1. Do I need a prescription?
If you are purchasing an oxygen concentrator, CPAP, or BiPAP for personal use, then yes. These items are medical devices regulated by the FDA. If this is for commercial use, then we will need a copy of your Sales Tax Resale Certificate in lieu of a prescription. Our ordering system will allow you to place your order; however, it will not ship until we receive a copy of the required documentation.
2. How do I obtain a prescription?
Contact your physician and ask for a copy of your prescription to be faxed or emailed to us at (888) 551-0785 or script@altraservice.com. If you are currently on oxygen, you can also contact your home care provider and have them send us a copy of the prescription. You can also have your physician complete the attached Physician Order Form.
3. When will my order ship?
Most orders ship within 3 business days (excluding Saturday & Sunday). We cannot ship a medical device without a copy of your prescription on file.
4. Is there a warranty for refurbished medical equipment sales?
Yes. We offer a 1 year parts and labor warranty for all used & refurbished medical equipment sales. If the machine fails within 30 days, we will pay for the return shipping and send you another unit. If it is after 30 days, but before 1 year, you would be responsible for the shipping to us. We would repair the machine and return it to you at no cost. Portable oxygen Concentrators and accessories have a 90 day warranty. For more information, visit our policy page.
5. What do I do if my equipment stops working?
You must contact us by phone or email to inform us of the problem before sending us the machine. We will do some easy troubleshooting with you to determine if the issue can be fixed over the phone or if it needs to be returned for repair.
6. Do you provide loaner machines while my equipment is being fixed?
No. We do not rent or loan equipment. When you make the decision to buy your own medical equipment, it is important to have a backup plan in the event of an unplanned occurrence such as a prolonged power outage or equipment failure.
7. What is an oxygen concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is kind of like a fancy air purifier. The regular air we breathe is made up of approximately 22% oxygen. An oxygen concentrator extracts that oxygen from the rest of the air particles and delivers medical grade oxygen directly to the end user. The room air is drawn into the oxygen concentrator through an inlet filter. The air is then compressed and goes into sieve beds, which extracts the nitrogen from the oxygen. The oxygen then flows through the flow meter, final bacteria filter, and out to the end user through a supply hose. Oxygen concentrators make up to 97% pure medical grade oxygen.
8. What is a CPAP
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Simply put, a CPAP Machine blows air into your mouth, nose, or both to maintain an open airway during sleep. There are several different types of CPAP machines and interfaces to help the user obtain maximum comfort and therapy compliance.
9. What form of payments do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express.
10. Do I have to place my order online?
You can place your order online or over the phone – whichever method you are more comfortable with.
11. What is the difference between used & refurbished?
Used oxygen concentrators do not have preventive maintenance measures performed. Many companies sell used oxygen concentrators in an as-is condition. They are merely brokers of the medical equipment where they purchase from one party and sell it to another, sometimes without even inspecting the equipment. You never know what you’re going to get. Sure, you can ask about hours used, but that is not a consistent indicator of a good or bad unit. It is easy and inexpensive to replace an hour meter, so what is displayed may not be accurate. We repair thousands of oxygen generators each year with hours ranging from 1 to over 50,000.
All of our oxygen concentrators have been refurbished by our factory trained and authorized technicians. We perform preventive maintenance on the items that high a greater likelihood to fail due to normal wear and tear. Regardless of the oxygen generator’s age, current condition, or hours, we rebuild the compressor, rebuild the valve, repour the sieve beds, replace all filters, and any other mechanical issue that may be in disrepair. Please note that refurbished oxygen concentrators have been previously used, so there may be some cosmetic issues such as scratches or markings.
12. How much does it cost to run a concentrator?
This depends on the cost of electricity at your location. On average, it costs about one dollar per day to operate an oxygen concentrator.
13. What is the difference between the various oxygen concentrator models?
There are a few differences between oxygen concentrators. Some of the main differences are liter flow range, weight, noise produced, size, power source, portability, and price.
14. How do I choose the right oxygen concentrator for me?
Everyone has different needs when purchasing an oxygen concentrator. First you need to know what your prescribed liter flow is as there are some machines that might not be compatible with the specific flow or delivery method you require. You also want to determine if you want or need a concentrator that is portable. Other factors that play into the purchase decision is size, weight, noise, color, and cost. For example, if you are looking for an oxygen concentrator that produces up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute and noise is a big factor, then you would want to lean towards a Respironics EverFlo or Invacare Perfecto2. If price was more important, then a Respironics Millennium or AirSep Newlife might be better suited for you.
15. How do I operate an oxygen concentrator?
Stationary oxygen concentrators operate basically the same way. They have a power switch, they need a power source to operate, they have a flow meter to adjust the flow, and produce roughly 95% oxygen. Locate your concentrator where it has about 1 foot clearance from all sides for ventilation. Plug the machine in to the wall. Do not use a power strip or extension cord. Turn the power switch to the on position. The machine will beep briefly – this is normal. Adjust the liter flow to your prescribed amount by turning the liter dial. The ball should split the line associated with the desired flow.
16. Can I cook, burn candles, have a fireplace running, etc while I use oxygen?
The short answer is yes, however, you should exercise a reasonable amount of caution when performing these activities. When cooking, it is recommended to place the supply tubing underneath your shirt so the tubing does not dangle towards the heat of the over or stove. When observing an open fire, the general rule of thumb is to have the oxygen equipment approximately 10 feet away from the heating source and/or open flames.
17. Will my oxygen explode?
No. Oxygen doesn’t explode or burn. It will make a fire burn faster and hotter, reducing your time to exit the premises where the oxygen is located. It is important to have an emergency plan and escape route in place.
18. What is an oxygen humidifier?
An oxygen humidifier is a plastic bottle that attached between the oxygen concentrator and supply tube going to the end user. It adds moisture to the oxygen breathed by the end user.
19. My nose hurts while using oxygen. What can I do?
There are some saline nasal sprays that provide moisture to the nasal passages. An oxygen humidifier may also help with discomfort. There are also different styles of cannulas to aide in comfort.
20. Are there any discounts or coupon codes available?
We try to price our items with everyday low pricing with the hopes that they will be affordable to the average person. We do have sales on occasion and post them on twitter (@altraservice) and facebook (https://www.facebook.com/altraservice)
21. How often do I need to clean or replace my filters?
If your concentrator has a foam cabinet filter, it should be cleaned weekly. Simply remove the filter, rinse under the sink, & pat it try with a paper towel. Do not put it back until dry. The internal filters (compressor intake & bacteria filter) should be replaced every year.
22. Do you sell replacement filters for CPAP's and concentrators?
We sure do! If you don't see it online, give a call.
23. Do you ship equipment internationally?
International orders are accepted for commercial customers only. ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PURCHASE, SHIPPING, IMPORT AND/OR EXPORT OF PRODUCTS TO ANY COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO PURCHASE PRICE, TAXES, DUTIES, SHIPPING, AND THE LIKE. SHIPPING MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE CUSTOMER AND THE PRE-PAID SHIPPING LABEL AND SUPPORTING IMPORT/EXPORT DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY ASP IN ORDER FOR YOUR ORDER TO SHIP. DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT DURING SHIPPING IS BETWEEN THE BUYER AND SHIPPER. ASP IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR DURING THE SHIPPING OF THE PRODUCT.
24. Can you bill Medicare or other Insurance Companies?
No. We provide a detailed invoice and service record which you can submit to your provider for reimbursement. Contact your insurance carrier to see if they have a benefit for medical equipment repairs.
25. What should I do for Oxygen if my machine needs repair?
Oxygen concentrators are machines and unfortunately will eventually fail. If you are going to own your oxygen equipment, you should have a pre-determined backup plan in the event of a power outage or mechanical failure. The first thing you should do in preparation is to have a copy of your oxygen prescription. In the event that your machine does break down, you could contact a local oxygen provider to temporarily rent a machine until yours is fixed. We do have many customers who choose to buy 2 oxygen concentrators so they have a backup.
26. Can I use my machine overseas?
It depends on the electrical requirements of both the machine and the destination. Check with the user manual and your destination to ensure compatibility.
27. Do you offer trade in credit?
It depends on the model and our current inventory. Send us an email. The worst that can happen is we’re not currently interested in that model.
If you are purchasing an oxygen concentrator, CPAP, or BiPAP for personal use, then yes. These items are medical devices regulated by the FDA. If this is for commercial use, then we will need a copy of your Sales Tax Resale Certificate in lieu of a prescription. Our ordering system will allow you to place your order; however, it will not ship until we receive a copy of the required documentation.
2. How do I obtain a prescription?
Contact your physician and ask for a copy of your prescription to be faxed or emailed to us at (888) 551-0785 or script@altraservice.com. If you are currently on oxygen, you can also contact your home care provider and have them send us a copy of the prescription. You can also have your physician complete the attached Physician Order Form.
3. When will my order ship?
Most orders ship within 3 business days (excluding Saturday & Sunday). We cannot ship a medical device without a copy of your prescription on file.
4. Is there a warranty for refurbished medical equipment sales?
Yes. We offer a 1 year parts and labor warranty for all used & refurbished medical equipment sales. If the machine fails within 30 days, we will pay for the return shipping and send you another unit. If it is after 30 days, but before 1 year, you would be responsible for the shipping to us. We would repair the machine and return it to you at no cost. Portable oxygen Concentrators and accessories have a 90 day warranty. For more information, visit our policy page.
5. What do I do if my equipment stops working?
You must contact us by phone or email to inform us of the problem before sending us the machine. We will do some easy troubleshooting with you to determine if the issue can be fixed over the phone or if it needs to be returned for repair.
6. Do you provide loaner machines while my equipment is being fixed?
No. We do not rent or loan equipment. When you make the decision to buy your own medical equipment, it is important to have a backup plan in the event of an unplanned occurrence such as a prolonged power outage or equipment failure.
7. What is an oxygen concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is kind of like a fancy air purifier. The regular air we breathe is made up of approximately 22% oxygen. An oxygen concentrator extracts that oxygen from the rest of the air particles and delivers medical grade oxygen directly to the end user. The room air is drawn into the oxygen concentrator through an inlet filter. The air is then compressed and goes into sieve beds, which extracts the nitrogen from the oxygen. The oxygen then flows through the flow meter, final bacteria filter, and out to the end user through a supply hose. Oxygen concentrators make up to 97% pure medical grade oxygen.
8. What is a CPAP
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Simply put, a CPAP Machine blows air into your mouth, nose, or both to maintain an open airway during sleep. There are several different types of CPAP machines and interfaces to help the user obtain maximum comfort and therapy compliance.
9. What form of payments do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express.
10. Do I have to place my order online?
You can place your order online or over the phone – whichever method you are more comfortable with.
11. What is the difference between used & refurbished?
Used oxygen concentrators do not have preventive maintenance measures performed. Many companies sell used oxygen concentrators in an as-is condition. They are merely brokers of the medical equipment where they purchase from one party and sell it to another, sometimes without even inspecting the equipment. You never know what you’re going to get. Sure, you can ask about hours used, but that is not a consistent indicator of a good or bad unit. It is easy and inexpensive to replace an hour meter, so what is displayed may not be accurate. We repair thousands of oxygen generators each year with hours ranging from 1 to over 50,000.
All of our oxygen concentrators have been refurbished by our factory trained and authorized technicians. We perform preventive maintenance on the items that high a greater likelihood to fail due to normal wear and tear. Regardless of the oxygen generator’s age, current condition, or hours, we rebuild the compressor, rebuild the valve, repour the sieve beds, replace all filters, and any other mechanical issue that may be in disrepair. Please note that refurbished oxygen concentrators have been previously used, so there may be some cosmetic issues such as scratches or markings.
12. How much does it cost to run a concentrator?
This depends on the cost of electricity at your location. On average, it costs about one dollar per day to operate an oxygen concentrator.
13. What is the difference between the various oxygen concentrator models?
There are a few differences between oxygen concentrators. Some of the main differences are liter flow range, weight, noise produced, size, power source, portability, and price.
14. How do I choose the right oxygen concentrator for me?
Everyone has different needs when purchasing an oxygen concentrator. First you need to know what your prescribed liter flow is as there are some machines that might not be compatible with the specific flow or delivery method you require. You also want to determine if you want or need a concentrator that is portable. Other factors that play into the purchase decision is size, weight, noise, color, and cost. For example, if you are looking for an oxygen concentrator that produces up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute and noise is a big factor, then you would want to lean towards a Respironics EverFlo or Invacare Perfecto2. If price was more important, then a Respironics Millennium or AirSep Newlife might be better suited for you.
15. How do I operate an oxygen concentrator?
Stationary oxygen concentrators operate basically the same way. They have a power switch, they need a power source to operate, they have a flow meter to adjust the flow, and produce roughly 95% oxygen. Locate your concentrator where it has about 1 foot clearance from all sides for ventilation. Plug the machine in to the wall. Do not use a power strip or extension cord. Turn the power switch to the on position. The machine will beep briefly – this is normal. Adjust the liter flow to your prescribed amount by turning the liter dial. The ball should split the line associated with the desired flow.
16. Can I cook, burn candles, have a fireplace running, etc while I use oxygen?
The short answer is yes, however, you should exercise a reasonable amount of caution when performing these activities. When cooking, it is recommended to place the supply tubing underneath your shirt so the tubing does not dangle towards the heat of the over or stove. When observing an open fire, the general rule of thumb is to have the oxygen equipment approximately 10 feet away from the heating source and/or open flames.
17. Will my oxygen explode?
No. Oxygen doesn’t explode or burn. It will make a fire burn faster and hotter, reducing your time to exit the premises where the oxygen is located. It is important to have an emergency plan and escape route in place.
18. What is an oxygen humidifier?
An oxygen humidifier is a plastic bottle that attached between the oxygen concentrator and supply tube going to the end user. It adds moisture to the oxygen breathed by the end user.
19. My nose hurts while using oxygen. What can I do?
There are some saline nasal sprays that provide moisture to the nasal passages. An oxygen humidifier may also help with discomfort. There are also different styles of cannulas to aide in comfort.
20. Are there any discounts or coupon codes available?
We try to price our items with everyday low pricing with the hopes that they will be affordable to the average person. We do have sales on occasion and post them on twitter (@altraservice) and facebook (https://www.facebook.com/altraservice)
21. How often do I need to clean or replace my filters?
If your concentrator has a foam cabinet filter, it should be cleaned weekly. Simply remove the filter, rinse under the sink, & pat it try with a paper towel. Do not put it back until dry. The internal filters (compressor intake & bacteria filter) should be replaced every year.
22. Do you sell replacement filters for CPAP's and concentrators?
We sure do! If you don't see it online, give a call.
23. Do you ship equipment internationally?
International orders are accepted for commercial customers only. ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PURCHASE, SHIPPING, IMPORT AND/OR EXPORT OF PRODUCTS TO ANY COUNTRY OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO PURCHASE PRICE, TAXES, DUTIES, SHIPPING, AND THE LIKE. SHIPPING MUST BE ARRANGED BY THE CUSTOMER AND THE PRE-PAID SHIPPING LABEL AND SUPPORTING IMPORT/EXPORT DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY ASP IN ORDER FOR YOUR ORDER TO SHIP. DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT DURING SHIPPING IS BETWEEN THE BUYER AND SHIPPER. ASP IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR DURING THE SHIPPING OF THE PRODUCT.
24. Can you bill Medicare or other Insurance Companies?
No. We provide a detailed invoice and service record which you can submit to your provider for reimbursement. Contact your insurance carrier to see if they have a benefit for medical equipment repairs.
25. What should I do for Oxygen if my machine needs repair?
Oxygen concentrators are machines and unfortunately will eventually fail. If you are going to own your oxygen equipment, you should have a pre-determined backup plan in the event of a power outage or mechanical failure. The first thing you should do in preparation is to have a copy of your oxygen prescription. In the event that your machine does break down, you could contact a local oxygen provider to temporarily rent a machine until yours is fixed. We do have many customers who choose to buy 2 oxygen concentrators so they have a backup.
26. Can I use my machine overseas?
It depends on the electrical requirements of both the machine and the destination. Check with the user manual and your destination to ensure compatibility.
27. Do you offer trade in credit?
It depends on the model and our current inventory. Send us an email. The worst that can happen is we’re not currently interested in that model.
28. What is your refund policy?
If you are not satisfied with your order for any reason, simply contact us within 14 days of receipt. We will document your return request in our system. Buyer is responsible to arrange for and pay the return shipping. Upon arrival of the returned item(s), your original payment method will be refunded. Please note, there is a $50 restocking fee for Oxygen Concentrators to cover our original shipping costs. This is necessary in order for us to provide unconditional returns.