Newbie - wanting to buy a machine

That 550 model comes with a humidifier, so I would have an extra. I found the 550 machine only at one other site for $134 MORE. That's weird.

If I can return the humidifier, which I doubt...I would probably just go with the 560 to have a heated tube (is that the only difference?). But, if I can't return it, then I would probably go with the 550 and just have 2 humidifiers.

Tigerlily wrote:That 550 model comes with a humidifier

Tigerlily wrote:That 550 model comes with a humidifier, so I would have an extra. I found the 550 machine only at one other site for $134 MORE. That's weird.

If I can return the humidifier, which I doubt...I would probably just go with the 560 to have a heated tube (is that the only difference?). But, if I can't return it, then I would probably go with the 550 and just have 2 humidifiers.

Call up cpap.com and ask if they offer just the machine only.

The reason I pointed you to cpap.com prices....they are probably the best price on the internet.
I see the same machine at other sites for a LOT more and never cheaper.

The 560 with humidifier and heated hose equipment isn't horribly more expensive though.

You might be able to sell the 50 series humidifier and get a little money for it.
Sometimes people buy just a machine from craigslist and not have a humidifier included and in need of one.
I did that a while back. Got a good deal on a machine (was looking for someone) and the guy selling the machine had never had a humidifier...so I had to buy a humidifier to with it. I got one at secondwind.com that was used but came with a brand new tank.

Those PRS1 model 150 machines sure are popular... PR must have offered them to DMEs at 2 for 1. Glad I was able to switch mine out.

I feel like I got really ripped off! My insurance plan does have a $1,500 deductible, and I was aware of that.

What I did not know as a person new to all this, was that I could have researched and purchased everything online for under $800 probably. I didn't need to go to a DME supplier and get everything, I didn't know that they gave you the bottom of the line equipment.

Now I own a humidifier that I won't be using anymore. I CAN return the rented machine, but won't get any money back. And the rest of the equipment I had to buy at inflated prices! So....I spent $670 needlessly, it feels like I threw that in the trash. Sure...it went towards my yearly deductible, but big deal. Now I'll be paying around $1,300...much more than I would have if I would have done it all on my own online. Ugh...how depressing!!

Did this happen to anyone else here when you first started cpap that you felt ripped off?

Have you thought about just telling them you want the other model machine and see if they will supply it?
All they can do is say no...

As Pugsy said, you could buy the PRS1 model 550 APAP and use it with your current humidifier. The heated hose is not a deal breaker. The only time it's really useful are the coldest winter months, and only if you like to keep your bedroom really cold. Otherwise you can do without it and won't miss it. If you find you get some rainout or cold nose in the winter you can add a Hybernite heated hose for $60. But you may not even need it.

Pugsy wrote:Have you thought about just telling them you want the other model machine and see if they will supply it?
All they can do is say no...

I could do that, however, they rent them for 13 months before you own it. Since I have a deductible, I would have to rent it for 8 months at $100, one month at $20 and I would just reach my deductible by the end of the year, then I would have to start over in 2014 so it would be 4 more months at $100. That means I would pay $1,220 for a machine that would be less than $650 online.

I wish 3 weeks ago I knew what I know now. Live and learn...

RandyJ wrote:As Pugsy said, you could buy the PRS1 model 550 APAP and use it with your current humidifier. The heated hose is not a deal breaker. The only time it's really useful are the coldest winter months, and only if you like to keep your bedroom really cold. Otherwise you can do without it and won't miss it. If you find you get some rainout or cold nose in the winter you can add a Hybernite heated hose for $60. But you may not even need it.

Hi Randy,
I looked into that, but cpap.com discontinued the 550 machine alone and so they only sell it now WITH the humidifier. It would also only be $50 more approx. to go with the 560, so I figure for that cost I might as well go with their most current model. Right?
I live in a warm, dry climate, so even when it's cold outside, my room is NEVER below 67, usually more around 69. And warmer in the spring and summer.

Tigerlily wrote:I could do that, however, they rent them for 13 months before you own it. Since I have a deductible, I would have to rent it for 8 months at $100, one month at $20 and I would just reach my deductible by the end of the year, then I would have to start over in 2014 so it would be 4 more months at $100. That means I would pay $1,220 for a machine that would be less than $650 online.

I wish 3 weeks ago I knew what I know now. Live and learn...

Understood. That's why we tell people to do the math ahead of time if they are lucky enough to come here before they get a machine.
Some people have enough health problems that they will meet their deductible early in the year anyway so it isn't such a big deal.
Sounds like you are like me....don't often meet the deductible so try to avoid having costs that apply to the deductible.
That's why I bought my machine privately...I did the math and my co pay was going to be a little more than private pay costs.

Secondwindcpap.com has a new open box special on the 550...machine and humidifier $499
http://www.secondwindcpap.com/Open_Box.html

and right below it a 560 with humidifier $549

They have a gently used 550 with humidifier for $399.

You might give them a call and ask if they have a 550 all by itself they would sale...
I have used them. They are a good alternate source for gently used or new open box machines.

Secondwindcpap has the 550 without humidifier gently used for $349.

RandyJ wrote:Secondwindcpap has the 550 without humidifier gently used for $349.

I thought I looked all over for a 550 without humidifier...guess I missed it.

That's why I suggested a phone call to see what he had.

kaiasgram wrote:

Pugsy wrote: I like a 50 degree bedroom...

Indeed! My bedroom is set to 70!

pikov22 wrote:Indeed! My bedroom is set to 70!

And I would be opening the windows with that much warmth. There would be no sleep.
You need a good woman going through menopause to add some heat to the bed.

Pugsy wrote:

pikov22 wrote:Indeed! My bedroom is set to 70!

And I would be opening the windows with that much warmth. There would be no sleep.
You need a good woman going through menopause to add some heat to the bed.

Actually, I have one way past menopause who is as warm as I am cold. We're OK when we're vertical, but when we lay down, she throws off blanket and sheet and I grab the quilt.

So I guess you won't sleep with me?

Pugsy wrote:Secondwindcpap.com has a new open box special on the 550...machine and humidifier $499
http://www.secondwindcpap.com/Open_Box.html

and right below it a 560 with humidifier $549

They have a gently used 550 with humidifier for $399.

You might give them a call and ask if they have a 550 all by itself they would sale...
I have used them. They are a good alternate source for gently used or new open box machines.

Where do they get these machines from?