Sleep Apnea Queries
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder where breathing is disrupted repeatedly during sleep. The "apnea" in sleep apnea refers to a pause of breath that lasts at least ten seconds. This condition occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, or when the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Chronic snoring
- Constant sleepiness
- Learning and memory difficulties
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke
- Depression
Sleep apnea can have several negative effects on your health. Individuals with this condition may find that they are always tired or sleepy during the day. This can interfere with daily activities and decrease your overall quality of life. Sleep apnea has been linked to obesity and high blood pressure, which increase the strain on your heart.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
CPAP/BiPAP Queries
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is most commonly used in the treatment of sleep apnea, a respiratory condition that causes spontaneous pauses in breathing while asleep. CPAP is a mode of respiratory ventilation where air pressure is increased in the user’s throat to prevent it from collapsing while inhaling. A CPAP machine manages sleep apnea and helps users achieve a good night’s sleep.
Similar to a CPAP machine, a BiPAP machine delivers pressurized air to the user’s airways via a mask. However, it does so with bi-level positive airway pressure, meaning the pressure is delivered on both the inhale and exhale as opposed to the single pressure delivered by a CPAP machine.
Yes, you need a prescription in order to buy CPAP from any reputable CPAP vendor. Please visit your primary doctor who will be able to make an evaluation based on your signs, symptoms, and your sleep history. From there, you will be referred to a sleep disorder center where a sleep specialist will determine whether you need an evaluation.
Heated or passover humidification can definitely increase your comfort while completing your therapy. Humidification adds moisture to the air being blown into your airway, and without it, many patients find that they have significant drying out of their nostrils, mouths, and throats. Studies have shown that because patients' comfort levels are increased when humidification is added to therapy, their compliance with the therapy is also greatly increased as well. If you are purchasing your first CPAP or do not normally use humidification, we strongly recommend adding a humidifier to your machine.
Using distilled water ensures that you will not have to clean your humidifier as often. Also, your humidifier is much less likely to develop mold or odors. It is also much healthier as there is no hard mineral build up or bacteria growth.
Auto-titrating CPAPs are machines that automatically adjust your pressure throughout the night to ensure that at all times you are receiving the exact pressure necessary to keep your airway open. Because of this, you do not need to have another sleep study done every time your prescription pressure does not seem to be working for you. The auto machine senses and adjusts to whatever pressure is necessary for your needs. Even the smallest change, such as a loss or gain of only ten pounds, can change the optimal pressure for your therapy. A standard CPAP will not adjust with these changing needs. It would have to be reset. Auto CPAPs sense your new needs and function according to what your body demands. If your are unsure whether or not an auto CPAP is correct for your therapy, please give us a call and we will be happy to help you choose the best machine for your needs!
Most first time CPAP users experience this sensation. It normally take 1 to 2 weeks for you to adjust to the pressure. If you still feel your pressure is to high, you must contact your physician before any adjustments can be made. Patience is extremely important while you adjust to your pressure.
Mask Queries
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks and headgear come in many styles and sizes to comfortably treat your sleep apnea. Everyone has different needs, preferences and face shapes, and sometimes you will need to try different mask styles before you find the one that works the best for you.
There are 3 main types of masks:
- Full Face Mask: These cover both your nose and your mouth. We recommend this to anyone who breathes with their mouth open or anyone who has frequent problems with allergies and nasal congestion.
- Nasal Mask: These only cover your nose. Many CPAP users prefer this style because they are not as heavy as a full-face mask, yet they still retain stability.
- Nasal Pillow Mask: These fit in your nostrils and are the smallest and most minimal of the 3 mask styles. We recommend this style to CPAP users experiencing skin irritation since they have the least amount of contact with your face.
- My mask is leaking. What does this mean?
Please refer to the troubleshooting section in your mask user guide. Mask leaks may indicate one of several things, including:
- Incorrect adjustment
- Incorrect assembly
- Incorrect size
- Worn out mask (needs replacement)
Contact your doctor or equipment supplier to determine which of the above factors is interfering with the proper fitting of your mask.
Fitting a mask properly depends on a great deal on your position. Facial muscles change when you lie down and relax even further once you are asleep, so it is always best to fit the mask while you are in your usual sleeping position. It is important not to over-tighten your mask. Doing so may be a sign that you have the wrong cushion size or an incorrectly adjusted forehead support.
If you experience difficulties in fitting your mask, please refer to your mask user guide for complete filing instructions or call us and we will be more than happy to assist you.
All CPAP masks and CPAP tubing are made to a standard size. Because of this, you can choose any mask to use with your CPAP or BiLevel machine. You should choose your CPAP mask based on previous good experiences with a mask, a doctor's recommendation based upon your sleep study, or suggestions from CPAP providers who have experience in this field, such as ourselves. Give us a call for questions or suggestions!
If a patient is a mouth breather and uses a nasal mask, pressure is reduced making treatment ineffective. Full face masks allows the patient to breath from the nose or the mouth, while still obtaining maximum treatment.
For specific instructions on cleaning your mask, please refer to your mask user guide.
We offer several cleaning devices for your CPAP supplies that kill 99.9% of CPAP germs and bacteria in your mask, hose, and reservoir with no disassembly, no water, and no chemicals in order to enhance your home CPAP experience.
- CPAP Mask - 1 every 90 days
- CPAP Mask Cushion - 1 every 30 days
- CPAP Nasal Pillows - 2 pairs every 30 days
- Tubing - 1 every 90 days
- Headgear - 1 every 180 days
- Non-disposable filters - 2 every 180 days
- Disposable filters - 2 every 30 days
- Mask Chin Strap – 1 every 180 days
- Humidity Chamber – 1 every 180 days
- CPAP – in most cases every 3-5 years, or as necessary
Please refer to the manufacturer user guide for brand specific replacement guide.
General Queries
We offer a wide range of medical equipment, including but not limited to hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, blood pressure monitors, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, diagnostic equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Yes, we offer delivery services for medical equipment. The availability of delivery and associated charges may depend on your location and the size of the item. Please inquire with our sales team for delivery options.
Yes, we offer rental services for select medical equipment. Rental terms may vary depending on the item and duration needed. Please contact us for more information.
Yes, we provide warranties for our medical equipment. The length and terms of the warranty may vary depending on the product. Please refer to the specific product page or inquire with our sales team for warranty details.
We have a return and exchange policy in place. Please refer to our terms and conditions or contact our customer service for details regarding returns, exchanges, and refunds.