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Ordering Supplies - MoApnea - 01-26-2018
The picture shows the timeframe on which to order my supplies (per my supply company). Just curious what real lifespan can I expect from these underlined items? Are there any of these that are even close to the time frame I should stick to?
Also, is going thru the home healthcare supplier the best route or should be be looking on some place else (Amazon)? I know I don't have prices but in general what are thoughts around that?
![[Image: AYU9xuAl.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/AYU9xuAl.jpg)
RE: Ordering Supplies - OpalRose - 01-26-2018
When you are first starting out, and as long as you have decent insurance coverage, then it’s a good idea to follow the replacement schedule, and build a stockpile of supplies.
It’s handy to have at least two hoses, so when you wash one, instead of waiting for it to dry, you have one ready to go. Always have on hand extra filters, as these should be replaced monthly. Same with nasal pillows and cushions, as they tend to get soft and cause leaks.
Also be sure to order a new mask at the 3 month mark whether you need it or not.
Many of these supplies last longer that the replacement schedule offered by insurance.
If you have a high copay, and wish to avoid insurance, you may find supplies reasonably priced elsewhere, like Amazon.
RE: Ordering Supplies - MoApnea - 01-26-2018
(01-26-2018, 05:13 PM)OpalRose Wrote: When you are first starting out, and as long as you have decent insurance coverage, then it’s a good idea to follow the replacement schedule, and build a stockpile of supplies.
It’s handy to have at least two hoses, so when you wash one, instead of waiting for it to dry, you have one ready to go. Always have on hand extra filters, as these should be replaced monthly. Same with nasal pillows and cushions, as they tend to get soft and cause leaks.
Also be sure to order a new mask at the 3 month mark whether you need it or not.
Many of these supplies last longer that the replacement schedule offered by insurance.
If you have a high copay, and wish to avoid insurance, you may find supplies reasonably priced elsewhere, like Amazon.
Awesome thanks for the insight. I have good insurance, just a high deductible and not sure if that'll be met this year or not. But if I feel I'm getting close I will for sure max out everything. But thanks for the insight on having backups, I never thought about making sure I had backups of certain items.
RE: Ordering Supplies - kiwii - 01-26-2018
You may want to tuck an extra item or two into your bag too. Less risk of forgetting something when you travel.
RE: Ordering Supplies - MitchS - 01-26-2018
(01-26-2018, 06:30 PM)kiwii Wrote: You may want to tuck an extra item or two into your bag too. Less risk of forgetting something when you travel.
Exactly. I lost a nasal cushion while on vacation once. Luckily, I had a couple spares. I have a laminated check list now that I use to be sure I don't forget anything.
RE: Ordering Supplies - sansnap - 01-30-2018
Stockpiling a few spares is a good idea as noted above and my insurance has a similar replacement schedule. That said, I find that hoses and filters last much longer than the replacement window but the nasal pillows I get (2 per month) often need to replaced more often. They just don't hold their shape and start collapsing after about 9 days. I swear that they feel different from batch to batch as well and have often wondered about manufacturing irregularities. The copay I have (20.00) is actually higher than the cost of purchasing these online from a supplier or amazon.
RE: Ordering Supplies - MoApnea - 01-30-2018
I can find these items cheaper online then going thru the supplier and billing insurance (due to deductible not being met). It's a question of whether I will meet deductible this year. If I think I do, I will stockpile thru the insurance, if not, then i gotta decide if i want insurance still billed at a higher amount or go with my own purchase