Prescription for a mask?

I have only been on the machine since 1/17/11 and I began looking at other mask options. I like to fall asleep watching television and would like a mask that accommodates one. Yet, when I went to the sites, it says I need a prescription for a mask. I understand one for the machine, but the mask? Does it really matter what mask I use? I ask that in all sincerity. I figure as long as the air flow is getting to me, why does it matter what mask I use?

I think I need a copy of my prescription and a new one for different masks just so I can buy one online and try it. So, am I entitled to a prescription? I am paying out of pocket for my machine and accessories, so I assume yes, even though I have a company from the hospital that I bought my unit from.

Thanks all!

Yes, you need a prescription for a mask. Cpap.com, and probably other sites, will get your doctor to fax it directly to them, but I prefer to have a hard copy in my hands! My printer will scan it, and I e-mail it to a site when I want to purchase a mask. My prescription covers machine and all cpap supplies.

I don't understand the need for a prescription either, but I won't get into that.

Irene

Getting a Rx from your doctor shouldn't be too big a problem. Keep one at home, scanned/faxed or uploaded copies to cpap.com will work [and i believe valid for cpapauction.com]. They're pretty fast to putting into their system.

Most on-line DME will also require copy of Rx.

The only thing my prescription says is "CPAP at 11cm". That is what I sent to cpap.com and I can buy whatever I want.....including a mask. I don't see where you need for it to say "and a mask". Lets face it guys, you can't use a machine WITHOUT a mask, its all one item, albeit different styles and manufacturers can be mixed.

Fortunately, we don't need a different prescription for each and every mask we want to try. If your prescription specifies a mask, you should still be able to use it to buy a different style. However, some DME's like to be cranky and the easiest way around any issue is to get a prescription for "mask of patient's choice."

That being said, there are places that sell them online without a prescription. From what i've been able to discover, they are ONLY "prescription only" as a way to get insurance companies to pay for them more easily. They are a Class II medical device and the manufacturer is the one that checks the box to request that. They are not considered dangerous or anything else and the FDA is not going to go after anyone who sells or buys a mask without a prescription.

Weezy

Hi, I asked the same question a few days ago. See it here:

When I asked CPAP.COM if I could send them a copy of my Sleep Study results with the physician name on it and signature and Rx for the whole system, and buy with cash a mask from them their reply was:

Greetings,

Thank you for contacting CPAP.com for your CPAP equipment needs. A
prescription is required to purchase a machine, humidifier or mask.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept a sleep study report as a
prescription. The prescription must be an order for the equipment
signed by the doctor.

And they also wanted to call my sleep doctor to verify it.

Why do they need to contact, and bother, my sleep Doc to approve a mask?


check also this:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=59459&p=558590#p558590


In my case it was a silly response from CPAP.COM because I was suggesting to send them a copy of my Rx order to another DME (local) for my original CPAP, which includes mask too. BTW, in any case, as one on a Medicare I get a mask, of my choice, free, every 3 months. And cushions for it at two per month.

Kahfree, why don't you buy a mask at the same place that you bought the present one?

p.s. more on it:

Source:

https://www.bestcpapprice.com/Frequentl ... html#Mach4


Why are you now requiring a prescription for the purchase of Resmed masks?'

Technically, most CPAP masks are classified as a Class II medical devices, which does require a doctor's prescription. In most cases, the manufacturer simply made the choice to check the box requiring a prescription when they were filing the paperwork with the FDA. They may do this for liability reasons, or perhaps due to the need for proving medical necessity when filing for Medicare coverage. No matter what the argument, the potential for harm from the use of a CPAP mask would be extremely slim - even the use of a full face mask with no air going to it would do no harm unless the anti-asphyxia valve were circumvented. Many brick and mortar DME stores routinely sell CPAP masks to private pay customers without requiring a prescription. In spite of this, most internet retailers, including BestCPAPprice, are facing increasing pressures by some of the manufacturers to require a prescription for the sale of a CPAP mask. Resmed has gone as far as threatening to cut off the sale of their equipment to retailers who do not comply with their guidelines. Keep in mind that the prescription rule does not extend to individual mask parts, and in many cases it is possible to purchase the individual parts for your mask for the same or lower price, and then easily assemble the parts into the complete mask when you receive your order

As far as I know a prescription for a cpap machine is good for a mask and anything else as well. I guess it's acceptable for a mask because you wouldn't want a cpap mask if you didn't have the machine.

DocWeezy wrote:Fortunately, we don't need a different prescription for each and every mask we want to try. If your prescription specifies a mask, you should still be able to use it to buy a different style. However, some DME's like to be cranky and the easiest way around any issue is to get a prescription for "mask of patient's choice."

That being said, there are places that sell them online without a prescription. From what i've been able to discover, they are ONLY "prescription only" as a way to get insurance companies to pay for them more easily. They are a Class II medical device and the manufacturer is the one that checks the box to request that. They are not considered dangerous or anything else and the FDA is not going to go after anyone who sells or buys a mask without a prescription.

Weezy

I don't think the manufacturer has any say in the Class II device designation. I'm pretty sure the Class II designation is FDA mandated. Devices designated Class II are required to be designed following fairly strict guidelines that require design reviews, design verification, and design validation, with a permanent record of the entire design process that is subject to FDA review. Class II devices must be manufactured using GMPs (Good Manufacturing Procedures) which are also subject to FDA inspection and review. A prescription is required for all Class II devices. Whether or not that's the best idea congress and/or the FDA ever had is an issue often hotly debated on this forum. (A certain pugilist chicken drives me nuts with his repetetive cluckings on this issue!)

Kahfree, why don't you buy a mask at the same place that you bought the present one?

I guess I can call them, but in a way, I almost feel like by calling them I am their prisoner. Make sense? Yea, they are the original supplier of my machine/mask but going back to that day, there were two men. One man I did not like, the other was really nice and helpful and I think he worked under this other man whose title was "Lead Clinical Specialist" and for some reason, he thought his _______ did not stink! It was as if he wanted to overrule my doctor and was not happy when I told her I did not want the nasal mask but rather a face mask. He was argumentative. I don't see why it would matter to him and now I feel a little intimidated by him.

I will call on Monday to see if I can get a prescription for my equipment (which I think I should have received in the first place and not gone just to the man standing there) and I will call the current people that sold me the equipment. Anyone have "Advanced Homecare"? That's who they are and I am so new to this and not sure what I am allowed or not allowed. I feel like a puppet. Sorry, having a bad day today too. Last night was not good and most of the night I slept without the mask. It was my 5th night with the cpap.

Everyone should get a copy of their prescription from their doctor and keep a copy in your luggage if you travel in case you need supplies while traveling. Don't blame the sellers of these products for requiring a prescription--they are following the law and regulations set out by the FDA.

Amazon is your friend. I have bought masks, updraft machines, filters, hoses and everything else there with no script and most times a lot cheaper than anywhere else.

Mimmie wrote:Amazon is your friend. I have bought masks, updraft machines, filters, hoses and everything else there with no script and most times a lot cheaper than anywhere else.

Ooo...I have an amazon gift card. LOL.

jmelby wrote:Everyone should get a copy of their prescription from their doctor and keep a copy in your luggage if you travel in case you need supplies while traveling. Don't blame the sellers of these products for requiring a prescription--they are following the law and regulations set out by the FDA.

I realize they are doing their job, but I wanted to know the reasoning behind needing a prescription for a mask. I guess I look at the mask as an item that is not harmful to anyone who buys one just to have one. I guess for Insurance purposes, it makes sense so they will pay for it.

Getting my prescription on Monday when I call them. Thanks.

You should call your doctor's office for your prescription, not your DME (it seemed like you might be trying to get it from them)... they have no obligation to give it to you and may try to give you grief about it. Your doctor, on the other hand, is obligated to give you your prescription. I simply called my doctor's office, the receptionist said they'd mail a copy, and I had it in a few days.

jmelby wrote:You should call your doctor's office for your prescription, not your DME (it seemed like you might be trying to get it from them)... they have no obligation to give it to you and may try to give you grief about it. Your doctor, on the other hand, is obligated to give you your prescription. I simply called my doctor's office, the receptionist said they'd mail a copy, and I had it in a few days.

Thank you, I will do that and keep it with me, especially for travel. As for travel, one quick question. If I need something and I am not in my home state is the prescription good at other DME Providers? I am going to RI for my sons wedding in September, and I am in CA. Just in case I need something.

Also, I just went to Amazon.com and used a gift card to purchase the following with no prescription.

Respironics Optilife Nasal Pillow Cpap Mask with Headgear, petite, small, medium and large pillows. Kit. At this point, I can try it when it comes. If I like it, great, if not, no money wasted as the purchase was through a gift card from Christmas.