CPAP Machines: A Safe Plan for the First-Time Buyer
Treating your sleep apnea begins with selecting the best CPAP machine for you. Too often new apnea patients and even veterans aren’t given enough information to make the right choice. Worse, some patients ignore the good advice that was given to them by their doctors. This article walks you through simple steps that make it easy, safe and affordable to get your CPAP needs met.
The good news: if you select the best machine from the best supplier then you will sleep better, improve your health, live longer, benefit from customer service that can help with any questions or problems, and have warranty coverage from a top quality manufacturer.
The bad news: if you don’t buy your CPAP machine correctly, then you are more likely to put your health at risk as well as waste your money. The health risks associated with apnea include cardiac arrest, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and hypertension. If you buy from a shady website, then your warranty will probably be worthless and you might have to buy a whole new machine.
Too often patients become frustrated and will quit their CPAP therapy (this is mainly due to sub-standard equipment that is more difficult to use). The irony is that by saving money on a cheap machine your health suffers and sooner or later you have to shell out for a better machine.
No one needs an inexpensive machine collecting dust. Luckily you don’t need to buy the most expensive machine in order to have excellent results with CPAP therapy. Just follow these 5 easy rules.
Do not approach buying your CPAP like you are buying a microwave or used CD. CPAP is a complicated piece of medical equipment that will require expert support from respiratory therapists.
This device will ultimately improve the quality of your life. Be prepared to make the investment on a machine that you’re comfortable using every night. Improving your sleep and treating your apnea will make it easier to succeed at work, handle stress and be around for a long time with your loved ones.
Follow these 5 steps when buying a CPAP machine:
1. Follow your doctor’s advice regarding the top quality brands of CPAP machine that suit your needs. Most doctor’s and respiratory therapists recommend one of the three leading manufacturers: ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, or Respironics. These companies invest millions of dollars each year in R&D to make the therapy safe, effective and comfortable for you. The cheaper brands do not compare in terms of effectiveness and safety.
2. Beware of websites that promote brands other than ResMed, F&P or Respironics. When a site offers cheaper brands, it is a sign that they are focused on selling whatever they can pawn off on unsuspecting customers. A website that provides customer support and honors its warranties is not going to waste its employee’s or customer’s time messing around with cheap CPAP machines.
3. Avoid unauthorized dealers. You run the risk of not having your warranty honored because the dealer is not authorized by the manufacturer. We suggest you look for the ResMed Preferred Internet Provider blue circle. You can go a step further by only buying from dealers recommended by organizations like the National Apnea Association.
4. Do not buy a used, refurbished or any grey market good. The unauthorized dealer “with the great deal” can not buy directly from the manufacturer. Therefore they buy from a middleman that might have sold them questionable equipment. It could be counterfeit or worse yet, refurbished from a deceased patient and not even sterilized properly. Plus, remember you will be left with no warranty coverage.
5. Consider getting an AutoPAP for both greater comfort and saving money. AutoPAPs automatically adjust the air pressure with every breath, from night to night and from year to year. This makes sure you never have to breathe against more pressure than is necessary for your therapy. Not only is it more comfortable, it means you dont need to visit the sleep lab every year or two.
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