CPAP Supplies

[Wjlegge]

Hey everyone, I recently had an incident occur for the second or third time that prompted me to join the forum and see what we can do about it.

So while on vacation recently, I realized that I had left my mask at home... bummer, this trip is going to suck.  My wife says let’s try to find a medical supply store, maybe you can get a new one.  Sure enough, there’s a place within 5 mins.  We go over there and I find a mask on the shelf but the store employee says I can’t buy it without a Rx.

How many people has this happened to?  How ludicrous is this?  A CPAP mask is not harmful to anyone in any way, it’s not Oxycontin (sp).... I understand needing a Rx for the machine itself, but the supplies are harmless.  What can we do about this?  We should be able to buy mask, hose, filter without Rx.

Comments?

[Big Guy]

We haven't gone on vacation or hit the open road in the last couple of years. But, when we do, and if I happen to forget something CPAP related, I ain't gonna worry about it, cause I ain't taking it with me. 

A week or two w/o it ain't gonna kill me. 

In regards to the supplies that shouldn't need an RX, good luck with that. You'll be fighting an uphill battle with the DME industry.

[jaswilliams]

The rules in the US say that you cannot buy a complete mask without a prescription. But what you can do is buy the parts and put your own together so if this happens again buy a cushion, frame and pillows hose etc and put your own mask together.

[Crimson Nape]

A complete mask requires a prescription. However, mask parts do not. You can legally buy the items separately without the need for a script. If you still need a prescription, I would look for a nearby med clinic (doc-in-a-box). Explain your traveling situation and see if they will write one and how much it will cost.

[OpalRose]

You could have called your doctor and asked him/her to fax a copy of your script to the supply company.

All good advice above, but in the future, be sure to always take a copy of your prescription when traveling.

[Sleepster]

I'm surprised that the store didn't offer to contact your doctor's office and get the prescription for you.