Friday, May 28, 2010

Just Breathe - The CPAP Industry Rip-Off

I love my CPAP. I got it from Nationwide Medical, Inc., 28632 Road Side Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

I was not going to write this blog article, until I thought about the implications for others. I also thought that this might be a problem with other CPAP equipment providers, and for those who be using a CPAP in the future. It also has implications for national health care.

We all know that most aspects of health care in the United States are currently profit making, profit taking concerns. There are times when profit making tends to over ride ethical practice when it comes to consumer money and healthcare insurance. I found one concern that needs to be addressed in a broader forum than a single complaint to a company. I hope that more people read this than one or two others. I strongly advise readers to share this post with as many people as possible.

Using a CPAP requires the periodic replacement of certain parts. Some parts clearly need replacement more frequently than others. The problem arises when the CPAP provider insists on replacing more durable parts on a more frequent schedule than necessary. This is the case with the CPAP mask AND straps. No one who cares for their mask by judiciously washing it with soap and water needs to receive a new one every month, six weeks, six months or even every year. My own physician confirmed this for me. He even went so far as to say that this was clearly a money making (taking!!!!) proposition for the company. Take good care of your plastic mask and it will last for a long time. Save money, and tell your CPAP accessory provider to stop sending a new mask unless you specifically request one.

It is important to emphasize hygienic care of the accessories that accompany the CPAP. Keep the parts as clean and free from bacteria and other environmental pathogens as possible. Coincidentally, I recently received an e-mail about a website that discusses healthcare associated infections that is sponsored by Kimberly-Clark. All of the concerns were related to hospitals. It might be worthwhile to add something about the care of CPAP equipment. For those who are interested in healthcare associated infections, I recommend that you consider visiting http://haiwatchnews.com

Once again, share this blog with as many people as you can. Forward it to your health care insurance provider.