Where to buy inexpensive replacement mask...

Hi everyone. Do any of you know where I could find a very inexpensive replacement mask for my CPAP? I haven't been using my machine much at all. The mask won't stay on my head. I called my DME & they said I couldn't get a new one until April unless I wanted to pay over 100.00 for it. I can't afford that much right now. Well, I had been on a site where you can discuss machines, masks, etc... with other CPAPers & several people had altered their mask to stay on their head using knee high pantyhose. As weird as that may sound, I figured I had nothing to lose and I really do want to comply with wearing the mask. So I did what the instructions said to do. It works better but it still isn't to a point where it is working for me. I gave up on trying to wear it. My bypass is on 3/20, Tuesday and my surgeon wants me to bring my machine. I told him I am not using it at home but I didn't tell him the whole mask altering story. I can't take a mask in with pantyhose on it for headgear and look like a fool if you know what I mean. Where can I buy a mask cheap or even a slightly used one that I could sanitize? It is basically as a just in case. If I bring the machine & not the mask would the hospital have a mask there I could use??? What do I do? Please help me if you can. Jenifer

I lugged my cpap with me to the hospital. It never came out of the bag. I wouldn't stress about bringing the machine. I just got a new machine last month. One of the things I also got was a new type of mask. I love it. It is more like an oxygen cannula then the mask that goes over the nose. It has a bar with 2 nose holes. It fits right under the nose and the holes go in the nostrils. You can also hook the hose so that you don't get twisted up in it if that is a problem for you. Bring your cpap, but I really doubt you will use it. A little air escaping for a day or two will not be a problem. Wait for the replacement mask in April. My 2 cents- Aime

Hi jennifer, I started out with the nasal cannula type mask and hated it because i seemedm to be more dry when I woke up in the morning, so i went to my medical supplier and asked for a diffeent mask and they fitted me for another one a reg face mask,no charge. did you ask your medical supplier did you explain to them that your face mask dosent fit correctly they should be happy to fit you with one that fits you better i wouuld ask to talk to a manager. good luck Holly

Jennifer same thing worked for me on my insurance. They won't replace the mask, but if the one you have is uncomfortable, they let me order a different one, and didn't want the old one back (my insurance covered both). If you do get some choice, try one of the gel masks that are really soft. They are the only ones I can stand, as I went through about 3-4. I just called Apria, and they took care of insurance, and overnighted me a new mask. Their website is http://www.apria.com/home/ It didn't even matter that I didn't get the cpap machine from them. I'm sure there's lots of other places local to you that may even have one in stock that is comfortable. I'd never agree to an uncomfortable mask, after I have experienced the gel ones!

Hi Jenifer, If you are still looking, www.cpap.com has good prices with fast delivery. It's where I go when I have to pay for something myself. Nick

Absolutely talk to your insurance company. Tell them that it isn't broken, but that it just doesn't fit well. Sleep apnea is dangerous and you must use your machine every night. Failing to do do could mean serious consequences. The insurance company doesn't want that liability on their hands so make sure you tell them that you are unable to use the machine with the mask they supply. If you have to replace it I have used www.cpapworld.com to replace my machine, several masks and filters when I didn't have insurance. Excellent service (a real person if you call), they get your prescription for you if you need to get a new machine and they ship immediately. They have a great selection and the prices are the lowest I have found (although none of this stuff is cheap!). Hope this helps. Jennifer

Yahoo auctions and Ebay have masks. new and sealed I find they are cheaper than all the cpap sites