Where do you get supplies?

My wife got a ROOMBA (automatic floor sweeper) for Christmas. I have noticed since then my CPAP filters last a LOOONG time between changes.

Anyone else?

LinkC wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2019 8:01 pm

My wife got a ROOMBA (automatic floor sweeper) for Christmas. I have noticed since then my CPAP filters last a LOOONG time between changes.

Anyone else?

Cool!

Where do I purchase?

For stuff the insurance will pay for, I use my sleep doc (who also serves as a DME). I pay 15% after my annual deductible is met. They have been nothing but transparent, helpful, and very easy to work with. They cost more than the other providers listed below but they are not crazy high -- and I am very fortunate to have very good insurance.

For replacement cushions (Airtouch F20) above what is allowed under insurance (especially when creating my set of spares), I have tended to use Amazon (very good prices). For strap related things, Pad-a-cheek (great products).

For everything else, I have used cpap.com (decent on the cost side with great service). I also tend to have at least one spare everything. For things like hoses and humidifier chambers and mask cushions, I like to have two spares (plus what I am using). I always have at least one complete spare mask setup ready to go as well. (And my old s9 is my spare xpap).

I use my DME supplier (for stuff that requires a prescription), or Amazon, or eBay.

TropicalDiver wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2019 9:05 pm

For everything else, I have used cpap.com (decent on the cost side with great service). I also tend to have at least one spare everything. For things like hoses and humidifier chambers and mask cushions, I like to have two spares (plus what I am using). I always have at least one complete spare mask setup ready to go as well. (And my old s9 is my spare xpap).

This is excellent advice to have spares of everything on hand. I encourage everyone here to have spares of everything "just in case".

PaulKTF wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2019 10:44 pm

TropicalDiver wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2019 9:05 pm

For everything else, I have used cpap.com (decent on the cost side with great service). I also tend to have at least one spare everything. For things like hoses and humidifier chambers and mask cushions, I like to have two spares (plus what I am using). I always have at least one complete spare mask setup ready to go as well. (And my old s9 is my spare xpap).

This is excellent advice to have spares of everything on hand. I encourage everyone here to have spares of everything "just in case".

Absolutely. My mom and I both use a Resmed S9 Autoset. We both use the same style and size mask too.

This makes it easy to have spares and interchangeable parts. I keep a stash of backup supplies, and if she has a problem, I fix it. Sometimes, it is just finding the missing part or reconnecting something. After a 3 week road trip, her machine starting blowing hard and soft, very strange. At first, all I could see was that the filter and cover was missing. I pulled out my spare machine, changed the settings to hers, and had her up and running again. The next day, I realize that the problem was a bunch of dog hair that got sucked into the machine because the filter was missing. Her machine sits on the floor next to a recliner. And the dogs go back and forth behind the recliner. I ordered a new filter cover, and took back my spare machine once the new part arrived. I have also taped the cover so that it doesn't go missing again. I suspect it fell off in one of the hotels during packing.

The really nice thing is that we have an extra full set of everything, so there is no reason to stress over a broken machine or wait several days for a replacement.

I've never purchased any equipment or supplies through a brick & mortar DME shop. All of my equipment and supplies have been acquired through online sellers ( primarily www.cpap.com ) or from forum members.


Den

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One other tip: Unless your DME has a 30 day or similar return policy, make sure your DME does not send you both a new mask (a model you have not used before) and a supply of cushions for that mask. The only thing worse than buying a mask you find doesn't work well (that you can't return), is having several replacement cushions for said mask!

LinkC wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2019 8:01 pm

My wife got a ROOMBA (automatic floor sweeper) for Christmas. I have noticed since then my CPAP filters last a LOOONG time between changes.

Anyone else?

I dont have a roomba but now am going to have the wife vacuum daily, thanks.... who am i kidding, its me doing the vacuuming

I replace the filter about once a month or as needed. Everything else as needed which isn't very often. I always keep at least one "backup" of everything (mask, extra mask parts, hoses, water chambers) just in case there's ever an issue and I need something right away.

Sending to all, but especially Hoosier Daddy. I am a fellow Hoosier, living not far from Muncie. It doesn't list where you are from, but I have never paid out of pocket for any of my CPAP supplies. I am on Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. My situation may be somewhat different from yours or many other people on this forum because I kept my full coverage of Blue Cross/Blue Shield when I started Medicare since my husband is younger and will not be eligible for Medicare for six more years. And, I have a bundle of health issues. So, the special deal I have is that anything Medicare covers - whatever it doesn't pay in full for, Blue Cross/Blue Shield will pick up the rest. I am basically not out of pocket for anything except my prescriptions. And, I try to use my Wellness Card for those, whenever possible. Oh, yes, I was going to tell Hoosier Daddy that I use Hook's Oxygen in Muncie as my home care provider, and for mail order supplies, I use Rotech Sleep Central, which is out of Kentucky. I get my supplies every three months, and always have to answer the questions relating to usage for Medicare in order to be eligible for my supplies.

As a bit of context, here are some price comparisons between my doctor/DME and CPAP.com (or Amazon in one case).

AIrCurve 10 VAuto $1,726 (CPAP.Com) vs $2,087 (DME)
AirFit Touch F20 $154 (CPAP.Com) vs $154 (DME)
Heated Hose $40 (CPAP.Com) vs $54 (DME)
Cushion $30 (amazon) vs $57 (DME) vs $59 (CPAP.Com)

My DME is actually cheaper on the water chamber by a few dollars and about $1 more for wipes.

Note: For DME I am using their "equipment cost estimate form." This might vary from what they actually end up billing me.