Full disclosure, we are not a Medicare dealer here at CPAPmyway. However, we have well over a decade of experience in that world. So, while you may not need our self-pay CPAP services today, we hope you may come back for non-covered or extra CPAP accessories. Our goal is to help you find what you need, even if that is not us right now. So, let’s jump in below on how to find a Medicare CPAP provider.
Once you have gone to the Medicare website (here) you will just enter your zip code in the search box. Then set your search radius to your desired setting. After that you will see a list of Medicare CPAP Suppliers in your area. This list will provide you with their address, phone number and a map of their location relative to you. It is always best to call the Medical Equipment provider to see how they deal with new customers.
Will Medicare cover the cost of your CPAP?
The second part of your Medicare CPAP journey is whether or not you meet the criteria for coverage. Those criteria are known as LCDs (Local Coverage Determinations). This criterion sets the minimum standards for you to meet in order for Medicare to pay for your CPAP equipment. It is important to understand this so that you do not end up frustrated. Finding the provider is only half the battle. Your Sleep Physician can usually provide you with the information needed to move forward. You can visit the Medicare LCD website by clicking here.
We are asked all the time by customers, “why does my CPAP keep running when I turn it off?” This is a great question. Luckily, it has a very simple explanation. Chances are if you are experiencing this issue, you are using a ResMed CPAP. This is actually a feature of ResMed CPAPs and is necessary. Let’s take a look at what’s going on.
Why does the CPAP keep running when it is turned off?
ResMed CPAPs have a feature that allows the unit to shut down properly after every use. It is a cool-down process which helps the CPAP to operate correctly. Every time you shut the CPAP down it will go into this cool-down mode. It does this automatically. In the top of your screen, you will notice a blinking snowflake signaling to you that it is in this mode. When it is complete the snowflake will disappear, and the motor will turn off completely.
Can the cool-down be disabled?
We have customers trying to disable this feature all the time. It cannot be turned off, and really should not be. It is a necessary part of the proper operation of your CPAP machine. Simply allow it to run the course, and it will last for years to come.
What does the cool-down mode do?
The engineers are ResMed are pretty smart dudes and dudets. They make CPAPs work very well and last a long time. So, I will assume that there is a very smart engineering reasoning behind it that I don’t fully understand. However, I will say that there are a couple obvious reason.
Letting the motor cool down– Like any motor it is important for the CPAP motor to finish up and rest properly. This feature gives it the chance to runs lightly until it goes back to a good resting temperature.
Drying out the system– The light air running through the tube and mask are great for drying out any excess condensation that may be left behind by the humidifier.
Traveling with your CPAP off the grid, on a plane, or in areas where the power grid is unreliable can be a pain. That is until now. CPAP Batteries have come a long way and integrate wonderfully with Travel CPAPs. This makes using CPAP in places where electricity is an issue no problem at all. If you are considering Travel CPAP or backup CPAP power, then these combos are a great choice. Let’s check out the details.
AirMini Travel CPAP and Freedom Battery Combo:
This combination is really great for a few reasons. First is that the AirMini is a top-tier Travel CPAP. It is super small, simple, quiet and effective. To see all the details on the AirMini you can click here. Let’s dive into the details of what makes this combination so nice.
AirMini Freedom Battery Combo Features:
Long lasting– This combination has been purchased by a number of our customers. We have had feedback to show that it will last as much as 3 nights. We tested this combo and had almost 18 hours of run time at a setting of 10cm on the AirMini. Duration can vary based on settings.
Simple– The AirMini adapter that connects to the Freedom Battery is a simple little cord. No converters or inverters needed.
Backup power setup– You can connect the Freedom battery to the wall outlet, then the AirMini to the battery. In this setup you will be able to use regular AC power, but will switch to battery if the AC power goes out. No interruption to your therapy at all.
FAA compatible– Feel free to take this combo on your next flight and use it on the plane.
Clear battery indicator– The screen on the Freedom lets you know exactly where your charge level is.
Battery Flexibility– The Freedom battery has adapters for all modern CPAPs. Use this battery on your home CPAP as well.
AirMini is amazing– The AirMini is really a top choice. It is very quiet, lightweight, and performs really well.
Picking the right Travel CPAP for you and your lifestyle can be tricky. This is because each of them has pros and cons that make them more or less fitting for you. Below we will review and score the different Travel CPAP models that are available and how they might best fit you. You can even check out our videos here to get an up close and personal review of the options we carry.
Top Things to Consider on Travel CPAPs:
Every Travel CPAP has its own set of benefits and draw backs. We have sold thousands of Travel CPAPs over the years and have a ton of feedback and experience. Our goal here is to provide a summary of that feedback and make CPAPmyway your top Travel CPAP resource. Before we get to each model below, let’s setup the important things that you should consider before you look at the options. In the details of each model, we will score each category from 1 to 5 and detail our findings.
Top Travel CPAP Consideration Categories:
Sound- While Travel CPAPs are really small, they do sacrifice the insulation that a home CPAP has. That insulation makes the Home CPAPs much quieter. Some Travel CPAPs are quieter than others.
Size– Obviously Travel CPAPs are much smaller than the home counterparts. But they all have different dimensions and overall size. This is important to consider when you think of where you will use and pack yours.
Compatibility– Not all Travel CPAPs have the ability to use standard tubing and mask. This may be one of the largest issues for people to consider.
Compliance and Therapy reporting– If you need reports from your CPAP for a job or for medical reasons, then this can be a huge concern for you. Some have little to none, and others are fully integrated.
Connectivity– If you really like to track your Sleep Metrics on an App or software, then pay attention to this part. Some have great integrations and others do not.
Longevity and Durability– Some Travel CPAPs can last years with everyday use while others are really only good for trips here and there.
Price– Everyone has a budget. Prices can vary widely on these options.
Transcend Micro Travel CPAP Review:
The Transcend Micro is the newest horse in the Travel CPAP race. It is also the smallest available currently. Somnetics is the manufacturer, and they are the original travel CPAP maker. So, you can be sure that they know what they are doing. While it is the latest/greatest and the smallest it has some drawbacks to consider. Let’s jump into those details.
Micro Scores: 3.75 Overall
Sound: 4 – This unit is by no means as quiet as a home CPAP, but for a Travel CPAP it is pretty quiet. Especially with the tube muffler to reduce tube noise.
Size: 5 – There is nothing smaller in the CPAP world.
Compatibility: 4 – This unit works with any mask available but must use the Transcend Micro Tubing to make the connection.
Humidification: 4 – The AirMist HME for this unit is pretty good, but certainly not a Heated Humidifier like home CPAPs.
Reporting: 2 – There is currently no way to create a compliance report for DOT or doctor purposes from this unit without sending the entire unit back to us for that to be done.
Connectivity: 3 – This unit is equipped with Bluetooth and has the MySleepDash App to view your Therapy Metrics on your phone.
Durability: 4 – We have carried the Transcend Micro for about 6 months now and have had only a handful of returns. So far so good.
Price: 4 – For all that this model has it is priced fairly in the middle of the road.
ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP Comparison Review:
The AirMini has been a top choice for Travel on CPAP for a number of years now. It is really small and very easy to pack away. Made by ResMed so you can count on quality. The AirMini does however have its drawbacks, but those may or may not be a concern to you. So, let’s get to the rating details.
AirMini Scores: 4 Overall
Sound: 5 – The AirMini is as quiet as you can expect a Travel CPAP to be. You can have some inhale and exhale noise from the Humidx HME though.
Size: 4 – This unit is super small. Not the smallest, but still very small.
Compatibility: 2 – You must use a ResMed AirMini compatible mask and AirMini Tubing on this unit. They are high quality, but you do not have options outside of ResMed.
Humidification: 4 – It has a great Humidx HME, but you must use their proprietary HME. You cannot use the cheaper off brands.
Reporting: 4 – You can get a full Compliance and Therapy report by linking your AirMini to the AirMini App. Only drawback is that it will not tie in with the data from your home ResMed CPAP if you have one.
Connectivity: 5 – Has a high functioning Bluetooth and app for tracking your data on the AirMini App.
Durability: 5 – No issues to report on this model at all. Great durability.
Price: 3 – This one is a little pricier than the others but might just be worth it for you.
Breas Z2 Travel CPAP Comparison Review:
The Z2 Travel CPAP is a very common purchase for our customers. It is also a very lightweight and travel friendly option. It has been around for a while now, so we have a good deal of feedback from users.
Z2 Scores: 3.5 Overall
Sound: 3 – The Z2 is a little louder than other options. The Sound Muffler can help with that.
Size: 4 – This unit is very small and lightweight.
Compatibility: 5 – This unit will work with any Standard CPAP Tube or CPAP Mask.
Humidification: 4 – Z2 will work with any generic HME. Not going to be as good as a Heated Humidifier, but great for travel.
Reporting: 2 – Reporting from the Z2 can be tough. Might even require you to send the unit back to the supplier.
Connectivity: 3 – Bluetooth works pretty well on the Z2 Nitelog App. The app has some drawbacks that make it a bit difficult.
Durability: 3 – We have had mixed reviews on durability.
Price: 4 – The Z2 has a good price point for a Travel CPAP.
This blog is built to provide a comprehensive guide to help you get started with any New CPAP Machine. Below you will find a brief description and images to help you start down the correct path. Simply click on your CPAP below and get started. In those details you will find: CPAP Setup instructions, CPAP maintenance details, troubleshooting your CPAP, recommended CPAP accessories and much more. These details will also include some awesome instructional videos. All of this will be tailored to your specific CPAP. Let’s get started.
AirSense 11 CPAP Machine Guide:
The AirSense 11 guide is built to get you off to the right start on your New AirSense 11 CPAP. We include all the details you need as well as great videos to demonstrate how to do everything. It will work great for all versions of the AirSense 11 CPAP. Click here or the image above or right here to get started.
AirSense 10 CPAP Machine Guide:
The AirSense 10 is a tried-and-true reliable CPAP machine. Over the years many CPAP users have done great with this unit. With the AirSense 10’s track record for reliability and performance you will be well served for years to come. Click here to see our full detailed setup tutorial for the AirSense 10 CPAP or click the image above.
Luna G3 CPAP Machine Guide
The Luna G3 CPAP is an awesome new unit. It is reliable, effective and very easy to use. In the setup guide here, you will learn absolutely everything that you need to know about getting started on your Luna G3 CPAP. Click here or the image above to get started.
DreamStation 2 CPAP Machine Guide:
There are a ton of CPAP users getting started on the new DreamStation 2 CPAP. It is the latest and greatest from Philips Respironics. In our Starter Guide we aim to get you off on the right foot. We include detailed instructions as well as videos to make this all user freindly and easy. Click here or the image above to get started.
The Luna 2 has been a very reliable alternative to some of the more pricey big name CPAP options. It gives CPAP user a genuine lower cost alternative for treating Sleep Apnea. In our Luna 2 setup blog you will learn everything from getting started to maintenance and more. Click here or the image above.
In this blog we are going over everything that you need to know about the iBreeze CPAP from ResVent. This has become a very popular CPAP in recent years, and has proven to be a reliable and comfortable model. Below we are going to discuss how to properly setup your iBreeze CPAP, how to adjust your comfort settings on it, how to clean and maintain it, as well as other very helpful tips.
The first step is to find a suitable place for your iBreeze. Optimally, that should be a level and stable surface near your bedside. The standard tubing is 6ft, so it needs to be fairly close. It should additionally be located level to you or below your sleeping position. Placing it above yourself may cause condensation issues in your mask.
No that you have the unit setup in a good spot you can connect your AC power supply. That consists of the power converter brick with cord and the AC power. Plug the AC connector to the wall, then the AC cord to the brick, and then the converter brick cord to the back of the iBreeze.
Next you will connect the CPAP tube. This may be a slim 15mm tube or a 22mm standard tube. There is not a heated tube available. With either the 15mm or 22mm you can connect either end to the air outlet of the CPAP. Be sure to view the settings details below to make sure your iBreeze is set to the correct tube size.
Next you will connect your mask to the other end of the tubing. This tubbing has universal 22mm connection that will allow you to connect any mask. If you have issues connecting your mask, check out this trouble-shooting video here.
Finally, you will fill the humidifier tank. The tank is on the right side of the iBreeze. Press down gently on the release at the top of the tank and slide it out. You can unclasp the plastic locks to open the chamber. Then fill it with destilled water to the fill line. Do not over fill. Reinsert into the side making sure it is all the way in.
You are now ready to enjoy a great nights sleep. As you experience the iBreeze you may want to refer below to our comfort settings adjustments. Small adjustments may help greatly with your CPAP experience.
iBreeze CPAP Comfort Settings adjustment:
After you have begun using your iBreeze CPAP you may notice things that could improve about your experience. Things like dryness, exhalation difficulty and more can be a simple adjustment away from correction. Take a look at the info below to learn how you can adjust your iBreeze to best suit your needs. You can also watch the instructional video here or by clicking the image above.
IPR Exhalation relief:
The exhalation relief setting on the iBreeze is similar to the EPR setting on ResMed or the Flex setting on Respironics. On the iBreeze it is called IPR. To access the IPR exhalation setting you will scroll to the comfort section of your main menu and click on comfort. The first setting that you will see is IPR. Click on IPR and use the knob to adjust the setting. It can be adjusted from 0-3 for comfort. 0 being very little exhalation relief and 3 being the most. Click again to confirm the change.
Auto-Start and Auto Stop Features:
These are the next two settings in the Comfort section of the iBreeze Patient Menu. You will see them titled “Auto Start” and “Auto Stop”. You can change them by clicking on the desired setting and turning the knob to the left or right to make the change. Then press the knob again to confirm that change.
Preheat Setting:
This allows the humidifier to preheat the water without the CPAP running. For many CPAP users, especially in cold climates, the first few minutes of air passing over cold water can be uncomfortable. So, this option allows you to preheat that water to avoid the discomfort.
Ramp Settings:
The ramp settings are titles “P Ramp” and “Ramp Time”. The P Ramp setting allows you to set the starting pressure. This is the pressure that the machine will be at when you activate the ramp function on your CPAP. If you feel like the pressure is too high when you use the ramp, you can decrease that here. It is a nice feature to be able to control for first time users. The next setting is Ramp Time. This is the amount of time that the iBreeze will take to increase from the P Ramp setting to your prescribed setting.
Tube Selection and Mask Selection:
These are the next two setting parameters on the iBreeze Comfort Settings Menu. To adjust the Tube Type simply click the Tube Type section adjust to 15mm or 19mm. The iBreeze comes with a Slim Style 15mm tube. That should be the default setting. If you have an older style thick CPAP hose that you want to use on the iBreeze you can change the setting to 19mm to reflect that. The Mask Selection portion of the menu is pretty self-explanatory as well. You can click on the Mask Type icon and change from Full, Nasal, or Pillow. It is best to change this setting if you change your mask style.
R-Care setting on the iBreeze CPAP:
The R-Care setting can be a little difficult to understand, but it is a comfort setting that allows new users to adjust more easily to starting therapy on the iBreeze CPAP. For old school users this feature may not be something that they enjoy. Especially if they are accustomed to a higher pressure right off the bat. To enable and disable that feature you must access the Provider Menu in the iBreeze. To do so press and hold the Ramp Button on top with the Knob button on the front. You will hold them for about 5 seconds or until the settings appear on the screen. You will now see the “R Care” setting on the left side at the bottom of the screen. Twist the knob to the left to highlight the R-Care setting. Click the setting and twist right or left to turn on or off. Then click to confirm. After confirming you can press and hold the Ramp Button on top with the Knob Button on the front again to exit the Provider Menu.
iBreeze CPAP Maintenance and Cleaning:
The iBreeze has very few failures and when they occur it is almost always due to neglection of minor maintenance. Taking care of this CPAP is very simple, but it must be done. Check out the simple maintenance details below or click here to check out the video.
Daily procedures:
Empty your water chamber every morning after use. This will keep stagnant water from growing all sorts of nasty things. Allow the chamber to air dry throughout the day.
Tubing- Fully inspect the tubing for tears or stretches. Replace at first sign of wear. To clean the tubing properly submerge it in a warm soapy water mix. You can use a tube brush to clean the inside more thoroughly. Rinse very well and allow to air dry. It must dry fully before next use of your iBreeze. Hanging over a doorway or blowing dry air through it can help.
Filter- Inspect the iBreeze filter weekly and replace at first sign of discoloration. Always replace it after 30 days to be certain the CPAP can pull air easily.
Water chamber- You must also wash the iBreeze water chamber in a warm soapy water mix. Scrub with a bristle brush and rinse very well before next use. You may also use a light mix of vinegar and water if you notice mineral build up in the chamber.
The DreamStation 2 CPAP is the latest and greatest from Philips Respironics. It is small, lightweight, and very quiet. However, if you are going to enjoy the benefits of this great new CPAP, you have to get it setup right. In this setup guide we are going to give you that right start. Below we will detail how to properly setup the DreamStation 2, how to adjust your settings, routine maintenance, and much more.
DreamStation 2 Setup Instructions:
Setting up the DreamStation 2 is pretty easy, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Below we take you through a quick step by step setup guide. If you are a tech savvy person, then you may want to use the DreamMapper app or their Quick Start Guide to help with the setup.
Place your DreamStation 2 on a level and stable surface beside your bed. It is not recommended to place the unit higher than your sleep position. Usually, a nightstand is a great spot. Be sure that you have space and that it is not hanging off the edge.
Connect your power supply to the unit. Power port is located on the bottom of the CPAP and the cord can be directed to either side. Then connect your plug to your Home AC outlet.
Pull out your Humidifier Chamber by pressing gently down on the release at the top of the chamber and sliding it out. Remove the top of the chamber and fill with distilled water. Reinstall the lid and slide the chamber back into place after you install the filters, next step.
Install your filters behind the humidifier chamber. There is a thin disposable filter and a larger reusable filter. The thin disposable filter inserts into the larger filter and they both slide into the filter housing like a drawer.
Connect your tubing to the front of the DreamStation 2. This CPAP can use 15mm slim tubing, 22mm standard tubing, or either of the DreamStation heated tube. If you are using the heated tubing be sure to plug in the tubing with the plugs at the top.
In the patient level menu of the DreamStation 2 there are a few settings that can make huge differences in your CPAP therapy. Below we will detail those settings options, what they represent, and how to best adjust them. If you do not see these settings, you can enable them in the Clinical Menu or by requesting that your CPAP provider to turn them on for you.
Ramp Plus– Ramp is the setting that allows you to fall asleep at a lower pressure and will gradually increase or “ramp” up the pressure after you are asleep. This is a great feature for new CPAP users. In this setting you can set the time to 15, 30, or 45 minutes. You can also leave the ramp Off if you want full therapy pressure from the start. Starting ramp pressure can be adjusted from 4 cmH2O to 10 cmH2O in 1 cmH2O increments. During the set ramp time, the air pressure will remain at your set starting pressure unless the device detects an event and identifies the need to increase your pressure.
Humidity– You can change the humidification level setting from 0 to 5. This symbol only displays when humidification is enabled. If you wake up dry, then increasing this setting can add extra humidity to help with that issue. If you have excess condensation in your mask or tubing, then decreasing this setting is helpful to reduce that.
Heated Tube Temperature– You can change this setting from 0 to 5. This symbol only displays when optional heated tube is connected. As you add in extra humidity it is usually beneficial to increase this setting to account for the extra humidity in the tubing.
Flex– This allows you to adjust the level of air pressure relief that you feel.
when you exhale during therapy. Your home care provider can enable or disable this feature. When your provider enables Flex, a level will already be set for you on the device. You change the setting between Off, 1, 2, and 3. The setting of “1” provides a small amount of pressure relief, with ‘‘2’’ and ‘‘3’’ providing additional relief. Many new CPAP users enjoy the relief that flex provides, but some old-school users might find this feature different and may want it off.
DreamStation 2 Cleaning and Maintenance:
This is another simple part of using your DreamStation 2 but is as important as it is simple. This CPAP will last for years to come if you keep up with it properly. Let’s look over the details on proper DreamStation 2 maintenance.
Daily:
Empty the water chamber daily and allow to air-dry indoors.
Refill the water chamber nightly with distilled water before use.
Weekly:
Air tubing – Wash in warm water using a mild dishwashing liquid. Remember to air-dry the tubing fully before use. Hang over a door or run air through it to speed this up. A Tube Brush helps here significantly. This will work for heated or non-heated tubing.
Humidifier tub – Wash the DreamStation 2 water chamber in warm water using a mild dishwashing liquid OR in a solution with a ratio of 1 part vinegar and 9 parts water at room temperature. You can scrub the chamber with a soft bristle brush to help here as well. This chamber should last 6 months to a year.
Washable filter- The washable filter is the larger rectangular filter. It slides in and out of the housing like a drawer. That housing is located behind the water chamber. Rinse this filter weekly dry and put back in place.
Disposable Filter– The disposable filter on the DreamStation 2 should be changed out every 2-4 weeks but should be physically examined once per week. If any dust has collected the filter should be discarded and replaced with a new filter. This filter is attached to the washable filter but should not be washed. Dirty filters are the number one killer of CPAP machines.
Getting your Luna G3 CPAP setup and running is a pretty simple process, but it is important to get it going right. In this blog we give you all the instructions and details that you need to make that happen. Here you will find how to setup your Luna G3 CPAP, settings adjustments, proper maintenance and more. Let’s get started.
Luna G3 CPAP Setup Instructions:
Getting your Luna G3 setup is fairly simple. Of course, if you do not get it right, then you are bound to have some issues. So, let’s get you off to the right start.
Setup the Luna G3 CPAP on a surface next to your bed that is fairly level to where you are sleeping. It is best not to place it on the ground.
Connect the AC adapter to the converter brick, and then plug the power supply into the back of the CPAP. This will power up the unit.
Next you will connect the tubing to the back of the CPAP. If you are using standard tubing it should slip on to the air outlet, and either end will work. Both ends are the same. If you are using a Luna G3 Heated Hose, then you will need to make sure that the end with the plug is connected to the Air Outlet of the CPAP. From there you will plug the power cord of the tube into the back as well.
Finally, you will fill your water camber to the proper fill line and connect it to the Luna G3. The Humidifier chamber attaches by placing in the proper position and pressing gently down until it clicks into place.
Now you can fit your mask and press the start button on top to get started.
Luna G3 Cleaning and Maintenance:
The Luna G3 is made to last. If maintained properly you should expect years of reliable CPAP Therapy. Of course, “maintained properly” is an important component of the longevity recipe. Below we will discuss the daily and weekly maintenance to do list.
Daily:
Empty water tank and allow to air dry throughout the day.
Refill with distilled water before bedtime.
Weekly:
Humidifier Chamber– The water tank needs to be washed with a mild soapy water mix, rinsed well and dried. Well-diluted dish soap usually does the trick here.
CPAP Tubing– The Tube must also be washed weekly with the mild soapy water mix. Be sure to rinse this well and air dry completely before reusing. draping it over a doorway can help to speed this up. **Be sure that you do not submerge the power supply of the heated tube if you are using one.
Filter– The standard black foam filter should be rinsed weekly and replaced as needed. The filter is located at the bottom corner of the Luna G3 in a corner housing. Be sure to dry completely before replacing it on the CPAP. If you are using the white disposable filter version, then it should be examined weekly. If discolored or dirty, then the disposable filter should be replaced. Dispose it at least once per month.
CPAP Exterior– You can wipe the exterior of the Luna G3 with a damp cloth as needed. Do not use chemicals.
Adjusting Luna G3 Comfort Settings:
The Luna G3 CPAP has very similar comfort settings as most other CPAPs. We detail them below. To access these settings, twist the knob to scroll over to “settings” and then click the knob to access that menu. If you do not see all of these settings available to you then they are most likely disabled in the Clinical Menu. To activate those, you can see the Clinical Menu navigation video here. Remember as you adjust settings, do so in small increments. This will help to avoid over-correction and further issues.
Settings Details:
Humidification– The humidifier can be adjusted from “off” to 5 in increments of one. If you are dry, then you can increase the setting to add humidity. If you are experiencing condensation or rainout, then you should decrease the setting to reduce humidity. There is also an “Auto” setting. This setting will allow the machine to adjust the humidity on its own for you. This is a great place to start for most new users.
Heated Tubing- The Luna G3 Heated Tube setting has the same settings as the Humidifier. It should come close to mirroring the Humidifier setting. To reduce condensation, you can increase the tube setting, and vice versa as you decrease humidity settings. It also has a great “auto” setting that works pretty well. For a detailed Luna G3 Humidity video, Click Here.
Ramp Time– Ramp is the time period between your “starting pressure” to your “therapy pressure”. Starting pressure is usually very minimal so that you can fall asleep easier. You can adjust this from 0-60 minutes. If you are a new user and need more time to fall asleep, then you may want the full 60 minutes. If you are an old-school use, then you may want to have a lower ramp time. There is also an “auto” setting here as well. In Auto the CPAP will monitor your breathing and increase as you fall asleep. For a full discussion of the Ramp Setting click here.
Reslex– This is an exhalation relief setting. It can go as low as Off or as high as 3. At 3 you will have the most pressure relief when you exhale. For new CPAP users a higher Reslex may be nice, and for old-school users a lower Reslex may be good. Either way you can adjust it to your own comfort.
Auto On– Turning this setting on will allow the Luna G3 to turn itself on when you put your mask on and start breathing.
Auto Off– Turning this setting on will allow the unit to turn itself off when you take the mask off. If you experience the CPAP turning itself off while you are using it, then you may want to turn this feature off. High mask leaks can trick the Luna G3 in to thinking that you have taken the mask off. Click here to learn more about CPAP Mask Leaks.
Tubing Type– The Luna G3 will work fine with 22mm standard CPAP tubing, 15mm slim tubing or the Luna G3 Heated tube. However, you should adjust this setting to the correct tube type to make sure that your therapy is accurate. If you use Heated Tubing the setting will adjust itself.
Display settings– The rest of the settings are related to display, and you can adjust them to your own preference.
ResMed CPAP Masks are a staple in the CPAP industry. If you are on a CPAP, then there is at least a 50% chance that you are using a ResMed CPAP Mask. Now, in 2023, ResMed is discontinuing a number of their popular masks. If your CPAP Mask has blue headgear, then you may want to take a hard look. In this blog we are going to discuss which masks are being discontinued, why they are stopping them, and which CPAP masks would be a good replacement option.
Which ResMed CPAP Masks are being Discontinued?
This is probably the largest list of CPAP Masks that we have ever seen pulled at one time. In total there are 7 ResMed masks that will be unavailable very soon. Most of these masks are at least 10 years old. Which means that they have been around for a long time, and there are a lot of people using them. If you are using one of these masks, then you have a decision to make. Let’s take a look at the list.
As with everything, new versions always replace old versions. Typically, the new version of whatever you need is a better version. However, you will always have some, “they don’t make it like they used to” situations. I would imagine that these masks being discontinued will have people landing on both sides of this. In this case, ResMed is making a “better” quality mask with less parts and cheaper. So that makes the reasoning behind this discontinuation a “Win, Win”. The truth is that these masks on the DC list are just too expensive to make. So, they need to hit the road.
What CPAP Masks are a good alternative?
As you know we operate on the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality here. If you like the mask that you have, we don’t push new ones on you. In this case, there isn’t an option. If you are using one of the masks above, you have to find a new option soon or load up on a lifetime supply today. Below we will discuss each mask and the viable options to find a similar fit.
Swift FX Nano:
This is a very unique mask. It has a traditional nasal cup fit over the nose, with a single band head strap that splits on the back of the head. It is a great hybrid of a nasal mask with nasal pillow style headgear. There is no clear option that directly compares. My favorite option is the Brevida nasal pillow. It is similar but is more of a nasal pillow than that traditional nasal mask. ResMed is recommending the AirFit N30 Nasal mask, which is a really nice mask and fairly similar. Another option is the AirFit N20. The N20’s headgear is very different though. If you need an option from Philips, then I would point you to the DreamWisp. DreamWisp is close to the nasal fit, but very different frame and headgear.
Mirage Micro:
The Mirage Micro is a VERY traditional Nasal Mask. Because of that there are MANY good options. To stick with ResMed the Mirage FX is very comparable, and the AirFit N20 might be a nice modern option. Fisher and Paykel make the Eson 2 which is very similar to the Mirage Micro.
Ultra Mirage II:
The Ultra Mirage 2 is another very traditional Nasal Mask. For this one, I would offer the same recommendation as with the Micro. The Mirage FX is very similar to the Ultra Mirage 2, and if you want to take a leap forward the AirFit N20 is a great nasal option from ResMed. The Eson 2 from Fisher and Paykel is another great comparable option.
Swift LT:
The Swift LT has been a VERY popular nasal pillow CPAP mask for a long time. It has a pretty unique feature that allows you to attach the tube to the top of the head as well as let it fall in front for a more traditional fit. If you are using the Swift LT and attaching the tube to the top of your head for easier movement, then the P30i from ResMed or the DreamWear Silicone Pillow would be comparable options. If you are wearing it in a traditional way to the front of your body, then you would want to look at the P10 from ResMed, the Swift FX or the Brevida from Fisher and Paykel.
Swift II:
The Swift 2 is one of the original Nasal Pillow CPAP masks. To be honest, if you are still using this one then I will be surprised. It is pretty bulky and heavy and does not have much to be desired. You would be well served to try out the P10 from ResMed, Swift FX Pillow, the Brevida from Fisher and Paykel, or the DreamWear Nasal Pillow from Philips. All would be a great upgrade from the Swift 2.
Ultra Mirage Full:
There are quite a few people still using this Full Face mask. Luckily, ResMed has a mask that is VERY comparable to the Ultra Mirage Full Face. That mask is the Mirage Quattro. The Mirage Quattro is a better version of the Ultra Mirage Full Face. If you are going to take this opportunity to upgrade to the latest Full Face mask, then I am going to direct you to the Latest Full Face comparison video that we have here.
Mirage Liberty:
This is by far the most unique mask on this list. It is a full face/nasal pillow hybrid. There is no other one like it that I would recommend. Luckily, the nasal pillow fit really isn’t a good design so your replacement may work even better than the Liberty mask that you are accustomed to. The options I would refer you to are the Minimal Contact Full Face masks. Everyone has one and we have a great comparison video that you can view here. Any of the Minimal Contact options will work well.
The AirSense 11 CPAP by ResMed is an awesome new CPAP. However, getting the right start on your AirSense 11 CPAP can make all the difference. In this guide we will provide you the details to get the right start. Below we will discuss initial setup and assembly, proper maintenance, proper setting adjustments as well as everything else that you will need to know about your new AirSense 11 CPAP.
AirSense 11 Setup Instructions:
Initial assembly and setup of your new AirSense 11 is a fairly simple process. However, it is very important to do it correctly. This will ensure that you are off to a great start and that the CPAP works properly. Let’s take it step by step.
Place the Air11 on a stable and level surface next to your bed.
Connect the power cord into the power inlet at the rear of the device. Connect one end of the power cord into the AC adaptor and the other end into the power outlet. Ensure the device is set up and connected to power to enable settings to be applied wirelessly to the device if required.
Connect the air tubing firmly to the outlet connector at the rear of the device. If you are using a heated tube, then you will need to make sure that the connector inserts properly at the top of the air outlet of the CPAP.
Next you will need to attach the humidifier tub by sliding it into the right side of the CPAP. Make sure that it goes all the way in.
Open the humidifier tub and fill it with water.
The humidifier tub must be removed from the device before adding water.
If using the HumidAir 11 Cleanable water tub, use drinking quality water (potable). The Standard Tub requires distilled water.
Fill the water tub up to the maximum water level mark. The humidifier tub has a maximum capacity of 380 mL.
Close the humidifier tub and insert it into the side of the device.
Many CPAP users have their own methods and habits for maintaining their CPAP machines. Our opinion is that if you have had no issues with your current methods for cleaning and maintaining your CPAP, then you can apply those same methods to the new AirSense 11 without concern. However, there is a “right way” to Clean and Maintain your CPAP according to ResMed. Below is the ResMed recommendation. All of this can be found in the ResMed AirSense 11 User Manual as well.
Daily:
Empty the humidifier tub and wipe it thoroughly with a clean disposable cloth. Allow it to dry out of direct sunlight.
Refill the humidifier tub nightly before use.
If using the HumidAir 11 Standard water tub, use distilled water only (most people have a standard tub)
If using the HumidAir 11 Cleanable water tub, use drinking quality water (potable).
Weekly:
Wash the components as described below. For the parts that need cleaning it may be best to submerge them in a sink in the described solution.
Air tubing – in warm water using a mild dishwashing liquid. Remember to air-dry the tubing fully before use. Hang over a door or run air through it to speed this up. A Tube Brush helps here significantly.
Humidifier tub – in warm water using a mild dishwashing liquid OR in a solution with a ratio of 1 part vinegar and 9 parts water at room temperature. You can scrub the chamber with a soft bristle brush to help here as well.
Outlet connector – in warm water using a mild dishwashing liquid OR in a solution with a ratio of 1 part vinegar and 9 parts water at room temperature.
Intake Filter– The filter on the AirSense 11 should be changed out every 2-4 weeks, but should be physically examined once per week. If any dust has collected the filter should be discarded and replaced with a new filter. Dirty filters are the number one killer of CPAP machines.
Components should not be washed in temperatures higher than 131ºF (55ºC).
Rinse each component thoroughly in water.
Allow to dry out of direct sunlight or heat
Wipe the exterior of the device with a dry cloth.
Notes:
The humidifier tub and outlet connector may be washed in a dishwasher.
Do not wash the air tubing in a dishwasher or washing machine.
The air filter is not washable or reusable.
Adjusting your settings on AirSense 11 CPAP:
There are a few settings that allow you to personalize your AirSense 11. Some of these functions may not be available if they have been restricted by the provider. In order to make the changes you must first access the menu by tapping the “My Options” selection on the home screen. Next you would tap the parameter that you wish to change. Then tap the setting you wish to change to and then tap OK to confirm the change. You can also tap Cancel to go back to the previous screen.
Ramp Time: Period during which the pressure increases from a low start pressure to the prescribed treatment pressure. The Ramp Time can be set to Off, 5 to 45 minutes (in 5-minute increments), or auto. This is a great feature for people who enjoy falling asleep at a lower pressure. The “auto” setting will monitor your breathing and increase the pressure after you fall asleep.
Pressure Relief: When EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief) is enabled, you may find it easier to breathe out. This setting can help you get used to therapy. It is great for first-time users and can feel funny to long-time CPAP users that are accustomed to their pressure remaining steady.
SmartStart: When SmartStart is enabled, therapy starts automatically when you breathe into your mask.
SmartStop: When SmartStop is enabled, therapy stops automatically after a few seconds when you remove your mask.
Mask Fit: This function helps you assess and identify possible air leaks around your mask.
