CPAP Supplies: Smart Tips for Shopping on the Web
Being on CPAP therapy is easier to live with if you regularly replace your CPAP cushions, hoses, filters and other supplies. Patients should consider the advantages to replacing their CPAP supplies through an online distributor. Buying online has great advantages as long as you avoid the risks outlined in this article.
Why is it so important to replace your CPAP supplies? There are two important reasons. First, your CPAP experience will be more effective. New supplies keeps the device working like new by avoiding air leaks that harm your treatment. Also, fresh supplies maintain the comfort of the equipment. Second, new supplies decrease the risk of developing respiratory infection. Even if you are cleaning your equipment every day, eventually tiny crevices and scratches form that become perfect spos for bacteria to collect.
It’s common to hear people complain about using their CPAP regularly. Luckily when you are replacing the supplies with new ones the device actually works more easily. Helping you lower the serious risks of diabetes, cardiac arrest, heart disease and stroke. You will also get the benefit of a good nights rest.
Clearly it is a health risk to not refresh your CPAP supplies. For most of us, now is the time to save money but when it comes to preventing a stroke or diabetes you will find yourself pennywise and pound foolish. Think about the medical bills and lost wages if you develop a lung infection from not using CPAP regularly with fresh supplies.
If you are using CPAP and it is uncomfortable it just may be time to replace a part or the entire mask assembly including headgear. (You should replace the entire mask and headgear every 3-6 months, hoses about every month, filters every 2-4 weeks and cushions or pillows every 2-3 weeks.)
A small investment in CPAP will save your health. It costs the same as a daily cup of coffee to wake up feeling refreshed from a comfortable and deep night’s sleep morning after morning.
Luckily buying online has made the CPAP experience even more convenient and cost effective. Some websites, including MySleepMask.com, will let you set-up a calendar for getting new supplies delivered to you on a regular schedule.
If you are on CPAP with little or no insurance then buying your fresh supplies online will save you money. You can get the same CPAP supplies from an authorized online distributor for as much as 50% cheaper than your local medical equipment company.
Now that you’re ready to buy online you need to be aware of the risks to avoid. Of course, you will shop around and compare prices. You’ll learn that buying from the biggest online vendor won’t protect you from being scammed or over-charged with hidden fees.
Four Tips for Buying Online:
1. Look for the leading brands; ResMed, F&P, Respironics. Avoid the websites that sell cheap supplies from other brands. The cheap supplies require more time from customer care to trouble shoot the problems. If the website is selling knock-offs then you can be sure that they don’t offer customer support to help you when there is a problem.
2. Look for websites that are authorized by the manufacturer to sell their equipment. This way you know that the website meets the manufacturer’s requirements, such as having customer care services, the ability to honor the warranty, etc. The National Apnea Association provides a short list of recommended dealers, which includes MySleepMask.com.
3. You must buy from a website that offers the CPAP mask-exchange program. There is no financial risk when considering an upgrade or different size mask with a website that has this exchange service. MySleepMask.com offers this service to all of their customers and you can google CPAP mask exchange to locate other dealers that provide this great program.
4. Only buy from a website that has respiratory therapists or certified CPAP coaches that are trained to solve problems or concerns that could arise with your therapy. Since many reputable sites offer this for free don’t waste your money on a website that offers this as an added service (extra-hidden-charge of up to $160). The coaching is necessary during therapy and will help decrease your visits to the doctor’s office. Search online for CPAP coaching to find a reputable website.
