If you are in need of a Compliance report for your CPAP machine, it may be easier than you thought. Whether it is for DOT medical card purposes, follow up with your doctor, or just for your own info, we can help. At CPAPmyway we are preferred providers for all of the major CPAP manufacturers. This means that we have access to their clinical software and can pull those reports for you. No matter where you are in the U.S. and even if you didn’t buy the CPAP from us. Below we detail how to get this done.

How to get a CPAP Compliance Report at CPAPmyway:

In most cases we can remotely view your data and pull it in minutes. The first time may take a bit to get it setup, but after that it is very easy. Let’s go through a few of the scenarios and what we will need to get this report from you.

Remote CPAP reports:

If you have a CPAP that has a built-in transmission modem, then we might can get this report remotely for you. it does not matter where you are located. CPAP machines like the ResMed AirSense 10, AirSense 11, Luna G3, DreamStation, and DreamStation 2 all have the ability to transmit wirelessly. This means that after we get your information, we will likely be able to pull this report remotely, any time you need it.

What will we need to provide this report to you?

All that you have to do for us is fill out our contact form by clicking here, and then provide the details listed below in the “message portion”. Once we have your information setup we will reach out and process your order. This will usually be done in 1 business day. There will be a $20 fee for the report, but that will include faxing or emailing anywhere you need it sent. We can collect that fee by phone after we get your data. Please include the information below on the Contact Form.

• First and Last Name
• Date of Birth
• Serial Number (SN) from the CPAP machine (not the humidifier)
• Device Number (DN) from the CPAP Machine. This applies to ResMed only and is near the serial number
• Time Frame of Compliance report (IE: 30, 90, 120, or 365 day reports)
• Phone Number
• Email Address

Need a Local CPAP Compliance Report?

If you are anywhere near us here in Central Florida, then it may be worth the drive to get an immediate CPAP Compliance Report at our office. We are located at 101 S Collins St in Plant City, FL. That is directly between Tampa and Orlando on Interstate 4. We are just minutes from Lakeland, Zephyrhills, Winter Haven, Dade City, Bartow and more. If you are in Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, or Pinellas County, then we are right around the corner.

What is needed for a Local CPAP Compliance Report?

We will need all of the same information. However, it is best to just bring the entire CPAP Machine WITH the SD card to us. If you do not have an SD card, then we have them here for sale. Just be sure to bring the CPAP Machine. It is best to call ahead (813-704-6038) and make sure that we are open and available, but walk-ins are welcome. We are open in the office from 9-5 eastern (closed 12-1 for lunch), Monday through Friday. The cost is also $20 and we can collect that in-person at the time of the download.

What is considered “compliant on CPAP” – Learn Here

   

There is an option for those of you that hate your CPAP Headgear and all of the issues those straps can cause. Introducing, NozeSeal adhesive strips. This very cool option allows you to keep your CPAP mask on without the need for head straps. There are some things to keep in mind if you want to use this option. Let’s check out those details.

Can NozeSeal strips work for you?

The NozeSeal strips are designed to work only with Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks. If you are already on a Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask, then this is a pretty seamless transition. If you are not on a Nasal Pillow mask, then you may want to learn more about them and see if they are something that you can consider. NozeSeal will not work with Traditional Nasal Masks or Full-Face Masks.

Which Nasal Pillow Mask does NozeSeal work on?

NozeSeal works great for many Pillow options, but there are some that are not a good fit. Nasal Pillow Masks like the ResMed AirFit P10, React Rio 2, Swift Fx, and even the Philips Nuance are great options.  All of these CPAP Masks will work well without headgear. Some of the masks that it will not work well with are the F&P Brevida, Pilario, the P30i or the DreamWear Pillow. This is because of the frame or pillow style they incorporate. So, you will need to keep this in mind as you consider this product.

How to use NozeSeal instead of Headgear:

The first thing that you need to do is to make sure that the NozeSeal Strips will work with your mask. If not, then you will need a mask that works with it. As long as you have an appropriate CPAP Mask, then follow the steps below:

1. Remove your headgear from your mask.
2. Slip the Nasal Pillow cushion through the holes of the NozeSeal and make sure that the slots are facing the right direction.
3. Hold the Pillows snuggly against your nostrils.
4. Then you will peel and stick each side of the NozeSeal Strips to each side of your nose. Holding the mask in place.

What are the downsides to NozeSeal vs CPAP Headgear?

• They are not reusable– While using CPAP without headgear is amazing, these strips are disposable. Which means that you will have to purchase them continually. They are not expensive, but it is a continual cost.
• Not the best for higher pressures– If you are at a significantly high CPAP pressure, then you may have some trouble sealing. However, if you are already using Nasal Pillows, then you probably are not on a very high pressure anyway.
• Might be tough for people with dexterity issues– If you have arthritis or limitations in your ability to assemble small things, then this may be tough to setup nightly for you.
• Only works with Nasal Pillows– If you are accustomed to traditional Nasal CPAP Masks or Full-Face CPAP Masks, then you would have to change to Nasal Pillows to use NozeSeal.
• Once it is on, it is on– This means that if you had to go to the restroom or get up for something, you would have to refit or leave mask attached and disconnect from tubing.

   

If you have ever given consideration to trying out the Memory Foam CPAP Mask that ResMed makes, then this blog is for you. My wife Caitlin has been on CPAP for quite a few years now and she is our “go-to” for a quality review on everything we carry. Recently she tried out the AirTouch F20 by ResMed. She did this because she has been getting abrasion on the bridge of her nose. Below we discuss her experience with this Memory Foam Mask.

Why did Caitlin try the AirTouch F20 vs others?

Caitlin is a mouth breather for sure. This means that she would either need a Nasal Mask with chinstrap or mouth tape or she would need to use a Full-Face Style CPAP Mask. After trying a bunch, she settled on the full face. Just found that style much easier and effective. Over the years she has used the Amara View, Brevida, Simplus, and Vitera to name a few. Recently she started to experience more issues with the mask rubbing her raw at the bridge of the nose. She needed some kind of relief. So, I brought her home the AirTouch F20 from ResMed. This mask is made of memory foam instead of silicone. Supposedly giving the user a much more comfortable experience.

What did Caitlin think of the AirTouch F20?

Obviously, owning a CPAP business helps when you want to try new Masks. Caitlin could use any mask she wants and swap any time she wants. So, it just makes sense to try them all. the AirTouch is probably the very last that she has tried, and I am not really sure why. Maybe she thought it was just too different to work or that she wouldn’t like memory foam. As with anything however, once you try it you find pros and cons that you didn’t predict. Below we detail her positive and negative reviews on the mask.

Caitlin’s AirTouch F20 Pros:

• Great for the Hair– As we know hair is a big deal for the ladies. Cailtin is able to get much less “kinks” and issues with her hair on this particular mask.
• Soft on the face– The foam gives a very light touch on the face which gives a great seal without the discomfort.
• Less irritation at bridge of nose– She says that there is still a bit of discomfort at the bridge of the nose, but WAY less than the Silicone versions she has tried.

Caitlin’s AirTouch F20 Cons:

• When it starts leaking it is over– You need to have an extra AirTouch F20 cushion lying around in case yours wears out. Once they go bad there isn’t much you can do to resolve the leak.
• Still has some irritation at bridge of nose– Even though it is better she still gets marks on the bridge of her nose. Nothing significant, but it should be pointed out.

 

An oxygen concentrator can have a myriad of issues over time. Luckily, most of those problems can be fixed or corrected easily. I spent years on call 24 hours a day helping our oxygen customers with their oxygen equipment. In an effort to be able to go back to sleep at night I learned a lot about how to fix things with customers by phone. So, in this blog I am going to pass along some of what I learned from those midnight phone calls.

No Flow from Oxygen Cannula or Tubing:

Not feeling the flow of oxygen is a very common issue. There are a couple ways to determine whether this issue is a big problem or not. First thing to do is to make sure that the concentrator is on and running. Should be pretty audible. Next, check the liter flow gauge on the concentrator to make sure that ball is on your liter flow setting. If it is not try adjusting the dial to increase the flow to your prescribed level. If the ball is showing the correct setting, try covering the oxygen outlet to see if the ball drops then remove your finger to see if the ball jumps back up. If that is happening then you have flow, and the issue is somewhere down the line. If you are using a humidifier bottle, then that is probably the issue. Cross threading the water bottle will allow the oxygen to leak out. Unscrew the water bottle and rethread it back on carefully to make sure it is not cross-threaded. Then check your tubing to make sure that you do not have kinks or crimps restricting the flow. Replacing the entire tubing and cannula may be a good idea as well.  Typically, if there is physical restriction you will see the ball drop on the liter flow gauge. After all of this has been done take a glass of water and dip the end of your tubing or cannula in the water. If it is bubbling, then it is likely working.

The Concentrator is Alarming:

If your Oxygen Machine is alarming, then there could be a bunch of potential issues. So, I am going to go over the top resolvable reasons that I have encountered for alarming Concentrators over the years. If none of these issues below help, then you may have a larger issue that will require replacement or repair.

Check your Power:

First thing you should do is make sure that the oxygen machine is still plugged in. Next, check to make sure that you do not have a light switch that controls the outlet that may have been accidentally turned off. If you are certain that you have power, then you should check the surge protector button. Usually, it is a little black or white button near the on and off switch.

Check your flow:

If there is a restriction in the tubing and the liter flow ball is dropping, then you may have a restriction. Check the adjustment on the liter flow ball first. You would be surprised how often a grandkid played with that setting. If that isn’t the issue then, that restriction is almost always from the water bottle if you have a humidifier on the machine. Many times, the down spout in the water bottle clogs and restricts the flow of the oxygen. Other times, the oxygen tubing is crimped or kinked and will restrict the flow. In either case it is a great idea to replace the water bottle and tubing to ensure proper functionality.

Check your Filter:

Most concentrators have a filter. It may be external, internal or both. Check the external filter first. That is usually a foam filter and is on the back or side of the concentrator. Make sure that this filter is clean and if not give it a good rinse and dry. If that filter is good, then check the internal filter. That filter should be changed every 6-12 months in most cases. If it has not been done, then it should be done.

Do you have room around the Oxygen Machine?

These machines have to circulate lots of air. This is because it pulls your room air at about 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen and filters out all the nitrogen. Then it expels the nitrogen into the air around the concentrator. If your concentrator is in a confined space, then it may run out of usable oxygen. So, you should never have the oxygen machine covered or in a closet.

Things to have on hand if you are on oxygen:

• Extra humidifier bottles
• Extra Oxygen Tubing
• Extra Cannulas.
• Extra filters
• Backup Oxygen tank or power supply
• Secondary Oxygen concentrator potentially