CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

Our CPAPmachines.ca team has always been asked the same question repeatedly, “Can I use my CPAP machine to get more air during the day?”  The answer is NO! CPAP therapy doesn’t give you more air, it only provides the user with pressurized air to maintain an open airway. Thus, using the CPAP during the daytime would not give you better air. However, we live by the promise that when you have a problem, we will find you a solution. So, let us proudly introduce to you our latest addition to our product family, the O2 Curve - Personal Anti-Pollution Filtration Mask. 

Did you know that Canadians invented the first gas mask to protect soldiers from chemical warfare in WWI? With a similar idea, O2 Canada developed an everyday air pollution mask that people from the most deadly particles not visible to the human eye. The reusable personal anti-pollution filtration mask is designed specifically for daily use. It is great for athletes that exercise outdoors, population that suffers from nasal allergies, people who live in an air-polluted area as well as CPAP users who wish to breathe in better air throughout the day! But I must remind you that this mask is a non-CPAP related product. It is a new wearable technology that could improve the quality of your everyday life. 

First, let’s take a look at the design! 

With the ability to change up the shell colour; you can match your O2 Curve with every outfit you choose. Not only is the O2 Curve trendy and fashionable; it also works just as well as an N95 mask.  

So, let’s talk about how the filter actually works! 

With the breathable filtration technology; you can choose between two highly effective filters. The Commuter Filters and the Competitors Filters. These electrostatic filters trap mechanical pollutants found in pollution as well as bacteria and diseases. And how do they do that? Well, these filters are charged with pockets of both negative and positive ions, which attract, trap and neutralize small particles. The Commuter Filters and designed for everyday wear whereas the Competitors Filters are made for those who exercise outdoor and need a more breathable filter. 

And the best of all? 

The O2 Curve is available NOW on CPAPmachines.ca. Send your special someone this blog and give them a hint on what you want for this holiday season! Happy Shopping!

Whether you're new to CPAP therapy or a seasoned vet, we can all agree: finding the perfect mask isn't easy!  Short of having plastic surgery to fit into one of the hundreds of generic masks out there, you're probably going to have to try on a few before you find one that fits your face comfortably.  Today, we've lined up our favourite CPAP masks and some best sellers that are $100 or less.

AirFit™ P10 & P10 For Her CPAP Masks (Fitpack), $97.98

This super-light and sleek CPAP mask is made by Resmed and may be one of the quietest masks on the market. The AirFit™ P10 has a Standard and a "For Her" version, each with various size nasal pillows. The Standard version has blue and grey headgear and comes with small, medium and large size cushions. The For Her version has soft pink and grey headgear and comes with extra small, small and medium-size cushions. The exhalation port, designed with QuietAir woven-mesh vent system minimizes any disturbances to your bed partners.

Dreamwear & Dreamwear Gel CPAP Masks (Fitpack), $97.98

Made by Philips Respironics, the Dreamwear and Dreamwear Gel masks have a unique frame design. Air flows through a flexible silicone frame that sits across your face and airflow to the main tubing is connected from the crown of your head. This design has a claim to support various sleeping positions - side, back or stomach for comfort. This mask comes with a standard size frame (additional size frames sold separately) and 3 or 4 size nasal cushions in the package (depending on which Dreamwear) for easy fitting. 

AirFit™ N10 & N10 For Her CPAP Masks, $94.98 

The AirFit™ N10 series, manufactured by Resmed has garnered a huge fan base. It's a nasal style (around the nose) mask with an under-eye frame that improves sightlines (for reading/watching TV) and provides comfort and wear-ability with their SpringAir™ cushion.  The head straps are significantly slimmer with SoftEdge™ technology to provide excellent stability throughout the night. The Standard AirFit™ N10 comes with a standard size headgear in classic blue and a choice of small, standard and wide sizes. The For Her version is equipped with small headgear and only one small size nasal cushion finished in soft pink. 

Mirage Activa™ LT Nasal CPAP Mask, $94.98

Also by Resmed, the Mirage Activa™ LT has been on the CPAP scene for quite some time as the successor of the original Mirage Activa™. The revamped MicroFit dial provides a more secure fit along the forehead and dual-wall cushion makes it a favourite among many CPAP users. The Mirage Activa™ comes in 4 sizes-small, medium, large and large-wide and performs comfortably - even for restless sleepers. 

Meridian CPAP Mask, $79.98

Last, but certainly not least, the Meridian nasal mask by Resmed is the lowest priced CPAP mask on our list. It's one of Resmed's longstanding classics; a simple nasal mask providing effective treatment. The headgear features 3 fastening points for easy on-and-off maneuvering and a 360-degree swivel elbow to allow a range of movement for users. The cushion is fitted with a silicone pad that contours the face with minimal leakage. Though it comes in small, medium and large, finding your size can be challenging - and with so much new mask technology coming out every few months, many CPAP vendors have stopped stocking this oldie but a goodie.  

While many CPAP users tend to push their mask's lifespan to over a year, it's recommended we replace our CPAP masks every 6 to 8 months, as your mask can get gross and its materials begin to break down.   We hope this list helps you find a well-fitting and budget-friendly mask that'll bring you a restful night's sleep.

When it comes to choosing the right CPAP machine for yourself, you might be wondering if there is more than a cosmetic difference between the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet and ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet “For Her” model. While their algorithms are similar, the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her is optimized in small ways to help women sleep better.

The Basics

Both machines have auto mode, and the CPAP fixed pressure mode as well. 

The ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her comes with a white colour faceplate with flower faceplate while the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet is a shiny black faceplate. If the white face plate with flowers bothers you on the For Her model, ResMed also gives you the option of buying a replacement silver or shiny black faceplate. 

We have had very positive feedback from our customers about how comfortable, quiet, and easy it is to travel with both the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet and ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her.

All CPAP masks, whether it is the ResMed P10 or ResMed P10 for Her, the N20 nasal masks or the F20 full face masks are all fully compatible with both units. Even all masks of other manufacturers are all compatible as well. Both the heated hose, ClimatlineAir, or non-heated hose such as the ResMed slimline tubing will fit on both CPAP machines.

Both AutoSet machines also come with data capabilities to fully record detailed sleep quality reports. These reports can be viewed and generated through ResMed AirView, or by download from the SD card.

Why The ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her is ideal for women

The For Her model of ResMed’s popular CPAP machine has a more sensitive flow algorithm that picks up Hypopneas/flow limitation better than the standard model. Often females have more Hypopneas and flow limitation than Males due to menopause or any hormonal imbalances.

ResMed’s pioneering women-specific algorithm used in the AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her works by increasing sensitivity to flow limitation and optimizing the response to these events. By responding to each flow-limited breath, the algorithm helps to provide comfortable therapy for women and does not let the pressure increase dramatically during the detection of these hypopneas/flow-limitation events.

This device is not just for women, however; any patients with sensitive airways or suffering from Asthma, COPD, or Emphysema would also benefit from using the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her algorithm.

The Importance Of Properly Maintaining Your CPAP Machine

Routine check-ups, cleaning, filter changes, and adjustments of your CPAP range of pressures are a vital and key component to sleeping better on CPAP machine. Remember it is important to bring your CPAP machine every 6 months for a check-up. 

Like with all medical devices, it is important to make sure that the motor is delivering the right pressures. The motor function can be checked easily by your CPAP vendor or home health care provider with a pressure manometer.

Even with Auto CPAPs, it is extremely important that your CPAP pressure range constantly gets adjusted to match any weight, gain/loss and overall breathing condition changes. 

Shop for both the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet and ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her on CPAPMachines.ca today. We offer the lowest prices on CPAP Machines in Canada and free shipping across the country.

Written by Simon Ho RRT, Registered Respiratory Therapist