Return policy comparison · 2026
ApriaHome vs ContactsDirect
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (ApriaHome) and July 24, 2026 (ContactsDirect)
ApriaHome
C-
1.4 / 5.0 · Below Average
Winner
ContactsDirect
A
4.2 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against ApriaHome's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
ApriaHomeContactsDirect
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| ApriaHome | ContactsDirect | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days (unopened, original packaging; Medcline systems 60 days) | ✓ 6 months (unopened boxes) |
| Free returns | No - $10 shipping fee deducted (Medcline pillows $25; large items 20+ lbs incur 20% restocking fee plus customer-paid return shipping) | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | 20% on large items (20+ lbs) | ✓ None |
| Return shipping | $10 flat fee deducted from refund for standard items ($25 for Medcline pillows); large items (20+ lbs) customer pays return shipping plus 20% restocking fee; defective/warranty items get free return label | Free (prepaid return label provided) |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | Opened items (removed from original product packaging), Stelo, wheelchairs, power scooters, special sale/final sale items, shipping costs | Opened boxes, damaged or defaced boxes, boxes with writing on them |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
ApriaHome tip
Medcline Shoulder Relief and Reflux Relief Systems get a longer 60-day window than the standard 30 days, but nearly everything else must stay unopened (never removed from its product packaging, not just the shipping box) or the return is refused entirely.
ContactsDirect tip
The 6-month window is unusually generous for contacts — most competitors cap returns at 30-90 days — but it only applies to unopened boxes, so don't crack open a box you might want to return.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, ApriaHome or ContactsDirect?
ContactsDirect has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.2/5.0) against ApriaHome's C- (1.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is ApriaHome's return window?
ApriaHome's return window is 30 days (unopened, original packaging; Medcline systems 60 days).
What is ContactsDirect's return window?
ContactsDirect's return window is 6 months (unopened boxes).
Does ApriaHome or ContactsDirect offer free returns?
ApriaHome: No - $10 shipping fee deducted (Medcline pillows $25; large items 20+ lbs incur 20% restocking fee plus customer-paid return shipping). ContactsDirect: Yes.