Newbie

[jvry]

first and foremost to this Apnea Board! You guys are doing an awesome job!!!

I'm a newbie and just on my 4th day of using my S9 AutoSet. I'm currently doing a lot of information gathering just to see what is out there.

I live in Australia and currently using a trial rental of this S9 AutoSet using a P10 Nasal Pillow.

The entire unit and mask here in Australia cost about A$2500. I found suppliers in the US that is 60% cheaper. I am travelling to the US in 3 weeks time and hoping to probably purchase my own unit in the states.

Do I need a doctor's prescription to buy a CPAP machine from a supplier in the US? Any advice?

Again, thanks to the Apnea Board!

[Airstream]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Yes, you do need a prescription for a CPAP machine in the U.S. I am pretty sure one would be required even for export. You can contact the supplier or wait for another member to confirm. As you probably know, there are may Australian members of this forum. Again, welcome!

[zonk]

Do I need a doctor's prescription to buy a CPAP machine from a supplier in the US? Any advice?

Again, thanks to the Apnea Board!

Yes, in US a prescription is required by law
Your Australian script is fine but not sure if you can purchase CPAP while in US with Aussie script or you need a script from US doctor

But you should have no such problem ordering the machine in Australia and delivered to an Australian address

The other way, ordering the machine in Australia and picking it up or delivered to US address

To be sure, talk to the supplier and get the correct information straight from them
Suppliers #2 and #10 ship to Australia
Suppliers List http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...plier-List

[Tez62]

jvry, welcome, you are correct about the $2,500 and Zonk has given you some good advice, th only disadvantage is warranty etc but if your willing to take that risk it is a cheaper alternative. Read up on here as much as you can prior to purchasing, also you wouldn't be able to claim anything on private health insurance if you have it, good luck and keep us updated.

[trish6hundred]

Hi jvry,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more responses to your post and best of luck to you with your CPAP therapy.

[zonk]

From Supplier #10
Q) I am an international customer, do I need to submit a copy of my prescription to order?

A) It is not required, however we encourage you submit the prescription so the devices may be programmed to your settings.

Supplier #2 prices are cheaper than #10 but don,t sell masks parts separately

In Australia CPAP are GST exempt (not in NZ), but on-line purchase attract a tax for orders above $1000 (not below $1000)
When Duty and Taxes are Payable http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page5549.asp#Duty

[bwexler]

If concerned about GST and you are ordering for shipment to Au, can you place 2 orders, one for the blower unit and the separate order for humidifier hose mask etc. you could space the orders so they don't clear customs at the same time.

[jvry]

The other way, ordering the machine in Australia and picking it up or delivered to US address

Thank you for the advice.

I was thinking of having a relative in the US order it for me so when I arrive in the US in 3 weeks, the machine will be there. I didn't realise that prescriptions might be needed to order the machine so that the supplier can also program it based on my doctor's prescribed set-up. It's still $1K+ saved if I'm able to buy it in the states.

[zonk]

I didn't realise that prescriptions might be needed to order the machine so that the supplier can also program it based on my doctor's prescribed set-up.

Yes but you could also do that too
The clinical manual is available via Email, section three
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-pr...tup-manual

S9 setup pictures and video http://www.apneaboard.com/resmed-s9-cpap-setup

S9 data management guide http://www.resmed.com/au/assets/document...ow_eng.pdf

ResScan and SleepyHead software download links http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-P...-and-Links

[jvry]

A Massive THANK YOU to everyone. It sure make life a little bit easier :-) Thanks for the Welcoming me.

Thank you Airstream, zone, Tez62, trish2hundred, bwexler and Super Sleeper. Appreciate all the advice.

Got all the initial info, manuals and programs to start off. Awaiting reply from Supplier #10.