Apria & Aetna

jqp · Post by **jqp** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 12:39 pm

So I've been using the Quattro mask that the sleep lab gave me a couple of months ago. It was used when I got it, so I thought getting a new cushion for the mask would be a good idea. I called up Apria and ordered it. They say no problem, Aetna will pay for a new cushion every month. It's been over a month now since I ordered it and they still haven't received it. I've been getting lots of leaks lately with the Quattro. I called Apria yesterday to check on the status... still not in... "keep calling back." I asked if it would be faster to just get a new mask. They said yes, but Aetna will only pay for a mask every 6 months. Aargh. I called Aetna, and they say I can have a mask whenever "necessary" and that the 6 month thing is more of a guideline.

So, Apria won't give me a new mask OR the mask part I had ordered... I do have another full face mask as a backup (Respironics Comfortfull 2) but I can't wear that one more than a night or two before it kills my nose.

Not sure what to do. The local Apria branch is worthless. They never even fitted me for a mask in the first place. They just gave me one and said "here's your mask." Now, I'm supposed to deal with a crummy mask for 6 months because of their ineptitude?

jqp · Post by **jqp** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 12:44 pm

Oh yeah, I forgot to ask my actual question... i was just ranting.

The medium size Quattro I have comes almost to the very edge of my chin when it's all strapped down. I've used the little cut-out sizing guide which says I'm right at the small/medium dividing line.

I'm windering if going to the small size would move the bottom interface up a little on my chin and I'd lose some of the lower cheek face farts.

is smaller better than bigger in this case?

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 1:00 pm

Is the problem that they have it on order or that they won't even order it? They don't stock a lot and it sometimes takes me 1-2 months to get parts to less commonly used masks. One would think they are a large enough supplier to get faster service from the makers of these masks-so it may just be Apria's storyline.
Can't answer your fitting question.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 1:04 pm

I used to have Aetna back when I had a stroke, coverage at the time was pretty good as I didn't pay anything but a $20 co-pay. That was back in 2000-01, been pretty healthy since then and lost that coverage along with job.

As for mask size, I think you are better with the larger size due to mandible/jaw drop, if the mask is too small your jaw can drop beyond the cushion and major leak, it it larger it should still cover it.

jqp · Post by **jqp** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 1:07 pm

They supposedly ordered it....

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 1:50 pm

From what I am reading about the Quattro it seems that they do tend to run a little large. I'd be inclined to go to the smaller size if you're in between on the Quattro sizing guide and especially since you are fiinding that the Medium comes almost to the bottom of your chin when it is supposed to fit just about the bottom of the lower lip just above or at the "cleft".

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:06 pm

That is the same for the Bravo I ordered the end of Sept-it took 5-6 weeks-although they originally said it would be January due to manufacturer's backlog.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:42 pm

jqp, call up and ask for the manager. If you don't get satisfaction from him/her, get hold of the corporate manager for your area AND contact the state licensing board. Be sure to keep copies/transcripts of all your contacts. Rake 'em over the coals!!!

Kajun

jqp · Post by **jqp** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 5:37 am

A follow up... at my titration, they put me in a medium mask. The DME gave me a medium mask as well. I've been having trouble with leaks, etc.

For grins, I bought a new SMALL Quattro mask off of cpapauction.com.

I tried it out last night and it worked MUCH better. The bottom of the mask now hits the notch between my bottom lip and chin instead of the bottom of my chin.

In this case, it goes to show you, size DOES matter.

I guess if Apria ever decides to send me the new medium cushion I ordered 6 weeks ago, I'll sell that mask on Cpapauction.com and get some $ back.

DME Police · Post by **DME Police** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 5:14 pm

Mr. Jqp,

Taking care of oneself is strictly prohibited by many companies. You had no mask fitting credentials. How could the small mask possibly be better than the sleep tech and DME's medium? Going to an auction site is worse. Auctions of Resmed products have been prohibited by Resmed for over a year now. Get back in line at Apria and wait your turn like everybody else. They will get around to you someday.

And stop posting your actions. Others might follow your lead.

DME Police

jsmythe · Post by **jsmythe** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 5:33 pm

[quote="DME Police"]Mr. Jqp,

Taking care of oneself is strictly prohibited by many companies. You had no mask fitting credentials. How could the small mask possibly be better than the sleep tech and DME's medium? Going to an auction site is worse. Auctions of Resmed products have been prohibited by Resmed for over a year now. Get back in line at Apria and wait your turn like everybody else. They will get around to you someday.

And stop posting your actions. Others might follow your lead.

DME Police

jqp · Post by **jqp** » Sun Dec 02, 2007 8:38 pm

I'm guessing that post was "tongue in cheek."

JQP

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 5:52 am

I sure got a good giggle out of it!!! Glad the Small Quattro is working for you, JQP.

jqp · Post by **jqp** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 8:16 am

Funny, after 2 nights with the new SMALL Quattro... sounds funny... I'm not a small guy, but require a small mask....

anyway, my Snore Index went to almost zero with the new SMALL mask. It was fairly high with the medium. The leak numbers look about the same.

I think since the medium mask sit so low on my chin, it actually forced my mouth open as soon as I fell asleep. The new smaller size hits me just below my bottom lip which almost helps to keep my mouth shut.

Interesting...

oceanpearl · Post by **oceanpearl** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 8:26 am

Apria no longer makes decisions for my carrier (Cigna). If I need ANYTHING I must first call Cigna, who in turn places the order with Apria and it is shipped from their warehouse. I usually have it in about 5 to 7 days.