Staff Members Sharing Their CPAP Tips

AirSense 10 Auto vs DreamStation Auto (Review)

At CPAPmachines.ca, the number one asked question we get is would you recommend the AirSense 10 Auto or DreamStation Auto? Followed by, which one is better? Which CPAP machine is right for me? Both machines make the top of our best seller’s list month after month. Today we will discuss some of the similarities and differences of both machines and hopefully help you decide which CPAP machine is right for you.

Starting with the manufacturers, AirSense 10 Auto is made by Resmed, a well-established brand primarily manufacturing equipment for respiratory conditions like Sleep Apnea. Resmed has manufacturing facilities in Singapore, Australia, France and the United States.  Philips Respironics makes the DreamStation Auto. They are an American company, also a leader in manufacturing an array of respiratory equipment including ventilators and now, household appliances.

Our machines offer a 3-year manufacturer warranty for both brands.  It is important to note, the 3-year warranty is exclusive to CPAPmachines.ca and is not the default manufacturer warranty. ResMed gets a notable mention for the optional extended warranty they offer. Clients can purchase an extended 2-warranty for a total of 5 years for a nominal fee.  The AirSense 10 Auto and DreamStation Auto are both quiet, loaded with comparable features and technology. Both models have their power buttons on top, round dials on the front and LCD colour screens to display compliance info (AHI, leak rate, average usage, hours, usage data etc). Both models come with installed SD cards, accommodate heated and standard hoses, are easy to clean and offer apps for online support and tracking of sleep data. Both machines are compatible with most, (if not, all) styles of CPAP masks.  

The obvious difference between the two models is the design and profile of each machine. The AirSense 10 Auto comes in black and in an off white with floral design, (For Her) version. It encompasses a sleek, tall and slender profile whereas the DreamStation Auto only comes in glossy white and has a shorter, wider profile.  

The humidification of the DreamStation Auto can be detached simply by disconnecting it from the main unit. This option is an important feature for those who travel frequently. On the contrary, the humidification is built into the AirSense 10 Auto. If you wish to disconnect the humidification from the main unit, you’ll need to purchase a side cover for it. 

The DreamStation Auto offers a ‘ramp’ button on top of the unit next to the start button and AirSense 10 Auto does not. This ‘ramp’ button on top can easily be turned on/off accidentally, where you need to enable/disable the function through the menu on the AirSense 10 Auto. The AirSense 10 Auto comes with a durable, well-constructed travel bag while the DreamStation Auto has a flimsier, lighter travel bag.

Both brands offer very reliable CPAP therapy and both brands have their loyal customers and following. It truly comes down to personal preference - what you like to see on your nightstand, the style and looks of each unit. Hopefully, after reading this, you can decide for yourself which CPAP machine will be right for you. Both machines will manage your Sleep Apnea and significantly improve your sleep health if used correctly.

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Cathy & Leslie - Customer Care Specialists 

Tips To Help New Users Adjust To Therapy

I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) the year I graduated from college.  Until then, I thought being tired was normal because all of the late nights I spent studying or cramming for exams.  My first experience with CPAP wasn’t a good one.  Neither was the second… or third… or 10th!  I didn’t know anyone else in my circle of friends who used CPAP and I was too shy to talk to my clinician, so it took a while before I figure out I was using the wrong style of mask for me.
  
Finding the right CPAP mask for yourself will take some, trial and error and a ton of research. For me, I switched from a full face mask to a nasal pillow. I don't know why I was given a full face mask as my first mask. When I switched to the nasal pillow, I found it helpful just wearing the mask around the house. I got used to the way it felt on my face. Then I wore the mask with the air pressure on during the day. In a few days, I got used to the sensation, and I tried sleeping with it. After about a month, I got used to the small pillow mask and I slept with it longer and longer. For me, consistency and exposure to the therapy helped me get used to it.

 

Try different styles of the mask and keep exposing yourself to the therapy by wearing it. Once you’ve found the right style and you become accustomed to how it feels, start wearing it to bed every night, do not use it occasionally.  Stick with it for at least a few weeks. Make sure your settings are as prescribed and your mask fits comfortably.  If you’re not consistent, you’ll never get used to it or benefit from your CPAP therapy. Now, I don't even travel without it. I hope this tip will help some of you newbies out to adjust to the therapy. 
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Fred Harris - Inventory Control Manager

 

Tips To Tolerate A High CPAP Pressure 

When I started my CPAP therapy over 10 years ago, I had a heck of a hard time getting used to it (who enjoys someone blowing in your face while you try to sleep anyway)?  There wasn’t a lot of information out there about Sleep Apnea and CPAP therapy.  Eventually, I learned online about something called a “ramp” feature from my CPAP forum.  Not all machines have it, and its something your doctor or clinician has to adjust for you. This "ramp" feature allows you to start with low air pressure when you first turn on your therapy.  As you begin to fall asleep, the machine gradually increases the pressure up to your prescribed setting.  This way, you don’t have to contend with that weird full-pressure blowing as you try to fall asleep.
    
Talk to your clinician or just google "ramp feature on CPAP machines" to learn more. This little feature got my machine blowing at 4cmH20 and to my full pressure of 12cmH20 in 30mins. It allowed me to get well adjusted quickly. Consider joining a CPAP forum - it's users helping users and they have so many great tips and tricks to share.  
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Marleen Pieter - Accounting Dept.