CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!
Best CPAP Masks For Side Sleepers
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.
Introducing The New DreamStation Go Travel Humidifier
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!
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.
Standard or Cleanable HumidAir Water Chambers?
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.