[Equipment] Online Suppliers

[xntrick]

Have had a CPAP for years but I haven’t posted much, I’ve mostly just lurked. 

I’m in need of a new mask & the one I want AirFit N30i isn’t carried by the medical supply store affiliated with my Respiratory Therapist. I’ve found a couple online suppliers but I’m hesitant to order online without getting the opinion of others. Are there any online suppliers I should avoid? Are there any online suppliers you would recommend over others? Any other advice you have for ordering online? 

TYIA

Xntrick

[Hydrangea]

Have you seen our list of suppliers?  It's a good place to start. 

Personally, I check Amazon as well, because it tends to be MUCH cheaper.  BUT beware that masks tend to be sold in pieces there - so read the listings very clearly to know exactly what you are ordering.  Sometimes it's a deal, and sometimes it's not. Also, the CPAP supply sellers on Amazon tend to be a bit flakey - you never know quite if you'll receive what you ordered, or if the order will be cancelled. I've not been scammed on there. But I have sometimes received the wrong thing (ie: old inventory that doesn't match the description or picture of what the listing was); in that case, I've contacted the seller and each time they've made it right.

Yelp is popular where I live, so I check Yelp reviews of my local DMEs.  That's how I found a very good local DME when I moved here.  I drive about an hour to get to them (when I need to see them in person), but that's because the ones closer to me (even by the same company) have HORRID customer service.

[PaulaO2]

I've used Supplier #1 (supplies), 2 (machine), 19 (oximeter), and 26 (supplies). I prefer 26 for supplies. Very fast shipping.

[OpalRose]

I’ve used Supplier 1, 18 and 26.

I believe #18 & 26 are owned by the same. Good to deal with. Once you buy from some of the suppliers on the list, they tend to send you discounts on future purchases.

I also buy from Amazon.

[xntrick]

Hydrangea: Yes I noticed the masks tend to be sold in pieces on Amazon which I found quite frustrating. I searched but did not see your list of suppliers. Thank you for the link.

Thank you to everyone who has responded!

[MitchS]

Supplier #33 has the best prices on masks that I have found. They have very good service as well.

[Crimson Nape]

Hydrangea: Yes I noticed the masks tend to be sold in pieces on Amazon which I found quite frustrating. I searched but did not see your list of suppliers. Thank you for the link.

The reason for this is because mask parts do not require a prescription, whereas a complete mask does.

[xntrick]

Hydrangea: Yes I noticed the masks tend to be sold in pieces on Amazon which I found quite frustrating. I searched but did not see your list of suppliers. Thank you for the link.

The reason for this is because mask parts do not require a prescription, whereas a complete mask does.

Ah! That makes sense now! My husband had said he was not required to have a prescription but that did not match the experience I have had. He must’ve only ordered part of the mask rather than the full mask.

[snorybob]

Suppliers list is in the black line under the Apnea Board logo. (top of page)

[Hydrangea]

The reason for this is because mask parts do not require a prescription, whereas a complete mask does.

Ah! That makes sense now! My husband had said he was not required to have a prescription but that did not match the experience I have had. He must’ve only ordered part of the mask rather than the full mask.

Not necessarily. 

Just because that is the law, that doesn't mean the vendors follow the law.  On Amazon, I have purchased both a machine and full mask sets, with no requirement of Rx.