CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

CPAP therapy is incredibly common these days, but it’s not your only option when it comes to dealing with sleep apnea. If you’ve been struggling with CPAP therapy or you’re looking for a milder form of sleep apnea treatment, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about sleep apnea and alternatives to CPAP therapy.

What is CPAP Therapy?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is one of the most common treatments for those suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a type of sleeping disorder that affects breathing throughout the night, causing you to start and stop breathing periodically. It can range from mild to severe and can affect everything from your sleep quality to your heart health.

Mild sleep apnea might cause disruptive sleep and fatigue the next day, but severe sleep apnea can lead to a range of health risks, including diabetes, high blood pressure, liver problems, and more.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three main types of sleep apnea and understanding which type you might have can help you take the right steps to improve your sleep and overall health.

Central sleep apnea

This happens when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to your muscles that control your breathing, causing you to stop and start breathing while sleeping. This type of sleep apnea doesn’t cause snoring, but can lead to those suffering from it to suddenly wake up feeling panicked or short of breath.

Obstructive sleep apnea

This is a more common form of sleep apnea that occurs when there’s an obstruction in the mouth or throat that makes breathing more difficult during sleep. This obstruction is typically when the tissues and muscles of the airway relax, making it harder for air to flow through. It often leads to snoring and difficulty sleeping.

Complex sleep apnea

This is a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apnea, and may require multiple forms of treatment.

What is Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (POSA) is a form of obstructive sleep apnea that can be mostly attributed to sleep position. It generally occurs when sleeping in the supine position, meaning flat on your back. This position affects the shape of the airway, and makes it harder to breathe while sleeping.

POSA can not only make it tough to get a good night’s sleep, but can also have more serious effects, including stroke, diabetes, heart attack, and more. The repeated low oxygen levels combined with elevated blood pressure and heart rate can be incredibly hard on the body. It’s critical to treat any form of sleep apnea, including POSA, to maintain good health and prevent more serious conditions from developing.

Alternatives to CPAP Therapy

It’s important to treat sleep apnea, but treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people might struggle with CPAP therapy, or find that it doesn’t work effectively. This is where alternatives to CPAP therapy come into play.

These two options are great for those who are looking for a less intense form of sleep apnea therapy that helps them get the rest they need while keeping their sleep apnea in check.

ZZoma Positional Sleep Device

This medical device is a great solution for those suffering from positional obstructive sleep apnea. It’s an FDA-cleared device that helps treat mild to moderate POSA by helping you stay in the side-sleeping position throughout the night. By preventing you from rolling onto your back, which is where POSA affects most people, the ZZoma device can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. It’s also incredibly comfortable, so you can get the undisturbed sleep you need, night after night.

OptiPillows EPAP Mask

Another great option for alternatives to CPAP therapy is the EPAP mask. It works just like CPAP therapy, but without any tubing or machines and you don’t need a prescription for it. If you have mild obstructive sleep apnea, you’re going to want to try this FDA-cleared mask: it uses Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) therapy to keep airways open and improve sleep quality. It’s lightweight and comfortable, making it sleep while wearing, and is reusable. Plus, the OptiPillows EPAP mask is the only one on the market that lets you adjust the pressure to your unique needs.

Improved Sleep on Your Terms

If you’ve tried CPAP therapy and haven’t found success, or if your sleep apnea is mild, alternatives to CPAP therapy can help you sleep better and reduce your sleep apnea symptoms. Everyone’s needs are different, so exploring your options can help you find what works best for you and your sleep, so you can get back to feeling like yourself.

CPAP Therapy has been clinically proven and labelled the 'gold standard' treatment for Sleep Apnea for a long time. Its non-invasive constant pressurized airflow in and out from a machine delivered to you via a mask has nearly 100% success performance rate. The most challenging obstacle for CPAP therapy is getting people compliant and comfortable with therapy.  

Many of our clients have heard about expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) and often ask us about it. Here at CPAPmachines.ca, we don't sell EPAP therapy, but doctors have recommended it as an alternative method to treat OSA (along with positional devices, oral appliances and surgery) when CPAP therapy isn't right for their patients.

What is this form of Sleep Apnea therapy you ask? Great question. Keep reading as we breakdown down what EPAP is and provide an overview of this technology in treating OSA.

What Is EPAP Therapy? 

EPAP therapy is an alternative treatment option for many OSA patients. This type of modern technology builds resistance on your exhalation to create positive pressure pushing back against your soft tissues to keep your airway open. The theory behind it is as your airway collapses during exhalations it results in apneic episodes or snoring. When positive pressure is delivered as your exhale, it will help to keep your airway open during sleep.

Provent and Theravent Therapy

Two products on the market that treat Sleep Apnea with this technology are Provent Therapy and Thervent Therapy. These products include no machines, masks, tubing or distilled water. EPAP Provent Therapy and Theravent Therapy are marketed as disposable nasal patches you attach to your nostrils and claim to be a revolutionary alternative to CPAP, which is less invasive and lightweight.

How This Form Of Sleep Apnea Therapy Works 

Simply put, the technology allows you to breathe in the air normally but makes exhaling more difficult. It's done via mini microvalves for unobstructed airflow in and the microvalves close during expiration restricting airflow creating EPAP pressure. As a result, it keeps your airways open.  Just like CPAP, this type of EPAP Therapy requires a prescription.

What's The Difference Between CPAP and EPAP Therapy?

CPAP therapy which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure provides pressure on both the inhalation and exhalation delivered by a motorized machine and mask. While the EPAP Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure is a one-way resistor you attach to your nostrils and creates resistance pressures only during the exhalation process. According to Provent's manufacturers, Provent Sleep Therapy, LLC, Provent patches have been shown to be effective in clinical studies and has shown improvements across various forms of OSA.

The Ugly Truth of EPAP Therapy

Whether or not insurance covers this type of OSA therapy, users have reported that using disposable patches can add up. At about $2USD a pair, you're shelling out hundreds of dollars over the course of just one year. Some may argue the cost is more than the cost of a CPAP machine or mouth guard over time. 

Another negative of this product is if you suffer from any type of sinus or nasal blockage, this product is completely not suitable or usable.  If you're sick for a week or two, you basically cannot use it the entire duration of your cold and symptoms of your apnea may creep back.  

How To Know If EPAP Therapy Is Right For You?

Just like CPAP therapy, EPAP therapy and other forms of Sleep Apnea therapy is not for everyone. Provent has been used to treat mild and moderate Apnea and is not often recommended for those with severe (AHI >30). Be sure to consult with your doctor and always follow your doctor's recommendations.

For us here at CPAPmachines.ca, patients always ask about EPAP products and our experience with them. At the end of the day, everyone is different. It may work for some and not for others. It's an alternative sleep therapy option if you really want to give it a try. 

Remember, with everything, there are always pros and cons and you will have to weigh out the two.  However, for us, we'll stick with the gold standard CPAP therapy - the reputation didn't come without good results.

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.

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. 

There is a stigma when people think of full face CPAP masks. Many think they're ugly, bulky, intrusive and the thought of wearing one to bed sounds impossible. However, full face masks are the Holy Grail for many CPAP users; they are designed with specific features and benefits that have made them a go-to mask for millions in the CPAP community. 

How Does A Full Face Mask Differ From Other CPAP Masks?

So, what makes a full face CPAP mask different than the others? A full-face mask covers the nose and the mouth -  like an oxygen mask you might see a fighter pilot wear, but nicer - with straps that are worn over the head with headgear holding it in place. It sounds uncomfortable, but they've made them pretty form-fitting and soft now.

By highlighting the pros of full face masks and giving it a well-deserved spotlight, we hope to break the stigma of how the general public feels about this often demonized and incredibly well-designed CPAP mask.

Advantages Of A Full Face Mask For CPAP Therapy

Below is a list of the top advantages that we feel CPAP users will receive by choosing a full face CPAP mask over other styles. 

1) It's stable & secure: Full face masks tend to be a bit larger, heavier and have more material (straps and thicker headgear) than, say, a nasal pillow style mask. These CPAP  masks cover more of the face which results in better pressure when compared to their nasal or nasal pillow style counterparts. It is an excellent choice for restless or back sleepers - the straps tighten well and offer support to keep their masks in place in different positions at night. 

2) Mouth breathers or nasal obstructions: Full face-style masks are an excellent choice for natural mouth breathers or those who suffer from nasal obstruction or congestion. This style of a mask allows you to get the Sleep Apnea therapy you require either breathing through your mouth or nose. This is also a great style of mask for those who suffer from cold or flu symptoms. No need to lose good sleep, when your nose is stuffed and you need it the most. 

3) Tolerable with higher CPAP pressures: Full face CPAP masks cover more of the face, therefore allowing high pressures to be more tolerable by CPAP users.  The full face mask offers more surface area for the air to move around before entering the airways making the pressure less direct and more comfortable. These masks are beneficial for restless sleepers and popular with users who like to sleep on their backs. 

4) Facial hair:  Got a beard? This style of CPAP mask is popular with users who have facial hair, specifically those who sport a full mustache or a thicker beard. Facial hair can prevent a good seal because the cushion cannot grip the face properly, resulting in leaks and a frustrated user. The full-face style fits tightly around the nasal bridge and the chin providing a better air seal. 

While there are many notable benefits of a full face-style mask, it is not for everyone. All full face masks are not made equal and manufacturers use various materials that may work for one person and not the next. Remember to do your research, ask questions and try on a sample if possible.  Spend at least as much time trying on CPAP masks as you would buying a new pair of jeans! 

Our Best Selling Full Face Masks at CPAPMachines.ca

Here are our top 3, best selling full face CPAP masks. Click on each one to see the design features of each popular full-face style and feel free to comment on your own experience and which full face mask works for you. 

AirFit F20 CPAP Mask

The ResMed AirFit F20 CPAP Mask is a full-face style mask that is considered as being the brand’s most adaptive mask styles. Offering a soft and flexible headgear frame and a reliable seal with InfinitySeal technology, this mask is ideal no matter what your preferred sleeping position is. Many CPAP users have praised this mask for its comfort, reliability and durability. 

Fisher & Paykel Simplus Full Face Mask

The Simplus full face CPAP mask by Fisher & Paykel offers a new convenient design that is aimed at helping you find the perfect fit. With an interchangeable cushion and a built-in air diffuser, you can rest assured knowing that you will get a restful night’s sleep when using this CPAP mask. 

ResMed Mirage Quattro Face Mask

Another best selling full-face mask is the ResMed Mirage Quattro CPAP mask. Offering streamlined design and whisper-quiet performance, this mask is easy to use and offers great comfort levels to CPAP users. With over 20 different ways to adjust forehead support, this has long been a favourite with our loyal customers. 

While they may be given a bad reputation by some, these CPAP masks are anything but effective when it comes to treating Sleep Apnea. If you are interested in purchasing a full face mask, feel free to get in touch with our CPAP equipment experts who will be happy to guide you to the mask that will suit you best.

Sleep Apnea & NFL Player Reggie White:

Almost 15 years ago, in 2004, the unforeseen death of a WWE wrestler, turned professional NFL legend, Reggie White completely devastated the sports world. He was just 43 years old. His No. 92 jersey has been retired by the Volunteers, Eagles and Packers. His untimely death caused everyone to take a closer look at the scary health risks of untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea and how it can directly cause complications and indirectly cause death.                                                                                                                                                                                                            White lived with an inflammatory disease that affects his organs known as sarcoidosis and also suffered from Sleep Apnea. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful in treating his OSA with CPAP therapy. According to the Medical Examiner’s Office, White suffered a fatal cardiac arrhythmia leading to sudden death in his sleep.

Sleep Apnea & MLB Player Josh James:

Josh James is a Major League Baseball Pitcher and has experienced his ups and downs in his baseball career. Often on the road for away games, he garnered a reputation for his snoring amongst his teammates. James was going through a low period. He started to gain weight, was plagued with chronic fatigue and delivered lukewarm performance game after game.

James was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. He decided to tackle his OSA with CPAP therapy and that meant taking a CPAP machine with him on the road to every away game. As his Sleep Apnea was being managed and his performance started to flourish.   

On the field, James delivered fastballs over 100 mph and strong innings with numerous strikeouts against a tough offence against the Angels, something he’s never done before!

Take-Home Message

Both White and James’ stories with two completely different outcomes go to show just how important sleep is and how it affects all aspects of our lives.  An OSA diagnosis can change your life - for better or for worse. Education on OSA and related breathing disorders can save lives. CPAP Therapy is only one of many treatment options. There’s positional sleeping devices, surgery or oral appliances which all have excellent success rates in treating OSA.

A healthy life includes a healthy sleep. Treatment is certainly not one fits all, or maybe easy to get use to, but it’s certainly worthwhile in the long run. 

Other Athletes Excelling On CPAP Therapy 

NFL Player Kyle Van Noy

World Champion Swimmer David Plummer

True or false?

Compared to younger individuals, older adults need less sleep?

If you answered true, you are incorrect! Older adults need an average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night - the same as their younger counterparts. Contrary to many misconceptions, the amount of sleep required to stay healthy does not decrease as we age. However, it may be a challenge to obtain all those hours all in a night.

There are notable changes to our sleep as we get older. 50-60% of older adults report they have problems sleeping. In addition to changes in how much we sleep, our patterns of sleep also change. 

As we age, our bodies start to produce less melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that controls the body's natural sleep/wake cycle. It is released in high doses into the blood in the evening to help you feel sleepy and will remain high until the morning. 

As we age, we experience a shift in our internal clock and how our body regulates sleep. The window in which our internal clock enables sleep narrows. This can mean we fall asleep earlier in the evening and wake up much earlier than we want to.

Older adults spend less time in rapid-eye-movement (REM) deep sleep and more time in non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) sleep, specifically in the N1 stage, the lightest phase of sleep.  This means, as we get older, we may experience less satisfying sleep.

Insomnia is common in adults 60 and older. Insomnia includes trouble falling asleep, waking up several times a night or waking up too early altogether. This can be due to the lack of time spent in REM sleep and also as a side effect caused by other chronic conditions such as arthritis. 

The most common sleep disorders that affect ageing adults include Sleep Apnea and Restless Leg Syndrome. Sleep Apnea causes you to momentarily stop breathing - sometimes dozens of times an hour - which prevents the body from entering a deepened state of sleep. Restless leg syndrome is an uncomfortable and uncontrollable leg tingling sensation while you're trying to fall asleep.

Sleep problems often arise, go undiagnosed and untreated simply because many of us believe sleep problems are a normal part of ageing. Luckily, by prioritizing underlying medical conditions, understanding how our sleep changes, and strategizing a good sleep routine and environment, we can all positively improve sleep. It's not all bad news when we age. Sleep improves with retirement. A French study found people were 26% less likely to report sleep problems in the first 7 years of retirement. Vive la difference!