Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by Aloha on Monday September 16, 2024 @01:44PM
(#41558548)
What bothers me is that you need a prescription to get a mask for a CPAP - I kinda get the prescription needed for the CPAP - but the accessory mask - that just seems absurd to me.
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Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by elric on Monday September 16, 2024 @03:22PM
(#41559552)
You don't need a prescription for CPAP masks and you don't need a prescription for CPAP devices. You can freely buy both in most parts of the world. If you happen to live somewhere where you can't (and you can't get a prescription for some reason), then I suggest you find an online reseller anyway.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by david-gpu on Monday September 16, 2024 @03:55PM
(#41560003)
From a few minutes on Google, it appears like most developed countries require a prescription to purchase a CPAP device, including the US (varies per state), Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, France and Italy.
The most notable exceptions I find are Japan and Singapore, where it can be purchased without an Rx.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by elric on Monday September 16, 2024 @04:25PM
(#41560407)
I think those places need a prescription in order for insurance to pay for the machine, not to buy the machine.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by david-gpu on Monday September 16, 2024 @04:49PM
(#41560717)
That is incorrect in at least Canada and Spain.
As for other developed countries, they typically have universal healthcare and the patient does not need to pay for CPAP devices. Regardless, insurance and prescriptions are orthogonal.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by abrichr on Monday September 16, 2024 @05:57PM
(#41561459)
You can order them online, not sure if a prescription is required:
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by david-gpu on Monday September 16, 2024 @06:38PM
(#41561897)
You need to email them or fax them a prescription. I live in Canada. I know this for a fact. I had to do it myself.
From the website you linked:
> All CPAP machines require a prescription for shipment. Details of submitting a prescription are provided below. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us toll-free at 1-855-542-2727.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by blackeyeblitzar on Monday September 16, 2024 @05:49PM
(#41561363)
No, you need a prescription in the US. And that prescription is withheld by sleep specialist “doctors” until you do an expensive and unnecessary sleep study. These doctors serve no useful role other than telling you really obvious things, but you are forced into multiple appointments with them just for the prescriptions. Going through insurance then can require at least one more follow up appointment, but sometimes more depending on your plan. Some of them require multiple appointments where the doctor confirms your usage.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by MagicMoonlight on Tuesday September 17, 2024 @07:26AM
(#41566533)
That’s not true at all, I purchased mine in the UK without a prescription.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by david-gpu on Tuesday September 17, 2024 @08:21AM
(#41566898)
The websites I found indicate that a prescription is required in the UK to purchase a CPAP machine. If you have any alternative links, please do share.
Here is an example of what I found:
> Do I need a prescription to buy a CPAP mask?
> You do need to provide written confirmation of CPAP suitability when ordering a machine, but this is not required for a CPAP mask.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by outworlder on Monday September 16, 2024 @03:20PM
(#41559532)
I bought masks at sleeplay and another cpap store and they didn't ask for prescriptions. Sleeplay did ask for a prescription when I wanted to buy a travel CPAP.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by Bjartr on Monday September 16, 2024 @01:46PM
(#41558584)
Looks like there's plenty of masks available on Amazon. I suspect a major part of why the mask gets a prescription is to make insurance covering it simpler.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by TylerE on Monday September 16, 2024 @03:10PM
(#41559426)
There's a funny workaround where mask parts don't require a subscription. The ones I've seen on Amazon are usually selling parts, perhaps a kit of parts, and not a complete mask.
Re:Apple Watch sleep apnea detection gets FDA approval
by kube-system on Monday September 16, 2024 @02:13PM
(#41558858)
Yeah, doctors can write a prescription for over the counter drugs for this reason.