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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

CPAPmachines.ca friends, family & clients,

This compelling sleep article covers the basics of sleep and what happens when we fall asleep. If you have a few minutes, take the time to read this incredible piece that appears in the August 2018 issue of National Geographic magazine called

While We Sleep, Our Mind Goes on an Amazing Journey

Written by: MICHAEL FINKEL

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/08/science-of-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

Thank you so much Canada, for all your feedback on our previous blog showing the similarities and differences between AirSense 10 Auto and Dreamstation Auto. You all had great points of why each of you preferred one unit over another. We've complied some of your suggestions and input and the results still show they are very comparable units. Take a look at your input on the chart above.

At CPAPmachines.ca, the number one asked question we’re is: would we recommend the AirSense 10 Auto or DreamStation Auto? Which one is better? Which CPAP machine is right for me?

Both machines sit at the top of our best seller’s list month after month. Today we will discuss some of the similarities and differences of both machines to hopefully help you decide which CPAP machine is right for you.

About The Manufacturers

AirSense 10 Auto is made by ResMed, a well-established brand primarily manufacturing equipment for respiratory conditions like sleep apnea. ResMed has manufacturing facilities in Singapore, Australia, France, and the United States.  

Philips Respironics makes the DreamStation Auto. They are an American company, and also a leading manufacturer of an array of respiratory equipment including ventilators and now, household appliances.

Product Warranty

Our machines offer a 3-year manufacturer warranty for both brands.  It is important to note, the 3-year warranty is exclusive to CPAPmachines.ca and is not the default manufacturer warranty. ResMed gets a notable mention as they offer an extended 2-warranty for a total of 5 years for a nominal fee.  

Product Features and Design

The AirSense 10 Auto and DreamStation Auto are both quiet and loaded with comparable features and technology. Both models have their power buttons on top, round dials on the front and LCD colour screens to display compliance info (AHI, leak rate, average usage, hours, usage data etc). They also both come with installed SD cards, accommodate heated and standard hoses, are easy to clean, and offer apps for online support and tracking of sleep data. Both machines are compatible to most styles of CPAP masks.  

The obvious difference between the two models are the design and profile of each machine. The AirSense 10 Auto comes in black or an off-white with floral design “For Her” version. It encompasses a sleek, tall and slender profile, whereas the DreamStation Auto only comes in glossy white and has a shorter, wider profile.  

The humidification of the DreamStation Auto can be detached simply by disconnecting it from the main unit. This option is an important feature for those who travel frequently. This process is less convenient for the AirSense 10 Auto as the humidification is built-in. If you wish to disconnect the humidification from the main unit, you’ll need to purchase a side cover for it. 

Another difference is that the DreamStation Auto offers a ‘ramp’ button on top of the unit next to the start button and AirSense 10 Auto does not. This ‘ramp’ button on top can easily be turned on/off accidentally, where you need to enable/disable the function through the menu on the AirSense 10 Auto. 

In terms of included carrying solutions, The AirSense 10 Auto comes with a durable, well-constructed travel bag while the DreamStation Auto has a flimsier, lighter travel bag.

Our Verdict

Both brands offer very reliable CPAP therapy and both brands have their own loyal customers and following. It truly comes down to personal preference - what you like to see on your night stand, the style and small feature differences of each unit. 

Hopefully after reading this, you can decide for yourself which CPAP machine will be right for you. Both machines will manage your Sleep Apnea and significantly improve your sleep health if used correctly.

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

From the CPAPmachines.ca clinical team.