First Impressions

Now I've changed provider for my CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine 3 different times and want to share about my CPAP provider first impressions.

CPAP provider first impressions

The first one; well, it wasn't a choice. You see, the provider I had originally bought it from went out of business, selling to the second provider.

Then because of issues I was having, I went to the third provider.

So, here's kind of an outline of the different providers.

And so, it begins

I don't know how it works where you guys all live. Around here when you go in for a sleep study, you're given some paperwork to fill out. One of the questions is who would you like your provider to be, followed by a list of local CPAP providers.

Well… when I went in, there were a total of 2 choices.  And I knew the 1 I didn't want because I'd heard too much bad stuff. So, I chose a company that wasn't great. But according to local rumors, this company was much better.

Upon finding out that I did indeed have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), my prescription was sent to the provider I have chosen. All I needed to do was wait until I received a phone call from that provider so we could set up an appointment.

CPAP user – buyer virgin

Boy, was I surprised after finally getting called!  No choices – a CPAP machine had already been ordered for me.  My CPAP  was totally set-up, I just needed to come in so they could fit me with a face mask. Come to find out, this provider sold 1 model of the CPAP machine.

Upon getting there to get fitted, the type of headgear was without a choice: full face mask only to go with the CPAP machine.

I also found out that she had ordered the heated tubing because apparently, insurance only pays for heating tubing if that heated tubing is part of the prescription. So, she always marked it down that it was (heated tubing) so everyone could have heated tubing.

She went over how the machine worked. You know, like the easy stuff: how to turn it on with the push button. Or, I could breathe into it and let the machine kick on itself.  Also, she let me know that everything else was set up. The only thing I could change was... the heated tube – on or off.

And, everything else could only be changed by them.

A short story: the second provider

So, my first provider sold to the second one. Unfortunately, the one I did not want in the first place.

With this provider, I couldn't get supplies. They could never find me in their system. It was a nightmare for almost 2 years.

Time to move on to a new provider

I do hope I never have to switch companies again! She was extremely helpful in getting me supplies quickly!! Seriously, I can't wait to call her when supplies are needed.

Then my husband got diagnosed. I actually got to go and meet her! She is just so kind, friendly, helpful, and totally authentic. She even came in on her day off just so he didn't have to miss a day of work.

She helped him find the CPAP machine that he wanted! Also, she let him know to come in if the headgear was not working for him as often as he needed until they could find the one that worked best for him.  Then, she showed him how to change everything on his machine, except for the actual pressure prescription.

What was your first impression of your CPAP provider? Please share a comment below.