Buy a Second CPAP Mask or CPAP Machine Using FSA or HSA Account!

Being prepared is always a good thing, especially for people in sleep apnea therapy using CPAP machines and CPAP masks. The last thing these patients need is to have some piece of their therapy equipment wear out or malfunction and not have a replacement on hand. In fact, it is often a good idea to have more than one type of CPAP mask available.

Today, many people’s medical coverage with their employers includes a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA). People and families who have these plans often get good tax savings across a number of areas including prescription drugs, medical care, child care, dependent care, and durable medical equipment such as CPAP masks and machines.

Some of these plans give those covered by them an FSA debit card to use in paying for services and products. It makes it all very convenient, particularly for sleep apnea patients when purchasing CPAP machines, CPAP masks, and related equipment.

Use your FSA or HSA Account to Buy a Second CPAP Mask or Machine!

More importantly, if you have an FSA or HSA, there is a “use it or lose it” policy that states you must use the coverage money each year before the coverage period ends. In other words, you can’t carry unspent money into the next coverage year, which in most cases begins January 1. (Ask your plan administrator or look at your plan paperwork to confirm the start/end date of your specific plan.)

Because you must spend the money during the coverage period, it’s the perfect time to think about purchasing an extra CPAP mask or a new CPAP machine. Also, consider some of the CPAP accessories such as headgear or mask cushions that may be wearing out and are always good to have on hand for backup.

For example, you could use some of your FSA or HSA money to get a new hose, extra filters, humidifier chambers, replacement parts, headgear, chinstraps, cleaning supplies, and more. The SoClean2 mask and tubing sanitizing machine is an example of a piece of equipment that will make your CPAP maintenance so much easier - and better - especially during cold and flu season!  The CPAP Shop carries accessories from all the top manufacturers such as Philips Respironics, ResMed, Devilbiss, and Fisher & Paykel. Shopping and ordering online is quick, easy, and secure.  The SoClean sanitizing cleaner and VirtuCLEAN sanitizing cleaners make daily cleaning of CPAP masks, tubes, headgear, and machines a snap!

Everyone on CPAP understands how critical sleep therapy is to their health. A night without therapy means being deprived of a good night’s sleep. This is why physicians and sleep specialists encourage sleep apnea patients to stock up on supplies and always have an optimally running machine and a backup CPAP mask. If you’re an employee with money in a healthcare spending or savings account, now might be the right time to stock up on needed equipment.

Although you may have purchased a new CPAP machine several years ago, it may or may not have been the best in terms of features and convenience as machines have made significant leaps in technology. Now that you are a more sophisticated user, you understand how some of the newer machines can provide functionality that can truly make your life easier. Why not take the plunge and use your FSA funds to purchase the model that provides those features?

Unfortunately, we tend to adjust to inconveniences with workarounds or experience a moment of frustration at the moment that it impacts us. Constant CPAP mask adjustments during the night, worn cushions that are irritating, running out of filters and waiting on a reorder, and the general amount of real estate that the CPAP machine and separate humidifier take up on the night table are all examples.

These are all perfect examples of the ‘squeaky wheel’ syndrome when it comes to CPAP therapy. That’s because even though it may not be broken, you may have gotten used to being inconvenienced or not even realizing that you are compromising on getting the full benefit from your therapy.

A New Year means time for new beginnings, so start with an ample supply of CPAP supplies so that you don’t have to reorder in a panic or run out of what you need. Put that flexible savings account to good use by purchasing CPAP supplies or CPAP equipment now. This is a win/win as you don’t want to throw the money away by losing it at the end of the year.

You may want to purchase a new Auto CPAP machine with data display capabilities like the ResMed AirSense10, or a travel machine like the DreamStation Go Auto or the AirMini!

If we can answer any questions about our CPAP products, just give us a call at (866) 414-9700. You can also contact us through our website.

Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes and is frequently tapped to provide reviews on new releases.