foam filters

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
mailady

foam filters

Post by mailady » Fri May 14, 2010 5:29 am

I was shocked when I went to my dme to get new filters . I am on medicare and they charged medicare$34 for 2 small foam filters. what a overcharge

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Junaid
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Re: foam filters

Post by Junaid » Fri May 14, 2010 6:18 am

DISGUSTING

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J-Mac
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Re: foam filters

Post by J-Mac » Fri May 14, 2010 2:20 pm

Unfortunately this is exactly why I purchase all of my own CPAP equipment and accessories/supplies, even though I do have insurance coverage for them. And I dread the day when I don’t have this option anymore because I cannot afford it.

mailady, if you are paying for those items yourself then I strongly recommend that you instead use CPAP.com for such items.

Jim

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kurth83
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Re: foam filters

Post by kurth83 » Fri May 14, 2010 2:25 pm

I read my DME's paperwork and the prices they billed back to my insurance
were about 2x https://www.cpap.com's prices. The mask fitting was worth the
price of admission at least once, they set me up pretty well there.

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mailady

Re: foam filters

Post by mailady » Fri May 14, 2010 5:08 pm

I did not have to pay for the filters, however on line I found them for
$9.99 compared to $34 my DME charged medicare.

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plr66
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Re: foam filters

Post by plr66 » Fri May 14, 2010 5:47 pm

I've always wondered why I've never read of anyone here just finding foam that is as close as possible to the same density, and cutting one's own filters. Would cost less than a cent or two for each one!! I've never had to replace one, but now that I'm thinking of it, I'll try to remember to check some ideas for the foam. I do think it is essential to get a similar density so that one's therapy will not be compromised by your machine not being able to get as much air as necessary through it.....But hey, this is not rocket science here with filters; and they are not made of some "special" material.

I am just galled by the totally outrageous prices placed on such things as foam filters and mask wipes, when they can be purchased for next to nothing outside of the xpap world as common, ordinary products which are easily available in neighborhood stores. End of rant
DeVilbiss IntelliPap Std Plus with Smartflex; Transcend miniCPAP & Everest2 w/humidifier & batt for travel. UltraMirage FFM; PadACheeks; PaPillow. Using straight CPAP at 13.0/passover humidifier. AHI consistently < 1.5. Began CPAP 9/4/08.

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bearded_two
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Re: foam filters

Post by bearded_two » Fri May 14, 2010 8:05 pm

The specifications for the foam used in CPAP filters are probably fairly critical, especially the pressure drop. If the foam filters are not as effective as they could be, the white filter will get dirtier, faster, and the cost of replacing the white filters could offset the savings of DIY foam filters.

I replace my foam filter about once a year; I wash it with Dawn followed by a white vinegar solution when it gets dirty. After several washings, the foam filter starts getting ragged and needs to be replaced.

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GumbyCT
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Re: foam filters

Post by GumbyCT » Fri May 14, 2010 8:29 pm

I think a foam which is used in front of many air conditioners would work.

I vacuum clean my foam filters. I think they tend to last longer that way. Well, until they get sucked down the hose, LOL.

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imtired
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Re: foam filters

Post by imtired » Fri May 14, 2010 8:44 pm

my dme cherged $49.99 for 12 when i bought the machine. i guess im lucky looking at some of these prices

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