Ordering a mask

Where do you guys order from? Do you need an rx and does insurance cover anything ? Or should I just order without rx. I've been a cpap user for three years and I'm going to try a full face instead of the nasel pillows. Any help is appreciated.

You can order from our host....cpap.com. They will require a prescription (copy). They are reliable, fast and you will be glad you dealt with them. You can order masks from Amazon... without a prescription. I order from the DME (Durable Medical Equipment) that my insurance requires me to deal with. I recon most folks here deal with a local DME in their home town.

Sheriff

If you want your insurance to cover, call them to find out who is in their network.

If you want insurance to pay for a mask or any cpap accessories you will need to use a DME that works with your insurance.
You can check with your insurance company and see if they will reimburse you for out of network purchases but usually if they do it the rate is reduced. It depends on the insurance plan.

Some online cpap retailers will require a RX be on file for complete mask packages.

Now if you can buy the various replacement parts and build your own mask you won't need a RX to be on file because replacement parts don't require a RX.

I break it down this way:

If you have insurance and want your insurer to pay for some of all of the mask:
1. Call your insurer to get a list of approved DME's.
2. Ask your insurer if they reimburse if you buy it on your own (most do NOT)
3. Ask your insurer what your out of pocket cost will be if you use a DME not on their list.
4. Ask what your deductible for DME is and what your Co-pay--how much will the mask cost you out of pocket?
5. Understand the return policy if the mask does not fit or work for you. Manufacturers will credit DME's if you need to replace the mask within 30 days of purchase, but a lot of DME's don't want to be bothered with the paperwork. So if you are buying a mask without being able to try it on, this is important. Choose a DME who will help you find the right FF mask.

If you want to buy it on your own:
1. With a prescription, any online provider. Some providers, like our hosts at cpap.com, have "return insurance" that allows you to return a mask that doesn't work for free or for a little extra "insurance" payment.
2. Without a prescription, eBay and Amazon are good sources. But no returns. With Amazon you don't have to play the "buy parts to make a whole mask" game.

Always compare prices to see what works best for you out of pocket. You may be able to get a mask on Amazon cheaper than your out of pocket with insurance BUT it doesn't count toward your deductible if you haven't met it yet. So is it really better? Maybe, if you don't expect to meet your deductible anyway.