Sleep Apnea Patients Must Show PAP Compliance Before Device Purchase or Resupply

If you’ve received a new PAP device to treat your sleep apnea in the past 12-18 months, you likely have a device that can be enabled to wireless transmit your usage data to your smartphone, your physician, your medical equipment provider and even your health insurance company.

Why? How? What does this mean for patients and their privacy? What are the benefits for patients and their healthcare providers?

Why does my health insurance company care if I use my device?

Health insurance companies will usually cover a PAP device to treat your sleep apnea if you have proof of your diagnosis from a sleep study; however, more and more insurance companies are paying for those devices on a rental basis rather than paying the full purchase price of the device upfront. The rental term can be anywhere from 2 months to 12 months. After the last rental payment is made, the patient owns the device.

Insurance companies do this because patient adherance to PAP therapy is not very good. PAP therapy is challenging, even though PAP is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea and proper usage is proven to decrease sleepiness, improve daily functioning and restore memory in sleep apnea sufferers. Several studies show that less than 50% of patients prescribed PAP therapy use the device more than four hours per night.

Insurance companies don’t want to pay for a PAP device that you aren’t using.

How does my insurance company know if I’m using my device?

In response to the insurance companies requirement that you prove you are using your device BEFORE they will pay for it, PAP device manufacturers have developed ways to more easily obtain that data, called “compliance data” or “usage data.”

These are the most common ways of obtaining the data:

  • Smart card. Each PAP device has a data card, or memory card, located inside of the device that stores your usage data on a rolling basis (usually around 12 months of data). It’s a small card like the memory card used in a digital camera. The card can be removed (the data is also stored inside of your device) and sent to your physician or equipment provider to download the data and generate a report. There is no wireless transmission of data, but this does require additional steps such as mailing in the data card or scheduling an appointment with the equipment provider to have the data downloaded.
  • Attachable modem. A separate modem can be purchased and attached to a PAP device. It uses cellular service to transmit the data on a regular basis. Modems can be used for short period or for the entire length of therapy. Data is transmitted about an hour after the machine stops being used.
  • Wireless-enabled PAP device. The newest devices have built in modems that use Wi-fi, Bluetooth or cellular service (or a combination of them) to transmit your data. Assuming that it has access to a wireless signal, the machine will automatically relay usage data to the patient’s care provider about one hour after the machine stops being used.

With both the attachable modem and the wireless-enabled devices, if for some reason a wireless connection is not available, the data can also be stored on the data card inside the device.

What information is being tracked?

Data-capable CPAP machines collect several statistics pertinent to successful CPAP therapy, such as hours the device was used, time spent sleeping, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and leak rate. With this information, treatment specialists can monitor a patient’s progress, check his compliance, and prescribe changes in therapy as required. Some devices even allow for remote trouble-shooting like checking to see if the device is working properly and making changes to the pressure settings (by prescription only).

Most insurance compliance guidelines require that you show proof of using your device for a minimum of 4 hours per day at least 22 days out of a consecutive 30 day period within the preceding 90 days (in the past 3 months).

Where does the data go?

It depends on the type of monitoring device and the manufacturer of your device. At the very least, the data is obtained by your equipment provider who is billing your insurance to obtain payment for the device. The report will be sent to your insurance company. The data is securely stored by your provider and you have the right to request your medical records, if desired. Your physician may also wish to see your compliance data in order to better manage your therapy.

How often will I need to show proof of compliance?

This also depends on the requirements of your insurance plan. For several years, many  insurance companies, including Medicare, have required proof of usage in order to pay for the on-going rental or purchase of a PAP device. 

Proof of compliance for replacement supplies

Recently, insurance companies are also requiring proof of usage on a yearly basis before they will authorize the payment of replacement supplies. Replacement supplies are the additional masks, cushions, filters and tubing that must be replaced at regular intervals to ensure optimal performance of the PAP device. Replacement supplies are usually shipped to you by your equipment provider every 90 days.

Again, insurance companies don’t want to pay for equipment you’re not using.

Efficient treatment or Too Much Information?

Data-capable CPAP machines could mean more effective, tailored sleep apnea care and a general increase in compliance. It also requires continual monitoring of one of the most private areas of a person’s home. What do you think? Do the advantages outweigh the cost in privacy?

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in September 2014 and has been edited and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Comments posted previously on the Sleep Better Blog:

Jo Sepulveda

4/15/2015, 8:29:25 PM

Cpaps that transmit data are an invasion of privacy

4/15/2015, 9:12:10 PM

It’s not hard to understand why people feel that way! This practice presents an important issue to the changing health care industry about whether efficient treatment or patient privacy is more important.

Katharine Chambers

5/8/2015, 7:02:38 AM

I believe it is an invasion of privacy too. I think the data card is enough. You should voluntarily give the card your doctor to show compliance. I think the doctor should see the information first before it is given to a company that will do who knows what with. This is a real concern.

5/8/2015, 7:05:51 AM

Hi, Katharine. I agree, it’s a huge concern. The modems in the devices we use can be turned off or put in “airplane” mode.

Jeff Greer

7/3/2015, 2:53:16 PM

The durable medical equipment supplier can download the minute by minute data, not just the summary data. In my case, the DME changed my settings and then called me after the fact, no discussion, just do as I say!

7/9/2015, 3:12:11 PM

The way PAP data typically works is that providers can see trend data, not minute by minute data. Any changes to the device’s settings should involve the patient, especially remote changes to device pressure.

Rose Rose

12/31/2015, 4:58:22 AM

What about the health dangers in just having a modem or wireless transmitter that close to your head for 10 hours a night. Even if its turned off.

1/4/2016, 3:25:20 PM

Hi Rose. That’s a valid concern. It’s the similar sleeping with a cell phone near (or in) your bed that’s powered on but the cellular and wifi receivers are turned off. The PAP machine will operate as it is plugged into the wall and the data will be stored locally on a memory card. Another option may be longer tubing to increase the distance between your head and the device. Standard tubing is about 6 feet long but you can get longer 10 ft tubing.

Dave Jones

1/30/2016, 7:29:04 AM

As a sleep service provider, remote monitoring is a more efficient way of obtaining patient compliance and quality of treatment without the need for the patient to undertake a time consuming and sometimes costly journey to the sleep service, which should be a critical essential part of the treatment pathway. The benefits for patients who have mobility issues or transportation issues are immense. Of course permission for the service to monitor the data must be requested by the service before monitoring commences. In UK we are the leaders in applying remote monitoring, and 99% of our patients love it. Compliance rates have improved and treatment drop out rates are significantly reduced. Early intervention and communication with patients has resulted in increased patient satisfaction with the service. From a business point of view remote monitoring has reduced DNA rates and Increase work efficiency. Used in a controlled professional environment remote monitoring is extremely safe and patient friendly. For those patients who want timely professional help remote monitoring is the best way to go.

2/1/2016, 8:39:28 AM

Hi, Dave. That’s good to hear. We’re embracing the technology because of the opportunities for early intervention and communication. It’s also much less of a hassle than mailing SD cards back and forth. Thanks for sharing.

7/13/2016, 9:07:04 PM

The card data collection is not accurate. My data card said I did not use the machine for 49 out of a 180 day period. I am a degrees Chem. engineer out of Purdue with 35 years experience in industry and I know for a fact I have missed 4 days over this period. These chips are B.S. .

7/14/2016, 5:13:14 PM

Hi Pat, we’d be happy to take a look at your card for you. It might be time for a new device (you can check with your insurance or your DME provider) that has wireless monitoring. We’ve had lots of issues with corrupted data cards and are relieved to use the new devices. Good luck! -Julia

Richard Taylor

8/20/2016, 9:31:47 AM

I have a problem with the invasion of privacy with this system and the overall trend in society now to use remote monitoring with the use of cameras, data and voice recording and so on. As for “mandatory compliance” how about a novel idea (ASK and TRUST) the patient if they are using their device and if they have any questions or issues with the system. Only a very small percentage of the patients should want or need remote monitoring. When I finally take my last breath and leave this life I would hope that my family will know before some stranger in a remote location sees the data that is transmitted to them. I have integrity and I’m honest don’t treat me with disrespect and keep your remote surveillance out of my life. This technology and the personnel to man it only increases the cost to all of us.

8/23/2016, 4:57:23 PM

Hi Richard. I totally understand your concerns. The ultimate goal should be helping patients use the devices to improve their health. While I think that some of the new technology can really help to improve patient outcomes, it’s really the healthcare provider who can make the most difference. Education and support are key! Good luck with your therapy.

Pat Fisken

9/2/2016, 11:27:45 PM

I have been using a CPAP successfully for about 10 years. This spring I got a new machine that monitors remotely and also has a card to monitor. I have had great compliance always. But lately I have been waking up in the middle of the night, I believe because of the high EMR that is emitted by the wireless monitoring device. I am electro-sensitive, and I think that this wireless feature is decreasing my effective usage. I am going to speak with my health provider to see if this new ‘convenient’ feature on my CPAP machine can be disabled. The card had worked well for the last 10 years! I now feel like my therapy is compromising my health (as well as invading privacy).

Julia Rodriguez

9/3/2016, 2:06:55 PM

Hi Pat. I understand your concern. I believe that most of the devices that transmit via cellular only transmit data in the morning about an hour after you stop using it. I don’t think it’s emitting any signal other than during transmission, but it’s a good idea to check with your manufacturer. Another option is to put it in “airplane” mode and only turn on the wireless transmission once a week or so. That way you can have the benefits of remote monitoring but not risk the emissions. Good luck.

Comments

  1. Ginger Reply

    I believe in being able to access and evaluate my own data. Also to find out who is getting a copy of my data. I had no idea that the insurance company was monitoring it. How is this data kept secure? Or is it?
    Ginger

    • Julia Rodriguez Reply

      Hi, Ginger. Great point and relevant concern. Your insurance company has access to all of your medical records, including the compliance data captured by your CPAP. The insurance companies, healthcare providers and equipment providers are expected to maintain the highest levels of security with this data. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability act of 1996 requires that providers keep data private and secure. You can find out more about HIPAA here: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/guidance-materials-for-consumers/

      • Laur Reply

        My therapy hrs are hard to figure out.. the display says 1-day .. 6.2. 7-day .. 7.8 30 day .. 2.4 …. does this mean I’m compliant?

      • Teresa Wright Reply

        I have had my machine since 10/1/2021 and was just told I wasn’t using it enough consecutive hrs. I told them I use it at bedtime and the only reason it looks different is because I have Narcolepsy so I am up and down all night I use it when my bed so yes I am using it and second I do not like the invasion of my privacy

  2. Bo Reply

    Does anyone know if the DME or medical supply company can remotely disable your machine. I have a ResMed air sense 10.

    • Julia Rodriguez Reply

      Hi, Bo. An equipment provider can change your pressure or humidification settings but cannot disable your machine. They shouldn’t make any changes without your doctor’s approval and YOUR permission.

  3. Jimmy Whittle Reply

    Thank you. My air sense 10 recently just powered off and won’t come back on so I was just wondering.

    • jodi Reply

      They can and do turn off your machine! They cut mine off the other day- it’s taking me longer than their cut off time to get used to this thing!

  4. Sweetpea Reply

    My friend turned down using a CPAP because of this invasion of privacy. He has sleep apnea but doesn’t want big brother in his bedroom!

    • Julia Rodriguez Reply

      I totally understand his concerns. Your friend can change the settings on his device to “airplane” mode, just like a cell phone, so it’s not transmitting data. Of course, if his insurance requires proof of compliance, he will need to provide some data. These new devices with wireless modems also have SD cards, so he could obtain the data that way without using the modem. I hope he finds a way to start his therapy soon! -Julia

      • Steve Taggart Reply

        The problem with this insurance company strategy is that many who are prescribed a CPAP will refuse treatment. I have seen insurers who insist on tracking for 15 months. This massive invasion of privacy will lead to patients not obtaining treatment, Thus the strategy of increasing compliance is backfiring if payment is withheld for refusing to share this private data. But I guarantee the insurance company doesn’t care about that-it’s all about finding another reason not to pay for a medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. I am tired of insurers who think they should practice medicine and influence my doctors treatment choices.

      • Kathleen B Reply

        Julia, does the Philips Dreamstation have an Airplane Mode setting? If I somehow diasable transmissions while I an sleeping and enable them once a week, will all the data be collected and sent for the week?

    • Chris D Reply

      I can understand that. This remote monitoring is garbage and it’s not about patient compliance. It’s about money. If compliance isn’t to insurance standards, then the insurance doesn’t pay and the medical equipment folks can’t collect the cash.
      Let’s be real.

  5. Punkin Pi Reply

    Nobody sees any of your medical records except your doctor, NSA, and a thousand Russians. Orwell’s ‘1984’ was nothing compared to this!

    • John Burgin Reply

      I don’t care if the Russians know what I do when I am asleep. It’s what I do when I am awake they should be worrying about.

    • Nancy Jo Reply

      …. Of the millions and millions of CPAP machines out there who would really care about your data, unless you are the head a country or are very important in business or. Government. People with sleep APNEA DIE without treatment every day.. Please just use your machine even when you nap…and enjoy your life.

  6. Dennis Reply

    I just started using a airsense 10 and am so happy with the results! However when they brought it to me they only brought the nose pills wicch I cant use because my nose was broken at a early age and not enough airway to breath. the last time I was in hospital with a mask, when discharged let me have the mask since they would only throw away. I have been using this (disposable mask for a couple weeks now and need a real mask for my unit. I am stretching the end ti use it and will will soon ruin the hose. Who do I contact about getting a real mask and giving back all pillow supplies?

  7. Bob Reply

    I see the point of not paying for something that is not used. But on the other hand, if you use it part time, you gain some benefit. This is part of the trend from obama of penalizing patients who do not meet goals. If you do not do the therapy the way we want, you lose all benefit. Now, is the insurance company a payor or a medical provider?

    • Julia Rodriguez Reply

      Hi Bob. I agree that penalizing people for not meeting a standard is dangerous. Using CPAP requires behavioral changes and penalties/threats of losing the device may not work for all patients. We’ve seen an increase in patients who lose their device after the first three months for not meeting usage requirements. Also patients who are somewhat “compliant” and truly need replacement supplies, but can’t get them covered through insurance. It’s a tough one.

      • Rick Lewis Reply

        I find it loathsome that someone would mention a former president unfavorably as if he was the cause of all of the onerous rules and regulations thrust upon patients and yet your response was to agree with his sentiment without calling him out for his abhorrent comment.
        Despicable.

    • Wendy Reply

      Hi Bob,

      I don’t think that this is penalizing the patients for not using therapy the way it is prescribed. I think it protects insurance companies from having to pay for therapy that the patient is not using. After all, every penny wasted is a penny more on our insurance premiums. There really is no reason for an insurance company to pay to have expensive CPAP supplies sent to us if we aren’t going to use them.

    • teresa Reply

      Wow! The strangest reference to date for blaming President Obama.

  8. Rebekah Reply

    I am just starting my cpap and really struggling. I have no desire to give up trying to use it, but i need a break from it sometimes after wearing for a while. If i dont wear it, but have it running still for about 30 minutes..does it show on record its not being used? I have to meet my required time to wear it each night.

    • Wendy Reply

      Hi Rebekah,

      By now, I hope you have found a way to sleep comfortably with your CPAP machine. To answer your question about turning the machine on for 30 minutes while not actually using the machine in order to get a record of use – you may get more than what you bargained for! One of the measurements the CPAP compliance looks for is air leakage. Normal air leakage would probably never go above 10%. If you were to simply run the machine without wearing the mask, your leakage would be at 100%. That would signal to the supplier and your insurance company that you either have a serious mask problem or more than likely are running the machine without the mask on your face. This could trigger all sorts of things like: having a rep come to your house to check your cpap fit, forcing you to go to a sleep study clinic to show that your mask really leaks that much, and/or a refusal from the insurance company to pay for supplies. Even if none of that were to happen and they didn’t check for leakage (which they do), you’d still have to be on the machine for no less than 4 hours a night for 22 out of 30 days per month.

      CPAP is the best treatment for sleep apnea and could very well save your life. I was unaware that I had sleep apnea and had a stroke in my mid 30s because of it. You’ll want to do everything you can do to treat your apnea. I do hope that you have been able to get through the adjustment period.

    • jodi Reply

      I’m having the same issues! Yes it knows when it’s not on your face and not being used

  9. Rad McShane Reply

    I got a cpap probably 8 years ago and never really used it. Can I just throw it away? I called my insurer and they said to contact my equipment provider but I forgot who it even was.

  10. Leon McGuire Reply

    My medical supplier showed up with a used CPAP machine at my orientation appointment, it never occurred to me to ask if I was receiving a new machine. My insurance is supposed to rent this used machine for nine months with my co-pay before I supposedly own it. Is it protocol or ethical to provide used machines? Can I demand a new one? If I wanted a used machine I’m sure I could find one on E-bay or Craigslist much cheaper.

  11. john Reply

    can my company demand to see nightly use of my cpap machine?Do I have to give them that much access?

    • Wendy Reply

      Hi John,

      The answer to your question is a yes and no. Yes, your insurance company can demand your stats, and no, you don’t have to give them the stats. This however, will more-than-likely result in their refusals to pay for new supplies or even the equipment rental. My CPAP cost in the upwards of $1,400 and then my re-supplies conservatively cost around $1,600/year. Even as a pro-privacy advocate, I can’t see how I could legitimately expect my insurance company to pay for something that they can’t prove that I use on a regular basis.

  12. Wynette Reply

    Help! My husband just got an APAP machine Friday afternoon with the 30 day trial. We are going on a cruise tomorrow and won’t have WiFi access. Do we need to purchase it? Or will the Bluetooth from his phone catch up at ports? I’m not familiar with how this collects and turns on data. Thank you in advance for any help.

  13. Heather Dornan Reply

    50% COMPLIANCE among sleep apnea patients???That is a very low percentage!!!! I truly believe that in order to get a better compliance success rate they need to try a different approach. The manufacturers of CPAP equipment are making the best of the best. This includes machines, masks, filters, headgears etc. But from my recent and new experience with CPAP, this is not the issue. It is a matter of allowing a person to GRADUALLY start getting used to using a CPAP machine and all of it’s components. How can anyone expect a person to completely change the way they have slept all of their life instantly???? Yes, they tell you to wear the mask during the day with or without the machine turned on. Then they tell you to just wear it while watching TV and so on and so on. Then you are expected to wear this mask over your face or which ever mask you prefer while you sleep every night! They really ought to look into HOW to get more compliance instead of making all these new and expensive masks etc. I think people need more time to adjust to using CPAP. It needs to be a gradual thing. Maybe there should be a trial phase before compliance actually begins. A person would need to practice using the mask provided and it would need to be worn for an hour the first day with the machine on. Two hours the next day and work their way up to 4 hours a night. So by the end of the “trial week” they are at least some what ready to wear it while asleep. To expect someone, who has been sleeping without devices and masks, to suddenly change is absolutely absurd. Every person is different but I believe that compliance percentages could rise if the time allowed to using CPAP is a bit longer or in a progressive and gradual manner rather than throwing a HUGE change into someone’s sleeping habits. Especially since most of us have been sleeping a certain way all of our lives.

    • Ron Reply

      You’re so right that improving machines & masks has not improved cpap compliance rates for decades. One thing that has been “missing” all along is a COMPLETE way to manage the hose. It causes sleep interruptions and mask failures and keeps everyone in the bed awake. Simply draping it over something or hanging it on a hook is not the answer. The Hozer has a flexible arm that floats the hose so it follows overhead to keep it completely out of the way while “delivering” just the right amount of hose at all times. The hozer is what has been missing from the beginning!

    • C.Tomsen CCSE Reply

      Well said!
      Shame on any medical field using technology for “compliance” rather than R&D.
      So sad.
      No publicly traded corp collects data without re-selling it. Period.

  14. Sandy Reply

    Privacy is one thing. Internet security is another. Security researchers have discovered that many “Internet Of Things” devices have horrible security, and are subject to all sorts of hacking, malware, virus, information stealing, etc. Although manufacturers may say “Security is our main concern!”, evidence shows this is not the case. For example, a study showed that about 10,000 internet connected cameras were invaded by a “botnet” controlled by criminals. Allowing a machine whose security is poorly implemented access our *health information* is a concern of mine, and should be of everyone’s.

    • Jennifer Capobianco Reply

      I SOOOO agree with you. I am on my second attempt in 5 years to use a cpap and struggling again. The last time the insurance company peppered me with threats of taking it back while I was waiting for a new mask and I was so annoyed I said just take it. This time I am getting nauseous, have to turn it off after a couple hours and am not using it 4 hours a night. Here we go again. The phone will be ringing soon. I had to pay half up front for the machine and pay $1600 a month for my health insurance with a high deductable as both my husband and I are self employed. I have severe apnea according to the study and although I don’t fit the mold ( young female no weight issues) my two brothers have it also and cpap and swear by it. I want this so badly to work for my health and my husbands ears but man its just a racquet. And now they are in my bedroom with me??? Is there a black cpap market where I can buy one myself and take my sweet time getting used to it?

      • Jo Reply

        You would probable be better off just buying the machine on your own on the internet. Just from a quick search the ResMed AirSense 10 can be bought from between $575 to $883. Free 30 day trial with a 2-year warranty. You then could do whatever you want. They machines are very easy to set-up yourself.

        It’s sad by the medical supply stores charge most insurances $135 to $150 a month for 13 months.

  15. Carol Reply

    As a pharmacist, I’m visiting with a friend whose husband has a new CPAP. My friend was horrified and repelled by the idea that the CPAP would be collecting ANY information from a human being who is in a bedroom–or in any room where he (and by extension, his sleeping partner) have a legal expectation of privacy.
    If someone was a voyeur spying on sleeping human beings, he (rarely she) should be caught, arrested, and the full force of law imposed on this predator. This predator is a sex offender. Your CPAP will give information that a rational human being rightfully expects will be completely private.
    Sexual privacy of TWO persons is violated, since CPAP use will be interrupted, and the breathing rate will change.
    My medical assessment of this?
    CREEPERS, KEEP YOUR SNIFFING OUT OF THE BEDROOM.

  16. Carl Gromatzky Reply

    I have been using my new CPAP machine for just over a week now. I received an email from the provider of the machine, actually her email said she is a Compliance person. She stated that my data indicated that I am not using my device the minimum of 4 hours per day per insurance requirements. Now I have found this web site with information that indicates my insurance company can demand this VERY PRIVATE data concerning my sleep habits.

    I understand that insurance companies have access to my medical records, but the do NOT have access to my conversations with my Doctor, nor how I take my medicine. Can an insurance company ask for a diabetic to prove they are taking their insulin correctly and the correct amount each day and if not refuse to pay for it?

    How is that any different then how I use my CPAP device??!! This is truly INVASION of privacy and I am VERY upset about it to the point of being very angry about it. I plan on contacting my insurance company and having a very crucial conversation with them.

    If anyone has any ideas about what else I can do about this please reply to this post. This is very very upsetting to me.

    • Bonnie Reply

      Civil lawsuit, invasion of privacy.

  17. jodi Reply

    How can I turn my cpap back on once they cut it off? This is WRONG! It does take a good while to get used to this thing- I hate it!

  18. Jennifer Capobianco Reply

    When you find out please let me know…grrrrr

  19. Nyla Rounds Reply

    I have found cpap machines online for way less than the $1400 someone mentioned above. My husband is probably going to need one after his sleep study and I am thinking if we buy through online vendors….cpap.com has them from $369 and up…..and pay for it ourselves, we will not have to provide anyone with any monitoring. I had no clue this was a thing until the video consult nurse gave my husband told him the insurance (bcbs MI) required monitoring. That just adds to the cost because someone is going to bill the insurance for that monitoring. More money for someone…..what a racket.

  20. Dan Toura Reply

    It’s all a big racket. These machines are not THAT expensive. And a “Company” buys a bunch of them, real cheap. For this “Company” to make money, they charge the hapless “victim” many times over what they paid for it. They say “Insurance” will pay for it. The catch is that the insurance companies are wise to “FRAUDULENT” payments to anyone who bills them. And they want “proof” that SOMEBODY is actually using it. The “Compliance Contact” is the “Double Agent Spy”. The CPAP Co. wants to get paid. The Ins. Co. wants proof of it’s use. Or it won’t pay. On the “Bright, cheery, happy” side, people DO want to solve their sleep Apnea disorders. On the “Quasi-sleazy, money greedy” side, The “Company” knows Insurance will pay the outrageous price of the machine, if they provide PROOF. This, in itself, is FRAUD. In the form of OVER CHARGING patients. This over-charge is what’s wrong with ALL insurance coverage prices today. The only way I see fixing this problem is filing class action suits to END CPAP machine businesses altogether. If someone WANTS to better their own health with a machine, let them buy it off a store shelf, at a reasonable cost. Then THEY can decide if it’s worth the effort and expense to continue using it. We’re NOT stupid. (As one quoted, who we all know as one of the main architects of “The Affordable Care Act”)

    • C.Tomsen CCSE Reply

      after tooling costs, they are $42 – $78 to produce depending on make/model.
      Just like mattress stores, these “middle-man” medical supply vendors are now Un-necessary and wont be here after Q3 2021.
      The core investors already have a plan.
      Direct ship, pre-programmed, laminated quick-start guide, follow up with doc, done.

  21. Adam Reply

    Hi i have been using RESMED CPAP machine for a few months now i think i use it very regularly my wife can testify to that fact ,i recently got a call from the cpap company they want to take back machine for noncompliance i was like what!! i use it very regularly and only missed probably 1 night in 30 days and its on for more than a couple of hours ,but am told i only had 36 hours out of 90 which is very ridiculous think theres a fault with the machine ,i need that machine cant give it back!!

  22. Tasha Reply

    I have been using mu CPAP for about a year and a half. I am in complete compliance and am so happy. I am sleeping better than I have in years. I have severe sleep apnea. I think it is hilarious that everyone is so afraid of the privacy. It is only managing your breathing, not video taping what you do in the bedroom. If you’re compliant, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Why should insurance pay for something you are not using? I have missed a day or two because of sinus issues but my dr is proud of how compliant I have been. You should uses it to avoid health issues. I didn’t want a stroke at 36. I can’t believe all the whining about privacy. Again it is not video taping you!

    • AnneFranke Reply

      “I can’t believe all the whining about privacy.”

      WOW
      Think about that statement when you lock your doors at night. Nevermind, why would anyone lock their doors at night?

    • sharon Reply

      I think no one should be forced to try a C-pap machine if they have found other way to correct sleep apnea. that actually correct the problem not just put a band aid on it. C-pap is the most unattractive thing anyone could possibly put on your face.

  23. AlexD Reply

    I totally don’t care about sending data here or there but there should be a setting on the machine asking where to send the stuff to. I’d pick my doctor office so I don’t have to take the SD Card along… which btw, I forgot to put back on the machine a year ago and just found during follow up.

  24. Wanda Tatum Reply

    If you are in the hospital and don’t take your machine but use their’s while you are there, how should this affect your compliance time
    With the insurance co? My brother is having a problem with this.

  25. Mgag Reply

    Can I just refuse to continue with CPAP? It hasn’t been 90 days. Will they take it back?

  26. Cara Reply

    I find I get to sleep quicker without having the stupid machine on my face. I hate how it feels and I can’t sleep comfortably in it and I am wondering what will happen if I continue to not use it. frankly if they want it back they can have the stupid thing.

    • Arnold Reply

      If you have really bad apnea and don’t treat it, you will likely develop numerous health issues, risk falling asleep driving and be dead within 20 years or sooner from heart failure. It’s that important.

  27. Leah Reply

    Can I turn off the monitoring and transmitting of data after I own the machine and have a solid record of compliance?

  28. Dee Reply

    I am a female who 5’7” and weigh about 117 lbs. I was surprisingly diagnosed with sleep apnea. Apparently I have a deviated septum and a high pallet. Unfortunately
    , because of a previous sexual assault, I am having an extremely difficult time tying to use my bi-PAP. I keep trying every few months but I just can’t sleep with it. I feel like I’m suffocating. I don’t know what to do – I don’t want to damage my health. Pls advise. Thank you

    • Arnold Reply

      What was your diagnosis? Also, what kinds of masks have you tried? Masks are like holsters – you sometimes have to go through several to find what works best for you.

    • ArnoldA Reply

      What was your diagnosis? Also, what kinds of masks have you tried? Masks are like holsters – you sometimes have to go through several to find what works best for you.

    • Brian C Reply

      The feeling of suffocation might be real. Look up co2 levels of apap. some might be allowing u to breathe too much of your own breath before ramp up. I had a machine years ago did this until i poked a hole in mask. Allowed more exhale. Prob made leak record wrong but it worked a lot better and i slept well. Just my experiences. not a dr.

  29. Dee M Reply

    I am a female who 5’7” and weigh about 117 lbs. I was surprisingly diagnosed with sleep apnea. Apparently I have a deviated septum and a high pallet. Unfortunately
    , because of a previous sexual assault, I am having an extremely difficult time tying to use my bi-PAP. I keep trying every few months but I just can’t sleep with it. I feel like I’m suffocating. I don’t know what to do – I don’t want to damage my health. Pls advise. Thank you

  30. Al Reply

    Dee,
    You are not alone. Strapping a vacuum cleaner on your face at night ang being tethered to an aquarium air pump with a mask striped on your head is hardly an ideal sleep aid. However it is the best treatment for what ails you. You must try to rid yourself of the anxiety of the apparatus. It’s doing the opposite of suffocating you. But it is a long period of getting used to it but once you have you’ll miss it if you don’t use it. Just like crutches no one likes them but there are times you NEED them. For sometime I thought this was a made up malady as so many of my friends were being diagnosed with Apnea. When it was my time to join the brotherhood of the mask I had my doubts. I was a diver so having a breathing apparatus was not new to me, but it took sometime before I became comfortable. You will need an even longer period of adjustment. Keep trying there are may of us that made the transition it beats the alternative of having an even greater health issue if you don’t use it. I wish you the best. Ask your friends and yo may be amazed how many of them have joined the mask crowd.

  31. C.Tomsen CCSE Reply

    Julia’s got a lot of pre-canned marketing, yet she has no idea what the IT guys are doing in the back. Who’s hosting the servers? They have employees with domain admin rights.
    Don’t let anyone defend or justify the mandatory cellular component to this. Airplane mode is NOT an acceptable off-switch (a software switch is not a switch at all).
    This is a full blown high-risk ‘Man in the middle’ (MITM) attack invitation.
    Laws and regulations do not prevent human IT workers in server rooms and data NOC’s from abusing this both generally and targeted.
    23 and Me PROMISED not to sell anyones DNA data yet gave it all to GlaxoSmithKline for $300 million.
    Look at how many visible networks you see available on wifi. Every-one of those locations can easily attempt to hack any wireless device in your home, now add an unnecessary always on cellular modem in the mix.
    Once my rental is over I will be physically removing the cellular modem or clean up my old S8.

  32. C.Tomsen CCSE Reply

    “Sleep Apnea Patients Must Show PAP Compliance Before Device Purchase or Resupply”
    Found above error on your front page. Corrected it below.
    “Sleep Apnea Patients that know their pressure setting can spend under $400 online and bypass all this nonesense.”

    Once you know your # it’s easy to set with a quick google search. All the replaceable parts are for sale very cheap online without a prescription.
    Tubes and masks do not require a prescription and most can be found on amazon.

  33. Dr T Reply

    There is no logic behind the compliance requirement or my prescription pill bottles would all have cellular modems in them too.
    Why doesn’t my Toprol XL phone home and require forced compliance? Because there’s no DME. This is the DME industry taking advantage of the insurance companies and are being forced to prove themselves. This compliance has nothing to do with the patient.
    Per my doctor, Any use of the machine is better than no-use, if you got 3 hours on thats awesome!….. but it’s not since that doesn’t comply. The docs are NOT for this nor are they using it. Just the insurance companies.

  34. Ted Sayrahder Reply

    Hello,
    How do I order a new machine (mine pooped out a month ago). I have my prescription from my Dr. and would like to use Medicare for help with my payment. Thank You

  35. Mike Reply

    Question- Shouldn’t the insurance company have to pay for the wireless monitoring? I had to pay my DME company a one time monitoring fee and was told that it is not covered by insurance. Seems that if it’s their rule it should be their dime. Thoughts?

  36. Mark Reply

    If your not compliant, why should you get it for free at the cost of other Medicare patients?
    Monitor my usage, it will help force me to use what could potentially save my life. If you want to cheat the system do it at so one else’s cost.
    If your shallow enough to be offended, opt out and move on, I will attend your funeral

  37. regor Reply

    Being a faithful user of a cpap machine for over 10 years, without privacy intervention, I will use it as long as possible. That will allow me to put money aside to purchase outright a new machine without the privacy invasion issue. There are many intelligent responses on this thread on the topic of privacy, etc., and the insurance/medical/medicare folks should be given an insight to this information.
    The supplies reordering “timelines” are absurd and ridiculous, and too many folks ARE wasting their money on replacing items in 2 week to 6 month intervals. They are also way overpriced and can be purchased at acceptable costs alternatively when needed. So much of this is common sense vs what a supplier wants you to do. Our society today is being pushed and forced into giving up too much self control to large corporations and other “organizations” , that is every bit as wearing on individuals mental well being as the medical conditions we suffer from as we age.

  38. Alfred Nadrowski Reply

    I’m an avid user of my cpap. My Doctor told me I should take the apnea test, I’m glad I did! However all doctors shove a privacy form under your nose, who has actually read it? It didn’t point out the “Big Brother ” clause to me in regards to having my equipment transmit anything, that I consider is my personal data. Beyond my breathing data, what time I’m home,if I’m home etc.etc. You say data only, PUT IT IN WRITING, and send me a specific sheet as to who has access to my specific data! Just because an insurance company says jump, we have to do whatever they say because it costs them money. Ha! Then they pass those higher costs right back to us, in the form of having to buy more filters, and higher insurance rates.They allow us so few, one ends up buying more on the internet. Those of us on Social Security just live to buy filters, hoses, masks, etc, rather than food or the overpriced prescriptions we are paying for. Tell me I’m wrong!

  39. Goofy923 Reply

    Automobiles are purchased at ridiculous costs and maintained at some cost not including the cost of gas to run the vehicle. However, that car cannot help us breathe at night if we need to. Cell phones and TV are also a drain on ones finances.

    Now, the cost (per year) of a cpap machine and related equipment will be far less than maintaining that car, having a cell phone or tv.

    Privacy?? Is there such a thing nowdays??

    cpap therapy uses air. I like that. No pills, injections, treatments etc. and it keeps me alive. I like that too.

    I am thankful that there are companies who have manufactured this equipment so that one can have better quality of life while having sleep apnea.

  40. Ronald ausilio Reply

    The data transmitted to my phone is inaccurate. I wore my cpap for 8hrs the last night for example and the data transmitted to my cell phone shows I used it for 30min. Will I lose my machine due to a problem with the app not recording properly?

  41. James Godron Reply

    As an attorney I value my privacy perhaps more than others. I want to know how to disable or shield this unit so that it does not communicate with anyone about anything. I find it appalling that insurance companies would require this information and also suggest that no one provide it to them.

  42. Wendy Reply

    Everyone keeps saying an invasion of privacy, does it also transmit your location or something?

  43. Thomas Wilson Reply

    This mask is also the most effective design to maintain the air pressure. It can be hard to be used when the patients are side sleepers. People with claustrophobic also find it hard to use this kind of mask.

  44. M B Reply

    I work for a DME company. We do not care, personally, how much or often you are sleeping. We collect the information to send to insurance and your doctors office. I understand any information being sent can make you feel uneasy, but we are made, by law, to protect your health information at all costs, as is your doctor and insurance company. Unfortunately, unless you want to pay for treatment out of pocket, you’re subject to your insurance company having your health information. As a DME company, we don’t sell or trade your personal information. We only collect and monitor it to make sure you are wearing your mask and not having any issues, so you can keep your CPAP machine and are able to get supplies. Our goal is keeping you healthy! We can see non compliance and spot mask leaks and such before you realize there is a problem. Don’t be paranoid. No one is out there being sneaky with your sleep information. We’re only trying to help you- wireless is much more convenient than having to make trips to the office or mailing in cards. We can see the info online and get it over to the insurance company so there is no lapse in payment and your machine won’t be picked up! Also, your DME company should NOT be changing your settings without permission from your doctor. If you suspect such, speak with them and the doctor. We do not shut off machines either. Happy sleeping!

  45. Shari Flanders Reply

    He only said to me that i have come to the right place were i will be getting my heart desire. He told me what i need to do, After it was done, 24 hours later, My Ex Husband called me on the phone and was saying sorry for living me and the kids before now and one week after my Husband called me to be pleading for forgiveness,.. I am so happy and overwhelmed that my Husband is back for good, ………Robinson_bucler@yahoo. com_____________________❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️…………..

  46. Brenda Sue Palmer Reply

    How do I get a cpap compliance summery for AHI for DMV in Virginia from my Dr.

  47. Brenda Sue Palmer Reply

    Need to send a cpap compliance summery for AHI for DMV in Virginia

  48. Tony Kaus Reply

    I am FURIOUS! This “feature” (wirelessly reporting usage) was NOT disclosed to me! Where does HIPPA stand on this?!?!? Furthermore, I got a nasty-gram just two days after I first turned it on. The wrong mask was sent to me so I had to go back to using my old machine. I believe I will buy my own machine – I never thought I would ever use this term in a public post but, unless “they” censor me, I’m going to go ahead and say “screw” big brother. My god – 1984!!!

  49. Tony Kaus Reply

    BTW: I’ve used my CPAP for 15 years – 99.9% compliance – otherwise I get a horrible sore throat. I do not need big brother looking over my shoulder to see what I am doing. But, one thing is for sure – I did NOT get a disclosure. There are all those insane/inane disclosures with mortgages, credit cards, etc., but where was this disclosure.
    AND, are we all so willing now to give up our personal freedoms? Why would someone get a CPAP and not use it? Or, why would someone be diagnosed with CPAP need if they don’t need to use it.
    Our freedom is being so eroded so rapiday it is horrifying.

  50. Katie Reply

    I got diagnosed with sleep apnea four months ago and have struggled to make my compliance. I try extremely hard but often have difficulty using my machine, as it sometimes triggers my asthma. Many times I am also so sick that I cant even get enough energy to clean it, and I don’t want to make myself sicker by using a dirty machine. The forced compliance system via monitoring has made me so sick with stress that I suffer from depression many days. When I explained to my doctor why I was having difficulty making my compliance due to other health conditions I was also struggling with, they were not understanding. Rather than finding solutions to help me, they threatened to take my machine away, even though I managed to make my insurance compliance. This system is completely unreasonable and unfair to the patient. In addition- it hinders the reality that people have good and bad days. My health care provider said they would take my cpap away if I started to feel better…but what if I feel worse again later? More money for another sleep study, a years wait to get the results, and I am suffering for nothing. This should be stopped as it creates an unbair burden on very sick patients mentally and physically, and is an incredible violation of privacy.

  51. Katie Reply

    On days I have forced myself to use my cpap even when it is making me suffocate from triggering my asthma or when it is dirty because I was too exhausted to clean it, all because I was afraid of losing the one thing that could help me. Doctors and implementers of this system should be ashamed of what they are putting on sick patients who are already struggling with many burdens and stresses. No patient is one size fits all, we all have different reasons for doing things, and it might not always make sense to providers or insurances.

  52. Don Hite Reply

    I’ve read many of the comments here and have a different attitude about it than most. I have a CPAP machine that I don’t use. I used it for a few months, but I didn’t like it and every morning I woke up without the mask on. It was on the floor, so I obviously removed it during the night. No amount of medical or corporate “peer” pressure (in the form of automated compliance checking) is going to change my behavior. No one has taken my machine away, but if they want to, they’re welcome to it. I’m not in junior high school anymore, so I don’t bend to peer pressure. As far as I’m concerned, this automated compliance thing is a non-issue. Check for compliance all you want – take away my machine or prevent me from buying supplies if you want (by the way, you can get supplies on Amazon.com often cheaper than your copay) – but if I don’t want to use the blasted thing, I won’t use it.

  53. tina Reply

    Half of you are bonkers. You’re carrying around cell phones and worried about what a CPAP is transmitting?? Wow.
    You are in control of your own health. Keep your equipment clean and if you don’t want to use it, don’t. You are the only one that will suffer the consequences of that. These things aren’t prescribed unless medically necessary and only because YOU went to the doctor with a complaint.

  54. Dave Reynolds Reply

    Here’s my problem. I have OSA, no question. My insurance is covering my machine and treatment. My return to work is predicated upon my successful acceptance and treatment. Thus far, no problems. However, I have been prescribed a CPAP pressure (fixed). I have been given a machine. I feel like CRAP because my treatment is not suiting me well. My machine is capable of APAP. I can re-program the machine to meet my therapeutic needs much better. However, if I do that, I will not be operating as prescribed. And the government agency which DEMANDS I be treated as prescribed will with hold my authorization to work. So, this slavish insistence on reporting is actually counter-productive. I will use this machine as prescribed every night and the reports will go in as “compliant” and I will still feel like crap.

  55. Anonymous Male Reply

    I am so embarrassed! I lied to a couple ladies at my doctors office saying I was using my cpap every night prior to a remote video follow up meeting with my doctor because of COVID. They said something must be wrong with my modem as no data has been captured for 3 months! They gave me instructions and told me to reschedule back with my doctor. The cpap company bugged me to order more supplies but told them I was given extra during my sleep study. Why is everyone so aggressive and demanding that I keep using this damn thing. I used it for the first 3 months to comply initially, but now I want out!

  56. Patrick Rodgers Reply

    I missed 40 days off my machine due to coronavirus can I still get a good percentage out the year

  57. James David Mcbride Reply

    Hello my name is David i drive a school bus in Alabama my doctor told me i needed a sleep study after I told him i couldn’t sleep well because I back has problems but I did what he said left the study 4 years ago no one said i had to have a cpap at that time this year i took my 4th dot physical and was asked if I was still on cpap i said i never got it so now im taking it again have lost weight but they said i had mild sleep disorder why do they go around the bush to but people on this when there are bigger problems I’ve been on a school bus driving at 3 and 4 in the morning from a track meet or other ball games that to me is more unsafe than losing a little sleep

  58. don b Reply

    Is it possible for someone to be changing the pressure remotely without my permission? I have been using CPAP for a few years successfully, but I dumped the DME company a long time ago because they were pestering me to buy additional supplies far more often than I needed. I can get them online for not too much money and a lot less hassle. I’ve had the impression that the CPAP pressure is very low sometimes and very high others. Is it possible the DME supplier is messing with me? Or is my machine getting old and having problems?

  59. Chris Uguccini Reply

    Forget the insurance companies, just buy your own CPAP machine. I did for $60 a month for 12 months. Sad part is I still have to turn off airplane mode.

  60. Dee Kay Reply

    I haven’t read all the comments, so this may be a repeat.
    Just how many people NOT using the cpap actually reorder supplies? Does the cost of paying for the communications components really offset the costs of unused cushions, hoses, filters, etc.?
    I’ve been a user for almost 5 years and my current machine is at least 5 years old. Does anyone think my machine has this capability?

    • Dee Kay Reply

      and, by the way, would this have this capability without me knowing it?

  61. Leonard Girard Reply

    I have very very bad dry mouth in the AM after my therapy at night. I sleep from 6-8 hours a night, use a full face mas, and even used a chin strap. I purchased over the counter dry mouth spray & also from the Dentist, talked to my MD, no answers! Does the cpap industry or anybody have any ideas.

  62. Yaj R Reply

    The entire CPAP industry seems to be very close to a major scam. My machine gave me frequent problems but my local provider repeatedly ignored my calls and emails. Even shipped wrong parts but refused to admit it and then shipped correct parts. ALL were charged to medicare!! My Dr. finally got involved with some satisfaction….but the machine frequently failed during the night , pressure drops (not due to leaks), incorrect data sent on numerous occassions, hours of usage incorrect etc. The vendor refused to replace the device., said it was working fine. I contacted Medicare to complain and could not receive even the simplest of rationale answers from the division that actually deals with the CPAP billing. I was told actual expenses and cost for my machine and equipment was not available to the user!!! Medicare is spending hundreds/thousands of dollars for a product that never really worked. BUT no one seems to really care and they keep sending me supplies I did not request and billing Medicare who pays over and over….again not at my request. I’m about to switch to an implant device because CPAP etc does not work for me and the machine seems to be junk….nearly all plastic with air pump that fails regularly!! How much are the companies really making off of insurance companies (particularly medicare)….we’ll never know because the users can’t get the right numbers. My machine ‘lists’ for over $3000 …are you kidding me! How much medicare really paid…..who knows?! My invoices make no sense, by design, related to cost of devices, supplies, rental agreement I can’t even begin to comprehend and which will not be explained to me by Medicare or my vendor (Dr. is totally out of the billing issue with these devices) etc etc. And now we lean that Phillips had to implement a MAJOR recall do to the crap machines they produced and dumped onto the public with significant health risks!!! And people still want a single payer government run health care system….pure insanity!

  63. Kimmi Reply

    When I went for my initial consult, I was told I had sleep apnea and would need a CPAP before even doing the Sleep study. I felt like the doctor was giving me a sales pitch. Had the sleep study and was told I had mild sleep apnea and needed a CPAP. Was told I consistently had x number of occurances every hour. I only slept solid the 1st hour and a half and then was awake ever 30-45 minutes because I could not sleep on my stomach….. total lies. There is no way that data is accurate.

  64. Fitness Articles Reply

    Good job! please keep it up.

  65. Ms Stewart Reply

    Recently My device was recalled and I had to be set up for a new one. I’m now constantly being harassed by the health equipment provider. They are saying that I need to surrender the machine or pay for it. Because Im in none compliance with my insurance company. I feel like Im being harassed and Im not a 5th grader. I have all kinds of health issue going on, up and down all night long. It’s been this way for years. So why now does I feel like this machine is doing to much like invading my privacy. I will surrender the machine and I pray nothing happens to me before I can get a attorney, this health equipment company will be in question for their nasty attitude and disrespectful ways. I do have a print out of sleep report from smart phone and for a fact they are wrong.

    • Shawty Reply

      I am in the same situation but i didnt give my back my other sleep doctor told me to keep mine and i am i offered to pay for it the monthly cost they said there head company said no private pay and they cant sell the machine cause there is a shortage i have had sleep apnea for years but got diagnose in 2015 the other company was over charging me a big scam and they never sent me supplies then when i went to a new pulmonary doctor in 2020 my insurance would not pay for it but they will pay for thousands of dollars in insulin but wont pay to help me lose weight lol funny but not funny then these equipment providers want to down grade us and talk stuff told me u had 5 minutes to lower my voice or she was hanging up on me i use my machine every time i sleep i have sleep apnea insomnia I’m also on oxygen that wasn’t bleed into my machine have covid and delta virus so its there fault they don’t have there money over greed i am not giving them nothing i could die with out it and they not gonna have me scared if i die its not gonna be because the equipment provider wants to be nasty and rude it’s her fault that the compliance didn’t go through she could of called me and say heads up you need to try a little harder i cant make my self sleep i take medicine to sleep

  66. Kristin Kuebler Reply

    I have decided not to use a CPAP Machine as I am in a situation where I am living in between 3 different residences. I am concerned about them having a GPS on the machine and monitoring where I am staying. I really do not think that is any of their business. And can they release that information to my insurance or other family members?

  67. Patricia Reply

    Can you put the machine on after midnight , or will it show you missed a night

  68. Christine Reply

    I do not agree to 24/7 surveillance via the built in cellular modem by Phillips, my healthcare provider, insurance company or anyone else of my sleep habits, when I go to bed, when I wake up, how I’m sleeping, where-when-how I’m traveling or anything else. It is the most flagrant invasion of privacy I’ve ever seen especially considering the sneaky way the parties colluded on implementing this practice without telling me and getting my consent. I found out this was going on by pure happenstance. I understand their need for the data and am OK with my healthcare provider downloading it from a SIM card every 6 moths when I go in for a follow-up visit. With the Dream Station 1 I could remove the modem. With the DS 2 it’s built in and you can only deactivate it for 3 days in airplane mode before it automatically reactivates itself. This is sick. If I can’t find a way to permanently deactivate this function I will stop using the machine, my healthcare provider and go without treatment or self treat if I have to.

  69. C. W. Reply

    A backdoor for ‘good’ is still a backdoor. Forget spying, what about when someone discovers a way to make the device malfunction? Pop your lungs with overpressure? Reverse a pump and suffocate you? Not the DME company, bad guys. Maybe a stupid bot will try to infect the device and break it by accident while trying to spread itself, leaving you without it working correctly in some way but still reporting that it’s OK.

    Long story short, this ‘phone home’ behavior is indefensible from a privacy, safety, and good netizenship standpoint. As soon as the ‘rental’ is done, I’ll cracking it open to physically disable the modem, and paying for the supplies myself out of pocket.

  70. AC Reply

    Last time the doctor gave me a CPAP with a wireless modem I had to sign a disclosure about the fact that the machine is collecting data.

    In the disclosure it said that the US Government can access this data without permission for “terrorist” reasons, that is according to the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act sooner or later is likely to be abused to combat a loosely defined “domestic terrorism”, which is basically thinking outside of the approved narrative.

    When I told my doctor I am not comfortable signing because of that clause, she said “what do you have to hide”?

  71. David Webb Reply

    I recently called Medicare to verify that my compliance/usage had been properly reported. The person I got had no idea that such a thing was required. She was adamant that all they would do was wait until my doctor told them that I not longer needed it. Can you point me to relevant medicare rules so I can go back and talk about this sensibly–I cannot find them given all the other CPAP related materials on line and the fairly useless search engine on the Medicare website.

  72. Barbara R Valley Reply

    Am I missing something regarding “privacy”? Pretty sure no one in the world is in the least bit concerned, other than Medicare and my Doctor, if I am using a sleep apnea device and the “data” it could provide. If some spy wants to know this, God bless ’em.

  73. Tom Errico Reply

    The whole premise is stupid. Why would I order supplies for a device that I am not using? If someone is ordering the mask and filter and hose and water tank etc., then obviously they either A. use the device, or B. want to use the device. If they use the device, they show proof, and the insurance company has to give them the supplies. If they have not been using the device, then either the patient goes and has ANOTHER sleep study done, which the insurance company has to pay for anyway, then the insurance company has to end up paying for the supplies, OR the patient, decides PAP compliance is too much of a hassle, and ends up going untreated for apnea, and gets a stroke or some other major problem which the insurance company then has to shell out WAY MORE money than the $400 or so in supplies would have cost them. It’s better to just don’t ask any questions and just cover the damn supplies.

  74. Elliander A Eldridge Reply

    The “4 hour rule” established by Medicare is a violation of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). This is because some individuals have a variant of the DEC2 gene which prevents them from being capable of sleeping more than 4 hours a night. Since it is illegal for health insurance companies to use genetic information in decisions about a person’s health insurance eligibility coverage, and since there’s no way to determine if someone is physically able to use the machine for 4 hours without genetic testing, it’s automatically discriminatory.

    There are also variants of the gene that makes it possible to sleep more than 6 hours, but for most nights it’s still difficult to sleep more than 4. To give an analogy: While some people will sleep for 8 hours a night, most people can also occasionally sleep for 12 hours. Therefore even if the data shows that you have used it for 4 hours or more in the past that isn’t enough to prove that you don’t have this trait.

    Even if you don’t have this genetic trait the underlying fact is that it cannot be determined your insurance eligibility one way or another. And since it cannot be used one way or another that means even those without this condition cannot legally be forced to use such a device for 4 hours since the requirement would force them to disclose genetic data.

    Additionally: Some people experience what is known as Biphasic sleep. This is where a person sleeps in two segments per day. This used to be extremely common. Sudies show that when a person only experiences 10 hours of light per day they tend to sleep in two chunks. It’s less common today because of technology, but some people still experience it. Now, how does the CPAP machine define a day? If the device just tracks how much you use it each time you slept it would erronously report that you didn’t use it the full 4 hours even if you used it more than 7 hours in a 24-hour span.

  75. Glenn Reply

    So, I own my own fairy new machine which doesn’t have a modem nor a memory card, yet I need new supplies. Am I required to buy new machine or a modem just to prove compliance but also have my privacy violated, as well? I’ve been using CPAP for 25 years.

  76. Bob Reply

    I think it’s an invasion of privacy, not only the fact that the insurance company can see that you are using your machine, the fact that the doctor can modify its settings for pressure Etc…
    In this sick world with queer people pushing an agenda on people, What if the doctor goes nuts and decides to modify the device so that it could injure you by putting too much pressure or something?
    Like someone in your room strangles you while you’re sleeping.

  77. ilan Reply

    I enjoy the mix of practical advice and uplifting messages in your blog posts.

  78. Nancy Scott Reply

    After the last rental payment is made, the patient owns the device.

  79. connections unlimited Reply

    For sleep apnea patients, here’s some advice to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. Firstly, consult with a medical professional to diagnose and treat your condition. Follow your prescribed treatment plan, which may include using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or other devices. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, ensuring you get enough restful sleep each night. Avoid alcohol and sedatives, as they can worsen your symptoms. Sleep on your side instead of your back to keep your airways open. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and maintaining a balanced diet. Lastly, prioritize stress reduction techniques like meditation or relaxation exercises to promote better sleep.

  80. Michael Hardware Reply

    I have the Airsense 11 and it works really well. I like that it sends info back to show compliance. I also thinks it is an invasion of my privacy but I would rather pay $300 for my equipment instead of $1400.
    If people have an issue with invasion of their privacy then they should bypass the insurance company and pay the full price of their machines out of pocket.

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