CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

The CPAP manufacturer, ResMed is out with a brand new full-face CPAP mask that many are calling "ground-breaking" and a “game-changer”! The AirFit™ F30 launched first across Canada in late 2018. It will be available in the United States and other select countries in 2019.  The F30 is the little brother to the super-popular AirFit™ F20 and ResMed is putting a lot of faith in this Sleep Apnea mask - and for good reasons.

   

The F30 lower profile CPAP mask is not just smaller, it’s completely redesigned. It sits lower on the face, with an ultra-compact nasal cushion that covers just the tip of the nose to the bottom lip. The cushion style claims to provide a secure fit and a perfect seal. 

Forget the days of clunky masks that go from your chin to the bridge of your nose, blocking your view and leaving you with irritation, straplines and redness in the morning.  The soft, flexible frame and buttery-soft nasal padding keep your nose from getting squished as you sleep.   

     

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!

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.

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.

SoClean 2 CPAP Equipment Cleaner Review

One of our very best sellers to keep our client's CPAP equipment in tip-top shape would hands down be the SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner made by BetterRest Solutions. Whether you're using a ResMed or Respironics CPAP machine, this specially designed apparatus is compatible with most CPAP manufacturers. The SoClean 2 uses an activated oxygen technology to keep your CPAP equipment safe and germ-free. The activated oxygen technology, also known as ozone eliminates 99% of germs and bacteria that may be lingering in your CPAP equipment. 

The SoClean 2 is a waterless one-step cleaning system for your CPAP's main unit, water chamber, hoses and CPAP masks. The filter and check valve in the unit requires replacement approximately every 6 months.

 

SoClean 2: What Are The Pros And Cons?

 

As with all CPAP cleaning equipment, there are advantages and disadvantages. Below, we list the highlighted pros and cons of the SoClean 2 CPAP Sanitizer.

List Of Pros:

• QUICK: A sufficient 10-minute cycle is all that’s needed to destroy most bacteria and mould in and around your CPAP equipment after usage.
• SMART: Auto-Start function is available for users to set a specific time where the unit will start automatically. Simply wake up, put accessories in the SoClean 2 and go.
• COMPLETE SANITIZATION: SoClean 2 not only sanitizes your mask, tubing and water chamber, but the ozone also penetrates deep into your CPAP machine (all the crevices)  to kill 99% germs that are trapped inside the machine motor.

 

List Of Cons:

• REPLACEMENT: It is required to replace the filter and check valve approximately every 6 months. This is an added cost to maintaining the unit.
• EXTRA PARTS: You can only sanitize the water chamber if you purchase the appropriate adapter for your model of CPAP machine.
• LAG TIME: If using SoClean 2 prior to CPAP therapy, it’s required to wait 4-6 hours following sanitizing to using your CPAP equipment for the ozone to dissipate.
• ODOUR: Clients report there is a mild ozone scent that quickly dissipates once the cycle has completed.

 

Our Final Verdict: What We Really Think Of This CPAP Cleaner

 

The SoClean 2 delivers on its promises - it's reliable and easy to use. We highly recommend the unit. Many of us are unaware CPAP equipment is a breeding ground for microorganisms. Water and soap are effective for cleaning facial oils and dirt, but won’t suffice for germs and bacteria. 

If you find you’re getting sick frequently or suffer from a lingering sickness, contaminated CPAP equipment could be the source. Weigh the pros and cons and consider investing in a CPAP sanitizer to keep germs at bay. A CPAP sanitizer will ultimately improve your experience with CPAP therapy and enhance your overall sleep health.