Cpap Supplies

I see several internet cpap companies that sell machines and supplies. Is it better to use a filter and hose that comes directly from a manufacturer, or are generic supplies ok? Don't want to mess up my machine.

TB

I usually go with the manufacturers' labels on electronic or mechanical items, you know, for computers and stuff, but I use whatever generic stuff I can find with the same quality for my CPAP. There aren't any masks like that, but hoses and filters are alot cheaper. The only place you can find them in on some websites, not at your neighborhhod joint, though.

Most generic supplies like filters and hoses are the same quality as the manufacturers. Most generic stuff is made of the same material the manufacturers use. Or generic supplies are the exact smae items, just bought from the companies who make them instead of through the manufacturer. Like hoses, the manufacturers don't make these, they buy them from someone else, and simply have them bagged in thier packaging. Like bill2 said they are cheaper but that does not mean quality is sacrificed.

ICP

A hose is a hose is a hose. The connection is a standard size, fitting all machines and all mask attachements. Do not pay more to buy a hose made by the manufacturer of your machine.

But good for you for thinking it through.
SWG

I doubt Respironics, Resmed, Puritan Bennett or any of the other big manufacturers make filters. I think they buy them from filter manufacturers. I have used both Respironic and no name filters and found them to be pretty much the same in look and performance.

The filters most DME and Internet companies sell are probably not from the manufacturer, but made to manufacturer specifications, and are to be used just for cpap machines. I would not worry about generic filters, or hoses for that matter.


SleepyTimeGal