Hi... I'm a 36 yr old female who was diagnotes with Sleep Apnea shortly after my twins were born 13 years ago. I'm using my original machine, and get new masks infrequently. I was looking online for masks because mine has broken beyond repair (currently being held together with duct and blue painter tape, the home medical places around here want $180 and up for a mask.
Reading these posts, I am so confused, CPAPs have software and card readers?? My CPAP is out-dated and probably needs to be replaced, but if I am reading my insurance papers right I have to spend $1000 on home medical equipment before my insurance will pick up any of the expenses, and quite honestly I don't have an extra $200 for a mask, much less $1000+ for a new CPAP.
So, my question is - have you found any reliable, inexpensive sites online to order masks?
My CPAP is a Respironics Remstar Choice
My mask is from the Resmed Mirage line.
Any advise or websites you have would be much appreciated.
Not a newbie, but sure feel like one...
Re: Not a newbie, but sure feel like one...
CPAP.com is the place to go for inexpensive CPAP supplies!
Rustyolddude wrote:Everytime you put the key in the ignition and get on the highway, there's a chance you may not come back the same person.
Re: Not a newbie, but sure feel like one...
Hi,
Health, good sleep, and brain function are all more important than money. If you are in a situation where you have to buy your own masks and supplies, check some of the only places. The cpapexchange and cpap.com are good stores focused on sleep solutions. Amazon.com has a surprising amount of CPAP stuff at very good prices.
As far as a new machine goes, you really do want a machine with a data card that captures and records data. If you have troubles, that data will help figure out what is going wrong. It is also nice to be able to see how you are doing over time. Card readers and software are available relatively inexpensively. Machines can be found lightly used for good prices. I paid $400 for a slightly used machine, and the DME added in a new heated humidifier as part of the deal. Your local DME might have used ones available. That is a nice place to get one since they will help with warranty issues and service. You can also check craig's list and the cpap auction site.
-john-
Health, good sleep, and brain function are all more important than money. If you are in a situation where you have to buy your own masks and supplies, check some of the only places. The cpapexchange and cpap.com are good stores focused on sleep solutions. Amazon.com has a surprising amount of CPAP stuff at very good prices.
As far as a new machine goes, you really do want a machine with a data card that captures and records data. If you have troubles, that data will help figure out what is going wrong. It is also nice to be able to see how you are doing over time. Card readers and software are available relatively inexpensively. Machines can be found lightly used for good prices. I paid $400 for a slightly used machine, and the DME added in a new heated humidifier as part of the deal. Your local DME might have used ones available. That is a nice place to get one since they will help with warranty issues and service. You can also check craig's list and the cpap auction site.
-john-
Re: Not a newbie, but sure feel like one...
Hello, not-so-newbie. Sounds like your machine has served you well. When you replace it, it will be nice to keep it hanging around as a backup, just in case. You will get a lot of opinions regarding the best brands and the best machines, and a lot of it boils down to what features are important to you. As has been said, in my opinion, having data is my dealbreaker. Even among data capable machines, there are differences in accessibility and cost of software and maybe even which computer operating system they work best with. While gathering info and deciding which machines to consider, I suggest you be very specific and write down precisely which make and model you want because some of the names sound so very much alike and going from memory can result in getting something you didn't want.
Once you narrow down the search, you could post your choices on here and ask for input regarding any known considerations you should be aware of. The Our Wisdom section on this site found at the top of the page is a good place to start learning. This forum is sponsored by the online vendor cpap.com as well as cpapauction.com. I have bought from Craiglist. With any used machine, one just has to be careful.
Don't let the prices you've already seen scare you off. You'll be able to do this for a fraction of those costs. Just do your homework to get the best deals. Best wishes.
Kathy
Once you narrow down the search, you could post your choices on here and ask for input regarding any known considerations you should be aware of. The Our Wisdom section on this site found at the top of the page is a good place to start learning. This forum is sponsored by the online vendor cpap.com as well as cpapauction.com. I have bought from Craiglist. With any used machine, one just has to be careful.
Don't let the prices you've already seen scare you off. You'll be able to do this for a fraction of those costs. Just do your homework to get the best deals. Best wishes.
Kathy
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Mask: TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Improved Stability Mouthpiece |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Bleep/DreamPort for full nights, Tap Pap for shorter sessions |
My SleepDancing Video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE7WA_5c73c