FAQ’s
Respiratory Machine Questions
What do I use to fill my humidifier?
Use only distilled water. Tap or spring water will risk corroding the bottom of your chamber.
What do I need to clean everyday?
Empty out water that is left in humidifier chamber and let it air dry every day. Wipe mask with a damp cloth or use CPAP cleaning wipes to prolong the softness and clean off any residual skin oils that might deteriorate the mask.
What do I need to clean weekly?
Mask, headgear, tubing, and humidifier chamber should be washed in a solution of warm to hot water with anti-bacterial detergent.
What should I do if my machine's pressure is too low?
There may be a leak or a problem with your humidifier, so ensure that the chamber is in place properly. Visit our help page to see videos and other resources on machine set-up. If your chamber is in place properly, leaks could also be caused by an old mask. Reach out to your doctor or a respiratory therapist to order a new mask or to get a consultation for a pressure change if necessary.
What should I do if my machine's pressure is too high?
The ramp feature may need to be used in order to fix this or your doctor may have to prescribe a pressure change. Reach out to your doctor or a respiratory therapist if you have further questions.
What should I do if there is water in my tubing or mask?
Residual water in your tubing or mask can be caused by a few different factors. To being troubleshooting, check to see if your tubing is wrapped, if your water level needs to be lowered, or if your heat setting is too high and needs to be lowered.
What should I do if my machine shuts off in the middle of the night?
Follow the steps below to diagnose potential problems with your machine or mask fitting:
- Check to make sure the unit is plugged in securely at both ends.
- Check to see if the unit is displaying an error message. If it is indicating a high level of leakage for example, your mask may have a poor fit.
- There may be a leak in the humidifier.
- The mask may be pulling away from your face during the night if your CPAP machine is located too far away.
Respiratory Usage Questions
I'm having a hard time keeping my mask on throughout the night, any suggestions?
We suggest that you continue to put the mask on every night, and your body will eventually get used to the new sensation of wearing a CPAP mask.
What should I do with my machine when getting up overnight?
Turn the machine off, remove your mask, and then disconnect the tubing from the mask.
What should I do if I'm sick or have a cold?
Do not use the machine. Wait until you start feeling better to resume use. Consult your physician with any questions.
Can I travel with my CPAP machine?
Yes. If flying, manufacturers suggest that you treat it as a ‘carry on’ and store it on the overhead compartment. Make sure you empty any water out of your humidifier.
What should I do if I'm having trouble exhaling?
If you have a pressure of 10 or greater, contact your therapist to discuss the differences between CPAP and BiPAP.
What should I do if I'm experiencing a dry nose or mouth?
If you are currently using a nasal mask, we would recommend getting a full-face mask to allow for mouth breathing. Check with your doctor to see if using a simple saline mist before use could be helpful. Adjust the water and heater levels.
How do I set up my CPAP mask and put it on?
For questions with setting up your mask, please call our office at 781-551-3335.
Diabetes Questions
How do I know if my insurance will cover my diabetes supplies?
No need to worry! We will conduct a benefits investigation and collect any necessary documents to determine coverage through your insurance.
Will Reliable Diabetes Care manage my supplies?
Yes, we will call, text, or email you for confirmation when you are eligible for a reorder. You can always call in with any questions!
Why choose Reliable Diabetes Care?
We understand the hardship that diabetes presents. Our team is committed to help, deliver your supplies conveniently, and answers all inquiries.
How do I get started?
Feel free to give us a call or order online to get started. A member of our team will be ready to help!
Maternity Questions
Do I really need a pump?
Only you can decide that. Everyone's situation is unique, so it is important to evaluate your lifestyle and needs. Will you be going out or working outside of your home after the baby is born? If yes, and you are planning on continuing to breast feed, then a pump would be a must-have. This is because it will allow you to prevent painful engorgement and maintain your supply to meet your baby's needs.
Pumps can also be helpful to maintain your supply, Sometimes your baby may not nurse, or you may be dealing with an illness or medication that isn't safe for breastfeeding.
How do I know which pump is right for me?
There is no "wrong" answer. While there is no such thing as a "one size fits all" pump, there are several pumps available that will accommodate your needs. With that being said, there are still some things you will want to consider to help determine what is right for you.
Here are some questions to ask yourself (the order of importance depends on your lifestyle and needs):
Your needs and lifestyle - Will you need portability? Is discreet pumping needed?
Loudness - Does the noise level matter? Pumps are generally quiet, but some are quieter than others.
Price point - what is the maximum you wish to spend? Which pumps will your insurance cover?
Comfort - Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. What is comfortable for some is not for others. Does the pump you like offer a variety of flange sizes?
Time - How much time will you have for your pumping sessions? How long you breastfeed and pump depends on your unique situation.
Strength and Variability - While all pumps serve the same function, many pumps offer a variety of settings to assist with speed, comfort, and ease of use.
When do I start pumping?
This will vary depending on the situation, but it is recommended to wait until you and the baby have become comfortable with breast feeding (often around four weeks old). If your baby is having trouble with breastfeeding, is in the NICU, or you wish to pump exclusively, then there is no need to wait.
Ultimately, it will depend on what is best for you and your baby.
Will it hurt?
You may feel a little uncomfortable when starting out (about 10-15 seconds) as your nipples start to stretch, but pumping should not hurt. You may experience some tenderness of the nipple especially as your milk releases (or "let's down"). If you experience pain you should pause, check to make sure the sizing is correct and try a lower setting. If the pain continues, it is best to reach out for a consult.
Someone gave me their pump, is it okay to use?
Bacteria and viruses from the previous owner could get trapped inside the pump. This could be potentially hazardous to your baby's health, even with repeated sterilization.
The only pumps that can be shared safely are those labeled "Hospital Grade Multi User." For these pumps each user needs their own sterile kit which contains tubing and collection bottles. We do not recommend borrowing or using someone else's personal pump, unless it is still sealed in its original packaging.
How do I clean my pump?
It is best to wash all parts that encounter breast milk in warm water and dish soap. You will also want to make sure these parts are sterilized for use, please refer to the manufacturer's guide for the best procedure.
Remember it is best to replace tubing and flanges every few months to avoid breakdown. A clean breast pump means safe breast milk, so it's best to try to develop a routine for keeping it clean.
Do I need a prescription?
A prescription is only needed if you want to proceed through insurance. If you wish to pay out-of-pocket, no prescription is necessary.
Can I use my FSA/HSA to pay?
Yes, you can!
When will I receive my pump? Can I pick it up?
At Reliable Maternity, we endeavor to ship every order the day that it is received. Usually, orders that are placed prior to 11:00am EST will ship the same day. If your order requires expedited shipping, please call us at (866) 551-3335 so that we can find a solution that meets your needs. Orders are processed Monday through Friday.
We do not fulfill orders on the following holidays:
New Year's Day
4th of July
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Labor Day
President's Day
Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving
Memorial Day
Christmas
We do not fulfill orders to resale companies, and we reserve the right to cancel your order if we believe that you are buying on behalf of a re-seller.
Shipping Options
Free Standard Shipping - Via Standard Shipping, your order should reach you within 4-7 business days of leaving our facility
2-Day Shipping - 2-Day Expedited Shipping is available for a flat fee of $25 on select orders
Priority Next Weekday Shipping - Priority Next Weekday Shipping is available for a flat fee of $50 on select orders
High value orders ($250+) will require a signature upon delivery
How do I know what size flange I need?
Let's be real, size does matter. There are a wide range of flange sizes, but most breast pumps only come with one or two "starter sizes". You may in fact need a smaller or bigger size to start, and for some, you may need a different size for each side. Having the correct size is important for a comfortable experience. Keep in mind that your size may change once your baby is born and you begin your breastfeeding and pumping journey.
The flange will create a seal around the areola. The nipple should be able to move freely within the tube. Each pump offers slightly different sizing, so it is best to check the manufacturer's site to determine the proper size. If they don't offer the size you need you will want to look for one that can accommodate. Finding the right size and accessories can take some trial and error, but rest assured our team at Reliable is here to help!
When do I need more supplies?
Breast pumps and supplies wear over time. The amount of time you spend pumping can affect this, but the recommendation is to replace your pump supplies every 90 days. This includes flanges, tubing, and collection bottles. Not all supplies wear at the same time so you may need to replace some more than others. Watch for:
Buildup: No matter how much you clean and sanitize, you will start to see evidence of bacteria buildup or residue, especially in the hard-to-reach areas like tubing
Decline in pump function: As your parts wear down, you may find they don't fit together as snugly as before, creating leaks and a decline in suction
Urology Questions
Will Medicare cover catheters?
Medicare covers up to 200 catheters per month when they are determined by the doctor to be medically necessary, and there is proper documentation supporting the necessity. We reference Medicare’s Coverage Determination document for all patient’s in order to ensure accurate coverage quotes. Please contact our office with any questions.
I have Medicaid or a Commercial payor, how can I find out if they will cover catheters?
We work with most insurances in New England. Please contact our office today for us to determine your coverage.
Do I need to worry about allergies?
Most catheters are made with latex or silicone among other materials. If you have an allergy, it is important to avoid that material and reach out to your doctor to let them know.
How do I know what size or brand is right for me?
Catheters are not one size fits all. Your prescribing doctor will help you determine what is best to suit your needs. Sizes are given in French (Fr) measurement, which refers to the diameter of the catheter.
How long until I receive my order?
Orders for in-stock items placed before 1PM arrive typically arrive the next business day.
What happens when I need more?
A company representative will call you when it’s time to get more supplies, but you may contact us at any time via phone, email, or the online ordering portal if you need more or have any questions/concerns.