faqs.php

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
How can Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA) be diagnosed?
How did I get sleep apnea?
I am too young to be suffering from sleep apnea?
What is a CPAP?
What is the right CPAP equipment to buy?
What is normally included with my CPAP machine order?
How do I know which CPAP I need?
What is a CPAP with C-Flex?
What is an APAP (Auto-Titrating CPAP)?
What is a BIPAP (Bi-level)?
How loud is a CPAP Machine?
What are exhale ports??
How long will my CPAP last?
I travel a lot. Which CPAP should I buy?
Should I buy a new machine or a used machine?
Do I need a prescription to order a CPAP?
What are the different types of Masks available?
What is a Nasal Mask?
What is a Full Face Mask?
What is a Nasal Pillow?
How often should I replace my Mask?
Do all masks come with headgear?
Which is better, a nasal pillow mask or a nasal mask?
How do I know which size mask to buy?
What is humidification?
What is a heated humidifier?
What is a passover humidifier?
What is a stand-alone humidifier?
What is a built-in humidifier?
Will my CPAP operate on batteries?
Will my CPAP work with 220V and 120V supplies?
What are CPAP filters?
How often should I change my CPAP filters?
What are re-usable foam filters?
What are disposable foam filters?
What is a Bacteria filter for CPAP machines?
What is meant by CPAP Tubing and Hose?
How long does my Tubing last?
How often should I replace my Tubing?
I hate how plastic Tubing feels. What should I do?
What is insulated Tubing. Do I need it?
What is a Chinstrap. Should I buy one?
How do you keep dust from entering my mask?
I have a problem with air leaking from my mask. What should I do?
My throat feels dry when I wake up. What should I do?
My head feels heavy when I wake up. Why is that?
How do I breathe when I have a cold or plugged nose?
Can you bill my insurance directly?
What forms of payment does CpapOnSale.com accept?
How secure is CpapOnSale.com's payment processing?
How soon will my Order ship?
What is the Shipping Policy of CpapOnSale.com?
Does CpapOnSale.com ship Internationally? If so, to which countries?
What about Customs and Duties?
If I don't like my cpap, can I return it?
How is CpapOnSale able to offer such low prices?
What are the store hours for CpapOnSale.com?
Why buy from CpapOnSale.com?

Answers to FAQ's:

What Is Sleep Apnea? What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more stoppages in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep.

Breathing stoppages can last from a few seconds to minutes. They often occur 5 to 30 times or more in an hour. Typically, normal breathing then starts again, sometimes with a loud snort or choking sound often interrupting sleep especially REM sleep.
Sleep apnea usually is a chronic (ongoing) condition that disrupts your sleep 3 or more nights each week. You often move out of deep sleep and into light sleep when your breathing pauses or becomes shallow.

This results in poor sleep quality that makes you tired during the day. Sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness and also causes many other long term health complications.

Overview

Sleep apnea is truly a silent killer as it goes undiagnosed. Doctors usually can't detect the condition during routine office visits. There are no blood tests for the condition. Most people who have sleep apnea don't know they have it because it only occurs during sleep and is unknown to you. A family member and/or bed partner may first notice the signs of sleep apnea.

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. This most often means that the airway has collapsed or is blocked during sleep. The blockage may cause shallow breathing or breathing stoppages.

When you try to breathe, any air that squeezes past the blockage can cause loud snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea happens more often in people who are overweight, but it can affect anyone and at all ages.

Central sleep apnea is a less common type of sleep apnea. It happens when the area of your brain that controls your breathing doesn't send the correct signals to your breathing muscles. You make no effort to breathe for brief periods.

Central sleep apnea often occurs with obstructive sleep apnea, but it can occur alone. Snoring doesn't typically happen with central sleep apnea.

Outlook

Untreated sleep apnea can:
- Increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes
- Increase the risk for or worsen heart failure
- Make irregular heartbeats more likely
- Increase the chance of having work-related or driving accidents
For more information please visit: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Back to top
How can Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA) be diagnosed?

A definitive diagnosis may be made by your primary care physician, who may refer you to a pulmonologist, neurologist or other physicians with specialty training in sleep disorders.

Diagnosis of sleep apnea is not simple because there can be many different reasons for disturbed sleep. Several tests are available for evaluating a person for sleep apnea.

Polysomnography is a test that records a variety of body functions during sleep, such as the electrical activity of the brain, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, air flow, and blood oxygen levels. These tests are used both to diagnose sleep apnea and to determine its severity.

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) measures the speed of falling asleep. In this test, patients are given several opportunities to fall asleep during the course of a day when they would normally be awake. For each opportunity, time to fall asleep is measured. Individuals who fall asleep in less than 5 minutes are likely to require some type of treatment for sleep disorders. The MSLT may be useful to measure the degree of excessive daytime sleepiness and to rule out other types of sleep disorders.

Diagnostic tests usually are performed in a sleep disorders center, but new technology may allow some sleep studies to be conducted in the patient’s home.
Back to top
How did I get sleep apnea?
Certain mechanical and structural problems in the airway cause the interruptions in breathing during sleep. In some people, apnea occurs when the throat muscles and tongue relax during sleep and partially block the opening of the airway.

When the muscles of the soft palate at the base of the tongue and the uvula (the small fleshy tissue hanging from the center of the back of the throat) relax and sag, the airway becomes blocked, making breathing labored and noisy and even stopping it altogether.

Sleep apnea also can occur in obese people when an excess amount of tissue in the airway causes it to be narrowed. With a narrowed airway, the person continues his or her efforts to breathe, but air cannot easily flow into or out of the nose or mouth. Unknown to the person, this results in heavy snoring, periods of no breathing, and frequent arousals (causing abrupt changes from deep sleep to light sleep).

Ingestion of alcohol and sleeping pills increases the frequency and duration of breathing pauses in people with sleep apnea.
Back to top
I am too young to be suffering from sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes but is more common in men (it may be under diagnosed in women) and possibly young African Americans.

It has been estimated that as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. Four percent of middle-aged men and 2 percent of middle-aged women have sleep apnea along with excessive daytime sleepiness.

People most likely to have or develop sleep apnea include those who snore loudly and also are overweight, or have high blood pressure, or have some physical abnormality in the nose, throat, or other parts of the upper airway.

Sleep apnea seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis for the condition.
Back to top
What is a CPAP?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Air Pressure. A CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of air into your mask, at a constant pressure determined by your doctor, to open your airway, and deliver air to your lungs. With a CPAP system, you must exhale your air back thru your mask and against the pressure of the CPAP. For most sleep apnea patients, this is uncomfortable at first, but easily adapted to within a few weeks.
Back to top
What is the right CPAP equipment to buy?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Air Pressure. A CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of air into your mask, at a constant pressure determined by your doctor, to open your airway, and deliver air to your lungs. With a CPAP system, you must exhale your air back thru your mask and against the pressure of the CPAP. For most sleep apnea patients, this is uncomfortable at first, but easily adapted to within a few weeks.
Back to top
What is normally included with my CPAP machine order?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Air Pressure. A CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of air into your mask, at a constant pressure determined by your doctor, to open your airway, and deliver air to your lungs. With a CPAP system, you must exhale your air back thru your mask and against the pressure of the CPAP. For most sleep apnea patients, this is uncomfortable at first, but easily adapted to within a few weeks.
Back to top
How do I know which CPAP I need?
First you must find out if your doctor prescribed for you a CPAP, CPAP with CFLEX, CPAP with Heated Humdifier, Auto-Titrating CPAP (Auto-PAP, APAP), or a Bi-Level (BiPAP).
Back to top
What is a CPAP with C-Flex?
Respironics, a leading manufacturer of CPAP machines, invented a technology that makes the air pressure drop when the patient begins to exhale. The rise and fall of the pressure makes this a much easier machine to get used to for new patients.
There are three different levels of "flex" that these machines can achieve. A level 3 drops the pressure on exhale more than a level 2, and a lot more than a level 1. This technology mimics a more natural breathing pattern.
Resmed, another leading manufacturer also has similar technology called EPR "Expiratory Pressure Relief". It is recommended that new sleep apnea patients choose a CPAP with either CFLEX or EPR to help them get used to CPAP therapy.
Back to top
What is an APAP (Auto-Titrating CPAP)?
Some patients have different types of sleep apnea. Many times the Apnea episodes change with different people day to day, or hour to hour.
With an APAP, the machine is set to a "range" of pressures and will move up or down within that range to provide the patient with the right amount of pressure to overcome the apnea. This type of system is more expensive and is usually prescribed when patients have changing needs. CFLEX is also an option on these APAP units.
Back to top
What is a BIPAP (Bi-level)?
A BiPAP is a machine that has two different pressure settings, one for inhalation (IPAP) and one for exhalation (EPAP).
The machine provides the inhalation pressure, then switches to a lower pressure during exhalation. This differs from CFlex because the exhale pressure is an exact setting, not just a drop in pressure.
A BiPAP unit and a BiPAP Auto are the most expensive of the machines, and are usually prescribed when a patient needs very high inhalation pressures above 15cm. Some BiPAP units also have higher pressures than a regular CPAP.
Back to top
How loud is a CPAP Machine?
Most CPAP machines sold today are almost totally silent. Most of the noise generated comes from the exhale ports in your mask system.
Back to top
What are exhale ports??
Every mask system has to have exhale ports. This is a way to remove your exhaled air from the mask system. Without this, you would be breathing in your exhaled air, and would eventually run out of oxygen. Some masks have holes to vent the carbon dioxide, some vent at the elbow, and some vent in a swivel. So when you put on your new mask you will be able to determine where the vent ports are located.
Back to top
How long will my CPAP last?
If you handle your machine with some care, it should last you for many years. All our CPAP machines are from highly reliable manufacturers and come with solid manufacturer warranties.
Back to top
I travel a lot. Which CPAP should I buy? We have a selection of CPAP machines that are lightweight, easy to carry and also come with good battery backups. Please review our collection of CPAP machines for you, the frequent traveller!
Back to top
Should I buy a new machine or a used machine?
CpapOnSale.com sells new machines. Our CPAP machines start at about $200. Since the machine is used to help you breathe and since hygiene is of the greatest importance, we highly recommend that you buy a new machine.
Back to top
Do I need a prescription to order a CPAP?
Yes, all CPAP machines require a doctor's note. You can easily upload your prescription to our site and you can always update the latest copy of your prescription.
Back to top
What type of mask systems are available?
Masks deliver air from the CPAP machine to your respiratory system at the required pressure. There are three types of masks currently in use.
1. Nasal Mask
2. Nasal Pillow Mask
3. Full face mask
Back to top
What is a Nasal Mask?

A CPAP nasal mask is A triangularly-shaped mask that fits over the nose ending just above the upper lip. The mask is held in place by straps. The tubing attaches to the front of the mask and connects to the CPAP machine.

A nasal mask is worn over the nose during sleep to treat sleep apnea and other disorders. CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, machines connect via a tube to the mask and force high-pressure air into the wearer’s airway.

The machine blows air at a pressure prescribed by a sleep physician or other doctor. CPAP is only available by prescription.
Back to top
What is a Full Face Mask?

A full face mask covers the nose and mouth, alleviating any air pressure loss through the mouth. These masks are best at preventing loss of pressure that are reported with with nasal masks or nasal pillows.

Back to top
What is a Nasal Pillow?

These are "non-mask" masks that deliver the continuous air flow from the CPAP machine through small nasal pillows that seal around the edges of each nostril.

The pillows are seated in a small mask-like piece that fits under the tip of the nose. The nasal pillow system is held in place with one head strap, eliminating the need for a strap across the cheeks.

The hose is attached at the front and continues over the top of the head, making this style of mask a good choice for people who sleep on their side or stomach or for those with facial hair. Nasal pillows eliminate much of the leakage experience with nasal or full face masks.

Back to top
How often should I replace my Mask?
The mask can usually be used for 4-6 months and longer with proper cleaning. The mask should be replaced if you notice build-up or if you see that its condition has deteriorated.
Back to top
Do all masks come with headgear?
Yes, all masks that we sell come with headgear. Other companies sell masks alone, then the patient cannot use it without buying the headgear separately. This ends up costing you more. We can order a mask without the headgear, or replacement parts, but it is usually better just to buy a new mask every 6-12 months and keep your old one for spare parts.
Back to top
Which is better, a nasal pillow mask or a nasal mask?
That choice is up to you. We have seen a trend towards nasal pillow masks. They often come with 2 or 3 cushion sizes inclued at no extra cost, so that gives you adaptability, and also spare parts that can be used in emergencies. This also takes the guessing out of which size mask to buy. You can try them all out to see which one works the best for you. It is better to have a quality mask and a basic machine, than to have a deluxe machine with a cheap mask. A proper fitting, comfortable mask system will "make you or break you" You will not sleep with an uncomfortable mask.
Back to top
How do I know which size mask to buy?
The key to success with a CPAP mask is to get a mask fit that alleviates air leakage. The size and contours of a person's nose and face will dictate the size of mask needed.

Most masks are designed in two sizes which the manufacturer may call small and medium or medium and large. The particular design of some masks makes it important to provide a large range of sizes, with some manufacturers providing mask designs in petite, small, medium, large and extra large sizes.

The mask size should be reviewed with a respiratory therapist. Online guides may also be of help.

Weight gain or loss can affect the way a mask fits up against the face. Tightening the head gear might be enough to tighten the mask up against the face to stop the air leakage. In some cases, a new mask design may be required.
Back to top
What is humidification?
Humidifiers work to keep the nose moist, and to reduce the dryness and discomfort of the forced air through the nose and throat. Those who experience dryness in the mouth or throat would benefit from using a humidifier.
Back to top
What is a heated humidifier?
A heated humidifier, is more common and more effective. This unit is either a stand alone model, or an integrated model (mounts right up to your CPAP), and a heater warms the water creating more humidity (moisture) to the inhaled air. There isn't much of an increase in air temperature, but the humidification has a beneficial result for patients that experience dryness in the mouth or throat.
Back to top
What is a passover humidifier?
Passover, also called "cool" humidifiers use room temperature water, and collect a minimal amount of humidification to the inhaled air.

Back to top
What is a stand-alone humidifier?
A stand-alone humidifier is a humidifier that is not attached to a CPAP machine but operates independantly.
Back to top
What is a built-in humidifier?
A built-in humidifier is a humidifier that is incorporated into a CPAP machine.
Back to top
Will my CPAP operate on batteries?

The Everest CPAP series manufactured by AIEOmed runs on batteries.

Back to top
Will my CPAP work with 220V and 120V supplies?

Yes, most CPAP machines have auto-sensing power supplies that will automatically sense for 220V and 120V supplies.
Back to top
What are CPAP filters?
CPAP filters are filters which are installed in CPAP machines and serve to clean the air which moves through a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This ensures that people inhale clean air while using the machine and do not develop any respiratory complications.

CPAP filters are important for the function of a CPAP machines, and most machines require filter changes every 30 to 60 days, depending on the model.

Detailed information about the filter models a particular machine accepts are found in the appropriate user's manual and sometimes inside the filter compartment. The manual would also guide you on how the process for changing the filter.
Back to top
How often should I change my CPAP filters?
Most CPAP machines recommend that the filters be changed every 30 to 60 days. More detailed information should be available in the User Manual for your specific CPAP machine.

It is important to bear in mind that the duration of usage of each filter is not a hard deadline. If the machine is used in an environment with more dust or pet allergens and has a tendency to get dirtier faster, then the filter must be cleaned or replaced more often than if the CPAP machine is used in a cleaner environment.
Back to top
What are re-usable foam filters?
These filters can usually be washed and dried and re-used on the CPAP machine a certain number of times before they have to be replaced. When the filters get clogged then it is time to replace them.

Back to top
What are disposable foam filters?
Disposable filters are designed to be used once after which they must be discarded and replaced with a fresh filter.

Back to top
What is a bacteria filter for CPAP machines?
CPAP filters usually remove bacteria, pollen, and allergens such as pet dander and dust. The filter keeps bacteria out of the machine, ensuring that it will not colonized by harmful bacteria which could cause an infection if inhaled in large volumes.

The filter also helps the patient breathe easier while on the CPAP machine, and it avoids the triggering of allergies which can occur when unfiltered air is inhaled through a CPAP machine.

Back to top
What is meant by CPAP Tubing and Hose?
CPAP tubing is the large diameter connection on a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The tubing allows for delivery of the air to CPAP masks or humidifiers as hoses, so CPAP tubing is also referred to as a CPAP hose.

Most hoses on CPAP machines are basically the same and usually run about six feet (1.83 m) in length, although additions to the tubing may be necessary on some machines, depending on the patient’s specific needs. The ports on the CPAP humidifiers come as one standard size so that most CPAP tubes can fit on them. The smoother the CPAP hose, the quieter the machine will be.

Back to top
How long does my Tubing last?
A CPAP hose should last up to a year if it is maintained properly. When it looks like it is becoming dry and cracked on the inside lining or rubber ends, it needs to be replaced. Other signs that the tubing is getting old include stretch marks on the ends and deposits of mold and minerals from water in the hose. Letting the tubing air dry by detaching it each morning after use will help it to last longer. Handling it only by the rubber ends instead of by the tubing itself will also help it to last longer, and a quick-connect attachment device can be purchased to detach and attach the CPAP tubing easily.

Proper maintenance of a CPAP hose also includes drying it each morning to keep bacteria out. If the interior of the tube stays damp, the heated humidification will encourage bacteria cultures to grow in the hose. This will cause the patient who uses the CPAP machine to be sick more often because of the germs present when bacteria invade the machine. Some patients may be unable to clean the hose regularly because of its length. If the patient is unable to dry out the CPAP tubing, he or she should replace it often.

Although proper care of a CPAP tube can allow it to last for up to a year, doctors, insurance companies and Medicare usually agree that the hose should be replaced every three months. A serious respiratory problem could result if a patient is using a bacteria-ridden CPAP hose. Insulating the CPAP tubing is a good way to maintain moisture in the airflow because warm air holds more moisture than cool air.
Back to top
How often should I replace my Tubing?
Medicare guidelines suggest that you replace your tubing every 30 days. However, this may be a little too soon so we recommend replacing your tubing once every three months. This is because dirt and/or bacteria can build up in your tubing and can cause respiratory illnesses. Water chambers should be replaced at least once every 6 months.
Back to top
I hate how plastic Tubing feels. What should I do?
If you dislike the feel of plastic, we would recommend the use of wrapping for your CPAP tube. Products such as the wrap from SnuggleHose not only provide comfort but the wrap also provides insulation and heat retention for the hose.

Fleece Tube Wrap, for example, makes the hose a lot more comfortable to touch and insulates the tube against both sound and temperature difference, helping to fight condensation and rain-out.

Back to top
What is insulated Tubing. Do I need it?
"Rainout" is a fairly common occurence when using CPAPs with humidifiers. This can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night to loud popping sounds or with water spurting out in droplets. CPAP tube wrap can resolve this problem so you get the sleep you need.

Even if you don't use a humidifier, the wrap makes the hose softer to the touch and more comfortable.
Back to top
What is a Chinstrap. Should I buy one?
For patients who tend to breathe through the mouth while asleep, the chinstrap holds the jaw in place and prevents the mouth from opening involuntarily at night during sleep. This allows the CPAP to better maintain the continuous airway pressure into the breathing passages.
Back to top
How do you keep dust from entering your mask?
Filters are used to prevent dust from entering the CPAP machine. Every unit comes with a filter or set of filters. Some systems come with a washable foam style filter that traps most dust and pollen. You can rinse this type of filter regularly and use it for many months.
A paper filter is available for some models for patients with allergy problems. This type of filter is commonly called an "ultra-fine filter" and traps much smaller particles.
Back to top
I have a problem with air leaking from my mask. What should I do?
It is likely that you have a mask that is not the right fit. You should try to adjust the mask size by adjusting the mask straps. If the mask continues to leak and there is consequent loss of pressure with your mask then you should get the proper size mask.
Back to top
My throat feels dry when I wake up. What should I do?
You should consider using a humidifier especially a heated-humidifier which will make the air being forced into your passages moist.
There are a number of CPAP machines that come with built-in, heated humidifiers.
Back to top
My head feels heavy when I wake up. Why is that?
This is very common for new users. The pressure delivered through your mask is often uncomfortable to your ears, nose and eyes as well. This feeling is similar to the need to "pop" your ears when you drive up or down a mountain. This uncomfortable sensation is usually short lived and after a couple of weeks, the body adjusts to the CPAP and the feeling goes away.
Back to top
How do I breathe when I have a cold or plugged nose?
A full face mask can provide relief in this case. Clearing the airway by using saline/nasal drops can also help.
Once the airway is cleared, the CPAP will help to keep it clear. A heated humidifier can provide further relief for patients with sinus and other nasal problems.
Back to top
Can you bill my insurance directly?
We unfortunately do not bill your insurance as the overhead costs of doing this impact our ability to sell CPAP equipment at the lowest prices. We do send you invoices with your purchase and we do provide you with all of the necessary HCPCS codes and ICD9 code information on your invoice so that you can easily file for reimbursement from your insurance company if it provides for coverage for this purchase.
Back to top
What forms of payment does CpapOnSale.com accept?
We accept Paypal and Credit Card payments (Visa, Mastercard).
Back to top
How secure is CpapOnSale.com's payment processing?
Our payment system which is based on Paypal is highly secure and you may safely use this to pay for your purchases!
Back to top
How soon will my Order ship?
Your order will usually ship the same day or the next day that your payment is completed.
Back to top
What is the Shipping Policy of CpapOnSale.com?
Shipping is provided for free for any orders in excess of $100. For smaller orders we charge a shipping and handling fee.
Back to top
Does CpapOnSale.com ship Internationally? If so, to which countries?
We will ship to any country that is not sanctioned by US or International Law.
Back to top
What about Customs and Duties?
Customs and other duties will be the responsibility of the buyer. We will clearly indicate the goods being shipped in the Invoice and packing slip to help you clear the goods through Customs in the shortest possible time.
Back to top
If I don't like my CPAP, can I return it?
We apologize but once purchased and used you cannot return your CPAP. You can only return your CPAP if you have not opened the box at all.
Back to top
How is CpapOnSale able to offer such low prices?
We are a leading supplier of all CPAP equipment and have long standing relationships with all major suppliers through our sister company. We therefore have some of the best prices since we buy wholesale. We also have a strong, dedicated team that understands how to operate the business with the lowest overheads and so we simply pass on all the savings on to you the customer!
Back to top
What are the store hours for CpapOnSale.com?
We are open 24x7 which means 24 hours a day, all 7 days of the week. Our phone support is limited to office hours but you can send any enquiries through our web tools and we will answer them within 24 hours or sooner depending on when you post your question.
Back to top
Why buy from CpapOnSale.com?
We provide a range of excellent products at the best prices. We also provide strong pre-sales and after-sales support and we believe strongly in good customer service as we rely on our loyal customers and your referrals to keep our business going!
Back to top