Posted by Captin Cannuck on June 25, 2008 at 12:14:33:In Reply to: Why So Expensive In Canada? posted by Saving Monet on June 24, 2008 at 15:38:17:
I recently broke my mirage nasal facemask. I walked into a sleep apnea supplier in Halifax NS. The masks ranged between 250 and almost 400.00. The Quattro was the most expensive. Almost 400 bucks. I snapped the plastic. I went down to the Canadian Tire and bought some crazy glue. I bought a new pair of shop googles and a box cutter. I used the plastic from the lenses to make reinforcement strips. I solved the problem for under 10 bucks. The mask works just fine.
About prices in Canada - you can get good deals on the internet. Far far more competitive than if you walked into a shop. There are Canadian internet providers who will sell you a Resmed Quattro much less than the price we were quoted. The 55.00 is a fabulous deal.
When it comes to CPAP, masks, etc., the big trick is to eliminate the middle-man.
About masks - I have two questions:
1. Why are the prices so high. This is a gouging. People who have sleep apnea have no choice, so if they accidentally break a mask, they must replace it. I don't think it is right that they really stick it to us.
2. Why is the plastic on these masks so brittle. It breaks so easily. If I am going to pay 320 bucks, surely they can make a more resilient mask. I am sure they have light weight plastics which are stronger than what they are giving us.