WHICH CPAP MASKS WORK ON WHICH MACHINES?

All CPAP masks work with all machines.

 

WHICH TYPE OF MASK SHOULD I USE?

The best mask for sleep apnea varies between patients and how the specific person breathes while sleeping.  The 3 primary types of masks include the full face mask, nasal mask, and nasal pillow.  Full face masks work great for people who breathe through their mouth and nose while sleeping.  Nasal masks are a very popular choice for people who only breathe through the nose.  A chinstrap can be used with a nasal mask to keep the mouth closed.  Nasal pillow masks are a great option for people who want a light feeling mask and have a lower than average pressure.  This mask takes time getting used to the nasal pillows and we always recommend trying on any mask before making a purchase.  If this is your first mask purchase or you are unhappy with your current mask, please call us and we will gladly provide suggestions to help you obtain the perfect mask.

 HOW TO TRAVEL WITH A CPAP MACHINE?

For people who travel often, Cpaps Etc offers 2 travel specific CPAP machines that are FAA approved.  These items are medical devices and will not count as your carry on luggage.  Manufactured by Somnetics and Human Design Medical these machines are compact and weigh under 2lbs.  View the travel CPAP machines here.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ADDING HUMIDIFICATION TO MY MACHINE?

Heated humidification can greatly increase the level of comfort during sleep apnea therapy.  Humidification adds moisture to the air being blown into the airway preventing patients from drying out their nasal passages, mouth, and throat.  Studies have shown that adding humidification to one’s sleep apnea therapy regimen has resulted in higher compliance ratings due to the extra comfort.

IS THERE A MACHINE THAT HAS A CPAP AND HUMIDIFIER ALL IN ONE UNIT?

Many of our CPAP machines have the option to add on integrated humidifiers that attach to the CPAP.

WHY ARE THERE HUGE PRICE VARIATIONS IN CERTAIN CPAP MACHINES?

CPAP Machines come with a variety of features, technology, and comfort  settings.  The more features a CPAP machine has the more expensive it becomes.  Other variances in price could be the difference between purchasing an auto CPAP machine vs a fixed pressure CPAP.

WHAT DO I USE IF MY MACHINE IS SENT IN FOR REPAIRS?

CPAPs Etc offers discounted rental machines for all our customers who are waiting on their machine to be repaired.  Generally repairs can take 2-4 weeks and we would never let you go that time frame without having a CPAP.

ARE ANY OF YOUR CPAP MASKS MADE OF LATEX?

No, CPAP manufacturers have transitioned away from using latex in their CPAP masks to a silicone based hypoallergenic material.

HOW OFTEN WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR A NEW CPAP MACHINE?

Insurance companies on average will allow for a new CPAP machine every 5 years.  Please research the cost of your deductibles and co-pays as these costs are often greater compared to paying out-of-pocket.  For example, insurance companies will price a CPAP machine at $1,500 – $2,500.  Many patients have found that the most savings on a CPAP machine purchase is by not involving the insurance company.  The savings in the long run absolutely outweigh the upfront costs.  The other option is to submit a reimbursement claim which we will be happy to provide you.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY NOSE BECOMES SORE FROM USING THE NASAL PILLOW SYSTEM?

To solve this problem of sore nasal passages, check to make sure you are using the correct size nasal pillows.  They should have a secure fit but not be causing any flaring of the nostrils or irritation.  Furthermore, using nasal pillows that are too small can create friction in the nostrils resulting in irritation.

WHY IS MY MACHINE TURNING OFF AT NIGHT?

The most common reasons for your CPAP machine to be shutting down at night:

  • Make sure your therapy device is turned on.  If you are experiencing a high leak rate with Smart Start/Stop features in use then it is possible for the machine to recognize the high leak as an end to CPAP therapy.  Consider turning off the Smart Start/Stop feature.

 

  • Check to ensure the power plug is correctly plugged into the device.  When the connection is secure, the power button will light up.

 

  • Ensure no blankets or other objects are covering the power supply unit.

 

  • Check whether the filter is blocked.  Replacement could be necessary.