Why CPAP Masks Require a Prescription

Last week I went through a lot of frustration to by a new mask at cpap.com because of the prescription requirement.

At first I thought isn't it a little ridiculous that we can't replace a broken mask without a doctor's prescription? But after seeing the consequences I realize the policy only exists for the greater good.


By Dan Ivers/NJ.com
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on June 12, 2013 at 11:57 AM, updated June 12, 2013 at 11:59 AM

GLEN ROCK — A student at Glen Rock High School has been charged with selling CPAP masks without a prescription, police said.
According to a statement from Police Chief Frederick Stahman, 18-year-old Michael Loftus was arrested without incident at the school on Tuesday.

The arrest came after a "lengthy" investigation by borough police and a CPAP task force with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

A recent search of Loftus' bedroom uncovered full face masks, nasal pillows and a large quantity of ResMed hypoallergenic filters, Stahman said. Loftus also allegedly involved an underage friend in at least one of his transactions.
He is charged with two counts of distributing unlicensed CPAP equipment, two counts of possession of controlled dangerous apnea paraphernalia, possession of less than 5 cases of ClimateLine tubing, possession of a high performance humidifier and employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime.

After his arrest, he was taken to the Bergen County Jail, where he remained held on $100,000 bond as of today, according to sheriff's records.

I removed the link because it was an 18 year old and he was arrested for heroin not cpap masks. This was the closest I found on Google. If there is another link I would like to see it.

Hi Stormy, it was meant to be satire but I guess it didn't work .

If you'll notice I didn't use the name of the actual 18 year old. Instead Michael Loftus was used who is a TV comedy writer.

No hard feelings?

I also found the article.......and it had to do with heroin.
I would suggest that the OP ("FattyMagoo") edit the text of the post he made to remove or change the name of the person who wrote that article and the name of the website it supposedly came from.......to protect your ass in case that person wishes to take legal action against you.

It was obviously a post made in jest and I understand the "humor" of posting that story. It's just that the person listed as the source didn't write THAT story and may not see the humor in it.


Den

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FattyMagoo wrote:Hi Stormy, it was meant to be satire but I guess it didn't work .

If you'll notice I didn't use the name of the actual 18 year old. Instead Michael Loftus was used who is a TV comedy writer.

No hard feelings?

Nobody gits my attempt at humor either.

Hi Den,

It's actually extremely rare to be sued for this because satire is a form of free speech protected by the constitution.

That's why SNL gets away with making fun of so many things.

However I am glad to hear from you so we get a chance to meet.

Regards,
FM

Wulfman... wrote:I also found the article.......and it had to do with heroin.
I would suggest that the OP ("FattyMagoo") edit the text of the post he made to remove or change the name of the person who wrote that article and the name of the website it supposedly came from.......to protect your ass in case that person wishes to take legal action against you.

It was obviously a post made in jest and I understand the "humor" of posting that story. It's just that the person listed as the source didn't write THAT story and may not see the humor in it.


Den

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Thanks Stormy

The part about me having problems buying a new mask is true. The very bottom of my prescription with the signature didn't make it through the doctor's fax and cpap.com couldn't (by law) do a thing to help me.

It made me laugh to think there was some kind of underground black market for CPAP masks at high schools, which led to the attempt (badly) to give you a laugh at my troubles also.

Stormynights wrote:

FattyMagoo wrote:Hi Stormy, it was meant to be satire but I guess it didn't work .

If you'll notice I didn't use the name of the actual 18 year old. Instead Michael Loftus was used who is a TV comedy writer.

No hard feelings?

Nobody gits my attempt at humor either.

I'm suprised at how a prescription is needed for some places. I purchased a complete mask and headgear from a seller on ebay, no need to show a prescription.

I personally can't see why there is a need for a prescription for a mask, but that is JMO

Humor?
Must be over my head. . .

mgaggie wrote:I'm suprised at how a prescription is needed for some places. I purchased a complete mask and headgear from a seller on ebay, no need to show a prescription.

I personally can't see why there is a need for a prescription for a mask, but that is JMO

I totally agree. I also think the machines should be able to be sold without a prescription. Not many will agree with me on that though. It is just air not a controlled substance.

Stormynights wrote:

mgaggie wrote:I'm suprised at how a prescription is needed for some places. I purchased a complete mask and headgear from a seller on ebay, no need to show a prescription.

I personally can't see why there is a need for a prescription for a mask, but that is JMO

I totally agree. I also think the machines should be able to be sold without a prescription. Not many will agree with me on that though. It is just air not a controlled substance.

I totally agree with you and I think most other CPAP users would too (maybe a poll would be good!). I think that it would only be the manufacturers and sleep specialists and such like who would disagree, as I am guessing they would lose control of pricing and number of patients, etc.

One argument is that insurance wouldn't pay for it if you could buy OTC. It would be cheaper though so you wouldn't need insurance to buy it for you.

Wow, I've never had so many people agree with me before!

Stormynights wrote: I totally agree. I also think the machines should be able to be sold without a prescription. Not many will agree with me on that though. It is just air not a controlled substance.

Thumbs up. I understand the need for prescriptions for things like drugs, but a prescription for a glorified air pump?

Stormynights wrote:

mgaggie wrote:I'm suprised at how a prescription is needed for some places. I purchased a complete mask and headgear from a seller on ebay, no need to show a prescription.

I personally can't see why there is a need for a prescription for a mask, but that is JMO

I totally agree. I also think the machines should be able to be sold without a prescription. Not many will agree with me on that though. It is just air not a controlled substance.

I seem to recall someone recently asking how it might be possible to use a CPAP as a forced air bong. Maybe that's what they're worried about.

Of course, CPAP manufacturers should get behind this. Could open up the door to a whole new range of clients, perhaps lowing the cost for everyone.

On the insurance not paying for OTC: I don't think that's true. At least some companies do pay for OTC if you have a prescription for it. OTC can also be payed with HSA or FSA savings...with the same requirement. I think maybe you can just pay for any OTC "medical" anything with an HSA.

Just looked up wheelchairs online and at http://www.spinlife.com I see no evidence of them asking for a prescription... That would be a pretty major item not to be covered. Pretty sure most do.

Actually, the policy of requiring prescriptions for masks didn't really go into effect until nearly four years ago. Johnny announced it in this thread.

Den

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Changes To CPAP(dot)com Prescription Policy

Postby johnnygoodman on Wed Jul 08, 2009 3:59 pm

Howdy CPAPtalkers,

Effective at 5 PM CST today, CPAP(dot)com will begin requiring prescriptions be on file before shipping machines, masks or humidifiers by policy.

Please see our Prescription FAQs for phrasing guidelines:

This matter is ongoing and I will speak further to it when the goal lines are stable and well established.

This means I can not speak to the inevitable flood of questions and complaints this policy will generate.

I would greatly appreciate your trust, patience and continued business.

Johnny

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