Issues with shipping CPAP machines to Taiwan - Any advice?

[WWu777]

Hi Everyone,

I joined this forum because I need some advice on a few issues. Here's my situation.

I am in Taiwan now and was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago. The CPAP machines here cost around 2000 dollars, which is a ripoff and more than double what they cost in the US. I don't know why. But I don't want to pay that much. When I was in Philippines, the prices were similar too. So I was gonna buy one from CheapCPAPSupplies.com and have it shipped to me here. However the CPAP specialist I talked to here said that if I tried to do that, the Taiwanese customs may refuse the delivery and send it back, because there are customs restrictions on CPAP machines being imported here via mail. He said I'd have to go back to the US to get it or have someone bring it for me on their flight over here.

Is that true? Can you guys ask anyone you know who has tried to ship CPAP machines to Taiwan before? Or look up the customs regulations in regards to shipping CPAP machines to Taiwan? I'm unable to find anything through Google search.

If I cannot get a CPAP machine shipped here internationally, then I'll have to wait til I go back to the US which could be several months. Do you have any suggestions on what I should do? All the CPAP machines in Asia seem to be around 2,000 dollars or so. This is a travesty I think, because what if someone here is too poor to afford it? Then they would be putting their life at risk simply because of cost. Kind of stupid. Is sleep apnea supposed to be a "rich person's disease"? lol. It seems so, at least here in Asia.

What do you all recommend?

Thanks,
Winston

PS - One more question. If I have someone watch me while I sleep and they say I no longer choke or gasp for air while I sleep, does that mean I no longer have sleep apnea? How loud does the snoring have to be for it to be considered sleep apnea? And does one have to be heard gasping for air and choking for them to have sleep apnea? Thanks.

[Kelly @ Intus]

Good Morning,

Thank you for your post.

Firstly, I would suggest being retested for sleep apnoea again, as things can change since you were last tested.

Then if you need a CPAP machine I would suggest contacting the manufacturer of the CPAP Machine you would like, that is close to your location and see what the price is. If this is not affordable, then I would talk to a courier company who ships to and from Taiwan to see if there is any issues with shipping a CPAP machine to your location.

At present we are still shipping to the UK and EU countries.

Please let us know how you get on.

Kelly

[WWu777]

Good Morning,

Thank you for your post.

Firstly, I would suggest being retested for sleep apnoea again, as things can change since you were last tested.

Then if you need a CPAP machine I would suggest contacting the manufacturer of the CPAP Machine you would like, that is close to your location and see what the price is. If this is not affordable, then I would talk to a courier company who ships to and from Taiwan to see if there is any issues with shipping a CPAP machine to your location.

At present we are still shipping to the UK and EU countries.

Please let us know how you get on.

Kelly

Well the price here in Asia is usually about $2000. But with the world economy going down, they may bring down the prices so I'll check again. But 2k is high, over double what I could get it for in the US.

The courier companies and CPAP suppliers I contacted all told me the same thing, that yes they can ship it to Taiwan but have no idea what the Customs laws are or whether it will be approved by Customs. They told me to contact customs about it, naturally.

So I did just that. I found their number and contacted the Taiwan Customs Office and then the FDA, after Customs told me to contact the FDA. It seems that I cannot import a CPAP machine here without a medical license from the FDA first. Otherwise, the Customs will not allow it through. However, I have no idea how to get this license from the FDA. When I call the Taiwan FDA, the person on the phone keeps transferring me to someone else, and so I keep getting passed around endlessly. It seems no one knows anything and they keep telling me to call someone else. And when I go to the Taiwan FDA website, there is no info on how to apply for an import license and no email or contact form, only a list of phone numbers on the contact page, which if I call, will result in the same thing again where I keep getting transferred and passed around. Some of the phone staff did give me an email to write to, but when I write to them, I get no response. You would think in a first world country like this, this kind of thing would be a little easier than that.

So this doesn't seem to be going anywhere and seems like a lot of trouble. I guess the only way would be for me to go to their office in Taipei and apply for the medical import license, but Taipei is far away from me, and I have no idea whether it would even be approved.

It all just seems like too much trouble. I might as well just get it in the US. However, with this coronavirus thing and lockdown, I'm not sure when I will be able to return to the US. Or when international flights will be allowed into the US again. I hope this virus fiasco is over soon. It's more trouble than it's worth and way overblown.

Or I can look for a special sale or deal in Taiwan. With the global economy going down, a lot of companies are slashing prices, so I may be able to get a good deal now on CPAP machines here.

Anyway, sorry for the disappointing update. But it means I probably can't have a CPAP machine shipped here, even if I found a great supplier.

One more thing. What do you think of this other travel CPAP machine I saw online which also looks very small?

https://www.cheapcpapsupplies.com/z2-cpap-auto

z2_auto2_in_hand2__46278.1553089925.jpg

Have you heard of it? How does it compare with the Resmed AirMini?

Thanks for your help.

[Kelly @ Intus]

Good Morning,

Thank you for your post. I am so sorry you are having so much issues trying to purchase a CPAP machine. The Coronavirus situation is not helping either. Please be patient.

With regards to the Z2 Auto CPAP machine, I cannot comment on this product as we do not sell it.

My only comments about the ResMed Airmini is that you can only use specific ResMed masks with this machine, and you would need to check if they have a 12v DC cable option or battery to use with this machine. If you can find the specifications for both machines, I would suggest comparing them and the customer review to see which one is best for you.

Kelly

[WWu777]

Update:

Good news. I found a Hong Kong supplier who will ship CPAP machines to Taiwan and said that they have experience doing so and getting it through Taiwanese customs with a good success rate. Their CPAP machines are a little more expensive than the US, at 1100 to 1200 USD, but that's ok. It's still a lot less than the 2000 USD that they charge in Taiwan for it.

If anyone is interested, their website is: https://www.cpappal.com (Am I allowed to post external links here? If not, I apologize.)

Here's what they told me by email:

Thanks for your inquiry.

We do offer free shipping for any CPAP machine to Taiwan.

We receive numerous orders from Taiwan every months. Everyone received their CPAP.

Actually CPAP is allowed to ship into Taiwan. There is a permission you can apply for through Ministry of Health and Welfare.

If your stock is being inspected, you can show the permission to get back the stock.
Although it costs time to go through certain procedures to get the permission.
But even if you do not have the permission, you can still place the order and we will ship the stock for free.

They are rarely inspected and even if so, we will ship another new package.

We guarantee the stock will arrive Taiwan.
Our store will receive payment through Paypal so Paypal will also ensure customer receiving their ordered items.

If the stock could not arrive Taiwan no matter how we ship, Paypal offer the right for customer to get back the money they paid.

More information about CPAP, you can check our website: https://shop.cpappal.com/en_us/produ...gory/autocpap/

Feel free to ask me any question or contact me through any other platform

The CPAP machines we sent mostly don't get inspected especially to Northern Taiwan. Only few were inspected and will be returned back to Hong Kong. We will then send another whole new package again. It works every time.
We will always label the stock in way so it can pass the customs faster.

For prices, you can refer to our online store:

(Ordinary Auto CPAP)

https://shop.cpappal.com/en_us/product-category/autocpap/?v=2fecf1cb3d36

(Travel Auto CPAP)

https://shop.cpappal.com/en_us/product-category/%e6%97%85%e8%a1%8c%e5%9e%8b%e7%9d%a1%e7%9c%a0%e5%91%bc%e5%90%b8%e6%a9%9f/?v=2fecf1cb3d36

The prices are based on HKD and approximately times 4 for NTD.

For instance, the most popular model Dreamstation Auto with full set will cost HKD7600 and will be about NTD34800.

We don't have the most updated information about price but I guess in Taiwan will cost about 1 fold or more higher.

For travel CPAP, Dreamstation Go Auto will be a fully functional CPAP with compact size. On the other hand, AirMini AutoSet is one of the smallest CPAP on market this moment. Both are currently the most popular travel machines.
We accept credit card payment online.
As mentioned before, payment will be transfer through Paypal so both of our rights can be protected. (No Paypal account required)

All CPAP machines come with 2 years warranty for main unit. If any problem encountered, you can ship the machine to us for repair and maintenance. Only the shipping fee for sending machines from Taiwan to Hong Kong will be paid by you. We will responsible for all other charges.

Prescription are not necessary for buying CPAP machines.

All CPAP machines' interface and user manuals are in English.

Is that a good deal? The prices he quoted for travel CPAP machines are like 1100 to 1200 USD.

Btw, look how expensive CPAP machines in Taiwan are. See here:

https://www.ezsleep.com.tw/categories/resmed

(1 US dollar = 30 NTD)

[WWu777]

Btw all, I forgot to post this update earlier about why I decided not to deal with the customs clearance issue in Taiwan:

Ok I contacted the Taiwan Customs Office and then the FDA, after Customs told me to contact the FDA. It seems that I cannot import a CPAP machine here without a medical license from the FDA first. Otherwise, the Customs will not allow it through. However, I have no idea how to get this license from the FDA. When I call the Taiwan FDA, the person on the phone keeps transferring me to someone else, and so I keep getting passed around endlessly. It seems no one knows anything and they keep telling me to call someone else. And when I go to the Taiwan FDA website, there is no info on how to apply for an import license and no email or contact form, only a list of phone numbers on the contact page, which if I call, will result in the same thing again where I keep getting transferred and passed around. Some of the phone staff did give me an email to write to, but when I write to them, I get no response. You would think in a first world country like this, this kind of thing would be a little easier than that.

So this doesn't seem to be going anywhere and seems like a lot of trouble. I guess the only way would be for me to go to their office in Taipei and apply for the medical import license, but Taipei is far away from me, and I have no idea whether it would even be approved.

It all just seems like too much trouble. I might as well just get it in the US. However, with this coronavirus thing and lockdown, I'm not sure when I will be able to return to the US. Or when international flights will be allowed into the US again. I hope this virus fiasco is over soon. It's more trouble than it's worth and way overblown.

Or I can look for a special sale or deal in Taiwan. With the global economy going down, a lot of companies are slashing prices, so I may be able to get a good deal now on CPAP machines here.

Addendum Question:

Since Taiwan FDA and Customs seem so disorganized and when you call them, no one seems to know anything, could it be possible that I might be able to sneak a CPAP machine past them? lol. Since the one CE uses looks like a camcorder, maybe I can have it labeled as a camcorder on the customs form? lol. They would never notice right? Especially since they seem so clumsy and disorganized. What do you all think?

[WWu777]

One more question:

If I order a travel auto CPAP device from them, can I just turn on the auto settings and just let the device adjust itself according to my breathing during sleep? Can I do that and follow the instruction manual for all my needs with the device? Or do I need to get the assistance of a nurse or sleep specialist? Can I just do it all by myself using common sense logic and the instruction manual without any outside help? Or even if I need outside help, I can just ask forums like this for advice or assistance right?

I hope so, because it's a pain in the butt to go to the hospital here and find a sleep specialist. There's a language barrier, and plus the closest sleep center is far away from me too. I'd have to bother my parents to drive me there, since I don't even have my own car here. So I'm looking for a way to use this thing without needing assisting from nurses and sleep specialists. What do you all think?

[Kelly @ Intus]

Good Morning,

Thank you for your email. In order to purchase a CPAP machine you will need a prescription from a doctor.

If you purchase an Auto CPAP machines, the settings will be set to default unless otherwise stated on your prescription.

The auto CPAP machines adjust the pressure to meet your requirements over night and over time. So apart from looking after the machine and changing the filters when required, the machines need little maintenance. I would suggest purchasing an auto CPAP machine that you can view your own data, and then email it to the doctor if required, such as the

1. Philips Dreamstation Auto CPAP machine - https://www.cpap.co.uk/dreamstation-...p-machine.html
2. ResMed Airsense10 Auto CPAP machine - https://www.cpap.co.uk/resmed-airsen...ine-37254.html

Kelly

[WWu777]

Hi Kelly,
Well fortunately the Hong Kong supplier at CPAPPAL.com said I don't need a prescription. I guess in HK the laws about that aren't as restrictive. I have a prescription though, it's just a generic handwritten note from a doctor in Taiwan. Would that suffice even if I was in the US?

Anyway, I think I will get the DreamStation Go Travel CPAP. Everyone seems to say that that's the best travel CPAP machine available. The reviews on YouTube all said that too. The HK website I mentioned above said they can get it to me in Taiwan and get it through customs ok. Anyway, I have a few questions if anyone knows the answer to them.

1. Can I just turn on the auto settings on the CPAP and just let the device adjust itself according to my breathing during sleep? Can I just follow the instruction manual for all my needs with the device? Or do I need to get the assistance of a nurse or sleep specialist? Can I just do it all by myself using common sense logic and the instruction manual without any outside help? Or even if I need outside help, I can just ask forums like this for advice or assistance right? I hope so, because it's a pain in the butt to go to the hospital here and find a sleep specialist. There's a language barrier, and plus the closest sleep center is far away from me too. I'd have to bother my parents to drive me there, since I don't even have my own car here. So I'm looking for a way to use this thing without needing assisting from nurses and sleep specialists.

If I have to guess, what is a safe low risk range to set an auto CPAP? Usually the best things are mid-range. For example, if you are in a store and can't decide whether to buy the expensive brand or the cheapest brand, the best deal for your money is usually the mid-range items that are not too cheap or too expensive. Those tend to be the best value in my experience. Likewise, what would be a good safe midrange for me to set an auto CPAP if I have to?

2. How often are you supposed to get a sleep test to check on that status of your sleep apnea? Every few years? Isn't it expensive to do a sleep test, unless you have medical insurance? Even if you had medical insurance, does it pay for a periodic sleep test? How often are you supposed to get it? Just once or every few years?

3. I have a lot of nightmares and dreams with anxiety. Does sleep apnea cause bad dreams and nightmares? Or is this an issue with the subconscious mind and unconscious fears, as Carl Jung and Freud would say? Have any of you alleviated your bad dreams or nightmares by using a CPAP machine?

4. I also have this unusual sleep problem that I don't know whether it's been classified or labeled by science yet. Every few days, my sleep schedule seems to roll forward a few hours. I cannot maintain a regular 10pm to 6am sleep schedule. It keeps rolling forward every few days. Like one time it will be 2am to 10am. Then a few days later 4am to 12noon. Then a few days later 6am to 2pm. And so on. Eventually my sleep schedule is upside down and I can't even get any errands done because every business closes at 5pm or 6pm. Then it pushes forward again back to normal cycle again and so I come full circle. And then the cycle repeats again.

I've had this problem for years. It happens usually when I live a sedentary lifestyle on the computer and have nowhere to go. But if I'm traveling and on the move a lot and walking or hiking a lot, then I get tired at the end of the day and can sleep a normal schedule. I'm wonder, does sleep apnea cause this rollover effect? Have any of you experienced something like this before? If so, does CPAP fix this problem and help set your sleep in regular cycles?

If any of you can answer these questions, then thanks in advance.

Btw, this is the CPAP I'm getting from the HK supplier. See the link below. Does this site look credible and legit? Any red flags or suspicious elements that I should be worried about?

https://shop.cpappal.com/en_us/product/dreamstation-go-auto-%e6%97%85%e8%a1%8c%e5%9e%8b%e5%91%bc%e5%90%b8%e6%a9%9f/?v=3d9975706be3

[Kelly @ Intus]

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for your post.

Different countries have different regulations, so if you are looking to purchase a CPAP machine from the US, you could need to check with who you are buying it from.

The Dreamstation Go Auto Travel CPAP machine is hugely popular her as a travel machine, so this is a good choice.

Please find below my answers to your questions

1. Can I just turn on the auto settings on the CPAP and just let the device adjust itself according to my breathing during sleep? The machine will be set on the default settings, unless you have specific settings. All you need to do it put it all together. Pop the mask on, and then turn the machine on and go to sleep.
2. Can I just follow the instruction manual for all my needs with the device? Or do I need to get the assistance of a nurse or sleep specialist? Can I just do it all by myself using common sense logic and the instruction manual without any outside help? Or even if I need outside help, I can just ask forums like this for advice or assistance right? I hope so, because it's a pain in the butt to go to the hospital here and find a sleep specialist. There's a language barrier, and plus the closest sleep centre is far away from me too. I'd have to bother my parents to drive me there, since I don't even have my own car here. So I'm looking for a way to use this thing without needing assisting from nurses and sleep specialists. The manual will should have the majority of answers to your questions, and show you how the machine works, and the different features. If you have any questions or need any help then you can either contact the company you purchased the machine from or us (Intus Healthcare).
3. If I have to guess, what is a safe low risk range to set an auto CPAP? Usually the best things are mid-range. For example, if you are in a store and can't decide whether to buy the expensive brand or the cheapest brand, the best deal for your money is usually the mid-range items that are not too cheap or too expensive. Those tend to be the best value in my experience. Likewise, what would be a good safe midrange for me to set an auto CPAP if I have to? The auto CPAP machines all work the same way. The difference between them are the features that they offer. So it is worth spending abit of time doing your research, and reading customers reviews to see which one is best suited for you.
4. How often are you supposed to get a sleep test to check on that status of your sleep apnoea? Every few years? Isn't it expensive to do a sleep test, unless you have medical insurance? Even if you had medical insurance, does it pay for a periodic sleep test? How often are you supposed to get it? Just once or every few years? Once you have been diagnosed, we suggest using your CPAP equipment every night. We review our customers data after 1 month of use and any other point they request it. Should anything change (ie medical / lifestyle) that may affect your sleep apnoea, then you can be retested at any time. However this is up to you, unless specified by a doctor. If you have any concerns, then please talk to your GP.
5. I have a lot of nightmares and dreams with anxiety. Does sleep apnoea cause bad dreams and nightmares? Or is this an issue with the subconscious mind and unconscious fears, as Carl Jung and Freud would say? Have any of you alleviated your bad dreams or nightmares by using a CPAP machine? CPAP machines are for people with Sleep Apnoea, whose airway closes during the night and they stop breathing. As we only deal with sleep apnoea, I would be unable to comment on your nightmares and dreams and suggest talking to your GP.
6. I also have this unusual sleep problem that I don't know whether it's been classified or labelled by science yet. Every few days, my sleep schedule seems to roll forward a few hours. I cannot maintain a regular 10pm to 6am sleep schedule. It keeps rolling forward every few days. Like one time it will be 2am to 10am. Then a few days later 4am to 12noon. Then a few days later 6am to 2pm. And so on. Eventually my sleep schedule is upside down and I can't even get any errands done because every business closes at 5pm or 6pm. Then it pushes forward again back to normal cycle again and so I come full circle. And then the cycle repeats again. I've had this problem for years. It happens usually when I live a sedentary lifestyle on the computer and have nowhere to go. But if I'm travelling and on the move a lot and walking or hiking a lot, then I get tired at the end of the day and can sleep a normal schedule. I'm wonder, does sleep apnoea cause this rollover effect? Have any of you experienced something like this before? If so, does CPAP fix this problem and help set your sleep in regular cycles? I would suggest talking to your GP about this, to see what they advise. The CPAP machine will do it's job with preventing sleep apnoea events whilst you are using in, when you do sleep.

Please let me know how you get on.

Kelly