CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

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.

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.

The folks at Resmed have been busy!  Since late 2018, they've released several new, innovative CPAP masks but one, in particular, has a lot of CPAP users talking.

It's the AirFit™ P30i nasal pillow CPAP mask.  The updated cousin of the  Resmed favourite P10 mask.

Starting at the very top, this mask offers a top-of-the-head hose connector that swivels 360 degrees, ideal if you like to sleep in different positions. This feature allows you the freedom to move in all directions without getting your tubing tangled. The swivel is equipped with expire air vents to remove carbon dioxide and a quick release function minimizes fumbling at night.  Need a midnight bathroom run?  No sweat!   Just pinch to release the mask from the tubing when nature calls.  No need to take off the mask.     

Next, the frame features an accordion-like SpringFit™ frame that's hollow for even distribution of air. The SpringFit™ frame allows the mask to contour to your head while preventing over-tightening.  The technology allows for flexibility, reduces red marks and creates an open line of vision - great if you wear glasses or tend to feel a little claustrophobic in full-face masks.

The mask has fleece wraps to increase comfort and minimizes pesky mask lines. The headgear is plush cloth and is adjusted with Velcro straps on either side. 

• Standard frame - with small, medium and large size pillow cushions
• Small frame - with small and medium-size pillow cushions 

The front of the pillow cushions is equipped with QuietAir vent technology which disperses C02 evenly and quietly. 

The P30i offers some interchangeability. The AirFit™ N30i nasal cushion will fit this mask frame and headgear. Carefully pull the frame and nasal cushion apart, align arrows of cradle cushion and snap in to reconnect (the same way you'd change cushion sizes). 

One thing to remember:   The P30i is NOT compatible with the AirMini.  It does work with all other CPAP, APAP and BiPAP machines, but if you use an AirMini portable machine, you're out of luck when it comes to this mask.

There you have it folks - everything you need to know about the new AirFit P30i nasal pillow CPAP mask.  This mask is already a best seller on cpapmachines.ca.  Pick one up for yourself and let us know what you think in our review section.