Help

I'm sitting here waiting for my insurance to tell the DME provider that they will cover my cost. To me they are taking too long to respond to this request, over 4 days now. I'm looking at some online places where I can get a CPAP out of pocket and wanted to ask if anybody here found out that they could have started with less cost than paying for the high cost even with insurance paying their part. I'm looking at being able to get everything to start for slightly less than $700.00 USD. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

If you are willing to pay out of pocket, it would be most important to get the equiptment that meets your needs. That would be a full data machine, a FF mask to counteract mouthbreathing, you can always get a nasal mask,as long as you don't mouthbreath when asleep, which you won't know with the software. I'd chose APAP, as it can be set CPAP if needed. RESPIRONICS APAP are my choice due to using 12 volt d/c power is handy to power with backup power. Paying for what you want, even if it's a little more, can be cost effective. Jim

With your script, buying online can be a good way to go. Our host CPAP dot Com, are honest dealers, I bought my APAP from them, quality people. Jim

Elapid wrote: I'm looking at some online places where I can get a CPAP out of pocket

The members here can help. Have you picked out a machine? You need to pick one or two out and run it by the forum.

First, what was your diagnosis and what does your prescription say?

Here's what I'm Looking at

PR System one REMstar with A Flex? with Heated humidifier
Oracle Oral mask (I'm a mouth breather)
and the Airfit F-10 full face mask (thought I better have this in case the Oral doesn't work for me)

Is a 6' hose adequate or should I get a longer one?
Anything else you think I will need.

For Oracle mask info, check my post in signature block.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.

The 6 ft hose is usually more an adequate for most people. If it isn't you can always buy a 2 foot extension later if you wish or a longer hose later and keep the 6 ft as emergency spare (you will want a spare anyway).

Which PR S1 with AFlex? I assume the model number 560 which has the optional heated hose.
I would suggest getting the heated hose (also requires the 80 watt power supply and special lid on the humidifier) to have in case you need it. You can add an upgrade kit later but it costs $75.
The heated hose can come in handy especially in the wintertime for rain out (condensation in the hose or mask) prevention but it also allows for better customization of the humidity and the hose air temp.

The 560 is a great machine. Full data and software is easily (free) available and easy to use.

I have a beard so please let me know if that changes anything.
Any suggestion on mask would be appreciated.

here is a pr560 used ... I will add a heated hose to the package.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/hab/5223948108.html

I also have some FF masks

PM me if interested