Most medical products cost a fucking exorbitant amount because they're usually charging insurance companies not people. That being said, they don't give a fuck about individuals. Even if you don't have insurance they won't lower the cost in any capacity. You're just screwed. And, infuriatingly, the machine that I need in order to stay alive because I stop breathing when I sleep, is nearly $2000. Granted 2k Canadian but still. Like what the fuck. WHAT THE FUCK. I just wanna sleep...

[–] persona_non_gravitas@piefed.social 2 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

Fuck. Mine is free to me through public healthcare because Nordics, yearly masks and so far one replacement included.

Have you looked into DIY versions (yes I know, project graveyard) or Chinese ones? Long ago before I had access to a "real" one, I got a BMC APAP w/ humidifier & oximeter (not needed for use) from Wish for maybe 350€, because the risk of toxic fumes felt worth it and it still works just fine, even if it smells plastic-y after non-use.

[–] Stamets@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 3 days ago

Can't say that I have but I might have to

[–] Jesus_666@lemmy.world 4 points 5 days ago (1 children)

There's also the fact that medical devices undergo a ridiculous amount of testing. A friend of mine works for a company that makes medical devices and even getting some non-essential UI changes to production took about two years from when he was finished implementing them. Critical stuff can take longer to get certified.

This is all so that nobody builds the next Therac-25, a radiotherapy device that, due to design flaws, could inadvertantly be turned into a literal death ray.

The upside: We can assume that any duly certified medical device is as safe as is humanly possible. The downside: Those medical devices may as well be made of solid gold as far as the price is concerned.

I hope you can get this sorted without having to spend a ludicrous amount of money. Perhaps the things can be fixed. Probably not, the day things are designed these days, but I'll still hope.

[–] Stamets@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 4 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

I'm pretty sure I'm just going to die, but thank you.

Edit: Sorry I was just waking up and brain was hyper groggy... This was a shit response and I can only apologize.