CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

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.

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

What happens if you leave your Apnea untreated?

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

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

Return of common symptoms

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

Risk of sudden death

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

Risk of premature death

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

Risk of stroke

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

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

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

If you’re on CPAP therapy, you may have heard (one time or another) from medical professionals or fellow CPAP users say "if you lose weight, you may not need your CPAP anymore" or "your CPAP will help you lose weight"...but is that true?

A quick Google search and you’ll see endless articles, studies and content claiming "CPAP can aid with weight loss" or "lose weight and ditch your CPAP " and even "CPAP causes weight gain". With so many mixed messages,  how do you decipher them? Keep reading as we dive into your weight and CPAP therapy and what the take-home message should be.

Can CPAP Therapy Help You Lose Weight?

We’ll try to keep it as simple as possible. Yes. The keyword here is help. The use of a CPAP machine alone will not produce direct or even significant weight-loss. If achieving a specific weight goal is important to you – getting quality sleep and compliance on Sleep Apnea therapy is one component and can help your weight loss journey.  

• Research shows using CPAP helps regulate the body's production of appetite-influencing hormones ghrelin and leptin which can positively affect your waistline.
• Experts emphasize sleeping 6-8 hours a night for regulating these hormones creating benefits for your weight loss goals.  
• Another way CPAP can contribute to weight loss is through the overall benefits of controlling OSA. Naturally, when you get proper rest, you benefit by feeling an increase in energy, mood and mental state. This energy boost and decrease of lethargy allow you to participate in more physical activity (going for a walk, or play soccer), engage in more social activity (playing baseball with your kids) resulting in more calories burned which can aid in weight loss.

Can The Use Of CPAP Supplies Cause Weight Gain?

The short answer is also yes. Confusing right? There are journal studies out there to show OSA patients who are very compliant in using CPAP equipment may gain a modest amount of weight.  They concluded that OSA treatment with CPAP promotes a significant increase in BMI and weight. A couple of reasons why this may happen:

• The treatment for Sleep Apnea may decrease the effort used for breathing during sleep thereby decreasing the amount of energy (calories) being burned while sleeping.
• Changes in the quality of sleep and energy could also lead to changes in appetite and eating habits.

The use of CPAP supplies alone is not the answer to all your weight problems. CPAP therapy is (once again) a component that can improve one’s sleep quality and overall health but not without other key components.

So, what should you do?

Managing Your Weight During Sleep Apnea Treatment

Remember weight loss is a comprehensive activity and it takes a lot of factors to tip the scale. The take-home message? Use your CPAP equipment and work on the other key components to maintain a healthy weight.

• Aim for 6-8 hours of sleep each night. Practice healthy sleep habits and aim to get the sleep your body needs for optimal function.
• Participate in regular daily physical activity. Aim for 30-45 min of physical activity.  Take a walk after dinner or in bouts of 10 mins. Every bit of physical activity is welcomed and every bit you do adds up. Health Canada recommends at least 150 mins per week of physical activity for the maintenance of overall health.
• Be mindful of your eating habits. Follow a sensible diet avoiding high sodium, trans and saturated fats, alcohol, refined sugar and other processed foods. The new Canada Food Guide has great tips and ideas on making better food choices and developing better eating habits.

Unfortunately, there is no one easy or correct answer. We are unique and complex human beings and endless factors contribute to our sleep quality and weight and require work in all areas. Make sure you get proper counselling and guidance through your health professionals to make sure you’re on the right track.