Issues with shipping CPAP machines to Taiwan - Any advice?

[WWu777]

The number associated with a supplier on our supplier list is purely arbitrary #1 is no better than #35 there is no catch with Supplier #2 they provide excellent new and lightly used machines

There are many different models of Resmed machines in the Airsense and the Aircurve model ranges so be careful that you are comparing like for like.


I would recommend a Resmed Airsense Autoset for Her unless you need a specialist machine

Do you mean you recommend an Airsense 10 For Her for men too? If so why? How would it be better than the standard Airsense 10? If the "For Her" version is designed for women's breathing rhythms, does that mean it can adjust to my rhythm too? Is it more gentle? What's the advantage? I certainly like the look and design of it, the leaves and pearl white color of the "For Her" moden certainly look a lot nicer.

[Sleeprider]

A few quick questions.

1. Are all CPAP machines able to be plugged into both 110v and 220v outlets? Some regions use 220v outlets. Like Europe and Russia for instance. If I am there, can any travel CPAP safely use that outlet? If not, which ones can use both and which ones can't? Is there a list of which ones can use both 110 and 220? Can the Airsense 10 be used on 220v outlet?

2. On the website of Supplier #2, Second Wind CPAP store, some of the machines are used and some are refurbished. What's the difference? Which is better? I would imagine refurbished may be better since it has been worked on and modified to be as good as new right? 

3. Supplier #2 has Z2 and Z1 Travel CPAPs which are very small, almost the size of a Coke can. Wow. They start at only $260 too. Wow what a steal! (I'd post the link here so you can see them, but links aren't allowed it seems) The Z1 being an older model is cheaper of course. Is it ok to just get the Z1? What are the pros and cons of that device? Have any of you tried it?

4. The Z2 and Z1 also use a blue sponge humidifier that recycles your own moisture back to you. Is it ok to use that kind of humidifier long term for everyday use, even when you're at home? 

Thanks.

All Resmed and Philips CPAP machines with AC adapters are designed for both 110 and 220 power, however you may need an outlet adapter to use a U.S. plug in your local outlets in Taiwan. The specifications for power are printed by the manufacturer, so it pays to check.

Supplier #2 usually sells "lightly used" machines with a 1-year warranty and support. Refurbished means the machine was tested and repaired and includes new components like the humidifier chamber and tubing. They also have open-box new machines sold at discount. The best way to know exactly what you're getting is to contact them.

Z1 and Z2 machines are portable travel CPAPs. The Z1 was notoriously noisy and users definitely complained it did not have the same pressure as a standard machine. The Z2 is improved but is not a replacement for a full-time machine like the Autoset. Neither one can provide you with data or the kinds of pressure deliver that makes us recommend the Autoset over any other CPAP.

A HME (heat moisture exchanger) is a way to provides somewhat humidified and warmed air back to the user.  It is like cupping your hands over your mouth and nose in cold weather.  The tubing is shorter and smaller than a standard CPAP.  These compromises are appropriate for travel and camping, but I would not want it full-time.

The Autoset Standard Vs For Her is simply the addition of an algorithm that provides a faster initial response to flow limitations, then a lower response above 12 cm. Here is a link to the wiki http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...Algorithms  It is not just for women, and many men use the machine. The rationale is, there is no difference in cost, so why not just get the one with more features.

[jaswilliams]

I suggested the For Her model as it does everything the non for her model does but also has the additional for her mode for no additional cost.

[WWu777]

I suggested the For Her model as it does everything the non for her model does but also has the additional for her mode for no additional cost.

That's great. Does Resmed, the manufacturer of the Airsense 10 For Her model, also state that men can use it too? What's their official position on that?

Anyway, since Supplier #2 has such incredible rock bottom prices, I think I can afford to just get both a small portable travel CPAP such as Z1 or Z2, and the Airsense 10 For Her model too. I saw the Z1 and Z2 on their site for $270 and up. Wow. 

Btw, one more question about masks. As I mentioned earlier, I prefer the nasal pillow or nasal cushion mask, because they are the least intrusive and the most comfortable without having a piece pressing on my face. On the website of Supplier #2, under Accessories page, I see many face masks. (I would post the link to it but links are not allowed here right?)

There are a lot of choices and brands on that page. Many of them look like nasal pillow and nasal cushion type masks. Which one would you folks recommend? It's intimidating to see so many choices and brands, which are all about the same price too. Any suggestions?

I think I will just get the Z1 Auto Travel CPAP from that site above, because it's only $270. And if I need a bigger one for everyday home use, I can just get a second one later from that same site. At those prices, I can easily afford two. And based on my research, most CPAP machines do get past Taiwan customs, so the odds are good that it will clear. So that's my plan for now.

[JJJ]

WWu777 Wrote:

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Btw, one more question about masks. As I mentioned earlier, I prefer the nasal pillow or nasal cushion mask, because they are the least intrusive and the most comfortable without having a piece pressing on my face. On the website of Supplier #2, under Accessories page, I see many face masks. (I would post the link to it but links are not allowed here right?)

There are a lot of choices and brands on that page. Many of them look like nasal pillow and nasal cushion type masks. Which one would you folks recommend? It's intimidating to see so many choices and brands, which are all about the same price too. Any suggestions?

Masks are a very personal thing, so it is hard to make recommendations. But I can tell you that of the nasal pillow masks the three most commonly used are the Airfit P10, the Swift FX, and the Nuance. And each of those have different versions available - for example, the Nuance comes with either a fabric or a gel headgear, and when you order you have to specify which one you want. And I should also add that many vendors make available a kit instead of the full mask. The kit contains all the parts for the mask and you have to assemble it yourself - the benefit being that you need a prescription to buy a mask, but not if you just buy parts. Yeah, it's stupid.

[WWu777]

I've ordered my travel CPAP from Supplier #2 (SecondWind CPAP). The staff seem kind and helpful. However, I have one issue though. Their shipping fee overseas is a fixed $95. That seems like a lot. Furthermore, it's taking a long time, I thought Fedex or UPS (which they claim to use) comes very fast? Yet the tracking on the package says it will take 2 weeks. 2 weeks is definitely NOT express, so why did they call it that and charge me so much?

What I don't get though is that other companies that ship overseas usually charge around $20, like Amazon for instance. And iherb ships overseas to me for free, as long as my order is over $50, or $5 or $7 if my order is under $50. They use DHL too or a comparable service, and I get it in only 3 or 4 days.

So why is it necessary for them to charge $95? Is it just an excuse for them to pocket an extra hundred bucks? Why can't they do whatever Amazon or iherb or Ebay does? Even on Ebay, I sometimes get free shipping overseas, or else under $20. Never $95. Can any of you explain why? Do they have a legit reason to charge that much? And why is it taking more than a week to arrive too? Should I be concerned? Did I get overcharged? What do you think?

[Sleeprider]

I expect that if I were shipping a package to Taiwan via FedEx that weighed up to 10 lbs and was the dimensions of the CPAP machine and case, and packaging it to prevent damage, it would not be surprising if costs exceeded $95 USD. Our shipping costs are expensive and many goods have that cost built into the purchase price, and bulk domestic shipping rates are lower for commercial shippers. I have no idea what the actual costs are, but good luck finding anyone else willing to assume the costs and risks of overseas shipping for less. As far as delivery times, many overseas shipments rely on commercial airline flights which are very curtailed now due to Covid-19, and time is required for any shipment to clear customs and enter the local shipping chain.

[SarcasticDave94]

I don't know exactly what you paid to buy the PAP from Second Wind, but let's say it was a few hundred dollars. An extra $95 to ship it safely is not that bad. On the questions of what that $95 shipping gets you, that's a question best directed to Second Wind. And as the order is likely originating here in the US and ending up in Taiwan, still not an excessive fee.

[WWu777]

I don't know exactly what you paid to buy the PAP from Second Wind, but let's say it was a few hundred dollars. An extra $95 to ship it safely is not that bad. On the questions of what that $95 shipping gets you, that's a question best directed to Second Wind. And as the order is likely originating here in the US and ending up in Taiwan, still not an excessive fee.

I paid $299 for the Z2 Auto CPAP, plus another $95 for the nasal pillow mask. The CPAP looks very small, about the size of a coke can. So I don't know why the UPS package is marked as 8 pounds (the supplier told me it was 4 pounds, don't know why the discrepancy). Have you ever seen overseas shipping for $95? Is it plausible? If so, how come I can get stuff on Ebay shipped here from anywhere for less than $20, even from the US and even if it weighs a few pounds? Doesn't seem to add up or compute. That's not suspicious? Have you ever seen UPS charge $95 for overseas shipping? If so, why use it? Why not use the USPS or DHL? Is there something special about CPAP packages that are different from other packages?

[SarcasticDave94]

Again, you're asking us questions only the PAP seller can answer.