Medical CPAPs & Respirators for Sleep Apnea Therapeutics

Don't know, my Dad has one and the cost is about 250USD. Are you trying to make your own or fix one?

Brad

Hi,

The following is what I know about the CPAP in general:

a. The 250USD price mentioned is usually a per month rental fee.

b. The typical cost of the basic CPAP ranges from 1200 USD to 1800 USD depending on mfgr and included options. (can go to 2000+).

c. The temp. controls and humidity regulators, dryers, etc. are add-ons / options to the basic unit.

d. Specifically, the motor is an extremely reliable, prescision unit, with long life expectancy.

e. You can get specific information from the mfgr on specific units, such as the RemStar units by contacting "Respironics" trough their website or by calling 1=800-345-6443 and they are in Murrysville, PA.

Good luck,

Veronica

The $250 is probably the co-pay!

Good point. That is certainly true in some cases, I would guess. But several medical supply companies servicing this market try to rent or lease their equipment to end users in order to maximize the recovery of clinical trials costs and non-cost-of-product expenses such as FDA approvals, etc.. In most cases, the mfgr cannot fully recover their total costs by an outright sale based strictly on cost-of-product + profit due to business pressure on rising healthcare costs.

No thats what the Doc told him the price was. The look on his face when I told him was good though. Quote "holy cr@&". I don't think it cost my dad a thing.

He had to have it adjusted yesterday the pressure was to high and was blowing him up and not letting him exhale. Mom said it was the weirdest noise.

Thanks for the info

Brad

I have a sleep apnea and I have used a CPAP on a daily continuing basis and I know the cost for the unit to my insurer was $1860. I had no copay but the insurer has a deal with a local company that supplies filters, mask and tubing replacements on a cost plus basis. I dont have a copay for these supplies either.

The RT ran through the procedure with me over the phone one time when we had a snow storm and he couldnt get there. For my unit, and I expect most units it is all in the control circuitry and can be done in 2 minutes (max) once you know how.

Regarding the inability to exhale... Go to "Bi-PAP" (Bi-level pressure) rather than C-PAP... this reduces pressure on exhalation... It has been a "God-Send" for better than 12 years!!!

I'm constantly AMAZED that there is STILL such a lack of knowlege and awareness of this equipment.

Thanks I'll look into it.

Brad

Another option is the VPAP unit, which treats both forms of sleep apnea (both central and obstructive apneas). This machine "learns" the breathing patterns (over time) of the individual and then determines how to cycle the pressures to provide the optimal breathing cycle. A friend of mine used such a machine, but even that wasnt appropriate for him as it complicated his breathing and kept him awake.

Hi Veronica

thks for reply

I tried to find out how cpap works with the sensors and motorized fan ( for positive air pressure ) but have some problems to find an internal device description

do you know who could help ?

rgds

Hi Brad,

My first move would be to go to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) patent search page and search for Sleep Apnea, CPAP, (& other descriptors) etc. to find existing patents on the devices and then look at the "patent images" link for the ones you find. There will be detailed drawings and explanations, operational descriptions, etc. in the images section which should give you everything you need.

Also, I do know of one patient that in fact did pay a 250 USD co-pay to buy a unit, so that is certainly the way to go. Some of the health insurance providers are getting smart and bargining with the mfgr's to get the "buy now" price instead of the rentals.

Sorry guys, That last post was to both Edouard and Brad

Welcome

Dr Veronica

To the addiction that is CR4.

I look forward to your future contributions

Was self evident, But thank you for the correction.

Appreciate the input. The different perspective will be of much use.

Brad

Now if we can just find some furball meds for Del.