Tag Archive for: CPAP Products

Sleeping easier with your travel CPAP machine, unplugged

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Travelling with a CPAP machine keeps getting easier.

Whether you’re bringing your home CPAP in a shoulder bag on the plane, or you’ve rented a travel CPAP for the next great road trip, leaving home doesn’t mean leaving better sleep behind. But what if your adventures take you to a place without easy access to power? What if you’re going to sleep in a tent, or that cabin where the power goes out every time there’s a rainstorm? With CPAP batteries, what used to mean suffering through off nights while you’re away can now be as comfortable as sleeping at home (mosquitoes notwithstanding).

Portable power for CPAP machines

After testing options for travel CPAP machines a few weeks ago, it was time to push the test even further and see how they could perform untethered. The option to run on a battery means you can use your CPAP anywhere – whether on a plane, the passenger seat of a car, or on a crazy backwoods adventure. On trial this time were the Medistrom Pilot-12 Lite and Pilot-24 Lite batteries, as well as their many charging options.

Getting the right battery for the job

The first thing I was surprised to discover is that even though there are different voltages (12 and 24-volt versions, as the names imply) there really isn’t a runtime advantage to the higher voltage battery.

The 12V works for some machines, and the 24V for others. I won’t give the whole which-battery-for-which-machine breakdown here (the team at Apnée Santé will make sure you get the size you need) but the general idea is that whichever one you’re using, it will provide reliable power for one night’s sleep (an average of 12-13 hours to be exact, and if you’re getting more sleep than that you’re luckier than me).

pilot 24 lite cpap battery pack with airsense aircurve cpap

Basic battery functions

The batteries (either voltage) weigh next to nothing and are easy to use. They both have a power button and a light to show when they’re in use, and there’s a gauge to show how much charge is left. Charging and plugging in machines is simple and foolproof, and the batteries even have a built-in LED flashlight to help you get your tubes and cables untangled in the dark.

The cores of these batteries are lithium-ion, which makes for a couple of key advantages: first, they’ll maintain full power output until just before they’re drained, so you won’t lose air pressure as the night goes on. Another perk is they’ll hold their charge for an incredibly long time while sitting idle, so when you put one away charged you can just pick it up and go the next time (though they insist in the manual that occasional users still charge them once every six months).

medistrom pilot 24 cpap

Videos about the Pilot 12 and 24 batteries

The many ways to get charged

But wait! If I’m going camping and the battery only works for one night, what good is it? Well not to worry. First of all, if you’re somewhere with access to power even for a short while during the day, you’re all set. The manual says the batteries will charge in 2-3 hours, but I found charging much faster than that.

If you can’t get to an outlet, the automotive charger (sold separately) is next in line: in my test the 24V battery got a full charge while I drove off and on throughout my day. I even took a shot at leaving the keys in the car with the ignition off in the driveway, and found I could get a full charge in around 90 minutes and still have plenty of juice left to start the car (though no promises there if your car battery is on its last legs).

If you’re so remote that you won’t have a car to plug into, the Medistrom solar charger will top up your battery in about the same time. I charged a 12V in an hour on the lawn on a hot sunny day (though it’d obviously take longer under clouds). The solar charger folds away into a neat little pack, and has DC and USB output ports so you can use it to charge all sorts of different batteries and devices.

solar panel

Solar Panel Charger for CPAP Pilot Lite Batteries

Extra ways to make use of your battery

As an added bonus, Medistrom batteries will not only power your CPAP machine away from home; they can also be used as a fallback in case of power failure. You can plug your battery into the wall, then plug your machine into the battery, and your CPAP will run on regular power but kick seamlessly over to the battery if power fails (it really works – I cheated this test by setting it up and then pulling the plug while the machine was running).

The batteries also have a USB port to juice up your favourite devices (phones and tablets, I’m looking at you!). I fully charged a dead iPhone from the Pilot-12 without putting a dent in the battery gauge, and was still able to run the CPAP overnight.

pilot 24 lite connected to resmed mini 054946e3 4923 4586 ab1d

Limitations to know about

While the freedom to take a CPAP on your next trip cataloguing butterflies in the Amazon is decidedly cool, there are drawbacks.

First and most surprisingly, the Respironics DreamStation requires a 12V power source, while the travel version (DreamStation Go) needs a 24V battery. This frankly seems like a strange oversight. The truth is there’s a fair chance that if you have two machines of any make the battery might not work for both of them (which doesn’t matter much but it would be nice to have a battery you could travel with AND use as a backup for your home machine).

The other drawback is you’ll have to turn off your machine’s humidifier or you’ll cut runtime severely – I found out the hard way that if the humidifier is on you only get about three hours before everything shuts down. The DreamStation Go even forces the issue by putting the DC input where the optional humidifier would normally connect. If humidity is crucial to your comfort, the ResMed AirMini with its built-in waterless humidification system is hands down the winner – it’s the only one that can keep up humidity on a battery.

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Conclusions

Whether you use your home CPAP machine on the road or opt for a travel-sized version, whether you’re a business traveller, an occasional backwoods adventurer, or both – the freedom to continue sleep therapy on a battery is a game changer. Though hard to believe, it’s easily possible to get good sleep without a plug, and to have the peace of mind of knowing that your CPAP machine will keep working no matter what happens to local power, even on a dark and stormy night.

Man in bed asleep with a monitor around his chest

  1. Wallace A, Bucks RS. SLEEP 2013;36(2):203-220.
  2. Accessed at https://aasm.org/brain-damage-caused-by-severe-sleep-apnea-is-reversible/ on Aug. 7, 2019.
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Travelling with Sleep Apnea – CPAP to Go?

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So you’ve come to embrace your CPAP machine and the restfulness it helps you enjoy, along with all the other benefits you’re gaining by treating your sleep apnea, but you’ve got vacation plans lined up for the summer.

Too bad you can’t take a vacation from your sleep apnea, right? A lot of CPAP machines are indeed relatively portable, but once you involve air travel with baggage limits, or maybe a camping trip where the amount of gear you carry is scrutinized down to the last wooden match, things get trickier. Fortunately, there are solutions, and Apnea Health has ways to help.

Travel CPAP Machines

The team at Apnea Health set me up to test a couple of new, very small CPAP machines for their performance and fitness for travel. Up for the test were the Respironics DreamStation Go by Philips, and the AirMini from ResMed. Both performed admirably and lived up to their claims to the name, “Travel CPAP.” There were some differences of course…

 

Size matters!

Since the name of the game is portability, size really does matter.

The DreamStation Go, a sleek 6” x 6” little box without the added humidifier accessory, weighs in at only 1.86 lbs. It screams portability, though it’s so diminutive a better word might be whispers. The addition of the optional humidifying unit doubles the length (it remains easily detachable for travel) and adds barely any weight so altogether it still weighs under 3 lbs., hose, mask and all.

The ResMed AirMini is in a league of its own for size – this thing is tiny. By stripping down the humidifier (more on that shortly), the screen, knobs and everything else but two touch spots for power and Bluetooth, ResMed has managed to create a full-function travel CPAP that’s about the size of a butter dish and weighs only 2/3 of a pound. It comes with a travel pouch but could just as easily slide into a purse or the side pocket of a laptop bag or backpack.

airmini coffee

Functionality

These two manufacturers have managed to squeeze all the features that you’ve come to expect from your regular CPAP into a couple of much smaller packages.

The touchscreen on the DreamStation Go is intuitively easy to navigate both for setup and feedback, as is the DreamMapper app that provides reports, user manuals and handy informational videos on your phone or tablet. The Micro-flexible tubing is remarkably light and narrow but works with any mask, and the humidifier is designed to be happy using regular tap water so you don’t have to worry about lugging or finding distilled water while you’re on the road. This machine works and feels like a regular CPAP, just in a smaller package: in spite of its dimensions it can perform as a full-time machine with the added bonus of impressive travel ability.

As for the AirMini, absolutely everything is controlled through the app – you set it up on your phone or tablet and then push a button (or just put on your mask and breathe to auto-start) and begin therapy. For humidification, ResMed has done away with traditional water tanks and opted instead for a system that uses a rather ingenious pod with a porous filter built into the hose that captures and re-uses heat and moisture as you breathe. The filter “pucks” come in two grades for more or less humidity, or you can forgo them entirely if you don’t feel the need (depending on local conditions, time of year, etc.). The filters don’t require cleaning but do need to be replaced once a month.

myair app 1

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AirMini and P10 Starter Kit Combo

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AirMini and N20 Starter Kit Combo

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AirMini and F20 Starter Kit Combo

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AirMini and F30 Starter Kit Combo

Drawbacks

Truly it is difficult to find a drawback with the DreamStation go, other than that it’s not as small as the AirMini. When you add the humidifier it does get larger, but the whole thing is still much smaller than a regular CPAP machine. As a stand-alone without the water tank it would travel even lighter, and I did test it out that way (on a warm night in the Montreal area) and had no complaints at all.

The AirMini is the reigning champion for small size. One unfortunate drawback it that the “HumidX” waterless humidification system, while brilliant and highly effective, is positioned on the hose just below the mask, and expels a constant stream of air. It’s surely something you’d get used to, and for many it wouldn’t be disruptive at all, but to me it felt like one of the kids snuck into my room to blow on my face through a juice-box straw for a prank. The machine is ever so slightly louder, and it is actually limited to working with a few specific ResMed masks, but those minor complaints are far outweighed by the convenience of its impressively small size.

AirMini Info

What about that camping trip?

You might be wondering about powering your CPAP on that camping trip I mentioned, if you’re headed for the woods with no access to an electrical outlet.

Not to worry, there are also batteries available with multiple charging options, so you can take your CPAP to sleep in a tent, on a plane, the passenger seat in the car, you name it. You can use a battery with a travel CPAP or your own existing machine, or you can use a backup battery in case of a power outage at home.

medistrom pilot 24 cpap

Conclusion

Overall, both the ResMed AirMini and the Respironics DreamStation Go are impressive, full-functioning travel CPAP devices, and either would make travelling far easier and more convenient. Imagine the freedom of going on vacation with a CPAP that takes up no more room in your bag than a beach novel!

The DreamStation Go works exactly like a full-sized machine in a tiny package. And the AirMini, while recommended solely as a travel CPAP and not meant for full-time use, is the winner if you’re looking for ultra small size in a second machine.

Apnea Health has both models available along with informed staff to help find the best solution for you.

Don’t travel enough to feel the extra cost of a travel CPAP is justified? Apnea Health still has you covered – they also offer travel devices for rent so you can rest easy on your next trip.

airmini autoset travel cpap machine 3

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A guide to different mask styles

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The mask is arguably the most important piece of equipment in your CPAP therapy arsenal.

There are lots of CPAP machines on the market.

All have different features and advantages, but without a well-fitted mask all the technology in the world won’t help your sleep therapy. Not only can the wrong mask cause minor annoyance with air leaks or chafing, but it can seriously get in the way of the therapy you’ve gone to the trouble of seeking out. In extreme cases, an ill-fitting mask can prove so irritating that patients will simply give up and hang up their hose for good.

But don’t give up – whatever your size, pressure needs or sleeping style there’s a perfect mask for you – it’s just a question of wading into the options and finding the right fit.

So how do you know which mask is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of pros and cons for different mask styles that’ll help you figure it out.

The classic – the nasal mask

This is far and away the most common style of mask in use, so we might as well start with the classic. The nasal mask goes right to the source of snoring and sleep apnea, keeping your nasal passages open while you sleep by providing positive air pressure through a mask that covers your entire nose, but not your mouth. There are different makes and models, but all nasal masks are made of rigid plastic, held in place with adjustable headgear using some form of cushion to provide a comfortable, leak-free fit on your face.

Side view of man wearing n20 mask

Pros and cons of Nasal masks

PROS:

  • Widely used, proven technology
  • Easy, intuitive fit and adjustments
  • Stays securely put even for more “active” sleepers

CONS:

  • Some patients can find a larger mask claustrophobic
  • Headgear attachments can impede line of sight
  • Not suitable for chronic mouth-breathers or those with very high pressure requirements

Man sleeping while wearing a Wisp nasal mask

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n20 mask for him

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Masque Mirage FX de Resmed

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Philips Respironics Wisp Nasal Mask with Fabric Frame

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ESON 2 CPAP mask from Fisher & Paykel

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The big guns – the full-face mask

No matter what the name sounds like, full-face masks don’t actually cover your whole face. Though some may be turned off by their larger size, full face masks actually have a lot of advantages and don’t have to feel like they’re in the way.

Just a little larger than common nasal masks, the full-face versions cover your nose and also dip down over your mouth with an airtight seal. These bad boys will stay in place no matter how high your pressure needs are, have a lower chance of shifting when you move, and will provide continuous pressure even if you’re in the habit of opening your mouth when you sleep. They’re also the only style of mask that works when your nose is congested from a cold or allergies, meaning you continue to get the best sleep you can, just when you need it the most.

They work so well in fact that many who prefer smaller masks will keep a full-face version around as an insurance policy for nights when they’re under the weather.

Side view of man wearing vitera mask

Pros and Cons of Full Face masks

PROS:

  • A workhorse that won’t let you down even if your apnea demands high pressure treatment
  • Will always stay in place and works perfectly for mouth-breathing sleepers
  • Keeps working at full efficiency even if your nose is completely blocked, helping you get over a cold faster

CONS:

  • They are bulkier than other types of mask
  • Those with claustrophobia may find them intimidating

Man sleeping comfortably while wearing a Dreamwear full face mask

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Airtouch F20 from Resmed

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Dreamwear Full Face mask from Respironics

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Vitera full face CPAP mask from Fisher & Pakel

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Mirage Quattro full face CPAP mask from ResMed

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A spin on the original – under the nose masks

Under the nose masks are a relative newcomer to the field, and they aim to provide the same performance and comfort as the classic style but in a less cumbersome shape that allows more freedom and a clear line of sight.

Under the nose designs are available in nasal (covering the bottom of your nose but not your mouth) and full-face (covering mouth and nose) versions. These are technically much like their larger cousins, providing a seal around the nose alone or the mouth along with it, but in a smaller package that sits under the nose for a less bulky feel.

Side view of a man wearing the Dreamwear nasal mask

Pros and Cons of Under the nose masks

PROS:

  • A newer take on a proven design
  • Clear line of sight and a more open feel
  • No contact or chafing on the bridge of your nose

CONS:

  • Can be more challenging to securely fit than classic nasal or full-face masks
  • Some people who move a lot in their sleep may find them harder to keep in place

Man asleep in bed, wearing a Dreamwear nasal mask

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Dreamwear nasal mask

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Minimalist’s dream – the nasal pillow mask

If you love the benefits of CPAP treatment, but can’t stand having a mask covering part of your face, a nasal pillow mask might be just the thing for you. The sleekest, most minimized design available, these masks have unobtrusive hose connections and deliver pressurized air through two little silicone pillows directly into your nostrils.

They leave your nose and mouth completely uncovered, and there are no straps or bars climbing into your field of view. There can be some challenges with these masks – the fit needs to be perfect or they can shift if you toss around at night, occasionally leading to discomfort from over-tightening of straps, and they may not always maintain a seal under extreme air pressure situations.

They can also occasionally irritate the nostrils for new users who aren’t used to them, but using a nasal lubricant makes adapting to the new style much easier. Those minor issues aside, those who are well suited to the freedom of a minimalist nasal pillow mask swear by them.

Side view of man wearing an AirFit P10 mask

Pros and Cons of Nasal Pillow Masks

PROS:

  • Sleekest, least obtrusive design available
  • Clear sight-lines
  • Airy, open, almost not-even-there feel

CONS:

  • Some patients can find it difficult to maintain a secure seal
  • Care must be taken to avoid over-tightening adjustable straps
  • Not suitable for chronic mouth-breathers or those with very high pressure requirements
  • Can be irritating when you are not used to it, but with the help of a nasal lubricant, you may find it easier to adapt

Man sleeping in bed while wearing an AirFit P10 CPAP mask

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P10 nasal pillow mask from side view

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Dreamwear Silicon pillow mask

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AirFit p30i CPAP mask from Resmed

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The Brevida Nasal Pillows Mask from Fisher & Paykel

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Putting it all together

This outline gives a good overview of the different types of mask available, and finding the right one for you can make all the difference. On top of the different basic types, many masks come with various cushion sizes to adapt to any shape of face, and all have adjustable headgear to fine tune the fit.

Everyone is different, and style considerations aside, the key is finding the mask that works best for you. With the right mask, you’ll get the most benefit possible from your CPAP therapy and find yourself better rested and healthier for it.

If you’re still unsure which style is best for you, speak with one of our expert respiratory therapists – they’ll be happy to assess you and walk you through the options to make sure you find the mask of your dreams.

Man sleeping comfortably in bed, wearing a CPAP nasal pillow mask

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Will My Mask Really Work With Any Machine?

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You may have heard that CPAP masks are universally compatible across machines.

Yes, it’s true! You really can use any CPAP mask with any CPAP or BiPAP machine, with one exception.

It’s common to think you need a certain kind of mask to fit your machine – but why is that? There are a few different issues that arise and leave people confused on mask compatibility.

We’ll go through all the ways you might have found yourself thinking masks are not universal, and the one scenario where you will need different supplies than usual.

Here are different ways masks connections can be confusing:

  1. Elbows are part of the mask, but can get stuck in tubes.
  2. Short tubes are part of the mask, not the CPAP tubing.
  3. Oxygen Adapters work with all masks but not all tubing.
  4. There is one special exception.
  5. Conclusion

1. Elbows are part of the mask, but can get stuck in tubes.

Elbow connectors are the L-shaped connector for full-face mask designs. They often have easy release options that leave part of the mask inside the tube, so it’s easy to think a new mask won’t fit. What is really happening is that part of the mask is still in the tube. If you forget part of the mask in an old tube, or if you get a new mask but there’s still a piece of the old one in the tube, you’ll think your mask and tube don’t connect!

If you lose or break the elbow, you’ll likely need to replace the whole mask. It’s also best to replace your mask and tubing regularly so that they don’t stretch out. Insurance providers cover CPAP tubes and mask frames every 3 months to ensure they have good seals.

tube connection

2. Short tubes are part of the mask, not the CPAP tubing.

Nasal pillow or nasal cushion masks usually have their own short tube, which is often mistaken as a replacement for the main CPAP tube. However, you’ll find they are much too short and don’t fit onto your CPAP. You’ll need to remove the short tube before inserting a new mask into your tubing.

If you like having the flexible short tube attachment, check out the brand new Evora from Fisher and Paykel

man in bed wearing the evora nasal mask

3. Oxygen Adapters work with all masks but not all tubing.

Oxygen adapters attach between the mask and tube, and allow folks to bleed oxygen into their CPAP therapy. They are universally compatible with all masks and standard tubing. However, if you have heated tubing, there may be restrictions on what style adapter you need.

ResMed’s AirSense has a special version of their heated tube that has an oxygen port built right in, as well as:

  • Auto-titration: Smart algorithm automatically adjusts your therapy pressure as your needs change
  • EPR: Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding high pressure mask leaks
  • Humidification: 7 levels of humidity and a heated tube ensures you don’t dry out.

MaskFitsAllMachines

4. There is one special exception.

ResMed’s AirMini is the one exception that doesn’t use the universal connections that all other CPAP machines have. Because of its unique HumidX system for its nasal mask options, the travel CPAP has special connectors and tubing.

Forgoing the universal connections that other CPAPs have allows the AirMini to be as small as it is (just 0.66 lb!), as well as include the following features:

  • Powerful and quiet: Auto-titrating machine adjusts to your pressure needs as you sleep
  • Control in the palm of your hand: Smartphone app gives you complete control over your CPAP therapy
  • Mask included with machine: Choose from the AirFit P10, AirFit N20, AirFit F20, or AirFit F30

AirMini_Info

Conclusion

That covers the different connections for masks and CPAPs. If you’re having trouble connecting a CPAP mask and tube, make sure you have all parts of the mask. If you have a new mask (with its included connector) and it’s not connecting to your tubing, it may be that your tube is too old or loose.

Another common issue is that old elbows or parts of a connector remain in the tube when you try to disconnect the mask, making it impossible to put a new style mask into the tube.

If you’re having trouble connecting your mask and tube, check out the video we made to help you!

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4 Ways To Reduce CPAP Mask Irritation

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While wearing a CPAP mask can dramatically change your life for the better, it can come with some unfortunate side effects to your skin: redness, rashes, sores and chafing are unsightly or even painful problems that sometimes go with the territory.

CPAP users, particularly those new to the treatment, can fall victim to air leaks and rubbing that cause skin irritation. Even seasoned veterans will tell you it can happen from time to time, especially to those with more sensitive skin.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid these irritations and get on with enjoying better sleep.

Read on for some helpful tips…

Size matters.

A mask that’s too big or too small can cause skin irritations.

If your mask is too tight, it’ll leave indents on your face. If it’s too loose, it can leak air – this makes your mask shift around and rub against your skin, sometimes causing pretty painful sores. Adjusting the tightness of the straps on your CPAP mask at home can help customize your fit.

If strap adjustment isn’t enough to fix the problem, you could try a new mask with a different fit. There are masks out there with minimalist designs and reduced contact points; good ones include the AirFit P10, the Swift Fx, the Brevida, the DreamWear, the AirFit N30i and the AirFit P30i.

If you need the coverage of a full face mask but your skin is sensitive, a good option is the Airtouch F20 – instead of silicone, it has an UltraSoft memory foam cushion that’s uniquely comfortable.

It can be tough to tell just which mask you need when you’re new at it – but Apnea Health will help you figure that out.

sizing

Don’t go to sleep with an oily face.

Your face can get pretty oily in the course of a day.

Be sure to wash your face with soap and water before putting on your mask, because clean skin will prevent your cushion from sliding around. A mask that moves too much while you sleep will leave red chafing marks on your cheeks. If you can, it’s ideal to do your washing an hour before bed, to avoid transferring products to your mask.

washing face

Avoid heavy moisturizing at bedtime.

If you need to moisturize your face, Aeromate moisturizer and mask sealer helps alleviate chafing. Its non-petroleum, aloe-based formula soothes sensitive skin while providing a seal around the mask.

If it’s the bridge of your nose that tends to get irritated, try putting a nasal pad under your mask. The Gecko Nasal Pad is a comfortable, soft strip that goes across the nose to reduce irritation and leaks.

aero mate

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gecko nose

Shop the Gecko nasal pad

Keep your equipment clean.

Cleaning your CPAP mask is important. It helps eliminate bacteria that can cause irritation or infection, and it’s actually easy to do – you can watch Jess’s video to learn best practices for CPAP cleaning.

You should avoid scented soaps, and never use alcohol, vinegar, bleach, or over-the-counter antibacterial agents for cleaning, because they’ll dry out your mask. Remember to think of the mask as delicate, like your skin, even if you’re a pretty tough person.

We recommend you clean your mask daily, and give your headgear a wash once a week.

We’ve put together useful cleaning kits to give your CPAP equipment the proper care:

cleaning kit grapefruit

Grapefruit Cleaning Kit

cleaning kit mint

Mint and Green Tea Cleaning Kit

If you want to be certain your mask is rid of bacteria, the Lumin is your answer. It uses UV light to kill 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses, and other agents that may cause skin infections.

Whichever means you decide to use, remember that maintenance and cleaning are critical ways to avoid skin issues.

Time for a new mask?

If your mask used to fit perfectly, but lately not so much, there’s a good chance it’s time for a replacement. Mask materials wear with time, and just like your toothbrush, it’s important to replace them regularly.

Clear signs that it’s time for a new mask include cracking, dryness or stiffness on the mask or the cushion. Any yellow discolouration on the cushion also means it’s time to go. Generally, if you notice a lot of leaking that wasn’t there when the mask was new, you should probably look into replacement.

Did you know that most insurers cover 1-2 replacement masks a year? Apnea Health recommends replacing your mask, or at a minimum replacing the cushion, at least once every 9-12 months.

If you start to see signs of wear and tear, it’s important you get a new mask right away.

homme qui dort avec son nouveau masque nasal de Resmed

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P10 nasal pillow mask from side view

AirFit P10

The Brevida Nasal Pillows Mask from Fisher & Paykel

Brevida

Nasal CPAP Mask

AirFit N20

Airfit F20 for him and her

AirFit F20

If you’re having trouble with skin irritation or mask leaks, Apnea Health is here to help!

now two ways en

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Bloating From CPAP? | Common CPAP Problems & Solutions

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Ever wake up feeling like there’s a tornado in your stomach?

Or when you use your CPAP, do you notice…

  • Stomachache or bloating
  • Burping or flatulence
  • Heartburn or acid reflux

These are all symptoms of aerophagia, or air eating, which is a common CPAP side effect. Aerophagia occurs when air flows into your stomach and intestines instead of your airways during the night. As air builds up, it can cause discomfort in your belly and bowels.

What causes this bloating and how can I fix it?

  1. Pressure is set too high: Your CPAP pressure could be set too high or higher than you need. The extra air you get has no place to go, but to your esophagus and then belly.
  2. Pressure is set too low: You may have your pressure set too low where it’s too inadequate to resolve your apnea episodes. As you’re trying to obtain more air in your lungs, you end up quickly gulping air which is then forced into your esophagus.
  3. Exhalation problems: You might be having trouble exhaling over the consistent air pressure CPAP delivers. This is particularly hard for individuals using mid- to high-CPAP pressures. When you inhale high pressures, it might be simple, but exhaling might cause panic, anxiety and a feeling of choking or suffocation. When this occurs, you might fall out of your natural breathing rhythm and start hyperventilating. This may lead to quickly gulping or sucking in the air, forcing it into your esophagus instead of your lungs.

cloud

How to fix your aerophagia when pressure too high or low:

  1. Enable advanced comfort settings in your device.

    If you’re having trouble exhaling but your pressure level is already matching your needs, then we can enable settings such as EPR, which stands for Expiratory Pressure Relief. EPR is a standard feature on ResMed’s Airsense 10 AutoSet that reduces the pressure of your therapy only when you exhale. The AirSense has other advanced comfort settings, such as:

    • Auto-titration: Smart algorithm automatically adjusts your therapy pressure as your needs change
    • Humidification: 8 levels of humidity and an optional heated tube ensures you don’t dry out
    • AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure to ensure you fall asleep more comfortably

    woman adjusts settings on her CPAP machine
    The Respironics Dreamstation also has a new revolutionary exhalation release feature called P-FLEX technology, auto-titration, auto-amp and 5 humidification.

    P-Flex technology: is a unique comfort feature that applies exhalation pressure relief in proportion to pressure. P-Flex is designed to enhance comfort by reducing exhalation pressure. But unlike other versions of Flex algorithm, P-Flex applies increased amounts of pressure relief as therapy pressure increases. The higher the pressure, the greater the pressure support. This results in a more comfortable and effective therapy experience.

    dreamstation 2

    The SleepStyle also has a special advanced comfort setting: 
    SensAwake: With this function, the device quickly decreases the pressure to the lowest and most comfortable level when you wake up during the night. It thus facilitates the return to sleep and allows effective resumption of treatment. You are less likely to wake up in a panic with high pressure and open your mouth which would cause aerophagia. We did a clinical experiment. We offered a trial of the Sleep Style to some of our patients who suffered from aerophagia. In all cases, the patients saw great improvement and even disappearance of their aerophagia problem. It seems that the intelligent Sleep Style algorithm is ideal for patients afflicted with this problem.

    sleepstyle 2

  2. Use a CPAP that adjusts your pressure throughout the night.

    If the pressure levels aren’t tailored to your needs, then your chance of swallowing air accidentally in the night increases. The best solution is upgrading to an auto CPAP. An auto CPAP will automatically titrate, or adjust, the pressure, so you always get the correct pressure night after night. It can even adjust to your sleeping position or how tired you are that evening.

    These machines are programmed with a sophisticated algorithm that monitors your breathing in order to determine the most comfortable and effective settings for you at any given moment. The constant adjustments of the auto CPAP are essential to ensure that you continue to get the most out of your CPAP therapy.

    Resmed Auto CPAP AirSense S10 for him

    Learn about the Airsense

Other possible causes are nasal congestion and mouth breathing, both of which have the same solution.

Nasal congestion

You could have nasal congestion from allergies, a cold or the flu. When you have a stuffy nose, you might not be able to get the right CPAP air pressure you require, therefore you gulp in the air by mouth, leading it down into your esophagus.

Mouth Breather

You might be a mouth breather and wear a traditional nasal mask. When your mouth opens up while you’re sleeping, the CPAP machine may not be able to deliver the air to your lungs, but rather the air escapes through your mouth. Your apnea episodes aren’t being corrected, therefore in your unconscious panic; you could suddenly experience a choking sensation and gulp the air in rapidly, forcing it into your esophagus.

Woman lying in bed, rubbing her blocked sinuses caused by allergies

How to fix your aerophagia for congestion or mouth breathing?

It’s very simple: make sure you are using the right mask!

If you have a nasal cushion mask but your mouth opens during the night, you can end up gulping air as the therapy escapes out your mouth. Similarly, nasal pillow masks with blocked exhale ports can have the same problem, forcing your mouth open during the night. A full face mask, such as ResMed’s AirFit F30i, will enable you to breathe out through your mouth instead of swallowing the air. The AirFit F30i features:

  • Under-the-nose full face cushion: Reduces red marks and irritation on the nasal bridge
  • QuietAir technology: Makes for a quieter experience for you and your bed partner
  • Quick-release elbow and universal headgear: Makes taking your mask on and off easier than ever
right mask

Shop AirFit F30i

Shop other options of Full Face Masks

Airfit F20 for him and her

Airfit F20 for him and her

airift f10 cpap mask for men and women

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Mirage Quattro full face CPAP mask from ResMed

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Dreamwear Full Face mask from Respironics

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Takeaway

The most common culprit is your exhaled air not escaping the CPAP system when you breathe out. Pressure problems (both too high and too low), sinus blockage, and mask issues can all lead to aerophagia.

Figuring out what’s causing your aerophagia is essential to resolve it. Extreme air swallowing can be very uncomfortable, particularly if your CPAP settings aren’t optimized. Be sure to talk with your respiratory therapist at Apnée Santé about this problem to help determine the causes and solutions unique to you.

You can also call your local clinic or fill out the form below and we will follow up with you:

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How often should I replace my CPAP supplies?

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Why should you replace your CPAP supplies regularly?

  • Necessary for hygiene: ensures the safety of your sleep therapy and minimizes chance of getting sick.
  • Decreases common problems: mask leaks, build up of calcium in water chamber, growth of bacteria in both water chamber and tube.
  • Protect your CPAP and you: filters, filters, filters! We can’t overstate the importance of filters.
  • Filters for the CPAP: if you don’t want to wind up with a noisy CPAP after a couple or years, you must change your filters regularly. The filters protect the CPAP’s motor!
  • Filters for you: protects you from dust and particles in the air.

cpap replacement schedule square 2022 en

Did you know?

Did you know that your insurance covers 1-2 masks per year and all CPAP maintenance items, such as filters, tube and water tubs?

Need help with your insurance? Contact us for assistance!

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Easy-to-choose replacement kits

 

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Shop Airsense 10 replacement kit

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Shop S9 Series replacement kit

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Prisma SMART Max Auto CPAP Now Available

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Apnea Health is dedicated to bringing you a range of options for CPAP machines to meet your personal therapy needs and comfort preferences.

The German-engineered Prisma SMART Max Auto CPAP is the newest machine added to our list, giving you another great choice for treating sleep apnea and improving your sleep and overall well-being.

A bedside pyramid

Triangular and solid, the Prisma SMART Max Auto CPAP from Löwenstein Medical is a high-tech performer that’s clearly engineered to place quality sleep at the top of the pyramid.  Its sleek style and simplified controls make it an easy-to-use addition to the bedside table, and it has performance advantages you’ll feel immediately.

side angle view of the Prisma Smart max from Lowenstein Medical

Function above all

With user controls and a display styled more like an old-school clock radio than a smartphone, the Prisma SMART Max has a throwback feel, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it isn’t modern. The push button controls are comfortably familiar and intuitive, while the performance is truly a cut above. Its advanced algorithm is responsive to your needs providing unparalleled comfort and beneficial sleep, while its blower motor is so supremely quiet you and your bed partner will easily forget it’s even there.

Man using app for his Prisma CPAP

Plug and go

Once set up by your therapist, the Prisma SMART Max is as easy to use as plug in and go: attach the universal hose to the fixed port with any mask, plug the power cord in the nearest outlet, fill the humidifier water chamber (if you’re using it) and you’re good to go.

The Prisma’s super responsive autoSTART means therapy kicks in the second you put on your mask and breathe – you don’t even have to push a button (though you can disable this feature and press the start/stop button instead). Unlike some others that keep you waiting a few breaths before their auto start works, the instant action of the Prisma inspires confidence. To end therapy, you can push the start/stop button or simply remove your mask and the machine shuts itself off.

Prisma Smart max with humidifier

Other great Prisma features:

  • SoftSTART allows you to choose to begin therapy at full pressure, or have the machine gently ramp from minimal pressure over a period of anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes (depending on your preference) to ease you into sleep
  • SoftPAP briefly reduces pressure each time you breathe out, for those who find it more comfortable to exhale without full air pressure engaged. It can be adjusted to a lower or higher variance, or disengaged depending on what feels best for you
  • The PrismaAQUA humidifier chamber is simple to fill and locks positively in place, and it’s removable for easier travel. You can change humidity levels for comfort, and the display has an indicator to remind you when it needs refilling
  • The easy access, washable air filter could not be simpler to maintain
  • Prisma’s included carry bag has compartments for the device and water chamber, along with plenty of extra space in divided pockets for your hose, mask and power cord, and enough extra room to throw in a water bottle and book for the road
  • Various options for connectivity help your therapist monitor your sleep therapy progress

Adjusting Prisma SMart max settings with the phone app

The last word

The Prisma SMART Max Auto CPAP from Löwenstein Medical may not be the smallest or the lightest on the market, but its simplicity of design paired with its solid, brilliantly-engineered function make it the pinnacle of quiet efficiency and durability. In the simplest terms, it is a performer above all else.

If you’d like to know more about the Prisma or other CPAP options, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apnea Health today!

Prisma Smart max with humidifier and tubing

Buy the Prisma CPAP today

Prisma Smart max from Lowenstein Medical

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Black Friday / Cyber Monday Deals 2021

Just in time to brighten your November, Apnea Health is offering up unbeatable Black Friday specials on CPAP masks, accessories and more…

Christmas is coming early to all our patients for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Swift FX

Save $80 on the Swift FX

With super-soft fit and a minimal appearance, the Swift FX makes it easy to forget about your mask and remember what it’s like to get a great night’s sleep. From now until Cyber Monday, get it for only $79 (while supplies last!)

Black friday cyber monday - Swift FX at $79

Shop now

Dreamwisp

Save $96 on the Dreamwisp

DreamWisp was designed to help you sleep comfortably with every turn. Worried about getting the right size? Never fear the DreamWisp FitPack includes cushions in small, medium and large making it a perfect fit. From now until Cyber Monday, get it for only $79 (while supplies last!)

Black friday cyber monday - dreamwisp at $79

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AirFit P10 Nasal Pillows

Save $80 on the P10 for HER and for HIM

Falling asleep and staying asleep has never been easier, and here’s a deal that will knock you out! With an ultra-light tube, minimalist headgear, and quiet vents, you might forget you’re wearing the AirFit P10 at all.

Black friday cyber monday - airfit p10 at $95

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Check out our CPAP masks under $100

Black friday cyber monday - dreamwear at $95

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Black friday cyber monday - Evora $79

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Black friday cyber monday - Wisp $79

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Black friday cyber monday - Mirage FX him $79

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Black friday cyber monday - Mirage FX him $79

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Black friday cyber monday - Airfit n20 $95

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Black friday cyber monday - airtouch n20 $95

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Black friday cyber monday - airfit n30i $95

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Black friday cyber monday - airfit p30i $95

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Black friday cyber monday - eson 2 at $95

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Discover full face masks at unbeatable prices

Black friday cyber monday - Airtouch F20 at $179

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Black friday cyber monday - AirFit F20 at $179

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Black friday cyber monday - vitera at $179

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Time to disinfect your gear

Keep things fresh with these squeaky-clean deals!

Black friday cyber monday - lumin at $279

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Black friday cyber monday - Mint & Green tea CPAP cleaning kit - $29.99

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Black friday cyber monday - Grapefruit CPAP cleaning kit - $29.99

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Black friday cyber monday - Soap and wipes CPAP cleaning kit - $31.99

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Have you replaced your CPAP supplies?

Private health insurance covers all replacement parts. Don’t forget to stock up before calendar year-end!

Black friday cyber monday - Airsense replacement kit - $105

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Black friday cyber monday - Series S9 replacement kit - $95

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Black friday cyber monday - Dreamstation replacement kit - $125

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Black friday cyber monday - Sleepstyle replacement kit - $145

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What Is EPR? | Customizable CPAP Comfort Settings

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Using a CPAP for your sleep apnea should make sleeping easier and more comfortable.

However, many CPAP users have trouble getting a restful sleep even with their sleep therapy.

Common problems include:

  • Feeling like you’re suffocating
  • Your mouth drying out
  • Your mask losing its seal

For years, customizing your CPAP to suit your specific needs seemed impossible—but not anymore. With the new EPR feature, sleeping through the night with no interruptions is a piece of cake.

man sitting in bed, next to his Airsense 10

What is EPR?

EPR, or “Expiratory Pressure Relief,” is an advanced comfort option that will reduce the pressure from your CPAP when you exhale, making it easier to breathe and helping your therapy feel as natural as possible.

Feeling comfortable while sleeping with your CPAP is crucial for getting the most out of your sleep therapy and ensuring you have the quality sleep you deserve. With this feature, each breath will be more restful than the last (as it should be).

woman adjusting the settings on her Resmed Airsense

What are the benefits of EPR?

  • Less pressure: Nobody likes having air blown into their mouth when they’re trying to breathe out. Having the pressure reduced upon exhaling literally makes it easier to breathe.
  • Less noise: Have you ever woken up because your CPAP is too noisy? With EPR, you won’t wake up to the sound of air leaking from your mask.
  • Better sleep: If you’re not being woken up by extra pressure and noise, you’re going to get better sleep—it’s as simple as that!

Airsense 10 cpap machine

How does EPR work?

The three settings allow CPAP users to reduce the pressure by one, two, or three pressure points when exhaling. For example, if you choose an EPR of three, and your pressure setting upon inhaling is ten, the machine will automatically reduce the pressure to seven when you’re exhaling.

Your pressure setting, your EPR setting and your pressure upon exhale

The Best CPAP with EPR: AirSense 10 AutoSet

The AirSense 10 AutoSet is the newest, smartest CPAP by ResMed. In addition to being auto-titrating, the AirSense has a number of other advanced features to increase the comfort and efficiency of your sleep therapy.

How comfortable is sleeping with the AirSense?

The AirSense makes your comfort its top priority. It is whisper quiet, making for a peaceful environment for you and your sleep partner. Its integrated humidifier ensures that you won’t wake up with a dry mouth or water in your mask.

But it doesn’t stop there — it goes above and beyond.

With AutoRamp and SmartStart, the AirSense will start automatically at a low pressure as soon as you put on your mask. It then ramps up the pressure to the perfect level once you are asleep, helping you drift off more comfortably. It is also perfect if you are sensitive to high pressures. With EPR (expiratory pressure relief), the AirSense reduces air pressure when you exhale to make breathing easy.

How easy is sleeping with the AirSense?

The AirSense does most of the work for you. The AirSense is auto-titrating, meaning it will automatically adjust according to your breathing instead of being set to one fixed pressure setting. That means better therapy with no extra work.

Better yet, monitor your sleep therapy with MyAir! You can track all of your sleep data at home, making this CPAP the most convenient and easy-to-use machine on the market.

Man sleeping peacefully next to his Airsense 10 CPAP

Shop Resmed Airsense 10

Resmed Airsense for Him

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