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Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - zymurgy42 - 10-04-2017
Hello,
Recently diagnosed with severe apnea. On trial I used a Fisher & Paykel AUTO machine to get a level reading to use in a manual Fisher & Paykel Icon + Premo which I have been given (circa 2014 model). To me it's a tad noisy, but works.
I have been looking at an imported unit, because quite frankly the prices charged here in Australia are just ridiculous!
As an example, the cheapest I have seen the Philips Dreamstation Auto (DSX500T11) for in OZ is just over AU$2000.00. Yet I can purchase from the US for AU$942.00 including delivery.
My only concern is repairs, after speaking to Philips, they WILL NOT even repair a unit at my expense.
To that end, is there a company that repairs CPAP units in Australia that I could seek help from if needed?
Willing to change brands.
Gordon.
RE: Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - st8800 - 10-05-2017
You should be able to purchase the Dreamstation from Amazon around AUD600 inclusive shipping to Australia from Amazon. However, there is no seller at the moment so you probably have to try again from time to time.
The Resmed Airsense Autoset 10 is actually available now. Priced around AUD700 inclusive shipping to Australia. I would recommend this model due to its quicker response to to Apnea events.
You can go through ComGateway to do your international shipping. They provides a free US shipping address that allows you to shop your favorite US online stores and ship internationally to your doorstep
For the huge discount vs if you were to buy in Australia, I wouldn't worry too much about repairs.
Good luck!
RE: Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - Doza - 10-05-2017
I used an Australian seller who ships machines from the US. Their warranties aren't recognised in Australia either, but they do ship the machines back to the US when the buyer sends to their Australian address.
The whole exercise cost me half of what the clinic's supplier wants for the same thing, with an extra mask thrown in.
While it's more than buying directly via an American supplier, I weighed it up and decided it was worth my while, and at least there's a less painful process to undergo re the warranty.
And the shipping was express and took four days from the US to my door.
Without any insurance cover anyway, I figured I'd save myself a grand or so.
RE: Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - holden4th - 10-05-2017
Go with the Autosense for AUD700 - it's a bargain. I now have two machines so if one does go down I have a back up.
An alternative to Comgateway for Aussies is Auspost's Shopmate which will also give you a US shipping address and then ship on the machine. I'm not sure which is cheaper or faster.
RE: Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - Crist - 10-05-2017
I bought my machine 3 years ago from a US supplier (Supplier #10) They shipped direct to my Oz address with no issues. I've never needed repairs and now I'm out of warranty I'd just take it to the local supplier for repairs if needed and I doubt they would even know it was purchased from.
It was manufactured in NSW, exported to the US then I imported it back in and I got the machine 2 masks, a years worth of filters all for half the price of what the machine alone was selling for here.
RE: Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - zymurgy42 - 10-05-2017
Thank you all for input. I ordered it earlier today. I figured for the nearly 60% saving, I would take the punt. If it dies, it'll still be cheaper to buy another than buying here in OZ!
One supplier I queried on the HUGE price difference stated that: "....pricing in Australia is higher than the USA. This is because it is subsidized market as part of their health care system and the devices aren't supposed to be sold outside of the USA"
If they were subsidized by the US Government, surely there would be a real BAN on their export?
It's almost a conspiracy, health funds won't rebate unless purchased here. Manufacturers won't honour warranties, even though machines are basically 'international'.
Gordon.
RE: Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - trish6hundred - 10-05-2017
Hi zymurgy42,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck on your CPAP journey and I hope you like your new machine.
RE: Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - Sleeprider - 10-05-2017
The U.S. does not subsidize the machines, in fact the Affordable Care Act imposed a tax on medical devices. Thank you for your contribution.
RE: Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - HalfAsleep - 10-05-2017
(10-05-2017, 05:51 AM)zymurgy42 Wrote: Thank you all for input. I ordered it earlier today. I figured for the nearly 60% saving, I would take the punt. If it dies, it'll still be cheaper to buy another than buying here in OZ!
One supplier I queried on the HUGE price difference stated that: "....pricing in Australia is higher than the USA. This is because it is subsidized market as part of their health care system and the devices aren't supposed to be sold outside of the USA"
If they were subsidized by the US Government, surely there would be a real BAN on their export?
It's almost a conspiracy, health funds won't rebate unless purchased here. Manufacturers won't honour warranties, even though machines are basically 'international'.
Gordon.
Healthcare system in the US?
We don't have subsidized anything medical in the US. Sometimes we have insurance coverage for medical stuff. For some people (e.g. elderly, disabled, low income), the government covers a good portion of medical stuff, but often not all. These aren't subsidies: these are a form of insurance.
RE: Repairing an imported unit (US to Australia) - Ockrocket - 10-05-2017
You can buy the Dreamstation for well under $2,000 in Australia, those are just the RRP that you see quoted.
Most suppliers will discount down from the listed prices. ( mine was under $1,500 including the hose and mask )
I get full support from the clinic I purchased it from, including the data downloaded and sent to my respiratory specialist so he can sign off on my commercial driver licence medical compliance when required.
The machine is also covered by warranty here in Australia, and they would supply me with a loan unit if mine requires repair or replacement at any time.
Resmed ( who are actually an Australian based company here in NSW ) and Philips Respironics are the ones who restrict overseas CPAP suppliers from selling to Australia, as usual we get ripped off on pricing here... just because they can do it to us.
Don't ever get me started on this topic when it comes to motorcycle prices and parts..
