CPAP Supplies: Simple Tricks to Buy Online, Safely
CPAP therapy treats sleep apnea more effectively if you replace the cushions, pillows, filters and other CPAP supplies regularly. It is important to be informed of the huge advantages to replacing your CPAP supplies online. As long as you avoid certain costly and dangerous pitfalls often found online then you will come out ahead with your CPAP therapy.
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.
Some people complain that using CPAP regularly is a hassle. The good news is that with clean, fresh CPAP supplies you will more likely use CPAP regularly, which means lowering your risk of diabetes, stroke, cardiac arrest, heart disease, or hypertension. Besides, the added benefit of getting a good nights sleep.
Do not be one of the people who try to save money by not refreshing their CPAP supplies. Thats called being pennywise and pound foolish! If you get a lung infection, how much will that cost you in extra medical bills and lost wages? If you end up with diabetes because you were not using CPAP regularly, how much is that going to cost?
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.)
Making a small investment in your CPAP supplies will give you the greatest return, your health. You can have a good nights rest for less that the price of a daily cup of coffee.
Of course, many people like to buy their CPAP supplies online because it is convenient. Some websites, including MySleepMask.com, will let you set-up a calendar for getting new supplies. Theres no way to beat the convenience of getting supplies online.
For people who are uninsured or underinsured, buying CPAP supplies online is necessary because it is so much cheaper. You can often get the same supplies for 30-50% cheaper than the local durable medical equipment company.
You will want to scam proof your online shopping for CPAP supplies. Shop around to compare the prices. Soon you'll realize that you can't rely on the biggest online vendor for the best prices. Be on the look out for over-charges and hidden fees that add up.
Four Tips for Buying Online:
1. Avoid websites that offer sub-standard brands. Only buy from the leading manufacturers (ResMed, F&P, or Respironics). If a site is willing to sell you a cheap, faulty brand then they probably do not offer customer care support to help you trouble shoot problems that may arise. Cheap CPAP equipment will burden the care support of a reputable company that is why the best online companies only sell the highest quality brands.
2. Only buy from websites that are dealers with good reputations and authorized by the manufacturers. Why look for an authorized dealer? Because the website has to meet requirements to be authorized by the manufacturer, such as having good customer service, respecting warranties, etc. The National Apnea Association provides a short list of recommended dealers, which includes MySleepMask.
3. Look for a reputable website with a mask-exchange program. This is essential when it is time to upgrade or check out a new models. These programs allow you to exchange the mask for a new model or different size that fits better. MySleepMask.com offers this program but you can google CPAP mask exchange program to find other dealers that have this valuable service.
4. Be sure to work with a website that offers free customer care from a CPAP coach or respiratory therapist. Most likely you will have questions and problems to trouble-shoot. Luckily some reputable and authorized web dealers provide care support for free. Be on the look out and avoid sites that charge for customer support, it's often a hidden charge. Some websites exploit and scam the patient charging them $150 for this free service. Simply search online by googling free CPAP coaching to find the best dealer for your CPAP supplies.
