Why do we need a prescription for a face mask?

Hello everyone
I have had it with this mask and I am trying to get a new one. I called the DME and they said what did you do to it. I had to tell her I took it to bed with me. Then I asked about the thirty day trial period that was explained to me prior to taking the thing home. She said she would have to look into that as if it were news to her. I explained that for some reason I can't get the thing to seal at all. I even tried additional bungee cords around the mask to hold it on. I am guessing that I somehow deformed it by keeping it so tight. The mask works fine until the ramp is over then the concert begins. Maybe a c clamp duct tape and screws into my scull would help. I hate constantly ranting on here, but I know I am not the only one on here that has experienced this mess.
Back to my subject, why would anyone need a prescription for a mask a hose or for that matter a cpap machine? Where are these teenagers abusing these machines and what are they doing to them? Is there an underground network of hose abuse?
Can we be trusted to put a mask on our face without supervision?
Since my DME is pathetic and never returns phone calls I figured I am just going to pay out of pocket and get a different mask with insurance. Nope I need a prescription. Sounds easy just call my doctor up play voice mail tag for a week and I will get a prescription. Well he doesn't return phone calls either.
So I went out bought some elastic and jell pads to try to make it through the weekend. Maybe I will get lucky and the DME will call me Monday, it's only been two weeks.
Why is something so simple such a pain in the ars?

Can you get a copy of your original prescription from your doctor?

If that fails, Ebay folks can't sell you a mask but they can sell you a frame, straps, nasal pillows, etc.

The reason we need a prescription for a face mask is because left to our own devices, we might breathe too deeply and overdose on room air.

You only need a prescription for a machine and a mask...not for supplies. The original prescription should be good for AT LEAST a year...sometimes forever. You do not need a new prescription every time you need a new mask....(Only if you change DMEs). You should always have a copy of your original prescription and sleep study. Never give the original to the DME.

Newbie Woman wrote: The reason we need a prescription for a face mask is because left to our own devices, we might breathe too deeply and overdose on room air.

Love this! Very Funny

I buy through a major online supplier and, I have my Rx on file with them.
I can buy anything at anytime. It has been that way for a few years now.

I've bought masks online without an RX. Look up different sellers they don't all require one. It's a scam that any of this equipment requires a prescription.

I printed off a copy of CPAP.COM's standard prescription form http://c0149421.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspac ... on-LMN.pdf and had my family doctor sign it.

I could gotten the signature from any of the following care providers:
-Medical Doctor
-Doctor of Osteopathy
-Psychiatrist
-Physicians Assistant
-Nurse Practitioners
-Dentist
-Naturopathic Physicians

So far, I've used CPAP.COM for my out-of-pocket expenses. If I choose another supplier, I will simply blank CPAP.COM's info. It looks like this prescription is good for 99 months.

Earl

The mask prescription requirement is there to let the doctors force you to come back on a regular basis. Yes, it's good to have the therapy monitored, but I suspect profit motive has more to do with it.

To understand the reason behind "why do we need a prescription for a CPAP", you need only follow the money trail; it simply comes down to the Benjamin’s! Big pharm pays the FDA, FDA say a few novenas then give their blessings on the pharmaceutical drug, and "BAM", the drugs on the market. Everyone's rich and happy (San's us; however that doesn't matter)!
Seroquel for example is one "medication" that made more money than illegal street drugs (legally)! When the patent began to expire it became "Seroquel XR" to the rescue! Physician’s free samples for regular Seroquel were now at a moratorium, and ONLY SEROQUEL XR was provided to train us monkeys (and their insurance), to pay the highest amount possible (like price fixing).

Sell the product for the most you can, at any and all cost, regardless of everything and everyone because; Capitalism in America is DEAD as we know it! In its place; well Gordon Gekko said best with: "GREED IS GOOD!"

I am not a bleeding heart liberal; just a realist who hates seeing innocent, decent, hard working people gets screwed! You "CAN" get legal supplies; even legal "NEW" machines at a quarter of the insurance allowable amount!

Please post your questions, comments, concerns or if you would like to know where to get CPAP, Bi-PAP, VPAP Machines/Supplies legally.


Ciao,
Squallie

We already know where to go - Cpap.com hosts the forum and has a great reputation here.

Probably this type of equipment can be used for torture. You know that one needs a special kind of license for that kind of activity? Or one can use a mask, especially FFM, to hide one's face to commit a robbery.

I think you can pruchase a scuba mask without a script. I might be able to adapt the hose to it ....I won't need a regulator.

grayghost4 wrote:I think you can pruchase a scuba mask without a script. I might be able to adapt the hose to it ....I won't need a regulator.

in normal operation, scuba masks have pretty even pressure on both sides, might leak too much

squallie2 wrote:To understand the reason behind "why do we need a prescription for a CPAP", you need only follow the money trail; it simply comes down to the Benjamin’s! Big pharm pays the FDA, FDA say a few novenas then give their blessings on the pharmaceutical drug, and "BAM", the drugs on the market. Everyone's rich and happy (San's us; however that doesn't matter)!
Seroquel for example is one "medication" that made more money than illegal street drugs (legally)! When the patent began to expire it became "Seroquel XR" to the rescue! Physician’s free samples for regular Seroquel were now at a moratorium, and ONLY SEROQUEL XR was provided to train us monkeys (and their insurance), to pay the highest amount possible (like price fixing).

Sell the product for the most you can, at any and all cost, regardless of everything and everyone because; Capitalism in America is DEAD as we know it! In its place; well Gordon Gekko said best with: "GREED IS GOOD!"

I am not a bleeding heart liberal; just a realist who hates seeing innocent, decent, hard working people gets screwed! You "CAN" get legal supplies; even legal "NEW" machines at a quarter of the insurance allowable amount!

Please post your questions, comments, concerns or if you would like to know where to get CPAP, Bi-PAP, VPAP Machines/Supplies legally.


Ciao,
Squallie

Show me

So DME's can bill you and your insurance. You shouldnt need an RX for anything but a machine in my opinion!