More than a million people in the United States have been diagnosed with sleeping disorders that require them to use CPAP machines at night. The proper administration of CPAP therapy is is extremely important, and the right CPAP equipment can make tremendous differences in the qualities of people's lives. There are several types of CPAP masks, and most are designed to be lightweight and easy to wear. Some of the top producers of CPAP supplies are Swift, Mirage and Quattro. Has your doctor advised you to buy a CPAP mask, and now you need helping finding out the best place to start? Read on to learn more about what to ask when buying CPAP medical supplies.
Proper fit and comfort are keys to proper CPAC treatment. Although there are a multitude of CPAC masks to choose from, not all of them are made for everyone. Besides comfort, people who depend on CPAP machines have to make sure that they choose masks that are easy to maintain, as improperly maintained CPAP equipment can cause infections and lead to a host of chronic medical conditions. The other thing people should think about in terms of CPAP equipment is how they sleep. CPAP equipment is designed for people who sleep on their sides and on their backs. It is important to keep this in mind when purchasing a machine.
Three of the most popular CPAP masks on the market are the Swift Fx Top Nasal Pillow Mask, the Mirage FX Nasal Mask, and the Quattro Air the Top Full Face Mask. Each of these masks are great for people who are restless sleepers. They are also easy to assemble and reassemble, which makes them easy to clean. All three masks are also lightweight. The Quattro Air the Top Full Face Mask is the only one of the three that is a full mask. It comes with a multi-sized mask frame, which makes it easy to adjust to fit the needs of the person using it.
The hoses and masks from CPAP machines made by certain manufacturers are usually compatible with other machines. CPAP equipment is mostly interchangeable. It does not matter the brand or the model of the machine being used.
A patient’s choice in terms of where they get the supplies and their CPAP machine may depend solely on whether or not their CPAP therapy is covered by their insurance. There are a host of online sellers of CPAC supplies at economical prices. Many of the items sold can be obtained without a prescription. However, people who don't have insurance coverage can usually save money on CPAP supplies purchased from out of pocket. CPAP.com is the most recommended online supplier of CPAP equipment. Reviewers have commented that their products are durable and the prices can't be beat.
Patients who have insurance coverage usually get their CPAP supplies from medical supply stores. The actual costs associated with purchasing supplies via medical supply stores may be more expensive than purchasing supplies online. However, there are certain advantages associated with shopping at a store. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to have someone available demonstrate how the equipment works and to answer any questions a customer might have.
Regular CPAP machines maintain the highest pressure necessary to prevent airway obstructions. There is no way to adjust the level of pressure. Automatic CPAP machines adjust themselves to deliver the right amount of pressure based on the needs of the patient during the hours of sleep. Auto CPAP machines also tend to have more features than fixed machines.
The average cost of a CPAP machine and all of the equipment needed to administer treatment ranges between $1500 and $3500. Most insurance plans cover the cost of CPAP machines between 60% to 80%. Medicare beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea are covered for three months. There is a possibility that Medicare may pay for longer treatment times if a physician documents the treatment is helping the patient.
It is important that people who depend on CPAP machines use them as they are prescribed. An ill-fitting CPAP machine can actually be just as bad as not using one at all. It is important that people try different masks and hoses until they find the right equipment. This can help to avoid medical conditions such as heart disease, and neurological disorders.