No Prescription Needed?

[SideSleeper]

I was following a link that popped up on my computer and it was from Supplier #30 regarding the F&P Brevida mask.  In the order area it says "prescription needed" but then tells you how to avoid this and buy without a prescription:


Prescription required. To purchase without a prescription, please purchase the following items:
Commercial Links Removed.
Brevida-Mask-System-Without-Headgear $74.00
Brevida-Replacement-Headgear $31.00

That's kind of an end run around the fence, isn't it?

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[Walla Walla]

It's legal. The prescription requirement for a mask is crazy anyway. Nobody ever overdosed from a mask.

[OpalRose]

Yes, you can purchase mask parts separately to equal a complete mask with no prescription needed.

If you purchase a “complete” mask system, then a prescription is needed.

[SideSleeper]

I'm not advocating for strict enforcement of the prescription! Seems a little weird to me that they are needed, but to get around that it is so simple.....

[Reznik]

I'm not advocating for strict enforcement of the prescription!  Seems a little weird to me that they are needed, but to get around that it is so simple.....

The mask is a prescription medical device.  

The parts are, well, parts. 

[CB91710]

At least one supplier provides an option for prescription information, but then has a check box "I am purchasing a mask without a prescription"
Personally, I've purchased a dozen or more complete kits (including "fitment kits" with 3 mask sizes) without issue. I've only encountered one supplier that required a prescription, and only one that offered the above option.

[readyforsleep]

I know someone who just bought a new bilevel machine without a prescription. Saved alot of $.

[AshSF]

Except my initial machine and supplies, I have bought everything else at amzn. No prescription needed. Ever!!

[ghstudio]

I wanted to try the dreamwear nasal mask and also keep and use my original amara mask if I had a bad cold or as backup....and of course there are those medicare rules.  I bought (assembled) my nasal mask for less than $50 with a combination of Amazon and EBAY....everything sealed in original packages.  No problems...no prescription required...until....

You've gotta love Medicare. I tried to get some standard replacement parts from the folks who dispensed my APAP, mask, etc.  When I told them I wanted replacements for the dreamwear nasal mask instead of my original Amera they said my prescription said full mask and they couldn't give me replacement parts for a nasal mask without a new prescription...or medicare might not pay them.  I got the prescription and sent it to them...but now they were missing a medicare required letter saying that the APAP therapy was "helping" (without that letter, they wouldn't send any replacement parts for either mask)...so back to the doctor again for a letter.  Eventually....after 5 months....I think I'm set up for automatic replacement deliveries.

The moral of this long post is....if you are on your own $'s, buy where you get the best deal and don't be afraid to mix and match suppliers or assemble your own masks out of parts.  If you are on Medicare and want Medicare to pay for your supplies....well, make sure you get a new prescription if you change mask type.

[freetime]

I don't believe it is a good idea to have a cavalier attitude about advertising how it is possible to get around some of the prescription rules. I would post why, but that probably belongs in the "Off Topic Forum"