Accumulating Unused Pillows?

[PollCat]

If you are one of the fortunate members whose DME sends all the pillows the manufacturer packs with if each mask, you may have accumulated several sets of pillows that you don't/can't use. Supplier #2 will accept these unused pillows on behalf of the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA), which provides equipment and supplies to needy patients.

A couple of years ago, after using a medical supply distributor for 2 years, I had accumulated over 24 Large pillows, and several smalls and a couple of Ex-larges. I donated the entire batch of new unopened pillows to ASAA.

[ImaSurvivor]

Good to know PollCat ... thanks! I have yet to see if my DME will confiscate the sizes I can't use when getting a new mask. The first mask I got was delivered by the RT with my machine and I have the sizes I don't need. I don't think the DME's should open the mask packaging and remove the sizes not needed. It should be up to us to do with as we wish if we (or our insurance company) is paying for the complete package. Donating them is a nice idea.

[PaulaO2]

And how do they know the size you need? What if the pillow you have breaks or whatever? Then you don't have anything. At least for the night you could go one size up or down until you can get a replacement.

I'd raise heck if my DME took stuff out of what my insurance paid for. And my insurance paid for the entire contents of that box.

[ImaSurvivor]

I agree PaulaO2 ... it has not happened to me (yet ... and hopefully won't) but there was a thread started yesterday where it has happened to others. I don't think DME's have any business opening the package at all. Other's indicated they were asked "what size pillows they needed and the other sizes were promptly removed".

I have not yet reached the 6 month mark to get a new mask.