CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

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.

If you’ve been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you should either be seeking treatment or on CPAP therapy already. Let me paint you an all too common scenario - you’ve got your machine and mask purchased and after a couple of weeks on therapy, you stop using it. You see it on your bedside table every day but ignore it. Days turn to weeks and weeks turn into months. Sounds familiar? This scenario happens too often.

What happens if you leave your Apnea untreated?

Surprisingly, a couple of nights off your CPAP is actually okay. The benefits of consistent use persist for a couple of days. For example, if you’re travelling or have a cold and took a couple of nights off, you’ll be happy to know that there is still residual benefit when you are not using it for a few days. Continued therapy reduces swelling of soft tissues during sleep making it easier for you to breathe when you are taking a break. However, danger lurks when it’s left long term.

Some would argue you won't die from Sleep Apnea, but like smoking or AIDS - people won't die from it, but likely from the complications that come from smoking or AIDS. Keep reading to find the effects, risks and possible consequences are if you don’t use your CPAP as directed.

Return of common symptoms

Not using your therapy means the return of the classic symptoms  - constant fatigue, low energy, headaches and lethargy. It's only a matter of time these dreaded symptoms will creep back into your day to day life.  It will affect the way you carry out work and social activities and limit your capabilities and negatively impacting your overall quality of life.  

Risk of sudden death

Untreated Sleep Apnea will increase the risk of sudden death or sudden cardiac arrest and the consequences are not reversible. The sudden death is caused by abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmia which are erratic and disorganized impulses from the heart's ventricles. This means the heart is unable to pump blood and death can occur. 

Risk of premature death

Those who leave their OSA untreated for 10 years or 30 years will lead to shorter lives. Lack of treatment means you'll face more than 3 times the risk of premature death.

Risk of stroke

The low levels of oxygen available to the body and brain and the high blood pressure of the heart working harder put you at 2-3 times higher risk for having a stroke. 

There are endless reasons why doctors prescribe CPAP - they know what they're talking about and it works. No matter how uncomfortable it is, give it a second, third or fourth try. The take-home message here is that untreated OSA produces long term, cumulative exposure to advert effects that is harmful to your health and may cause death.

There are heaping benefits of being on therapy and it shouldn't be ignored. Speak to your health professional for more information or guidance to get the proper care you need to adhere to CPAP therapy.