CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

If you’re researching or shopping for a new CPAP machine, chances are you are either new to CPAP therapy or you’re replacing the one you already have. We’ve said this many times before, CPAP machines these days are packed with incredible technology. But what exactly is this technology? 

CPAP machines have integrated wireless and battery-powered options, Bluetooth capabilities, remote monitoring and reports at your fingertips through apps on your phone. Another technology which we will be focusing on is a technology called Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) or FLEX which are both features to increase comfort and compliance for all users. 

What exactly is EPR or FLEX? Continue reading as we break down some fancy acronyms and abbreviations. Learn what EPR means and the difference between the types of Flex available as we simplify the terms much as we can. Here we go!

What Is Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR)?

CPAP machines have “comfortable” settings that allow CPAP therapy to mimic your natural breathing pattern as much as possible. ResMed calls this feature EPR while Philips Respironics calls this comfort feature, Flex.

ResMed defines their comfort setting as EPR - Expiratory Pressure Relief. In other words, making it easier for you to exhale or providing a deeper exhale with each breath while on CPAP therapy. For example, your CPAP pressure setting is 10cmH20 with function EPR 3 on...you would be inhaling at 10chH20 and exhaling at a dropped pressure of 7cmH20 and will return to 10cmH20 on the inhale.

There are 4 settings for Expiratory Pressure Relief on a ResMed machine: OFF, Setting 1 = mild comfort (1 cm H20), Setting 2 = medium comfort (2 cm H20), Setting 3 = maximum comfort (3 cm H20).

What Is Flex Technology? 

Philip Respironics calls their comfort setting Flex. Flex comfort feature provides users with pressure relief on various (CPAP, APAP or BiPAP) modes of therapy. There are various types of Flex available. C-Flex, A-Flex, Bi-Flex and C-Flex+.

C-Flex Pressure: Breakdown

C-Flex, identical to EPR on ResMed, lowers pressure during exhalation for users to adjust to CPAP therapy and works on a breath-by-breath basis.  Using the same example from earlier, if your CPAP pressure setting is 10cmH20 with function EPR 3 on...then, you would be inhaling at 10cmH20 and exhaling at a dropped pressure of 7cmH20 and will return to 10cmH20 on the inhale.

C-Flex also has 4 settings for on their machines: OFF, Setting 1 = mild comfort (1 cm H20), Setting 2 = medium comfort (2 cm H20), Setting 3 = maximum comfort (3 cm H20)

Following along so far? Good, let’s keep going.

Bi-Flex Pressure: Breakdown

Bi-Flex works on BiPAP mode and offers pressure relief at both inhalation and exhalation. The Bi-flex setting offers pressure relief at 3 important areas - the transition from exhalation to inhalation, the transition from inhalation to exhalation and during the exhalation.

A-Flex Pressure: Breakdown 

A-Flex works within Auto-CPAP mode. Like C-Flex, A-Flex provides pressure relief at the beginning of exhalation and like Bi-Flex softens transition avoiding spike ups from inhalation to exhalation. It's a smoother and more comfortable feeling. A-Flex mimics your natural breath the most.

C-Flex+ (Plus) Pressure: Breakdown

C-Flex+ (Plus) is a newer setting within the more advanced CPAP machines when in fixed-CPAP mode.  Like C-Flex, C-Flex+ provides pressure relief at the beginning of exhalation. Like A-Flex, C-Flex+ offers a smoother and softer transitioning from inhalation to exhalation providing additional comfort when in fixed-CPAP mode.

If you got a blank stare and feeling a bit confused, we don’t blame you - it can be confusing. The take-home message is Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) and Flex are both comfort settings available on ResMed and Respironics machines. They come in different modes to ultimately make your adjustment to Sleep Apnea therapy more comfortable by mirroring your most natural breathing patterns possible regardless of your CPAP pressure.

Which Comfort Function Is Best For You And Your CPAP Machine?

Which function is best for you? Ultimately, it comes down to personal comfort and preference. You’ll need to give the functions at various settings a test drive. Some people like EPR and Flex, some don’t use them and others even dislike these comfort settings. These settings may bring on other problems - possibly make your apnea better or worse or the pressure changes may increase your chances of experiencing CPAP mask leaks.

After all, that’s said, many do find the comfort functions helpful. This is the part where we say try it, see what setting works best for you!

When it comes to choosing the right CPAP machine for yourself, you might be wondering if there is more than a cosmetic difference between the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet and ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet “For Her” model. While their algorithms are similar, the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her is optimized in small ways to help women sleep better.

The Basics

Both machines have auto mode, and the CPAP fixed pressure mode as well. 

The ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her comes with a white colour faceplate with flower faceplate while the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet is a shiny black faceplate. If the white face plate with flowers bothers you on the For Her model, ResMed also gives you the option of buying a replacement silver or shiny black faceplate. 

We have had very positive feedback from our customers about how comfortable, quiet, and easy it is to travel with both the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet and ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her.

All CPAP masks, whether it is the ResMed P10 or ResMed P10 for Her, the N20 nasal masks or the F20 full face masks are all fully compatible with both units. Even all masks of other manufacturers are all compatible as well. Both the heated hose, ClimatlineAir, or non-heated hose such as the ResMed slimline tubing will fit on both CPAP machines.

Both AutoSet machines also come with data capabilities to fully record detailed sleep quality reports. These reports can be viewed and generated through ResMed AirView, or by download from the SD card.

Why The ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her is ideal for women

The For Her model of ResMed’s popular CPAP machine has a more sensitive flow algorithm that picks up Hypopneas/flow limitation better than the standard model. Often females have more Hypopneas and flow limitation than Males due to menopause or any hormonal imbalances.

ResMed’s pioneering women-specific algorithm used in the AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her works by increasing sensitivity to flow limitation and optimizing the response to these events. By responding to each flow-limited breath, the algorithm helps to provide comfortable therapy for women and does not let the pressure increase dramatically during the detection of these hypopneas/flow-limitation events.

This device is not just for women, however; any patients with sensitive airways or suffering from Asthma, COPD, or Emphysema would also benefit from using the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her algorithm.

The Importance Of Properly Maintaining Your CPAP Machine

Routine check-ups, cleaning, filter changes, and adjustments of your CPAP range of pressures are a vital and key component to sleeping better on CPAP machine. Remember it is important to bring your CPAP machine every 6 months for a check-up. 

Like with all medical devices, it is important to make sure that the motor is delivering the right pressures. The motor function can be checked easily by your CPAP vendor or home health care provider with a pressure manometer.

Even with Auto CPAPs, it is extremely important that your CPAP pressure range constantly gets adjusted to match any weight, gain/loss and overall breathing condition changes. 

Shop for both the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet and ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her on CPAPMachines.ca today. We offer the lowest prices on CPAP Machines in Canada and free shipping across the country.

Written by Simon Ho RRT, Registered Respiratory Therapist