Buying a cpap without a prescription

[hard_gains]

Been spending some time looking at CPAP information but I'm kinda coming up short. Tons of advice on different machines and different attachments. My big ask here is where can I get a machine without a prescription?

Reason I'm asking and not going threw the process of testing is because of my job. If I'm prescribed a cpap it will be placed on my DOT medical card and I'll run the chance of temporarily losing my way to work. Also I'll have to constantly show proof of usage of the machine. Your required to use it at least 4 hours a night and without constant proof of that they can temporarily suspend your medical card.

I'm just very nervous to do it any other way. My sleep is garbage. It's been like that for years. Even before the gear it was bad.

 

[Avies48]

Fb market place has a ton fs… and cpap forums…

 

[keengkong]

That shouldn't be too hard. Many health insurance companies are willing to replace a CPAP machine every five years. That means people have extra CPAP machines. You'll need to learn how to program yours. Check out CPAP and Sleep Apnea Message Board | CPAPtalk.com. I'm not going to you further advice because the geeks on that forum will have much better advice than I can. I have severe sleep apnea myself.

 

[Photon]

Been spending some time looking at CPAP information but I'm kinda coming up short. Tons of advice on different machines and different attachments. My big ask here is where can I get a machine without a prescription?

Reason I'm asking and not going threw the process of testing is because of my job. If I'm prescribed a cpap it will be placed on my DOT medical card and I'll run the chance of temporarily losing my way to work. Also I'll have to constantly show proof of usage of the machine. Your required to use it at least 4 hours a night and without constant proof of that they can temporarily suspend your medical card.

I'm just very nervous to do it any other way. My sleep is garbage. It's been like that for years. Even before the gear it was bad.

You can get an at home test kit purchased online, shipped to you.
Pay cash.
Do not get ur insurance involved in any way.

Once confirmed, purchase either via FB EBAY or online forums.
Only get RESMED either the 11 or 12, those are the best.
Get only brand new ones.
I recommend FB marketplace.

Mask/hose/supplies do not require a prescription but do not get them from Amazon, alot of fakes.

 

[Avies48]

You can get an at home test kit purchased online, shipped to you.
Pay cash.
Do not get ur insurance involved in any way.

Once confirmed, purchase either via FB EBAY or online forums.
Only get RESMED either the 11 or 12, those are the best.
Get only brand new ones.
I recommend FB marketplace.

Mask/hose/supplies do not require a prescription but do not get them from Amazon, alot of fakes.

Are the resmed bipaps? Cpaps? Etc… i had to get one that stops to allow me to exhale… not sure which one that is called alternating cpap?

 

[Photon]

Are the resmed bipaps? Cpaps? Etc… i had to get one that stops to allow me to exhale… not sure which one that is called alternating cpap?

It's a CPAP (or rather APAP, auto pressure adjusting).
Adjustable alternating pressures you'd need BIPAP, i have no experience with those.

 

[Raww]

I have similar transportation requirements - but not DOT - for sleep apnea.

My rules, and doing a quick look at DOT rules it looks similar - says that with a diagnosis of moderate to severe sleep apnea would require medical treatment (cpap, etc) and require compliance with the treatment.

I was diagnosed with mild apnea, and asked my doc to get me a cpap machine for it. Since the apnea was mild I did not need report the diagnosis to my employer and the use of the cpap did not come under scrutiny or monitoring.

Of course, that's assuming your apnea is indeed mild and not more severe....

 

[woof]

I got a brand new one from someone posting on an apnea related facebook group that he had new ones for sale. Really good price too, half of what one would have been through a Rx and DME. I second the recommendation for resmed. I had another brand for years and when I got the resmed it was a world of difference. The breathing through the resmed feels very natural.

 

[hard_gains]

I have similar transportation requirements - but not DOT - for sleep apnea.

My rules, and doing a quick look at DOT rules it looks similar - says that with a diagnosis of moderate to severe sleep apnea would require medical treatment (cpap, etc) and require compliance with the treatment.

I was diagnosed with mild apnea, and asked my doc to get me a cpap machine for it. Since the apnea was mild I did not need report the diagnosis to my employer and the use of the cpap did not come under scrutiny or monitoring.

Of course, that's assuming your apnea is indeed mild and not more severe....

Yeah that's my concern. If it's severe I'll be stuck with that on my medical. And the last thing I want to do is be forced to jump threw extra hoops to keep my card valid.

 

[hard_gains]

I got a brand new one from someone posting on an apnea related facebook group that he had new ones for sale. Really good price too, half of what one would have been through a Rx and DME. I second the recommendation for resmed. I had another brand for years and when I got the resmed it was a world of difference. The breathing through the resmed feels very natural.

I'm currently looking for a 11 or 12. The ones on Facebook go pretty fast