CPAP Machines: A Safe Plan for the First-Time Buyer

Improving your sleep apnea begins with buying the right CPAP machine from the right provider. Unfortunately, far too many people don’t get enough information from their doctors. Worse yet, some people ignore their doctors advice. Luckily there are simple steps that can make it easy, safe and affordable.

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 settle for a CPAP machine that isn’t just right for you, then you will be facing the potential for other health problems as well as wasting your money. The wrong machine may lead to many risks including; cardiac arrest, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and hypertension. Buying from a website with grey-market machines is a common mistake that leaves many people without a warranty and the result is having to buy another 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.

Approach the selection process like a beginner even if you are a veteran patient, CPAP is a complicated medical device that requires assistance from a respiratory therapist. Do not mistake this for some ordinary home appliance like a microwave that anyone can operate.

The initial investment for your CPAP is a commitment to improving the quality of your life. The mask needs to be worn every night for successful treatment. This will help you live a healthier and longer life. A good night’s sleep means being ready for what each day brings your way.

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. Do not buy from an unauthorized dealer because the manufacturer doesn’t have to honor the warranty. One way to avoid this mistake is by looking for the ResMed Preferred Internet Provider blue circle. Another good practice is to only buy from (1) authorized dealers and (2) 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. Think about getting an AutoPAP. You’ll save money and be more comfortable. AutoPAPs use pressure technology that automatically adjust the air flow with each breath you take, from night to night, and even year to year. You are able to breath more naturally without the chance of breathing against excess air pressure. Besides being more comfortable, the best part is you do not have to visit the lab every year or two.