Jan 01, 2021 by PrimeClean
Cleaning your CPAP machine is something you must do on a regular basis, period. CPAP Ozone Sanitizing Machine is known as one of the best methods, but it isn’t the only one. Here we will cover all the methods used by people all around the globe and give you honest recommendations on which method works the best and why. Keep in mind that 32% of people using CPAP therapy develop pneumonia due to the poor state of their CPAP machine.
There are several types of these machines and each one comes with a different price tag. A CPAP machine will cost you between $300 for the entry-level model and up to $500 for a premium one. APAP machines are more expensive and they start at $800. This is the same price as for a travel machine. BiPAP machines are even more expensive and they start at $1300.
You can either get a machine from your insurance while working with your doctor or you can get one online. The price is different and will depend on the method you choose.
Keep in mind that this isn’t the complete price. You will still need accessories such as a mask, hose, humidifier, filters, and more. Each one of these comes at a different price. Below, we have divided the cost of the complete system.
CPAP and any other variation of the system come with supplies that can increase the overall price of the system. Below, we will cover the main supplies and their cost. Don’t forget that there are a lot of variations in this case scenario and you can save money if you are choosing wisely.
A mask is the most important part for most patients. The price starts at $35 but can reach $150 for a premium model. These should be replaced every 3-6 months. The price is based on the type, style, and manufacturer, and of course the quality.
A humidifier isn’t a mandatory piece of equipment. It can make the system and the treatment far more comfortable and it will cost you between $150 and $200. Keep in mind that some machines come with this accessory included in the package.
Hoses are essential as well and they must be replaced between 6 and 12 months. These come in different lengths, with different features and they can be heated or regular. Heated models are obviously more expensive and they have coils inside them. You can expect to pay between $10 and $40 for one hose.
When we say other supplies, we generally think of filters. These cost between $10 and $40 and they must be replaced on a regular basis. Don’t forget that each machine will require a separate type of filter. They filter the air which comes to the machine and later to your lungs. You can opt for disposable filters (these cannot be washed) and these are the most affordable. Reusable filters cost $9-$20 and they can be washed and used again and again. Bacteria filters are optional extra and they are not mandatory. These are made to filter bacteria from the air such as mold. You can expect to find 5 units for $20.
Cleaning supplies are obviously not included in the package and they are mandatory. Simple methods that are essential in fact can cost you $15 for tube brush, wipes $10 and disinfection solutions can cost you $13. You can also opt for an ozone cleaner which is an extremely effective and desirable method. The best example here is PrimeClean which is generally affordable and comes with a 99.99% success rate. Just to add, it is 100% safe to use and extremely easy to use.
You can get a CPAP machine through insurance. But, keep in mind that the price will be much higher than when you get one online. Most insurance companies will want you to use a rent plan in which you actually rent the machine instead of buying one. For instance, if you use Medicare, you can expect to pay 20% as a down payment and get the machine for 13 months as a rental system.
Don’t forget that if you haven’t met your deductibles, there will be additional issues in the process. However, this doesn’t affect all patients but some of them. The next thing to know is that insurance will provide you only one machine. If you want one for home and another for traveling, you are out of luck. Theoretically, you can use any machine while traveling, but they are too big and not very practical. Travel machines are much smaller and specifically developed for this purpose.
When you are looking at purchasing a machine online, you can see some advantages. First of all, you will definitely pay for that machine and you can own it instead of renting it for a specific period of time. This is a much better option. You also have far more options, something we will cover later on. It is mandatory to work with your doctor and get a treatment that will work best for you. It can be CPAP, BiPAP, or something else. It is crucial to get a machine that is suitable for your particular condition.
Another advantage here is the number of machines you can choose. There are almost countless options and you can customize your system with special hoses, masks and etc. You are responsible for your system and you can always make it ideal for your sleep apnea and your comfort.
Some of you may believe that if you get a machine through insurance you are getting the best possible model. In most cases, this is just a myth. As a matter of fact, you have higher odds of getting an average or low-quality system. The same applies to hoses, masks and etc. This happens because if insurance gets you a cheaper machine, they make more money. In other cases, they don’t want to pay for a high-end machine that will cost more than an average model, obviously.
What we are trying to say here is that getting a machine of any type through insurance doesn’t get you the best deal nor the best machine. In most situations, if not all you are going to end up with an average machine that costs you more than if you get the same model online.
This doesn’t mean that the machine got from insurance won't work or it will be a second-hand unit. It will still be a brand new machine and it can help you. However, if you want a premium machine and premium options, while saving some money you need to get one alone, via the internet.
An important thing we must discuss is compliance monitoring. This is a simple idea that doesn’t do you any good. First of all, your data will be monitored by the insurance company. If you rent a machine you must use it every single night. If you do not use it, the company will take it from you. Sad truth but it is something that has been happening for a long period of time. Of course, this applies in the case when you rent a machine.
The best option is to discuss your issue with a doctor and purchase your own CPAP Machine online. You get a model you like, all the accessories you need and you will own it as long as needed. If you use insurance, you will get a low-end machine that can be taken from you and you will pay much more.