By now, you’re probably aware that CPAP supplies have an expiration date, so you need to follow a regular replacement schedule. But what happens when you don’t like the updated product you received? Are you actually stuck with that CPAP machine for the next 5 years until your insurance provider will cover a new one? What about ordering CPAP masks and basic accessories—like CPAP filters—outside of the replacement schedule?
All of these questions and more are answered below, as Aeroflow Sleep explains how and when you can swap CPAP equipment in today’s blog.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Can You Trade In A CPAP Machine?
When Should You Change Your CPAP Mask?
What Is The Process For Swapping Out Old CPAP Equipment For New?
Will Insurance Cover A Second CPAP Machine And More Supplies?
Why Do I Want To Switch To Aeroflow Sleep?
CPAP SUPPLIES THROUGH INSURANCE:
Aeroflow Sleep is in-network with most primary insurance companies and is accreditted by Medicare and Medicaid. Complete our Qualify Through Insurance Form, and we will automatically check to see if your plan covers CPAP supplies; including a machine, mask, and accessories. ***Must have a sleep study to qualify.***
You will also receive the care and attention every sleep apnea patient deserves; one-on-one clinical support in-home or via telehealth, a dedicated Sleep Specialist you can contact during business hours, and a user-friendly online portal with tailored replacement schedule, important updates and notifications, and educational resources.
Let us take the headache out of healthcare. Join the Aeroflow Sleep family today! It only takes 5-7 minutes to get started.
Can You Trade In A CPAP Machine?
Trading in a CPAP machine is not the same as trading in a car. You can’t return any PAP device after months of use simply because you want to test drive the latest model. Insurance companies require medical necessity before they will agree to cover all or part of the cost of a new CPAP machine, regardless of where you are in the replacement schedule.
Let’s say you’ve noticed your CPAP therapy isn’t actually giving you the same quality sleep it once did. Symptoms can change and the severity of your sleep apnea may change with them, particularly with new or worsening medical conditions; such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. One study even shows how night-to-night variability in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity could be associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
Instances like these are when you may be eligible for a “trade-in.” Talk to your primary care physician, because, for this example, you might benefit from using bilevel positive airway pressure instead of continuous positive airway pressure (or, BiPAP instead of CPAP,) and you may need to increase your air pressure settings.
When Should You Change Your CPAP Mask?
Some might say that changing your CPAP mask is easier to manage. 5 years is the longest length of time between replacements, and that’s for your APAP, BiPAP, or CPAP machines. You definitely don’t have to wait years for a mask swap! Yet, CPAP masks have multiple parts, and each part has its own lifespan…
- Every 2 Weeks: Replace your nasal cushions and/or nasal pillows
- Every Month: Replace your full-face mask cushion
- Every 3 Months: Replace your mask frames & CPAP tubing
- Every 6 Months: Replace your headgear and chin straps
You will also need a medical reason to change your CPAP mask, just like if you need to change your CPAP machine outside of this schedule. In fact, insurance companies are less likely to cover a CPAP mask outside of the replacement schedule if it has an air leak or if the elasticity of your headgear is loose. This indicates to them that you haven’t been taking proper care of your products.
What does proper CPAP care look like? CPAP devices require cleaning and maintenance to avoid nasty build up and harmful bacteria. Otherwise, you may start to see increased side effects, skin irritation, or get sick! First thing in the morning, you should empty your humidifier water chamber. Then, you should wash your CPAP mask cushion in warm, soapy water daily; CPAP tubing and the water chamber can be washed weekly. Finally, once the parts have completely dried, you can fill your machine back up with distilled water for another night of use. Watch Michelle Worley, Registered Nurse and Aeroflow Sleep’s Director of Clinical Operations, take you through each step!
New CPAP users do get one extra benefit when they choose Aeroflow Sleep; we offer a free 30-day mask guarantee on your first order. That means you can exchange any mask for a new type, size, or manufacturer within your first 30 days. You could go from the ResMed AirFit N20 Nasal CPAP Mask to the Fisher & Paykel Evora Full-Face CPAP Mask. Those are two entirely different masks, but we understand how important it is to find the right CPAP mask.
The Sleep and Health Journal - Chicago says patients with an ill-fitting CPAP mask are 60% more likely to stop treatment. That’s why we also offer an exclusive mask-fitting technology for all patients, but you still cannot get it covered by insurance if you aren’t due for another mask yet. Ask your dedicated Aeroflow Sleep Specialist about either offer.
What Is The Process For Swapping Out Old CPAP Equipment For New?
Now that we’ve gone over the replacement schedule, it’s time we laid out the process for swapping out old CPAP equipment. First and foremost, you’ll want to ask yourself if you’ve worked with Aeroflow Sleep before, because the same features and benefits may not be available elsewhere.
If you already receive CPAP supplies from Aeroflow Sleep, you can log in to My Account to view your tracker. Should you have any supplies due for replacement soon, they will be automatically selected and listed for you within the tracker. You may even have an order processing! You can also manually place orders directly below the tracker should anything be missing or require edits.
To join the Aeroflow Sleep family for the first time, please fill out this online qualification form. It takes 5-7 minutes to complete, and all we ask is that you please have your insurance information handy. With your information, our expert staff will navigate the complexities of the insurance process all on your behalf. For example, we know insurance companies require one claim from one DME provider at a time; we’ll take care of the switch from your current provider to Aeroflow Sleep so you don’t have to.
Your CPAP therapy is very important no matter where you are in your sleep apnea journey, and Aeroflow Sleep wants to ensure you’re receiving the best sleep apnea treatment possible.
Will Insurance Cover A Second CPAP Machine And More Supplies?
Remember, insurance will cover a “second” CPAP machine and more supplies if they are replacement parts. Upgrading from the ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset to the ResMed AirSense 11 can only happen after 5 years have passed. A travel CPAP machine, heated humidification, or more than a dozen disposable filters at one time are not going to be covered. Furthermore, anything outside of the replacement schedule is up to your insurance provider’s guidelines and, most likely, will not be covered. That said, Aeroflow Sleep advocates for you and will negotiate to get you the best coverage possible for your eligible medical equipment.
Aeroflow Sleep works with most private insurance companies; such as Aetna, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare, and more. We are also accredited by Medicare and Medicaid and accept a combination of primary and secondary insurances among that list. We’re even in-network with Tricare, the preferred insurance provider for active U.S. military, veterans, and their families.
Why Do I Want To Switch To Aeroflow Sleep?
The truth is… You’re probably a long-time CPAP user, but things have changed over the years. As the machine’s integrated tech and mask options evolve, you’re left figuring out how it all works. If the machine doesn’t work, you’re stuck with it. Returns are unlikely. Plus, reaching a real-life customer service representative for any help in real time is increasingly difficult. It’s almost like the supplier only wants to profit from you as a patient and doesn’t actually care about you as a person.
Aeroflow Sleep isn’t like that. You want to switch suppliers not just for the benefits of receiving better quality CPAP equipment and healthcare but because, with us, you will be treated as a human equal. Join the Aeroflow Sleep family, if you haven’t already done so, by signing up below. If you’re already a patient of ours, welcome home, and thank you for making the switch!
Need Fresh CPAP Supplies?
From CPAP machines and masks to tubing and filters, Aeroflow Sleep covers your sleep apnea essentials up to 100% through insurance. Plus, you'll be paired with a dedicated Sleep Specialist, get access to our user-friendly patient portal, and receive world-class resources like our AI mask-fitting technology.
About the Author
Meagan Remmes is passionate about educating new and existing sleep apnea patients on the benefits of receiving PAP supplies through insurance. With nearly a decade of writing experience, she has worked with a wide range of clients in the past; including Mission Hospital, Ingles Markets, Omni Hotels & Resorts, and Advance Auto Parts. In her free time, you may find her hanging out with her dog, hiking with her husband, or reading a good book in blissful solitude.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
References
Lechat B, Loffler KA, Reynolds AC, Naik G, Vakulin A, Jennings G, Escourrou P, McEvoy RD, Adams RJ, Catcheside PG, Eckert DJ. High night-to-night variability in sleep apnea severity is associated with uncontrolled hypertension. NPJ Digit Med. 2023 Mar 30;6(1):57. doi: 10.1038/s41746-023-00801-2. PMID: 36991115; PMCID: PMC10060245.
Ilshapira. “Finding a Comfortable CPAP Mask: Problems with Mask Fit Frequently Leads to Patients Stopping CPAP Therapy.” Sleep and Health Journal - Chicago, 26 Sept. 2010, www.sleepandhealth.com/finding-a-comfortable-cpap-mask-problems-with-mask-fit-frequently-leads-to-patients-stopping-cpap-therapy/.
“Go to Tricare Home.” TRICARE, tricare.mil/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.
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