Anyone have an opinion on Sunset Healthcare tubing and filters?

[CpapUnicorn]

My DME used to send name brand Respironics tubing and filters, which I always considered to be great. But lately they have been sending this Sunset Healthcare made in China off brand stuff that seems very inferior in quality. My tubes are not as flexible and have a weird sticky feeling on the outside, and the disposable filters also seem more flimsy. Can anyone tell me that I'm being overly sensitive before I look for other solutions?

[ChicagoGranny]

Anyone have an opinion on Sunset Healthcare tubing and filters?

I believe your own review is sufficient.

Sunset Healthcare made in China off brand stuff that seems very inferior in quality.

I would let your supplier know the stuff is crap.

[Grumpy48]

Can't speak for the Sunset brand hose, but my DME has been sending Sunset filters (both fine and replaceable) for my DreamStation 2 and previous DS1 for roughly five years. I've found the Sunset filters to be well constructed, no loose fibers, and fairly comparable to the Respironics brand that I have used in the past.

[Grumpy48]

Well my DME made an error when I recently ordered a 12mm heated hose for my DreamStation 2 and they shipped a Sunset brand hose which appeared to be a 15mm heated hose. I do agree the Sunset hose seems a a bit stiffer than the Respironics 15mm hoses I have from my days using a DreamStation 1. I did not notice any 'sticky' feeling. I did put the Sunset hose along side a Respironics 15mm hose and the Sunset looked perceptibly smaller in diameter and when measured with a micrometer was indeed almost 1mm smaller in diameter. The DS2 will accept either a 12mm or 15mm hose and detects which hose is attached. The DS2 registered the Sunset hose as being 15mm when connected. I believe the Respironics 12mm and 15mm hoses have different heater coil resistances and the DS2 may adjust the voltage/current applied to keep the heating the same for each hose. I don't think the smaller hose diameter of the Sunset would affect air delivery.
My opinion is that a DME that is getting a fixed reimbursement by Medicare and/or insurance should not be providing patients with third party CPAP components that are substantially cheaper than OEM and may not be quite up to the same quality. The Sunset would likely be OK as a budget alternative for someone paying out of pocket and didn't mind a bit extra stiffness in the hose (I did not try the hose, so I don't know how it would be in actual use). The Sunset heated hose can be found for $19.99 at one online CPAP retailer. The OEM Respironics hose around $40.00. Larger profit margin for DME from reimbursement when they sell the Sunset vs the Respironics.

My DME did quickly send the correct 12mm hose to correct their error. I had opened the Sunset hose package as I didn't initially realize it was the wrong hose. If I hadn't opened it I believe the DME was going to provide an RMA for its return.

CPAPUnicorn..... Have you called your DME to see if they could/would send the Respironics branded hoses rather than the Sunset? The stiffness and sticky feel are legitimate complaints that could affect comfort while using.

Again I have no complaints about the Sunset filters as they seem to do the job they are intended to do.

[Janknitz]

You can ask your doctor to specify the brand in your prescription and write "Dispense as Written".
For now, though, contact the DME and request to return the Sunset items and replace with Respironics brand. They may refuse, they are cutting corners, but it's worth a try.