Mask "kits"

I came across a FB ad for cpap nation dot com. No prescription? No problem. They sell "kits" which consist of all the parts of a complete mask but you have to attach the headgear to the mask yourself . Clever! And their prices for the "kits" are really decent.

I ordered a Eson 2 setup kit (included Sm-Md-Lg cushions) from USA Medical Supply that they said REQUIRED a script. They took the order and shipped without any request for a script.

When times are tough, gaps can be found.
Even the unloved DMEs are trying to make a living.

I understand why the "RX" thing is stuck on this stuff but I have still always thought it was a stupid thing.
Like who in their right minds would go spending money on this stuff if they didn't have a very solid medical reason for it.
They sure aren't cheap in terms of dollars for what you get in return...some plastic and silicone pieces. Sometimes a little bit of cloth or elastic
And the whole "entire package requires a RX but replacement parts don't"...huh?
But then that's government regulations for you. I am not so sure they ever make much sense.

I do understand that some sellers say that the RX is required but then turn a blind eye to things when they don't have a copy of the RX nor do they really care so they sell and ship anyway.

I don't really care as long as someone gets what they want and need and they are happy.

Lip service to a nonsense regulation.

While it may be a "nonsense regulation" we need to remember what would likely happen should the RX required thing be removed from complete mask packages....insurance would likely decide that if there's no prescription needed then they won't pay for it. After all insurance companies have one goal and that's to avoid paying whenever they can so that they can increase their profit margin. It's the good old American way.

When items become OTC....insurance often put those items in the "not covered" classification.

So be careful what you wish for...you might get it and not like the results that come with it.

There are lots of people who need cpap stuff and if insurance didn't cover it they couldn't afford to buy the stuff out of pocket and would have to do without.

Agreed.
My insurance used to pay for loratadine and prilosec.
The minute they went off rx, so did coverage.
Of course, insurance companies will do whatever they choose,
but rx requirement leans them to at least pay "something".
Dropping the rx might open the floodgates to generic products, though . . .

They are still listed as "medical devices" and require FDA approval. I can see why because what if someone invented a really super comfortable mask and started marketing it without sufficient research, and they didn't bother including a CO2 vent? Or one that didn't really hold pressure needed for effective airway splinting to an unsophisticated purchaser who wouldn't pay attention to that?

But blood glucose monitors, strips, and lancets are also FDA approved medical devices that are sold over the counter (and BTW, insurance STILL covers blood glucose meters, test strips, and lancets). Although, I tried to buy a lancet device in Nevada when visiting my daughter because mine broke, and they wouldn't sell me that without a prescription.

I suppose there's potential misuse of masks, but the FDA approves a lot of OTC medications which are often misused as well.

Personally I'd be OK with generic face masks that are comfortable, as long as they are also safe and effective.

Given a larger selection, more might actually FIT.