Man wearing a CPAP machine while sleeping

Man wearing a CPAP machine while sleeping (Photo: Sijjan Sing)

 

Veterans managing sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnea, can now benefit from an upgraded online ordering system on VA.gov for CPAP supplies.

This addition mirrors the streamlined process for ordering hearing aid supplies and promises to simplify ordering, management, and delivery for Veterans.

The CPAP supply ordering feature replaces the previous phone-call and mail-order-forms systems. This transformation is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of the ordering process to provide accessible and seamless healthcare services to Veterans.

Within the first week, the newly introduced online CPAP supplies ordering feature on VA.gov witnessed a 24.1 percent increase in CPAP supply orders placed. Anticipating sustained growth, the VA is projecting to double daily orders compared to hearing aid supplies.

Looking ahead, the VA’s Office of Information and Technology plans to expand the VA.gov tool to include additional supplies, broadening the range of health care essentials available through the platform.

Veterans accessing the VA.gov platform for CPAP supplies can enjoy a more efficient ordering process through their VA.gov accounts. The platform automatically pre-fills certain order details based on the user’s account information, allowing Veterans to initiate an order, save it as a work in progress, and return later to complete it. With a 60-day window for finalizing and submitting orders, this feature provides Veterans with a flexible and convenient approach to obtaining their CPAP supplies.

To place an order, Veterans need to have essential details ready, including their shipping address, email address, and information about specific CPAP machines. The ordering process involves several key steps including confirmation of personal information, editing of shipping and email addresses, selection of necessary supplies, and a final review before submission.

Once an order is successfully submitted, Veterans receive a confirmation message for record-keeping. Within one to two days of order submission, Veterans receive an email with an order tracking number, allowing for easy monitoring of the order’s status. Orders usually arrive in seven to 10 business days.

Eligibility criteria for ordering CPAP supplies include enrollment in VA health care, registration as a patient at a VA medical center, a prescription for a CPAP machine from a VA provider, and have ordered said supplies from the VA within the past two years. Veterans meeting these criteria can receive these supplies free of charge if recommended by their VA provider and enrolled in VA health care.

CPAP supplies available for order includes chinstraps, disposable and non-disposable filters, tubing, masks with headgear, mask liners, replacement cushions, SD memory cards, power cords, and water chambers.

Similar streamlined processes are in place for ordering hearing aid batteries and accessories, with eligibility criteria and a straightforward ordering process outlined on VA.gov.

For Veterans requiring assistance, the Denver Logistics Center Customer Service Section is available at 303-273-6200 or via email at dalc.css@va.gov.

Rikki Almanza
Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.