CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!
Introducing The New DreamStation Go Travel Humidifier
We’ve all been asking the same question, why doesn’t any travel machines come with a humidifier? Well, the solution is finally here; Philips just introduced the heated humidifier for the DreamStation Go travel machine. Ever since the lightweight travel system DreamStation Go came out, we’ve been told by Philips that the heated humidifier would soon be available. After months of waiting, the tiniest travel humidifier is finally available!
You might ask why having a humidifier was never an option for travel machines until now, the major difficulty of designing a travel humidifier is its size. It is hard to integrate a humidifier chamber onto such small units. That is why Philips Respironics developed a new “water-saving” technology which allows the humidification level to adjust automatically in order to deliver the right therapy setting. Thanks to this “water-saving” technology, Philips now developed a portable humidifier for travel machines that only adds an additional 0.76 lbs to the already lightweight machine!
Not only is the DreamStation Go humidifier lightweight and small; it is also safe to use regular tap water or bottled water instead of having to specifically look for distilled water while you are travelling.
So, what are the pros and cons of bringing a travel humidifier instead of using the HME filters? Well, let’s take a look:
PROS
- No replacement parts needed
- Use tap or bottled water
- Provides humidification evenly throughout the night
- Ability to increase or decrease humidity as required
- No need to keep track on HME expiry date
- No disposal and no waste
CONS
- Only compatible with DreamStation Go Travel System
- Takes up more space compared to the HME filters
In my option, I would want my travel baggage to be as light as possible. Therefore, I would prefer just to bring an HME filter with me on a short trip. (see below HME)
However, if I was going away for up to a month, and/or going to a place where the weather would be more drying, then I would recommend bringing the travel humidifier with you on the go.
So, my final verdict is that if you are someone who goes on long trips often, this travel humidifier would be a great investment! Whereas, just take an HME filter with you on those short business trips out of the country.
If packing up your CPAP before your flight gives you a hard time but using those HME filters is not enough to provide moisture during the night, you can now purchase all of these items on our website! Please visit each of the links below to purchase the parts that you need!
Already purchased the DreamStation Go Travel humidifier? Not a problem, visit the link below to watch how you could assemble the DreamStation Go humidifier to your existing DreamStation Go travel machine.
Must Read: 5 Things To Know Before Buying A CPAP Machine
If you're shopping for a CPAP machine, this blog post is a great place to start. Treating your Sleep Apnea can significantly improve your quality of sleep because life is too short to be tired all the time. To avoid unnecessary stress and buyer's remorse, follow these 5 suggestions to help make your CPAP shopping experience an educated and positive one.
1. See A Doctor
Before you shell out a bunch of money, make sure you actually need a CPAP machine. See your physician get a proper diagnosis. Your diagnosis will likely involve a sleep test and based on those results, your doctor will write you a proper CPAP prescription. The prescription will identify:- What type of Sleep Apnea you have (eg. Obstructive Sleep Apnea or Central Sleep Apnea).
- The CPAP pressure or pressure range you require (prescribed in cmH20).
- What type of CPAP machine is required to treat your Apnea (CPAP, APAP, BiPAP, VPAP etc).
2. Do Your Research
Read and learn as much as you can about Sleep Apnea; the types of treatments available, what type of funding is available from your healthcare system, private insurance policies and how to qualify for them. Identify popular CPAP brands and the newest CPAP models available. Research different styles and sizes of masks and read up-to-date product reviews on the products you are interested in. Make a list to help you narrow down your search. Arming yourself with knowledge about CPAP helps make informed treatment and buying decisions.
3. Visit Your Local CPAP Vendor
Whether you decide to purchase your CPAP machine in-store or online, visit your local CPAP vendor and browse through displays of various machine and mask selection. Take advantage of the ability to physically see, touch and test features of the potential products you are buying. Ask questions and utilize sales associates for their expertise. Ask for a demonstration to check for the noise level of a machine or to try on a CPAP mask to make sure the fit is right for you.
4. Do A CPAP Trial
Most CPAP vendors offer a 2-4 week trial period, allowing you to rent a CPAP machine and try out the therapy in your own home (for a nominal fee). This trial is tremendously helpful because it allows you to learn how the therapy works, how the equipment functions and what features the best help you adapt to your therapy. You will also quickly learn if a mask is fitting right -- you may switch a few times until you find a suitable face mask that is comfortable for you. At the end of the trial period, you'll have a better idea of purchasing a particular CPAP machine is right for you.
5. Set A Budget
In Canada, CPAP machines often range from $500 - $3000. The more you are willing to pay the wider range of options: machines, masks, accessories, warranty and aftercare service provided by your CPAP vendor. But paying more for some bells and whistles doesn't always get you better treatment. Setting a reasonable budget helps narrow down must-haves and accessories you can forgo.
TIP: Opt for a good quality CPAP main unit with good reviews and take a pass on the travel battery until you have more experience with your starter package.
Follow our 5 suggestions when you're ready to make a CPAP purchase and you'll have a stress-free buying experience.
Don't Let Sleep Apnea Keep You From Traveling The World (Part 2)
If you read our previous blog on the AirMini™ then welcome to part 2 of that discussion! For those of you who didn't: in a nutshell, we highlighted the AirMini™ travel-specific unit and listed some of the accessories and add-ons we found to be the most impressive. The goal is to help savvy customers like yourself customized a travel unit to best fit your adventurous needs.
Next up on the list, (also the last) quickly became a bestseller in the travel category - the Dreamstation Go Auto CPAP. Continue reading to learn more on which accessories are worth buying and which ones to pass on.
Dreamstation Go
A relatively new release, the Dreamstation Go by Philips Respironics made its way onto the Canadian market (and into our hearts), spring of 2018. It was designed to be a direct competitor to the beloved and highly buzzed about AirMini™. The Dreamstation Go is a small, sleek and compact, but don't be fooled by appearances: it weighs more than it looks.
Notable differences between the Dreamstation Go and the AirMini™ - the Dreamstation Go has a touch screen, full compatibility with all CPAP masks and compatibility to various heated and standard tubing!
Sounds good so far doesn’t it? Let’s move on to it’s accessories.
Heat/Moisture Exchanger (HME) Filter
As mentioned in our look at the AirMini™, travel units do not come with built in humidification chambers. Travel units use a waterless technology in the form of dry filters or tablets that provide moisture and heat. But Respironics does not make a waterless solution exclusive to the Dreamstation Go. You can get a third party heat/moisture exchanger. The HME filter accessory from the Z1™ Auto travel CPAP by HDM works pretty well on the Dreamstation. Those filters are certified for 7 full days of use.
Small or Medium Travel Kit
Personally, I am at the mercy of any attractively designed case or bag. Philips Respironics has travel cases for the Dreamstation. The smallest (below, on the left) is sturdy, stylish and rugged enough, but it is big enough to fit only the Dreamstation unit itself.
There's a medium size case (above, centre) that's more robust and can store both the main unit and the optional battery (which we'll talk about next). Both Small and Medium Travel Kits have a zipper closure and come with a separate washable canvas bag (top, right) to house your mask and tubing.
Dreamstation Go Overnight Battery
One of the core features of the Dreamstation Go is it’s exclusive overnight battery. Weighing in at 1.53lbs, it’s designed to match the look of the Dreamstation Go. First, remove the panel on the unit to reveal the battery port. The overnight battery connects seamlessly to the unit, giving you about 13 hours of uninterrupted therapy (at 10cmH20 pressure) on a 4-to-5 hour charge.
Medistrom™ Pilot-12 Lite Battery & Backup Power Supply
Although Philips Respironics makes a cordless backup and overnight battery exclusively for the Dreamstation Go, there are other options. Choice One Medical released the Medistrom™ Pilot-12 Lite as an alternative portable battery for the Dreamstation Go (also compatible with other CPAP brands and devices). A 3-hour charge with the Dreamstation AC Adapter can power up to 2 nights of therapy (on average pressure of 10 cmH20) with humidification and heated tubing disabled if using with main units.
There you have it, that’s a wrap on the Dreamstation Go. Completely in love? We know, we are too. We hope you enjoyed our informal “part one” and “part two” ongoing discussion of the tech- filled travel CPAPs and all their accessories.
The take home message? Regardless of which travel CPAP you invest in, both machines offer consistent and reliable therapy. It truly comes down to personal preferences in brands, look, compatibility and accessories. Now leaving your CPAP therapy at home is a thing of the past.
Don't Let Sleep Apnea Keep You From Traveling The World (Part 1)
With the advancement of technology in sleep medicine, patients with Sleep Apnea can now pick up and travel with ease. In the upcoming weeks, travel-specific CPAP machines will take center stage on our blog. We will go through our best selling travel units to help you decide which machine best suits your needs. From a short weekend camping trip to a long overseas flight, we've got you covered! Our first featured machine requires little introduction - the AirMini™ Auto Travel CPAP.
AirMini™
ResMed released the incredible AirMini™ unit in Canada in the spring of 2017. It is the most compact CPAP device ever manufactured and is designed to perform like a traditional bedside device – at a fraction of the size and weight. This AirMini™ focuses on exclusivity, only compatible with 3 ResMed style masks and 1 dedicated travel tubing. Follow us today as we customize the AirMini™ with some of the many available accessories making this travel companion more luggage-ready!
AirMini™ App
While having the app is not a requirement to operate the AirMini™, the handy AirMini™ app allows for convenient control of your device. Download the app on iTunes or Google Play to your smart device for instant access. The app allows you to adjust a range of comfort settings and view nightly sleep data informing you how well you slept.
HumidX™ and HumidX™ Plus Moisture Tablets
Besides it's itty-bitty-ness, the AirMini™ (and all other travel CPAPs) differs from it's bigger bedside sister in one other way - no built-in humidification. But this machine has a solution: waterless humidification technology which ResMed calls the HumidX™ System. Exclusive to the AirMini™ device, HumidX™ and HumidX™ Plus are heat and moisture exchangers (HME for short) designed to provide comfortable and effective humidification while using therapy. Connect a HumidX™ tablet between your CPAP mask and hose for up to 30 days of moisture. More on how HMEs work in an upcoming blog.
Premium Travel Bag or Hard Case
What good is a travel-sized CPAP without its own luggage?
The sleek and stylish premium travel bag will keep all your CPAP equipment together in one spot. It features various compartments for the AirMini™, tubing, your CPAP mask and power supply. This bag also has strategically-placed pockets for personal items and a comfortable shoulder strap. The biggest bonus of this travel bag: not only do most airlines allow it as a carry-on, it's also considered fare-exempted luggage!
Want added insurance while on the road? ResMed also offers a durable and water resistant hard case to protect the AirMini™ from spills, bumps, bruises and scratches.
Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite™ Cordless Backup Battery
Another popular accessory is the overnight battery; the Medistrom Pilot -24 Lite™ made by Choice One Medical. This revolutionary pocket-sized backup power supply and portable travel battery for the AirMini™ holds up to 9 hours of juice in just a 2-3 hour charge. Backup batteries, like this one (which is our favourite for reliability and battery life), add some piece of mind if you're trekking to remote locations (camping, RVing, boating, air travel) or where main power is not available. Also handy during a blackout. Recharges with the ResMed AirMini™ AC adapter.
We can all agree technology has made its way into the world of better sleep. With such amazing new products and accessories, traveling with CPAP therapy is easier than ever.
Another travel CPAP review next time! Stay tuned.
Poor Sleep & Chronic Disease
Often when we get busy with our lives, our sleep tends to be one of the first thing that suffers. Work, family life and social commitments seems to come first and sleep falls to the wayside. Did you know your sleep health is vital to being healthy and is just as important, if not more than diet and exercise? When we sleep, our bodies are regenerating, repairing and healing itself. Prolong lack of sleep will spread and erode your health in the form of chronic illness and diseases. The brain alone requires sleep to function properly – to maintain body temperature, our immune system and to keep our hormones balance. If you wake up each morning not feeling refreshed and energized, suffer from morning headaches and a constant state of excessive daytime sleepiness, have difficulty concentrating, you should consider speaking to your physician to see if a sleep test is right for you. If you have the following symptoms and on top of that are overweight and have heart issues or family history of sleep apnea, consult your doctor immediately about getting a sleep study.
What is a sleep study? A sleep study is an overnight sleep study at a sleep clinic or a take home device that electronically records the body's activity during sleep. A report is generated on your brain activity, eye movements, heart patterns, oxygen and carbon dioxide blood levels, major muscle movements as well as breathing and snoring activity. This test can detect common sleep disorders and treatment are available.
If left untreated, sleep disorders can result in a growing number of other health issues:
- High BP
- Depression
- GERD
- Diabetes
- Frequent urination at night
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Sleep apnea is very common in people with MS for another reason. MS attacks myelin -- the coating that surrounds and protects nerve cells. It leaves behind scars called lesions in your brain and spinal cord. Damage from MS can make it harder for your brain to control your breathing while you sleep.
- Chronic Pain
It is imperative to start a discussion with your physician if any of the signs and symptoms apply to you. Eating well and exercise won’t matter if your sleep health is deteriorating.
Lumin CPAP Cleaner & Personal Sanitizer Review
CPAP Sanitizer & Cleaner Machine Review: The Lumin™
Today we will be reviewing the Lumin™ CPAP cleaner & sanitizer, providing our pros and cons of this unit from our own experiences, including feedback from our clients across North America.
Earlier this year, we started carrying a relatively new sanitizing device called the Lumin™ (made by 3B Medical) as an alternative to the very popular SoClean 2 CPAP sanitizing device. The Lumin™ is a sanitizer for everyday household objects like toothbrushes, baby bottles, smartphones, dentures etc... but is also marketed as a CPAP equipment cleaner.
According to the manufacturer, the Lumin™ CPAP Cleaner & Personal Sanitizer is a waterless sanitizing device that operates by emitting a high energy light within a narrow spectrum referred to as UV-C. They claim this UV light will disinfect up to 99% of detrimental bacteria, pathogens and fungi that can cause infection and illness on items placed inside the chamber.
Simply place household items you wish to sanitize into the chamber, close it and press start and the special UV bulb does all the dirty work. The manufacturer describes this method as the safest disinfection option on the market.
Lumin CPAP Cleaner Review: Here’s What We Think
What Are The Pros Of The Lumin™?
- It's a quick 5-minute cycle to kill most bacteria and mould on a surface: It takes the same amount of time to brush your teeth in the morning so you can easily sanitize items while you get ready for work or while you are giving your children breakfast.
- Minimal set-up: It took a couple of minutes from taking it out of the box to our very first sanitizing cycle. The instructions are easy to follow and self-explanatory.
- Versatile device: You can clean and sanitize almost anything you have around the house - sunglasses, headphones, baby bottles, cell phones etc.
- It is competitively priced compared to the SoClean 2: Besides the bulb, there are no replacement parts, such as filters and adapters.
- No lasting smell: There is no odour associated with the usage of the Lumin™.
What Are The Cons Of This CPAP Cleaning Machine?
- Cleaning is limited: The Lumin™ CPAP Cleaner and Personal Sanitizer cannot disinfect the inside of your CPAP machine because the UV light cannot reach the inside. You can use the device to sanitize your mask, standard hose and water chamber.
- The drawer opening to the chamber is not very big: There are limits to what you can and cannot fit into the chamber. This can be frustrating for some users.
- Metallic lining can cause scratches: We found that, if you're not careful, you can scratch yourself or your stuff on the drawer's metallic lining. As long as you're not rushing, this shouldn't be an issue.
Our Honest Verdict: What We Really Think Of The Lumin™ CPAP Cleaner & Personal Sanitizing Device
Overall, we think the Lumin™ is a great cleaning product for CPAP equipment but is it right for you? Well, that depends.
In our opinion, if you have little children or elderly family members who are susceptible to getting sick, it is a handy device to have in the house to keep bacteria at bay. The Lumin™ will help keep you healthy and keep your mask from smelling like an old running shoe. But if you're looking to disinfect your CPAP machine inside and out -- motor and all -- you might want to consider an alternative like the SoClean 2.
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