Respiratory Equipment
DME used to support breathing — including nebulizers, oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and CPAP/BPAP devices.
Respiratory equipment is the highest-acuity segment of the HME market. Items include stationary and portable oxygen concentrators, liquid oxygen systems, home mechanical ventilators, CPAP and BPAP devices for sleep apnea, and nebulizers for aerosolized medication delivery.
Respiratory DME carries elevated infection-control obligations. Because these devices interface with the patient's airway, reprocessing standards are stricter than for other equipment categories. A nebulizer cup must be replaced, not just washed; a CPAP circuit must be fully inspected and often replaced between patients; a ventilator requires a biomedical check before re-deployment.
Medicare oxygen is managed under the 36-month rental cap, after which billing transitions from equipment rental to supply-only. This billing transition requires a clean record of when each unit was placed with a patient — another reason serialized tracking is non-negotiable in this product line.
Ventilators are high-value (often $5,000–$20,000) and frequently subject to FDA recalls. Knowing immediately which serial numbers are in the field — and which patient has each unit — can make the difference between a smooth recall response and an emergency.