CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

Buying the perfect CPAP mask isn’t easy. A lot of times, you might think you’ve picked the right one, then you take it home and find it sucks. It happens. More often than you think, actually. Masks are made to fit the average face, but that doesn’t mean they’re always a perfect fit. But with a little bit of research and some insider information, not only can you find yourself the best fitting mask, you might be able to return that ill-fitting one you can’t bear to wear another night.

 Do plenty of research

There are 3 general styles of CPAP mask. Which style mask did you get? Nasal pillow? Nasal mask? Full face mask? Each one of them caters to a specific type of sleep position and facial structure. So, for example, if you’re a side or stomach sleeper, you probably won’t be too comfortable in a full face mask. If you haven’t already, click here for a description of the different styles of masks.

Go back to your CPAP store/provider 

Armed with some knowledge and a list of questions you now have, go back to your CPAP provider and ask to see if they can exchange it for you. Make sure you follow each CPAP vendor’s exchange policy as they all have various timeframes for exchanges (standard is about a month). Be prepared: some sellers won’t take it back if the mask has been used or the packaging has been opened. (But between us, if you make a good enough case, they might bend that rule. Just remember to be polite and not lose your cool).

Ask a lot of questions

This is a major purchase. If you’re the kind of shopper that asks a million questions about the cheese you’re about to buy, why wouldn’t you be extra curious about something you’ll be wearing for a third of your life?! Ask which mask style is best for your sleeping position, and ask to try on a bunch of them before you decide. Wear it for a while. Try lying down with it. Does it smush your face? How does it compare to other masks? A lot of people expect to try on a mask and have it fit like an old pair of slippers - this will likely never happen. What you’re looking for is a mask that feels the most comfortable to you compared to other masks. Remember: CPAP masks are made to be as unobtrusive as possible, but that doesn’t mean they’re fun to wear.

Does the clinician know what they're talking about?

A good CPAP Clinician is a God-send! These people are professionals, but a good, patient one is a keeper. A knowledgeable clinician can tell you all the pros and cons of any given masks and let you try them on and test them out.

Returns & exchanges

It's important to note, if you’re buying your mask online, KNOW WHAT YOU WANT BEFORE YOU ORDER. Online stores can offer deep discounts - especially on masks. But a lot of them don’t accept returns or exchanges. You want to shop online for a deal - when you already know which mask is best for you, or if you’re replacing a mask that you’ve already used and love.

Get loads of recommendations 

If you have friends and family who are on CPAP, ask them what they like. There’s nothing better than asking someone who’s already gone through the process and learned a thing or two. Look into that recommendation while you shop and see if those masks are right for you. The process can take a bit of work, but anything good in life requires some heavy lifting. Just know that at the end of the process, you've learned so much more about CPAP masks and more importantly you'll be much more successful with therapy and sleeping.

Educate yourself

There is a wealth of information online waiting to be tapped. Read reviews on CPAP blogs and forums where people share their experience based on their own differences: machine pressure, if they have facial hair, have a big nose or sleep on their sides. Watch YouTube videos on product and user reviews that can guide you in making the right selection. Once you know which style may work for you, you can narrow down your search. We recommend looking for newer masks compared to ones that may be out for a couple of years. Technology is improving masks by the day and the newer ones are being designed with better materials that fix a lot of comfort and performance issues.

And when you find something that works - stick it with! Consider buying one or two back-ups. Because you never know when a mask will be discontinued. Sleep tight!

We get it!  Finding a CPAP mask that fits perfectly is not easy. There are hundreds of masks out there - too many to choose from. So, where do you start? Finding the right Sleep Apnea mask is crucial to your therapy compliance because it can limit the effectiveness of your treatment. Keep the goal in mind through this process - CPAP therapy will eliminate Apneas and offer restorative sleep for a healthier you. 

So we asked some of the clinicians here at CPAPmachines.ca to list their favourite (and best-reviewed) masks for side-sleepers. Let's provide you with some direction while you navigate and find a comfortable mask you can tolerate therapy on and in your preferred sleeping positions.  So without further adieu, let's get started. 

The Top Sleep Apnea Masks For Side-Sleepers

AirFit P10 by ResMed

First on the list, the AirFit P10. The P10 is a pillow-style CPAP mask where the nasal pillows are inserted into the nostrils. Though small, the P10 checks a lot of boxes. 

According to ResMed, this mask was designed to deliver 40 minutes more sleep per night compared to its predecessor which is the Swift FX. It's known for being ultra-lightweight, providing minimal contact and being unobtrusive. It's easy to put on, take off, easy to adjust and the air ports make this mask quieter than others. 

Eson 2

Next, the Eson 2 by Fisher & Paykel. It's a nasal mask, which means the cushion goes around the nose and has a T-frame and a strap over the forehead. This Sleep Apnea mask is excellent at overcoming movements through the night, minimizes air leakage thanks to its RollFit seal and the intuitive headgear offers stability and comfortability. It is arguably one of the most comfortable CPAP nasal masks on the market and an excellent choice for side sleepers.

AirFit F30

Finally, this sleek AirFit F30 is the newest mask on our list.  This mask is a full face option - covering the nose and the mouth. The unique, uber light re-design coined this mask for the next generation in CPAP mask technology. 

It features an innovative low cushion profile for clear sightlines and a secure seal. It also comes in a one-size-fits-all headgear for comfort and security. The F30 is highly rated amongst users sleeping in all positions and would be beneficial for side sleepers.  

Which CPAP Mask Should I Choose?

Our recommendations have worked well for many CPAP users. Note that the best mask for anyone and in any sleeping position is one that is most comfortable for each individual facial characteristics. What works for someone, may not work for another. 

Any mask will shift if you toss and turn enough and will cause leakage.  It is not uncommon for CPAP users to try a few styles before they find one that is suitable for them. We hope our CPAP masks for side-sleepers offered some insight for your shopping needs while you find your perfect fit.

Okay, CPAP mask-shoppers, we get it!  Shopping for a mask isn't easy. Not only are there a ton of options out there, but it's also hard to tell some of them apart.  

Take the two top-of-the-line masks out there:  The Dreamwear CPAP mask and the AirFit N30i.  Philips Respironics makes the much-loved Dreamwear mask, which has been on the market for over a year now, while ResMed released the AirFit N30i in the spring of 2019.  At first glance, both these masks look almost identical. So just how different are they? Not much.

AirFit N30i vs Dreamwear: The Similarities

Let's start with the similarities that you will notice most between these two CPAP masks. Here is our list of the features that you’ll find on both masks:

• Both feature a hollow frame for even distribution of air.
• Both offer a removable top hose connection, something most masks don't have.
• Both have soft sleeve frame inserts that make the mask more comfortable and reduce those pesky lines on your face in the morning.
• Both have adjustable velcro headgear, though it's important to mention the Dreamwear has some sticky texture on the headgear to better grip fine hair or bald users while the N30i does not.
• Both offer 'fit packs' with different size cushions to better fit your face.
• Both have air vents in the front of the cushion to remove expired air while the N30i also has expired air vents by the swivel top connector.
• Both offer some versatility allowing you to switch out the cradle style cushion to use nasal pillows. 

So far, they're both pretty similar, right?  Not so fast. Let's break down some of the major differences between both masks.

Main Differences Between These CPAP Mask Models

Connection Port

Though both masks have a removable connector port, they operate quite differently. For the Dreamwear, the plastic port detaches from the rubber frame by pulling the two pieces apart. You can then reconnect them by simply snapping them back together. 

The port on the AirFit N30i, however, swivels and has more of a ‘pinch & remove’ quick release system.   

Both are simple enough and let you detach from your CPAP when nature calls, but the 'pinch & remove' version may be a little easier to use.

Frame Design 

When it comes to frame design, the Dreamwear offers a smooth jelly hollow frame that is available in small, medium and large sizes. So, adaptable to all shapes and sizes. On the other hand, the ResMed N30i frame is only available in a size small and medium but has a stretchy, accordion-like SpringFit portion for flexibility, comfort and ease of sizing. 

Cushion Material

Cushion material is an important aspect of CPAP masks to consider especially when it comes to comfort. Between the N30i and the Dreamwear, we noticed the following differences between cushion material: 

• The exterior of the Dreamwear cushions is jelly-like, soft, malleable and flexible. This material is excellent for side sleepers and it won't press the mask against your face or the pillow because of the softness of the cushion.
• The exterior cushion of the N30i is made of hard plastic. If you tap the cushion, you feel and hear the hardness of the shell. This rigid exterior of the cushion may cause issues for users in certain side positions which can cause the mask to dig into your face while you sleep. 

Cushion Sizing 

Finally, the last difference we found between the Dreamwear CPAP mask and the ResMed AirFit N30i was cushion sizing. Both Dreamwear and N30i offers 4 size cushions.

• The Dreamwear mask comes with 4 cushions included: small, medium, medium-wide and large
• The N30i comes with small, small-wide and medium-size cushions in the package. The N30i wide cushion is sold separately. 

As you can see, tons of similarities, but also many differences.

AirFit N30i vs Dreamwear Review: The Verdict 

So, which mask is superior, the Dreamwear or the N30i?  There is no simple answer. It truly comes down to personal experience and what features are most important to you as the user.  After our comparison, the Dreamwear wins for comfort with its soft exterior and it's grippy texture on the headgear to keep it in place. However, the N30i gets top marks for the swivel connector and bonus points for the SpringFit frame.  

I guess that makes it a tie?  In our book, each one wins in different categories.  It all comes down to what's important to you.

We hope our comparison review and breakdown helps you make an informed CPAP mask selection.  If you've tried both masks, feel free to chime in and let us know which you prefer.

The folks at Resmed have been busy!  Since late 2018, they've released several new, innovative CPAP masks but one, in particular, has a lot of CPAP users talking.

It's the AirFit™ P30i nasal pillow CPAP mask.  The updated cousin of the  Resmed favourite P10 mask.

Starting at the very top, this mask offers a top-of-the-head hose connector that swivels 360 degrees, ideal if you like to sleep in different positions. This feature allows you the freedom to move in all directions without getting your tubing tangled. The swivel is equipped with expire air vents to remove carbon dioxide and a quick release function minimizes fumbling at night.  Need a midnight bathroom run?  No sweat!   Just pinch to release the mask from the tubing when nature calls.  No need to take off the mask.     

Next, the frame features an accordion-like SpringFit™ frame that's hollow for even distribution of air. The SpringFit™ frame allows the mask to contour to your head while preventing over-tightening.  The technology allows for flexibility, reduces red marks and creates an open line of vision - great if you wear glasses or tend to feel a little claustrophobic in full-face masks.

The mask has fleece wraps to increase comfort and minimizes pesky mask lines. The headgear is plush cloth and is adjusted with Velcro straps on either side. 

• Standard frame - with small, medium and large size pillow cushions
• Small frame - with small and medium-size pillow cushions 

The front of the pillow cushions is equipped with QuietAir vent technology which disperses C02 evenly and quietly. 

The P30i offers some interchangeability. The AirFit™ N30i nasal cushion will fit this mask frame and headgear. Carefully pull the frame and nasal cushion apart, align arrows of cradle cushion and snap in to reconnect (the same way you'd change cushion sizes). 

One thing to remember:   The P30i is NOT compatible with the AirMini.  It does work with all other CPAP, APAP and BiPAP machines, but if you use an AirMini portable machine, you're out of luck when it comes to this mask.

There you have it folks - everything you need to know about the new AirFit P30i nasal pillow CPAP mask.  This mask is already a best seller on cpapmachines.ca.  Pick one up for yourself and let us know what you think in our review section.

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!

• DreamStation GO Travel System
• DreamStation Go Travel Humidifier
• DreamStation Go Overnight Battery

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.

How to assemble DreamStation Heated Humidifier 

A sincere thank you to our patrons who provided their honest feedback on the CPAP masks. Your reviews and feedback truly help others to make informed decisions. We can all agree online shopping poses some challenges - the biggest one is the inability to try a mask for sizing. 

The team here at CPAPmachines.ca has compiled a list of best of best thus far for 2019! Read our Top-10 list of best selling CPAP masks with their average star rating out of 5 by verified buyers. The goal is to help customers make informed decisions about products they're looking at purchasing. We'd like to remind everyone that fit, size, comfort and wear-ability are subjective to each individual person. 

Our best of the best top rated list is below starting with #10.. Make your way down the list to see what the current #1 selling CPAP masks for 2019 is!

Top CPAP Masks Of 2019: As Voted By You

#10: Dreamwear Full Face by Philips Respironics 

Score: 4.5/5

A new addition to the Dreamwear family, the Dreamwear Full Face by Philips Respironics offers an innovative, comfortable design and more freedom of movement. Its ability to easily adapt to a wide range of sleeping positions has been a plus for many CPAP mask users. 

#9: Mirage Activa™ LT by ResMed

Score: 5/5

If you hate fussing with your CPAP mask every night, then the Mirage Activa™ LT by ResMed was made for you. Comfortable, easy-fit and 100% hassle-free this is the perfect mask for restless sleepers.

#8: AirFit™ F10 by ResMed

Score: 4.9/5

This ResMed CPAP mask offers the same level of comfort and reliability that this brand has become known for. The AirFit™ F10 offers a new, improved slimmed-down design that has delighted many of its users.

#7: Dreamwear Gel by ResMed

Score: 4.7/5

At 7th place on the top best selling CPAP masks for 2019 list is the Dreamwear Gel by ResMed. 

This fit pack mask has a remarkable design that aims to make sleep as comfortable as possible for patients. Users of this mask can sleep in every position imaginable thanks to the clever positioning of the mask’s tubing.

#6: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask by ResMed

Score: 4.7/5

Want whisper-quiet performance? Then the Mirage Quattro™ Full Face mask is a great option. Considered as the industry standard for sleep apnea masks, ResMed has come out on top again with this streamlined designed mask. Easy to use and comfortable...a winning combination.

#5: Wisp Nasal Mask by Philips Respironics 

Score: 5/5

The Wisp mask by Philips Respironics delivers the performance and comfort that you deserve. This leading mask offers an elegant aesthetic design of a pillow mask while providing the high-quality performance of a nasal mask. No surprise why you rated this mask a 5 out of 5.

#4: AirFit™ N20 by ResMed

Score: 3.9

The AirFit™N20 by ResMed is one of the brand’s most adaptive mask designs to date. It comfortably moves with you while you sleep and features InfinitySeal™ cushion technology providing you with a reliable seal all night.

#3: AirFit™ F30 by ResMed

Score: 3.9

The third best selling mask of 2019 is the AirFit™ F30 by ResMed. This minimal- contact, full face CPAP mask reduces irritation, noise and red marks thanks to its modern design. Designed to cover less of your face, many patients are loving the comfort this mask provides.

#2: AirFit™ N30i by ResMed

Score: 4.6

ResMed’s first tube-up nasal cradle mask makes starting CPAP therapy easy. It features a QuickFit elastic headgear that easily slips on and adjusts to different profiles providing the first-time fit straight out of the package. It’s curved nasal cradle cushion allows for a stable, comfortable seal throughout the night.

#1: AirFit™ P10 by ResMed

Score: 4.7

The AirFit™ P10 by ResMed is the number 1 best selling CPAP mask of 2019 as voted by you. As CPAP masks go, this is undeniably ResMed’s quietest mask to date. Offering premium comfort, this mask provides ease of use without compromising on stability. The mask is equipped with a dual-wall nasal pillow and innovative Flexi-tube design. The AirFit™ P10 will give you unobtrusive, comfortable sleep.

ResMed's latest AirSense 10 Series is designed with a humidifier seamlessly integrated called HumidAir. The main unit comes with a standard water chamber, but there is an optional cleanable water tank available for purchase also. 

ResMed has been making 'standard' and 'cleanable' versions of water chambers for quite some time now. Their previous two CPAP models, S9 and S8 Series humidification in H5i and H4i came in both a standard and a cleanable version.

But which one is better? Do I need a cleanable tank? Or will the standard tub suffice? Continue reading to learn the difference between the two CPAP water chambers and to find out which one best suits your needs. 

Standard Water Tank: 

The standard water tank is the one that comes with the original machine purchase. This standard tub opens at the top and has a shell that is made with injection moulded plastic. The standard chamber’s base is made with aluminum and the cover is made with thermoplastic elastomer and is latex-free. The standard HumidAir is meant for single patient use and cannot be disinfected. This version requires hand washing with mild soap and water (it is not dishwasher or washing machine safe) and requires replacing every 6 months. 

Cleanable Water Tank: 

The cleanable water tub is considered an upgrade of the HumidAir water tub. Almost identical to the standard tub, the cleanable is designed to be easily taken apart to be cleaned and snapped back together easily. 

This HumidAir's shell is also made with injection-moulded plastic but provides even more durability than the standard tub. It has a stainless steel base and silicone to seal the water inside the chamber. Though a bit more expensive, this premium water tub has a life span of 2.5 years and is resilient enough for clinical use in hospitals or sleep clinics with various patients and can be disinfected time and time again.

Standard vs Cleanable: Which One Do You Need?

The short answer is the standard HumidAir performs just fine. But what you select depends on your lifestyle, cleaning routine and budget. Do you own a dishwasher? Do you mind paying more upfront for something that will last longer? Or save a few bucks and replace the parts every few months? Ultimately, both ResMed water tubs does the job and does it well. It comes down to personal preference in the material and price of the replacement parts.

From birthdays and anniversaries to work functions and especially the holidays, it’s rare to celebrate anything without raising a glass.  But how does that sip of champagne or mug of spiked eggnog affect you when it’s time to sleep?

One last thing…

While 1-2 glasses are fine with dinner, 3-4 glasses are not the best way to get ready for sleep and a terrible habit when it comes to your long-term sleep health.  There’s nothing wrong with a nightcap, but if you want to sleep better cap-it at just 1 or 2.

Finally, a mask made for sleepers in all positions.

Hate wearing your CPAP because you love sleeping on your stomach? Not to worry, Resmed just came out with the latest AirFit series, the AirFit N30i Nasal CPAP Mask. Is this a nasal or nasal pillow mask, you ask? Resmed introduces it as a Nasal Cradle Mask. Instead of covering your entire nose like a traditional nasal mask, the AirFit N30i sits discreetly under your nose and not in it as the average nasal pillows mask. The tube connector is designed to be on the top of your head which provides freedom for users to sleep in many positions. Since the nasal cradle cushion sits comfortably under the nose rather than over the nasal bridge, this mask is designed for side or stomach sleepers. 

Let us answer some of your FAQs! 

How many sizes does it come in? 

The AirFit N30i comes in two different size starter pack, the Small and the Standard. Most of our female clientele use the small size whereas the male population fits into the standard size. Both sizes are sold as fitpacks coming with small, medium and small-wide nasal cradles cushions.  There's an option of purchasing a medium-wide cushion separately if you require additional sizing.   

How stable is the mask? 

The AirFit N30i SpringFit frame is designed to be very stable and create a personalized fit. The nasal cradle is slightly curved so that it follows the natural curve of your nose tip for a perfect fit. You can also adjust the back strap to make sure the mask does not move around at night. 

Is it going to irritate or leave marks on my cheeks? 

You can use the soft wraps included in the package to cover the sides, which creates a barrier between the silicone and your cheeks to provide extra comfort. The soft wraps will also prevent you from waking up with those stubborn marks on your cheeks as well!

How do I buy this mask? 

Great question! The AirFit N30i is available across Canada in CPAP retailers or online for the best value.  Place your order on our website CPAPmachines.ca and see if free this mask qualifies for free shipping for your order.