Help me decide - Local or On-line DME?

If their only role is to supply equipment, then I am comfortable going On-Line and can order my equipment today or tomorrow.
If they provide more comprehensive support such as assisting with reading and interpreting the data, it would be useful to getting things up to speed quickly (I will just be starting). The DME I was defaulted to was ready to send me off with a non-data & non-auto CPAP, and they did not make any statements like "Give us a call if you have questions" or "Come back if you don't feel the mask fits properly".
I'm probably a bit optimistic in my expectations!

Should I just go ahead and order internet and get the ball rolling?

I guess, in a nut shell, it gets down to "How much assistance should I expect from a DME?"

As background, I have a prescription in hand for a CPAP. My understanding is that I need to get a prescription for an AutoPAP if I am to get it local, but my current prescription is adequate for getting an AutoPAP via the internet. Is this correct?

I have an appointment set up with a sleep doctor for 8/25/10 and I am comfortable that I can get the script for AutoPAP then.
Ideally, the internet alternative is to show up with a couple of days AutoCPAP experience and data.

What do you think?

Thanks!!!

Honestly, I wouldn't expect much assistance from your DME. Generally they just want to make profit off of you. I had to fight with them for a week or so to get a fully data-capable machine. And quite honestly, even though insurance doesn't cover as much, I will probably buy my supplies from an online DME like CPAP.com. Better service, so I vote with my dollars.

Good luck with your decision!

I have been using cpap for almost 8 years now. I started with a DME and never heard from them after my first machine was bought and paid for. This is too often the case with DMEs.

I hae been ordering online for 2 years now. I have bought 4 auto machines (through online suppliers like cpap.com and cpapauction.com). I got all 4 of them for less that one of the latest types would cost from a DME. I buy my masks and parts online now as well. It's much less expensive (especially for Canadians).

I am in Canada but I find, in reading on the forum, that it is much the same in the US.

I can do way more with my machine since I found this forum that I ever could do in 6 years of having a DME. Buying the software for the autos was really a big help and the folks here are able and willing to help with data interpretation and anything else related to cpap and sleep apnea.

I bought my autos online with my old cpap prescription. The only drawback (if it is a drawback) is that Resmed products can no longer be shipped from the US to Canada. It has not been a problem for me since I use Philips Respironics machines and I can get Resmed masks on cpapauction if i want one.

That' my experience. Hope it helps!

Rogue Uvula wrote: As background, I have a prescription in hand for a CPAP. My understanding is that I need to get a prescription for an AutoPAP if I am to get it local, but my current prescription is adequate for getting an AutoPAP via the internet. Is this correct?

A prescription for a CPAP should be legally good for an APAP anywhere. The DME will probably sell you an APAP with a prescription for CPAP as long as you are paying for it. But since most insurance companies pay the same amount for an APAP as they do for a CPAP, the DME wants to supply as few APAPs as they can get away with. Hence they refuse to dispense an APAP without a specific prescription for one.

A prescription for an APAP, however is not good for purchasing a CPAP because an APAP prescription states a range of pressures and a CPAP cannot be set to that range. An APAP can be set to a single prescribed CPAP pressure, so this combination works.

Thanks!

It sounds like it is time to quit cutting bait and start fishing!

Rogue Uvula wrote:Thanks!

It sounds like it is time to quit cutting bait and start fishing!

See my thread:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51560&p=475014#p475014

roster wrote:

Rogue Uvula wrote:Thanks!

It sounds like it is time to quit cutting bait and start fishing!

OK...Tell me that is not an uvula!

PetrusKy wrote:See my thread:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51560&p=475014#p475014

Thanks, that was a good read. I guess I need to just make sure how things will fly with my insurance and buying online. I've been looking hard at ResMed products and they are now controlling their pricing (like Bose or Apple does). That means buying on-line doesn't have the same benefit. Perhaps the DeVilbiss is the way to go.

Your decison on which mfg's xPAP to buy should be based on which one feels most like your own breathing; they all use proprietary technology for APAPs as well as the breath waveforms. Might be good to try to rent/borrow equipment to try out, esp if you've been titrated and know what pressure you need.

Not now.

Now it is fish bait.

Muse-Inc wrote:Your decison on which mfg's xPAP to buy should be based on which one feels most like your own breathing; they all use proprietary technology for APAPs as well as the breath waveforms. Might be good to try to rent/borrow equipment to try out, esp if you've been titrated and know what pressure you need.

Where do I find rentals? I wasn't aware that was an option.

roster wrote:Not now.

Now it is fish bait.

LOL! That is just too sick!

Feel free to use the photo as your avatar.

roster wrote:Feel free to use the photo as your avatar.

Tempting, but it would mislead people to think I had mine pulled.
Is that yours?
What caused you to decide to get rid of it as opposed to just CPAP?
I am considering surgery but figure I'll wait and see how CPAP works first.