How do I get myself a CPAP machine complete with my CPAP mask of choice and other accessories without having to shoulder the expenses? Equipments like these are quite expensive for me and I am wondering if it is covered by insurance. What do medical equipment suppliers of CPAP masks require to qualify for insurance coverage?
Continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP is currently the most common mode of treatment for sleep apnea, both obstructive and central. This is also used to aid patients who have problems with respirations or those experiencing respiratory failure. A CPAP machine works by forcing air into the airway at a predetermined amount of pressure. This is to keep the airway open while the patient is asleep. The air is delivered from the machine to the nasal mask through a flexible tube that connects the two. Other optional features of a CPAP machine are air humidifier, pressure adjuster, exhalation pressure relief, and data logging. Choosing a CPAP machine that would work best for you is very critical. First, your physician would have to determine if a CPAP therapy is needed, and how much pressure you would be needing for you to achieve a therapeutic effect. Proper evaluation and diagnostic studies would be carried out for that. He might also give suggestions on which machine or which of the optional features is best. However, choosing the right mask would be up to you. It should be the right fit and comfortable for you. There are a lot of durable medical equipment suppliers of CPAP masks and other CPAP accessories that can help you choose which one is best for you. Medical insurance usually covers purchase or rental of medical equipments such as CPAP machines, CPAP masks and other accessories. Make sure that your durable medical equipment supplier is enrolled in your medical insurance provider. If your durable medical equipment supplier of the CPAP masks and accessories is enrolled or a participating supplier of your medical insurance program, purchase or rentals cost would be shouldered by the insurance provider. Your durable medical equipment supplier may also provide you a list of the different types of CPAP masks where you can choose what you think is most comfortable for you. There are numerous CPAP masks to choose from, they may or may not come with a headgear: full face masks, nasal masks, nasal pillow masks, and nasal prong systems. It would be more advisable to rent the equipment first in order for you to check whether it is working properly for you. Rent-to-own options from your medical equipment supplier are also possible. Durable medical equipment suppliers only provide such equipments like CPAP masks and accessories when it is clearly needed by the patient and if there is a physician’s or a medical specialist’s prescription to back it up. Otherwise, your insurance provider would not reimburse your expenses for that.