Uninsured

[C.Porter]

Hi Everyone,

Recently after undergoing a couple sleep studies my ENT wrote me a script for a cpap machine. I contacted a DME provider who told me my insurance would cover a machine on a ten month rent to own plan. Because the new billing year just started and my mediocre insurance has an extremely high deductible, it would cost me 85 dollars a month or roughly 900 dollars. That's way more than I can afford so I was wondering, what are some more cost effective options for acquiring a cpap machine?

Thank you in advance to anyone who offers a suggestion.

[palerider]

Hi Everyone,

Recently after undergoing a couple sleep studies my ENT wrote me a script for a cpap machine. I contacted a DME provider who told me my insurance would cover a machine on a ten month rent to own plan. Because the new billing year just started and my mediocre insurance has an extremely high deductible, it would cost me 85 dollars a month or roughly 900 dollars. That's way more than I can afford so I was wondering, what are some more cost effective options for acquiring a cpap machine?

Thank you in advance to anyone who offers a suggestion.

does nobody read anything before posting anymore?

craigslist and secondwindcpap.com.

[Tatooed Lady]

Personally, I find $85/month easier to come up with than several hundred, even as a one time thing. They CAN be found used cheap...but if you don't know what you're looking at, you might be better off getting new the first time, through a DME, learning as you go, then buying used later. People suck, as a rule, and many will swear the unit is fine, works 100% and is from a crack free home...but reality can say differently.
Good luck. Otherwise, PR is 100% correct.

[palerider]

and is from a crack free home..

better crack than cigarettes.

[Sleeprider]

As said, the Craigslist ads get the best machine for best price award as long as you know exactly what you're looking for. First question you need to ask when inquiring on the machine is, does anyone in the household smoke. Mostly I would stick with Philips Respironics System One 60 series Auto or BiPAP, and Resmed S9 Autoset. Airsense 10 autoset is probably too new to be available yet.

I have bought 2 machines since December 15 this way. You're not alone in being 'effectively' uninsured. That said, you buy this way, expect to spend personal time to travel to pick up a machine and pay cash. Transactions at longer distances using PayPal or similar are at your own risk, although CPAPs are not generally the problem some other items are.

Machines are frequently offered on the forum. Don't be surprised if you get a PM. It would help to know what you're looking for.

[grayghost4]

Can't PM ..... not signed in as member.

Where are you located .... what kind on machine do you need ??

[Tatooed Lady]

and is from a crack free home..

better crack than cigarettes.

Erm....either would suck.

[palerider]

and is from a crack free home..

better crack than cigarettes.

Erm....either would suck.

well, I don't know if old crack smoke is as disgusting as old cigarette smoke, (I don't know anything about fresh crack smoke either, tbh) or if it soaks into the silicone squidgy bits like cig smoke does.

[chunkyfrog]

My suggestion would be a Devillbiss Autoadjust, which is my back-up/power failure machine.
It is compatible with Sleepyhead, and the operation is quite effective and comfortable.
In an emergency it can run right off the 12V port in a car.
You might contact a cpap charity, one might be able to help.

[Tatooed Lady]

Cpap charity? That's a new one to me...would a local hospital have info on those?

[Neecerie]

http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/cpa ... ogram.html


I can't attest to their services or anything....just posting the link.

[ChicagoGranny]

after undergoing a couple sleep studies

Curious about how you afforded the deductibles and copays with a "mediocre insurance"?

How much can you afford for the machine? Don't forget you will need a mask and maybe more than one if you are not successful with the first one you try.

[Elle]

Starting to understand why my recently diagnosed sister refuses to register here. Not a very welcoming neighbourhood at times.

[Tatooed Lady]

Starting to understand why my recently diagnosed sister refuses to register here. Not a very welcoming neighbourhood at times.

Its only bad if you're severely thin skinned or take yourself too seriously. Most of the members I see here have a sense of humor to take the edge off what is, in some cases, a very scary thing. Every court needs it's intrigue as well as jesters.

Tons of great advice and info here.

[palerider]

Starting to understand why my recently diagnosed sister refuses to register here. Not a very welcoming neighbourhood at times.

her loss, but if she'd like a more controlled environment and less useful info, send her over to apneaboard, just tell her not to make any jokes about the strict moderators.