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.
Luckily many people are having CPAP success and have been able to avoid buying the most expensive equipment. Below are 5 rules will show you how.
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. Avoid buying from an unauthorized dealer. The manufacturer warranty is likely to be null and void unless you buy from an authorized dealer. Look for the ResMed Preferred Internet Provider blue circle. Better yet, consider buying only from CPAP authorized 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 the benefits of using an AutoPAP, it is more comfortable and saves time and money over the years. AutoPAPs adjust the air pressure with each breath you take. This pressure technology works night after night and year after year. You will never breathe against excess pressure from your machine. The best part is that you do not have to re-visit the lab the following year because your AutoPAP adjusts to your improvements.
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.
Luckily many people are having CPAP success and have been able to avoid buying the most expensive equipment. Below are 5 rules will show you how.
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. Avoid buying from an unauthorized dealer. The manufacturer warranty is likely to be null and void unless you buy from an authorized dealer. Look for the ResMed Preferred Internet Provider blue circle. Better yet, consider buying only from CPAP authorized 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 the benefits of using an AutoPAP, it is more comfortable and saves time and money over the years. AutoPAPs adjust the air pressure with each breath you take. This pressure technology works night after night and year after year. You will never breathe against excess pressure from your machine. The best part is that you do not have to re-visit the lab the following year because your AutoPAP adjusts to your improvements.
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