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HELP ! - Maggie - 02-19-2019
My son will be in Seattle next week and I wonder if he could buy a new CPAP machine for me while there . . . I'll explain.
I've had my CPAP for many years now and it is - not unlike me - rather decrepit with age. Where I live - in Ontario, Canada - apnea sufferers must jump through iron-clad hoops to get a new machine because the government subsidizes the purchase. I don't know if these rules apply across the border as well, but here, we are 'forbidden' to buy a new machine, using our own money, when our old one is no longer fully functional. We must, instead, see our GP and undergo a new overnight sleep test at a sleep clinic - which I consider a great way for the elderly to pick up any stray germs that might be hanging around those places.
We are told that millions of Canadians have sleep apnea but are not being tested. I'd prefer the money be spent on testing them so that industrial and domestic accidents might be prevented, rather than wasting tax dollars testing people who already know they have apnea, however . . .
My original experience of a sleep clinic was nothing short of appalling and cost me, and my husband and my new baby grand-daughter, six years of putting up with my increasing lack of sleep which made me cross, dull and impatient. I was told, as a result of the answers on a clipboard questionnaire, that I didn't have apnea and was refused an overnight sleep test.
When I positively insisted six years later, when all I wanted to do every morning was stay in bed for the day and try to get some decent sleep, that my GP arrange for an overnight test, the result was 'astonishing' to the 'expert' - although not to me. I had 498 'events' during an 8-hour period - was told that I have 'severe apnea' and was finally given 'permission' to buy a machine. The government did subsidise the purchase.
The 'expert' who had originally told me I didn't have apnea, didn't apologize for wrecking six years of our lives but simply said 'we all make mistakes' - which is the main reason I choose not to waste time at a sleep clinic again.
So, my question is, does anyone know - here in Ontario or in the States - if my son could buy a new machine for me in Seattle and get it back across the border absolutely legally? I'm not about to start breaking the law at my age !
I do find it rather odd - but all of a piece with usual political idiocy - that I can now buy marijuana legally in Canada but I can't buy such an innocuous and truly useful piece of equipment that is designed to prevent me dying my sleep! It is indeed a mad, mad, mad, mad world!
RE: HELP ! - terp1984 - 02-19-2019
Buying a new machine should not be a problem (in the USA). I just purchased mine Online from cpap liquidators. They did not even ask for a prescription (even though I have one). They have new and refurbished machines. Regarding transporting it into Canada, I would be surprised if that is a problem. It is not an explosive, firearm, illegal drug or anything like that. However, governments being what they are, I guess you'll have to check with boarder patrol to find out.
RE: HELP ! - Gideon - 02-19-2019
I do recommend that you get a ResMed Airsense 10 AutoSet for her. This is listed (incorrectly but don't tell them that) as a CPAP machine and if you do purchase it is a very reasonable price in Ontario.
You will have no trouble moving it over the border, I do suggest leaving the box behind. This machine will with a little software help, enable a very detailed view of what happens during your sleep. The good people would be glad to help you with any settings and adjustments that you may need.
RE: HELP ! - mesenteria - 02-19-2019
(02-19-2019, 11:43 AM)Maggie Wrote: ...
I do find it rather odd - but all of a piece with usual political idiocy - that I can now buy marijuana legally in Canada but I can't buy such an innocuous and truly useful piece of equipment that is designed to prevent me dying my sleep! It is indeed a mad, mad, mad, mad world!
I won't go off much on this statement, but that's what you end up with when the government offers to solve all your problems and everyone excitedly votes for that arrangement.
I don't know the situation in ON, but I find it hard to believe you can't purchase your own PAP device unless the law forbids sellers from selling you one without a prescription. If so, it's just another symptom of that monopoly that is socialized medicine.
Good luck in your effort to outrun and outsmart them.
RE: HELP ! - Maggie - 02-19-2019
" . . . unless the law forbids sellers from selling you one without a prescription" - which is exactly the case. Even on Amazon a prescription is required to buy one online for delivery to an address in Ontario. I've been pestering the new Minister of Health for Ontario for weeks to see if she can get changes made or, at least, give me written permission to buy a machine using my own money, but my request is simply passed on to the office for Assistive Devices which administers the subsidizing of CPAP machines and therefore makes all the rules - at the behest of those so-called 'experts' who run and staff the sleep clinics- I suspect.
RE: HELP ! - elwoodpdowd - 02-19-2019
Maggie,
Both my wife and I purchased cpap machines in Las Vegas (shouldn't be any different in Seattle). Health Canada doesn't regulate the personal importation of CPAP machines only if it's imported for commercial resale. CBSA will not collect taxes or tariffs on it as it's exempt as it's a type 2 medical device.
As to whether the cpap supplier will sell with or without a prescription is up to them. Wouldn't hurt to contact the supplier and prearrange a purchase and just have your son pick it up.
Amazon has some decent deals on the cpaps. I use the ResMed Airsense 10 CPAP but if you can get the "Airsense 10 for Her" model all the better.
RE: HELP ! - Maggie - 02-19-2019
Thank you very much. I'm checking out the web site now . . .
RE: HELP ! - Maggie - 02-19-2019
(02-19-2019, 01:34 PM)elwoodpdowd Wrote: Maggie,
Health Canada doesn't regulate the personal importation of CPAP machines- Ontario unfortunately has it's own rules and I'm trying to find out whether it follows Health Canada rules on importations or not . . .I'm not getting any help from the Ministry or the Assistive Devices people. I've come to the conclusion none of them care if I die in my sleep or not! Maybe they figure one fewer old bat would be a tax advantage ;o)
As to whether the cpap supplier will sell with or without a prescription is up to them. Wouldn't hurt to contact the supplier and prearrange a purchase and just have your son pick it up. That's what we'll have to try.
Amazon has some decent deals on the cpaps. But Amazon won't allow shipment to an address in Ontario without a prescription. I haven't tried online things like Kijiji or Craigslist yet - that would be a last resort, I think ,as the standard might be poor. I use the ResMed Airsense 10 CPAP but if you can get the "Airsense 10 for Her) model all the better. I'm checking that one out right now . . . in the meantime, many thanks for taking the trouble - all of you - to reply . . . I'm nearly dead on my feet! ;o)
RE: HELP ! - elwoodpdowd - 02-19-2019
Maggie, is it ok to PM you?
RE: HELP ! - pholynyk - 02-19-2019
Maggie - I just checked with FPM Solutions... You will need a prescription, but not necessarily from a sleep specialist, and they will sell you an Autoset for $1020... no problem, no gov't subsidy.