CPAP users

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I have been seeing advertised a new CPAP machine. It is only as big as a soda can, and runs obn battery. I am considering asking my doctor if he will order it for me.It is a real pain in the neck to travel with the one I have now - requires a whole suitcase just for the machine - the mask & tubings plus a large extension cord with a surge protector and the electrical cords. Plus I don't trust all the electric outlets at hotels - some look pretty shaky - that is why we want the surge protector.

So does anyone have this? Is it as simple as they say? I'd sure like to get one if it is good.

Annabellethecat66 · ‎03-12-2010

This is interesting, look at this comparison:

http://www.thecpapshop.com/cpap-machine-comparison-chart

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

The one I want is the HDM. I want to hear some reviews though before I ask my doctor for a Rx. My insurance will pay 80% with a Rx. I hope he doesn't make me get a sleep study to get the Rx. Unfortunately the battery is $265, and I bet I'll have to pay for that out of pocket.

I really want this though so I will do whatever he makes me do to get it. My old CPAP machine is 7 years old so I called my insurance and inquired about it and they said after this long it should be no problem.

sassenach1 · ‎03-09-2010

I am a Road Warrior, on at least 4 or more flights per week. Carrying my CPAP is a pain, especially with it needing distilled water. I am committed to it, but it is a pain.

When the medical supplier initially reached out to me about ordering the machine for me, I clearly explained how often I travel by air. I wanted one of the little machines. No problem, he says. HA!! No, I have one that takes up half of one side of my luggage.

I see CPAPs all over airports. Many men carry theirs on a their shoulder.

I would love to have a tiny device!

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Even though I don't use the humidifier it seems like every evening when we stop to go into the hotel we have 2 computer cases, a small electric cooler and the cords for it - 2 duffel bags & if we want to swim then a third duffel for wet suits and the duffel for my CPAP & all it's accompaning gear. So that is 7 bags we load & unload every night on the road, at a minimum. It would be so nice to eliminate one of those.

Unfortunately, I have the world's worst company for my CPAP supplier. Lincare - ugh! They are not at all service oriented. I doubt they would tell me I was eligible for a new machine ever. But when I called my ins. co. today they said it should not be an issue since mine is 7 years old.They will pay 80%.

sassenach1 · ‎03-09-2010

I'll wager you that I have a worst supplier/biller for supplies. They charge each item: tubing, mask, filters, etc., INDIVIDUALLY! That is several bills to pay, and the same number of FSA claims/receipts.

Drives me nuts!

aubnwa01 · ‎03-09-2010

My dr. just prescribed a CPAP for me last summer & the 1st supplier was just awful. I was supposed to be able to order supplies with the local person & get so many tubes & nose things every so often shipped to me, but in the 1st 5 months of using it, I got exactly 3 nose pillows & they all came from the local person who had spares of the size I needed on hand in the office & mailed them to me.

I was supposed to get 2 nose pillow a month, & a new mask & tubing every 3 months. I'd call & she'd put in the order & then, I'd never get it, so I'd call her back & she'd look into it & either they were doing an audit or they had just cancelled my order for no apparent reason. No one ever called me to tell me what was going on, it was like talking to the air.

After all that, I called my dr.'s sleep study place & asked to be referred to a different supplier, which they did & they've been really good. After I'd been with the new supplier almost 2 months, I got a package of all the stuff the 1st place was supposed to have sent me! By that time, I was using the new place & didn't want to get into trouble, but called the 1st place to ask if I should send the stuff back to them & she told me to keep it, because it was billed to my insurance for the time period that they were my supplier, so it was OK. the new place calls me every 3 months & tells me that they're sending me all of my supplies, it's refreshing after the hassles with the 1st place!

At my last dr. visit, I asked him about it & he said I could use any supplier that I wanted & could switch anytime I wanted & my insurance would cover it, but I asked him "how am I supposed to know who the suppliers are?"

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Unfortunately, I live in a very small town so I don't have a choice of suppliers.There is only one here that is in network with my HMO.

spud188 · ‎09-23-2010

I am new to using a C-pap will be a year in April.

I don't understand,what wears out that you need replacing?? Or do you just automatically replace as often as they pay for? I have changed the little air filter. The rest gets washed with hot soapy vinegar water.

What parts exactly do you replace.??

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Every 3 months your CPAP supplier should be sending you a new tubing - new face mask and head gear and face cushions that you change every week, plus a supply of filters. If you aren't getting those supplies you need to call your CPAP company and ask them for them, your insurance should pay for them.