Q) Do I need a prescription to purchase your products?
A) If you are purchasing a new CPAP, Auto CPAP or BiLevel (BiPAP) machine, then we do need a copy of a prescription or a sleep study report from your doctor. A prescription is NOT required if you are not purchasing a machine.
Q) How do I send you a copy of my prescription or sleep study report?
A) You or your doctor may fax it to us at 1-866-982-2727.
Q) What does the prescription have to say?
A) The prescription must state that it is for CPAP therapy and at what pressure your machine should be set at. If you are purchasing a CPAP machine, then the prescription must show one pressure setting, which is a number between 4 and 20 and measured in cm of H2O. If your are purchasing an Auto CPAP machine, then your prescription must state two different pressures: A high pressure setting and a low pressure setting. If you are purchasing a BiLevel machine, then your prescription must state two pressure settings: An inspiratory setting and an expiratory setting.
Q) What is your return policy?
A) Refunds will be issued on any unopened product within the first 30 days. CPAPdiscount.com will accept exchanges for any defective product up to 30 days from date of purchase. The product must be returned in the original packaging. There will be a 15% restocking fee for unused, returned items.
Q) Do you bill my insurance company?
A) At this time, CPAPdiscount.com does not bill insurance companies for purchases. However, we can provide you with all of the necessary HCPCS codes and ICD9 code information so that you can easily file for reimbursement from your insurance company.
Q) How does your free shipping work?
A) Any order of $100.00 or more is shipped free via UPS Ground or US Mail within the contiguous United States. We reserve the right to decide which carrier will ship orders qualifying for free shipping.
Q) How will my order be shipped?
A) CPAPdiscount.com uses UPS or USPS for all of our shipping.
Q) How soon will my order be shipped?
A) Same day shipping for UPS as long as orders are in before 2:00pm MST, and have Rx in before 2:00PM in case cpap machine was ordered.
USPS shipments are shipped the next business day.
If order was placed on Friday before 2pm and next day air option is chosen it will not be delivered until the end of day Monday (the next business day).
Q) Where is your warehouse located?
A) Our warehouse is located in El Paso TX.
Q) Can my order be shipped to a P.O. box?
A) UPS does Not deliver to PO Boxes, a physical address is needed or USPS must be the shipping option.
Q) Can my order be shipped internationally?
A) We do offer international shipping except for Resmed products, these will not be shipped outside of the US. International Shipments may take up to 3 Weeks; the recipient is liable for the costs of Taxes and Duties.
Q) Are the services offered by CPAPdiscount.com supported by the product's manufacturer?
A) All services offered by CPAPdiscount.com are offered independent of the manufacturers of the products we sell.
Q) How do I travel with my CPAP?
A) Traveling with your CPAP can sometimes be a hassle. However, with proper preparation, it can be very easy. If you are flying with your CPAP, you can bring your CPAP machine on the airplane with you and it will not count as one of your carry-on items. Never check your CPAP machine because through normal luggage handling procedures it can easily be broken. You may want to call ahead and find out your airline's procedures for carrying your CPAP machine on the airplane to prevent any delays through security. We have learned that many airlines will not let you use your CPAP machine during the flight because it is not a life-sustaining device. You may want to contact your airline to see if you can make special arrangements. This link will also provide helpful information.
If you are driving across country with your CPAP or are camping, you can still use your machine (depending on the make and model). If your machine has the ability to run off of 12V (check your owners manual) then you will be able to run your machine off of either a battery, or plug it into the cigarette lighter adapter in your car / RV if you purchase the proper cables. Respironics and Puritan Bennett sell battery adapter cables for those who wish to bring their CPAP camping in the wilderness. A 12V deep cycle marine battery or a motorcycle battery are recommended for the longest life between charges. The life span of the battery depends on its rating and what your pressure setting is on your machine.
Q) What is an Auto machine?
A) An Auto CPAP machine is a machine that uses two pressure settings; a high setting and a low setting. The machine starts at the lower setting (typically 2 - 4 cm below your normal CPAP pressure) and through the course of the night it senses when you are having an apnea occur. It then begins to slowly raise the pressure toward the set high pressure. One the apnea is overcome it will stay at that pressure for a period of time and then slowly begin to decrease back toward the low pressure. If another apnea occurs in the meantime, it will then begin to increase, so on and so forth. In this way, the machine automatically figures out the best pressure for you to be sleeping at for that particular night. This is a nice feature because your best therapy pressure is not always the same. It greatly depends on your daily activities and your personal habits.
Q) What is a BiLevel (BiPAP) machine?
A) A BiLevel machine, or as some call it a BiPAP machine uses two pressure settings for your therapy: An inspiratory pressure and an expiratory pressure. When you inhale, the therapy is delivered at the set inspiratory pressure, then when you exhale, the pressure is delivered at the set expiratory pressure. The inspiratory pressure is always greater than the expiratory pressure. This type of machine is usually used for people who cannot tolerate a normal CPAP machine or for people who have other conditions along with their Sleep Apnea.
Q) How do I know which size mask to purchase?
A) If you are purchasing the same mask that you already have, then somewhere on your existing mask there will be a size indication, usually a single letter (M for medium, etc.). If you are feeling adventurous and purchasing a new style mask, then the best option is to call us and request a sizing gauge for the mask you are interested in. We have sizing gauges for many of the masks that we sell that we can send you at no cost. The other option would be to come see us if you are in the area and we can fit you, or if you are not in our area, then visit a local homecare dealer and see if they will be able to size you for a mask.
Q) How often should I change my filters, tubing, water chambers?
A) For filters, if you are using the white, disposable filters, you should change them whenever you start to see them get fairly dirty. Remember, this is the air you are breathing at night! If you have the foam, reusable filters, then you should rinse them out and let them air dry at least once every other week. Medicare guidelines suggest that you replace your tubing every 30 days. This may be a little too often so we recommend replacing your tubing once every three months. This is because dirt and bacteria can build up in your tubing and that can cause you to become ill. Water chambers should be replaced at least once every 6 months.
Q) How do I clean my mask, tubing, water chambers?
A) The best way to clean your mask is to use a product that we sell called SimpleStep mask cleaner. This cleaner disinfects your mask without breaking down your mask cushion. Otherwise you can use a MILD soap that is NOT anti-bacterial. This is because the anti-bacterial soap will break down you mask cushion significantly faster. Tubing can be cleaned using a mild vinegar water solution (1 part vinegar, 3 parts water) and swishing is back and forth through your tubing. You can also use the Tube Cleaning Brush that we sell to assist you in the cleaning process. Water chambers can also be cleaned with the vinegar water solution.
Q) Should I use special water in my humidifier?
A) You should always use distilled water in your humidifier to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits on your water chamber. This will significantly prolong the life of you humidifier.
Q) How do I know if the mask I want will work with my machine?
A) All of the masks are standardized so that any mask will connect with any machine. There are however a few masks that are not recommended for use with Auto CPAP machines. The ComfortLite by Respironics is not recommended with Auto CPAPs because of the way the machine senses when you are having an apnea occur. Also, it has been said that with pressures over 12 cm of H2O, nasal pillow style masks may become uncomfortable for the user because of the high pressure being applied directly inside the nostrils.
Q) Which machine is the quietest?
A) All new machines these days are extremely quiet compared to older model machines. Patients will hear the noise from the air venting out of their CPAP masks before they will ever notice the noise from their CPAP machine. This is why it is recommended that when you shop for a new machine, look for other features like size, comfort features or the option of an integrated humidifier.
Q) Are there battery operated CPAP machines?
A) There are no machines currently on the market that operate solely on batteries. If your machine has the ability to run off of 12V (check your owners manual) then you will be able to run your machine off of either a battery, or plug it into the cigarette lighter adapter in your car / RV if you purchase the proper cables. Respironics and Puritan Bennett sell battery adapter cables for those who wish to bring their CPAP camping in the wilderness. A 12V deep cycle marine battery or a motorcycle battery are recommended for the longest life between charges. The life span of the battery depends on its rating and what your pressure setting is on your machine. Please be aware that these batteries tend to be relatively heavy.
|