CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

Just like a really nice leather jacket, you spent a lot of money on, CPAP masks also require a certain level of care.  You wouldn't just throw that jacket in the wash, would you?  CPAP masks wouldn't survive the spin cycle either.  There are specific care instructions you have to follow to make sure you get the most life out of your CPAP mask.   Most are made from silicone - which makes them comfortable but also incredibly delicate, so here are some tips to keep your CPAP mask squeaky clean and lasting longer.

Dos

• Clean your mask in the morning, right after waking up.  This ensures enough time for your equipment to completely air dry during the day and be ready to go before bed. 
• Let your CPAP mask air dry on a clean cloth - away from direct sunlight (that stuff will deteriorate silicone).
• Wash your face and avoid heavy moisturizers prior to wearing your CPAP mask. Oils from our face and heavy moisturizers can decrease the lifespan of the mask's silicone. 
• Soak and wash your CPAP frame and cushion with unscented mild soapy warm water and rinse thoroughly by hand. This process ensures the removal of skin debris and oils which overtime can breakdown the silicone. 
• Headgear can be hand washed weekly (air dry that, too).
• For a deeper clean, soak your CPAP mask with 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water and a thorough rinse every few weeks. 
• Use CPAP-specific wipes for a timesaving swift clean or during travel for a few days, but resume washing with soap and water as soon as possible. 
• Inspect your mask and replace parts every 1-3 months or when you see discolouration or detect an odour. This is a sure sign your silicone has expired. CPAP experts recommend replacing your entire mask every 6 months to maximize your therapy's efficacy.  
• CPAP sanitizers, like the SoClean or Lumin, are great for killing germs but do not replace washing. Sanitizers alone, won't keep your mask in tip-top shape.  

Don'ts

• Avoid using liquid soaps with heavy perfumes. These chemicals will surely speed up the deterioration of the silicone. 
• Avoid using scented baby wipes on your CPAP mask. Use CPAP mask cleansing wipes to avoid any perfume, dye or added ingredients like moisturizers that'll leave residue on your equipment.
• Do not machine wash your headgear or chin straps! Wash as needed by hand with warm unscented soapy water, then rinse thoroughly and let them air dry. 
• Bleach or other harsh chemicals will not get rid of the discolouration on your CPAP mask.  But they will ruin it. 
• Hastily ripping off your mask in the morning when the alarm sounds should also be avoided! This aggressive behaviour will prematurely stretch out your headgear and increases the risks of ripping your silicone. 

Though it seems silly we had to mention some of these tips, but you'll be surprised to hear the way some people clean their masks if proper care instructions are not outlined. Follow these simple but crucial mask cleaning tips and you'll see a difference in your mask's longevity and your overall therapy. 

CPAP Therapy has been clinically proven and labelled the 'gold standard' treatment for Sleep Apnea for a long time. Its non-invasive constant pressurized airflow in and out from a machine delivered to you via a mask has nearly 100% success performance rate. The most challenging obstacle for CPAP therapy is getting people compliant and comfortable with therapy.  

Many of our clients have heard about expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) and often ask us about it. Here at CPAPmachines.ca, we don't sell EPAP therapy, but doctors have recommended it as an alternative method to treat OSA (along with positional devices, oral appliances and surgery) when CPAP therapy isn't right for their patients.

What is this form of Sleep Apnea therapy you ask? Great question. Keep reading as we breakdown down what EPAP is and provide an overview of this technology in treating OSA.

What Is EPAP Therapy? 

EPAP therapy is an alternative treatment option for many OSA patients. This type of modern technology builds resistance on your exhalation to create positive pressure pushing back against your soft tissues to keep your airway open. The theory behind it is as your airway collapses during exhalations it results in apneic episodes or snoring. When positive pressure is delivered as your exhale, it will help to keep your airway open during sleep.

Provent and Theravent Therapy

Two products on the market that treat Sleep Apnea with this technology are Provent Therapy and Thervent Therapy. These products include no machines, masks, tubing or distilled water. EPAP Provent Therapy and Theravent Therapy are marketed as disposable nasal patches you attach to your nostrils and claim to be a revolutionary alternative to CPAP, which is less invasive and lightweight.

How This Form Of Sleep Apnea Therapy Works 

Simply put, the technology allows you to breathe in the air normally but makes exhaling more difficult. It's done via mini microvalves for unobstructed airflow in and the microvalves close during expiration restricting airflow creating EPAP pressure. As a result, it keeps your airways open.  Just like CPAP, this type of EPAP Therapy requires a prescription.

What's The Difference Between CPAP and EPAP Therapy?

CPAP therapy which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure provides pressure on both the inhalation and exhalation delivered by a motorized machine and mask. While the EPAP Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure is a one-way resistor you attach to your nostrils and creates resistance pressures only during the exhalation process. According to Provent's manufacturers, Provent Sleep Therapy, LLC, Provent patches have been shown to be effective in clinical studies and has shown improvements across various forms of OSA.

The Ugly Truth of EPAP Therapy

Whether or not insurance covers this type of OSA therapy, users have reported that using disposable patches can add up. At about $2USD a pair, you're shelling out hundreds of dollars over the course of just one year. Some may argue the cost is more than the cost of a CPAP machine or mouth guard over time. 

Another negative of this product is if you suffer from any type of sinus or nasal blockage, this product is completely not suitable or usable.  If you're sick for a week or two, you basically cannot use it the entire duration of your cold and symptoms of your apnea may creep back.  

How To Know If EPAP Therapy Is Right For You?

Just like CPAP therapy, EPAP therapy and other forms of Sleep Apnea therapy is not for everyone. Provent has been used to treat mild and moderate Apnea and is not often recommended for those with severe (AHI >30). Be sure to consult with your doctor and always follow your doctor's recommendations.

For us here at CPAPmachines.ca, patients always ask about EPAP products and our experience with them. At the end of the day, everyone is different. It may work for some and not for others. It's an alternative sleep therapy option if you really want to give it a try. 

Remember, with everything, there are always pros and cons and you will have to weigh out the two.  However, for us, we'll stick with the gold standard CPAP therapy - the reputation didn't come without good results.