Iowa couple frustrated with delays of CPAP replacement

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Everyone knows the sudden concern of making an attempt to catch our breath.

An Iowa man lives with that feeling daily and evening however he’s unable to make use of a doubtlessly life-saving machine.

Final yr a CPAP machine bought by Medicare got here as a breath of recent air for Duane Dreager.

“With out that masks on forcing air into me, as quickly as I lay down my sinuses simply kick in like I’m making an attempt to drown,” mentioned Duane.

Then a CPAP recall seven months in the past had him taking a deep breath.

“It’s scary as a result of it’s supposed to save lots of your life. As a substitute, it might make you worse,” mentioned Duane.

Docs advisable Duane watch for Phillips to exchange his CPAP gadget forcing his spouse Karen to carry her breath at bedtime.

”He simply sits up preventing for air, so he simply sleeps within the recliner. On a regular basis, ever since October,” mentioned Karen.

Underneath federal rules, suppliers should exchange tools lower than 5 years previous at no cost. On fastened incomes, the Dreager’s can’t afford to pay for a CPAP so that they registered with Phillips Respironics and have waited months for a substitute.

“Why can they not get machines out to those folks? We’re not the one ones if there are that many, 1000’s recalled which are preventing this battle,” mentioned Karen.

A Phillips spokesman tells 6 Information the Dreager’s scenario has been forwarded to a affected person care staff with a request for a well timed follow-up. The couple says a substitute CPAP machine is lengthy overdue.

“That’s the place it’ll go proper again to the closest,” mentioned Duane.

After 6 Information contacted Medicare, a mediator reached out to each the Dreager’s and Philips Respironics.

They’ve been instructed a substitute CPAP machine has been ordered. The couple can count on supply inside a month.

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