Frustrated Non-Apnea CPAP User

So I'm a frustrated CPAP user. I'm an insomniac and I've been an insomniac (short sleep cycles, difficult to get rem) since I was a small child. Well over 40 years. I've tried drugs, therapy, behavior modification, specialists, and many other treatments. In Feb 2012 during a sleep study they tried me on a cpap type system even though I do not have apnea. I fell asleep quickly and entered rem. With my CPAP I still only sleep 4-5 hours a night, but I'm getting quality sleep and wake rested. My cpap is at a 5 so it isn't on a very high/strong setting, but it works.

Here is my problem. I've used my CPAP machine religiously since 2012. It is getting old and I'm terrified it is going to break. I've bought pieces and parts and kept the thing running to the best of my ability. Getting my CPAP in 2012 was a nightmare because I don't have apnea. Getting the insurance to pay was difficult, gettin my Dr. on board for a "non-standard therapy" was difficult. This time I am willing to pay out of my own pocket for my new machine, but after years of trying and trying different doctors I can't get the prescription and statement of need for a new machine even if I pay for it myself.

I'm feeling stuck. Yet another Dr. giving me grief about getting a new machine. Addicting Narcotics to help me sleep (that don't work), no problem, here is your prescription. A piece of medical equipment that works.. nope. So I'm thinking about buying one off of Craigslist. The price is way cheaper and the place I'm looking at (206-965-9995) seems to have good reviews.

So...now that you've read the rant...
-Is it a bad idea to buy a machine from some place on the internet?
-Are there trusted/good places to buy other than the CL place I found without a prescription?
-Machine suggestions? I'd like to get something other than a brick to see if the data collected can help me make sense of my sleep issues. I've been looking at the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset CPAP or the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset CPAP for her model because it looks like it would collect the data I need. I don't know if the "for her" would help, but more algorithms mean more of a chance for it to work right?

Any other thoughts or ideas? My CPAP works and I've not had to take a sleeping med since Feb 2012.

Go to Secondwindcpap.com - lots of us have (my main machine's from there) and tell them what you're looking for... their stuff is well refurbed and they stand behind it - will replace with no hassle at all if necessary and you can see prices (v. good) for yourself. And they're not paying me for this.

Welcome to the forum.

Secondwindcpap.com is a potential source but they may require a RX for you to buy from there. International buyers...no RX but within the US they say RX required but you might give them a call and explain the situation. Sometimes for cpap user veterans like yourself they have been known to bend the rules a bit.

Also...some of the forum members here dabble in acquiring and selling some machines. Maybe one of them has something you might be interested in. The ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet or the for Her Autoset...excellent machines. I am using the for Her model right now.
If none of the usual forum members happens to have what you want...check with me privately. I know of a very low hour AirSense 10 AutoSet (not the for her model) that could be had. Send me a PM if you want more information on it.
Less than 300 hours.

How cheap are the models you are looking at on Craigslist, and how many run hours? If you are looking for an AirSense 10 Autoset, Autoset for Her, or AirCurve 10 VAuto, I have some pretty cheap options available.

EDIT: Looked up listings associated with the provided phone number, I can certainly beat that price on the Autoset, with the exception of the two year warranty. $460 shipped for a new unused unit w/ sealed components vs their $645. I've got some used units as low as the ~$250 range as well if that is of interest.

Ponycatraz wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 28, 2018 7:55 pm

-Is it a bad idea to buy a machine from some place on the internet?
-Are there trusted/good places to buy other than the CL place I found without a prescription?
-Machine suggestions? I'd like to get something other than a brick to see if the data collected can help me make sense of my sleep issues. I've been looking at the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset CPAP or the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset CPAP for her model because it looks like it would collect the data I need. I don't know if the "for her" would help, but more algorithms mean more of a chance for it to work right?

Any other thoughts or ideas? My CPAP works and I've not had to take a sleeping med since Feb 2012.

Nope, I've bought all mine off craigslist, or from someone here.

You're spot on with the Airsense 10 Autoset (for her).

As far as I am reading in this forum Craigslist seems a safe and good way to go with.

Pugsy and Palerider are worth trusting.

Try to buy the machine from secondwind.com. My daughter bought one from them and they did not ask for a prescription. Just sayin'

Sheriff

The craigslist phone number ad....I have seen it in various cities for quite some time. The person will place an ad in all the big city markets and he will ship. I think I have seen it mentioned that a few members have used that craigslist seller and happy with results.
I personally haven't used that person so I can't vouch for that seller personally.

Thank you guys! I hate typing on my phone but when I get back on my laptop.

The CL ad I was looking at claims new with full warranty.

For used ones do you do anything special to sanitize before use? I don’t have a sanitizer, I’m just religious about wiping everything down and cleaning my hoses.

Thank you so much!

For used stuff...the machine itself I just wipe down with some sort of cleaning agent. My favorite is nothing more than an alcohol wipe.
Don't ever spray anything onto the machine itself...if you want to use a spray of some sort spray it on a paper towel or cloth and then wipe it down.
External surfaces is all that needs to be wiped down. Any area you can easily reach with your fingers. No need to take the machine apart at all.

For the hose and water chamber...soap and water or soap, water and vinegar...is sufficient.

I have bought probably a dozen machines over the years and all but one of them was used. This is all I have ever done.

Now if germs and bugs really "bug" you....buy new.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 29, 2018 4:34 am

The craigslist phone number ad....I have seen it in various cities for quite some time. The person will place an ad in all the big city markets and he will ship. I think I have seen it mentioned that a few members have used that craigslist seller and happy with results.
I personally haven't used that person so I can't vouch for that seller personally.

I actually got my Dreamstation from the Craigslist guy, Cameron. Was waaay cheaper and had no problems. I have had my 2 friends on CPAP call him as well. If you'd like his information, send me a message and I will give you his number. I just hope he is around in 5 years when I need a new machine... Or my insurance covers it completely.

esel wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 29, 2018 3:04 am

As far as I am reading in this forum Craigslist seems a safe and good way to go with.

CL is only for a knowledgeable, careful and verifying buyer.

CreativeChris wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 29, 2018 6:41 am

I actually got my Dreamstation from the Craigslist guy, Cameron. Was waaay cheaper and had no problems. I have had my 2 friends on CPAP call him as well. If you'd like his information, send me a message and I will give you his number. I just hope he is around in 5 years when I need a new machine... Or my insurance covers it completely.

I don't need anything at the moment. I am machine poor and need to get rid of a couple myself.
It is good to know that not all craigslist sellers are scammers. I had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting a couple of those myself.
One I got my money back through paypal but the other I didn't....I made a rookie mistake years ago and won't ever do that again.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 29, 2018 6:52 am

I am machine poor and need to get rid of a couple myself.

What are you trying to offload?

CreativeChris wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 29, 2018 8:54 am

What are you trying to offload?

Well it sort of depends on which one I find a home for first.
I have a PR S1 60 series BiPap Auto with humidifier model 760 already heated hose converted with I think around 900 hours on it and I have an AirSense 10 AutoSet with a little less than 300 hours on it.