cpap costs does this sound right?

Hi! Does this sound accurate and fair?

I'm a newbie and my insurance doesn't cover dme so I need to pay. I've checked with the local At Home Medical dme provider and here's what they say:

Remstar Plus c-flex: $400
Humidifier (do I really need it?) $200

They will let me pay $170 for first month includes supplies (below) and $70/month after that (no interest) until I pay the full $600.

Supplies: $37 head gear (do I need the addtl $20 chin strap???); mask (does it really need to be replaced every 6-8 months?); $2 filters; $6-24 for tubing and $32 for humidifier/water chamber (does it need to be replaced annually?)

Then, cpap comes with 2 year warranty and machine should last at least 5 years.

thanks for your help!!!

Sleepygal

go to cpap.com, then click on CPAP machines find your Remstar Plus and compare prices. Then click on "masks" find the mask they are quoting you.

Keep in mind that a mask comes complete (includes mask frame, cushion and headgear) for the price shown at cpap.com.

Yes you do need a heated humidifer but cost is only $185 at cpap.com purchased seperately. BUT if you buy it in the bundle with the machine it is only $433 for the Remstar Plus AND the Heated Humidifier vs $600 from your DME.

Buying on-line is easy, you just order equipment needed pay by credit card and fax or email a copy of your prescription to cpap.com. Machine arrives at your door, you get all the manuals for set it up and your on your way with extra money in your pocket.

I would suggest:

1. Obtain a copy of your PSG report.
2. Get a hardcopy of your prescription for cpap, it should show pressure xxcm. Keep the original from doctor, give DME only copy.
3. Determine what mask you want.
4. Order equipment from cpap.com, it will save you money.

Extra Accessories:

That extra stuff like the chin strap, hose, filters etc. is cheap stuff they like to add in to jack the price up. You may not need an extra hose or a chin strap and most of them don't work anyway. If you do, those items don't require a prescription to purchase so you can order them any time on-line and for less money. The outter filter is just foam and washable. I've been using the same hose for 3-4 years now.

I say buy replacement parts when you need them.

Think seriously whether you want the bottom of the line Plus model, rather than the Pro or Auto. The latter two, along with a card reader and software, will allow you to monitor your progress.

You can get a Remstar APAP with HH for $709 at CPAP.COM

Or A Remstar CPAP, Pro2 for $545 with the HH

These machines can use software to monitor your progress, and are a much better vaule.

Masks range from $60 to $180, depending on what you need and want.

And orders over $100, are shipped free, from nice people who care. Jim

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I thought it looked like 375 for the machine and 150 for the humidifier on cpap.com. Am I looking at the wrong stuff? Anyone other than cpap.com that I should consider?

How will i know what kind of mask to get and what size...and tubing...etc? is the other stuff (above) even necessary and do change that often?

I have a card that says pressure 8cm c-flex 3

what else do i need to know and to get going?

thanks so much!!!

Is that for new or used equipment? DME's customarily charge more-so some of it may have been previously used or they MAY have a discount agreement with your insurance company. Beware because the prices seem low for a DME. Used is OK for the machine if you know how many hours it has been used and if it has been refurbished. Sounds like you are getting a warranty on it. Humidifier can probably be reused if it is throughly disinfected by the DME provider who has access to high level disinfectants. Tubing and mask-you'll probably want new-BUT sleep clinics do reuse their equipment and disinfect it between clients.

Take a look at cpap.com for online prices since you are paying out of pocket-some of the costs you mention may be lower on line; https://www.cpap.com

There are others online-just type "cpap supplies" in your favorite search engine and you'll get other choices. I use CPAP.com because of the service and support you get after the purchase is made-it is far superior to my local DME. The sale reps are helpful when you place your order-and they do sponsor this forum. And I do not work for them.

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OK, the following is the "apples to apples" price comparison to what you were quoted.
With the "bundle" price on the "Plus" machine with heated humidifier, it's $125 less than what they were quoting you. ($475 vs. $600)

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

In "our" opinion, the following is the MINIMUM machine you should get:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

That one will allow you to monitor your therapy by gathering nightly statistics (which the Plus won't) .....and it's still less than what they were quoting you.

If you wish to purchase the software and reader with the machine, the following would be the package deal for that one.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage-bundle ... undle.html

CPAP.COM is absolutely the best place to deal with.

Best wishes,

Den

Don't rush to get the equipment-look at CPAPopedia above for more info that you'll be able to digest if you get in a hurry. The masks is a highly individual choice and some expensive-and some are worth the price-some not. See if you can find a place to try them on (don't say whether or not you will buy from them). How long all the stuff lasts varies. I do recommend getting a second hose-keep it sealed and store away from sunlight. If anything happens like the dog chewing on it or cat claawing a hole in it you will have a replacement. If you do have a dog or cat do be sure to put your chewable equipment in a drawer or animal proof place when not in use.

The prices your DME is charging is a bit more than buying at CPAP.com (bundle for $433 vs your $600).

Good question if the local DME unit is used. Why would someone need a new humidifier tank if the machine was new. I wouldn't pay more for a used machine than a new one.

CPAP.com's $433 unit is NEW.

Also consider the $709 auto unit. I have that one. If you were willing to drop $600 out of pocket on a Plus then $109 more for the AUTO would be well worth it.

You can use an auto in straight CPAP mode if you find you like that better. But you can also use it to check your pressure at a later date and avoid additional costly sleep studies. Also, the APAP will usually run at a lower pressure much of the night when you don't require your peak pressure. Lower pressures are easier to breath at, keep leaks down with your mask, as well as just being more comfortable.

If you do go apap, you don't need a different prescription if ordering from CPAP.com.

Cflex number is totally changable by the patient. You might want to experiment with that one.

Hoses are cheaper at CPAP.com and so far in my experience comparable quality.

Humidifier chamber is about $10 cheaper at cpap.com too.

I have bought a bunch of stuff at cpap.com and have been very happy with all aspects of the transactions.

The only reason I bought from a local DME is my $709 machine was $280 out of pocket and I couldn't justify paying more with decent insurance. If I needed one and didn't have good insurance I would buy from CPAP.com in a minute. I buy all my supplies at CPAP.com since I don't want to have to run to my doctor for prescriptions, or worry about timing of replacements. Also when you pay 20% on a $30 hose, there isn't much difference in buying a $10 hose from CPAP.com and ignoring insurance hassle.

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