CPAP supplies on Amazon

[Janknitz]

I mentioned this in another thread but thought I'd post it here. I needed a backup DreamWear, and found it on Amazon for $56--one of those "fulfilled by Amazon" deals and a well-rated seller. No Rx needed, $56 for a complete fit pack (with all three sizes of cushion). No hassle, no Crapria annoying the heck out of me and then billing incorrectly, No having to beg Kaiser to put the correct mask in my prescription (because technically Kaiser is the DME on plans with that coverage, they get to dictate exactly what mask you will get). Delivered to my door in 2 days thanks to Amazon Prime. I also got a new slimline hose and a packet of a dozen filters--all for less than my Kaiser co-pay would have been in those days when I had 80% DME coverage.

From now on Amazon is my DME!

If I wanted to try another mask I'd still use CPAP.com with return insurance. But for replacing a mask that you already know works, this is a great option.

[jtravel]

Good deals can be found On Amazon and that is also where I have purchased my last two masks.
Dreamware and a Resmed airfit p10 at around $56 each shipped.
Machines have been spotted at really good prices as well.

[Slartybartfast]

I thought all CPAP supplies were prescription-only. Has something changed?

[MeToo]

I think that applies to the cpap unit itself, not masks, tubes, etc.

[Pugsy]

I thought all CPAP supplies were prescription-only. Has something changed?

No, nothing has changed.
It's just like it always has been....not everyone sticks to the exact letter of the law and there's no real cpap police to make them do it.
Officially a RX is required for mask and machine/humidifier purchase...and not for replacement supplies.
One might argue that no one in their right mind would be spending hard earned money for this unless they had a RX so maybe that's how those sellers look the other way.

[Slartybartfast]

Ok, I guess certain suppliers that we all know and love require an Rx for mask parts, etc. and was surprised to see them selling on Amazon without an Rx. I suppose manufacturers might have something to say about how their products are sold, as well, so maybe that's why the practice of requiring an Rx is so widespread.

[palerider]

Ok, I guess certain suppliers that we all know and love require an Rx for mask parts, etc. and was surprised to see them selling on Amazon without an Rx. I suppose manufacturers might have something to say about how their products are sold, as well, so maybe that's why the practice of requiring an Rx is so widespread.

technically, a complete mask requires a Rx. mask *parts* do not require a Rx. even if you buy all the parts to assemble a complete mask.

hoses, filters, humidifier chambers, ... no Rx.

[Jay Aitchsee]

What Johnny said:

Howdy All,

Den asked me to chime in here. Your DME needs a prescription for mask parts, but not for the reason they gave you. Your DME needs a doctors order (aka prescription) in order to make the mask parts they provide you billable per common insurance policy of denying claims for all items not explicitly doctor ordered. emphasis added.

The prescription side is a little less firm but here's the deal. The FDA defines the class of medical devices and their prescription level. CPAP is Class II meaning you need a doctors order. The manufacturers are regulated by the FDA and have to mark items that are prescription required as prescription required on their labeling. For things with serial numbers, they do this carefully and properly most of the time. For things like mask clips, it is rare anyone bothers to label it as prescription required. Reasonably, it shouldn't be and technically, without the label no Rx is required. This is true of any product coming off the line from a mfg. As they label it, so it is, as we they are doing so in compliance with and at the direction of the FDA.

From the dealer side, be it CPAP.com or a DME, we are regulated by the states. We are to have Rxs on file for products requiring Rxs. The regulations don't explicitly state which products require a prescription - they only say we inherit the policy of the FDA. Usually the people conducting the inspections are former RTs and so the convention is machines, humidifiers and masks need Rxs though other inspectors will say "anything with Rx printed on the label is Rx". There have been situations where a given product had the rx printed on the label for a run, then changed to not be on the label, then changed back.

Most dealers don't get this far into the weeds or aren't even aware this is a thing.

For our part, we watch the products we buy and adjust what can or can not be kitted based on the direction we receive from manufacturers based on their labels. We adjust kits available accordingly. Other dealers do other things, often opting to work a little closer to the horns. The thing is, they are involving their customers in that behavior too, likely unwittingly. Reasonably you'd say "so what, we're talking about $5 of plastic here." The regulatory environment in our country is punitive and excessive. It seems unlikely that a regulator would involve customers is an issue discovered but after what I've seen and the experiences I've heard others in the industry endure, I'd rather not risk it for our customers or our business. So we go off the labels per batch and comply with the letter of the law as best we can in good faith.

Johnny

[Slartybartfast]

Wonderful response. That clears it up.

[raisedfist]

I found and took advantage of the same deal previously. I also like Amazon for replacement cushions. Usually the same or less than most other sites, plus I have Amazon Prime so shipping and returns is simple and quick.