CPAP Equipment Websites: How to Avoid Being Scammed
You may be one of the many CPAP patients relying on your local Durable Medical Equipment (or DME) provider to refresh your CPAP supplies. Did you know that most local DMEs mark up the sales price up to 40% more than the online suppliers?
It is a fact that buying online is more convenient, saves time and money. Another fact is that you could even receive better care than through your local DME. Some websites, like MySleepMask.com and CPAPusa.com, provide top quality CPAP coaches that trouble-shoot problems for you at no added expense.
Before buying your CPAP equipment online you will need to educate yourself on the best online providers with the highest standards to avoid making costly mistakes. Being scammed out of your money is the least of your worries compared to using equipment that doesn’t work to treat your sleep apnea.
Only buy from an authorized website. This means that the web dealer was approved by the manufacturer of the CPAP equipment and has the ability to honor the manufacturer’s warranty. Not doing so could be a costly mistake!
The biggest health risk is that you buy from a website that is an unauthorized dealer who buys inventory from shady middlemen who often refurbish used equipment as new. The website has no way of knowing if the equipment is new or refurbished. And refurbished equipment that is not properly sterilized puts you at risk of respiratory infection.
There are many scams, so here are some rules to live by:
1. Do not buy an unheard of brand of CPAP equipment. Your doctor probably recommended the 3 leading manufacturers; ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, and Respironics. Stick with these 3 companies, most professional organizations including the National Apnea Association recommends only the above companies.
2. Dont risk losing the manufacturers warranty. Only buy from an authorized dealer. One way to spot an authorized dealer is to look for the ResMed Preferred Internet Provider blue circle. Or you can visit the National Apnea Associations website for recommended dealers.
3. Beware of used or refurbished CPAP machines and supplies. This dangerous business puts you at risk for a respiratory infection and is not worth saving a few bucks.
4. Be safe and smart by shopping from the sites that are recommended by professional organizations. The National Apnea Association lists websites that have met their high standards of care and ethics.
