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Q)
Do I need a prescription to purchase your products? Back
to Top
A) If you are purchasing a new CPAP, Auto
CPAP or Bi Level (Bi PAP) machine, then we do need a copy of a prescription
written by your doctor. A sleep study report does not qualify
as a prescription. A prescription is NOT required if you are not
purchase a machine.
Q)
What does the prescription have to say? Back
to Top
A) The prescription must state that it is
for CPAP therapy and at what pressure your machine should be set
at. If you are purchasing a CPAP machine, then the prescription
must show one pressure setting, which is a number between 4 and
20 and measured in cm of H2O. If your are purchasing an Auto CPAP
machine, then your prescription must state two different pressures:
A high pressure setting and a low pressure setting. If you are
purchasing a Bi Level machine, then your prescription must state
two pressure settings: An inspiratory setting and an expiratory
setting.
Q)
Do you bill my insurance company? Back
to Top
A) At this time, CPAP Supplies does not
bill insurance companies for purchases. However, we do provide
you with all of the necessary HCPCS codes and ICD9 code information
on your invoice so that you can easily file for reimbursement
from your insurance company.
Q)
Do you have other locations? Back
to Top
A) We unfortunately at this time only have
one storefront location in Orland Park, IL. As our rapid growth
continues, we will keep you informed of new storefront locations
throughout the United States.
Q)
How do I travel with my CPAP? Back
to Top
A) Traveling with your CPAP can sometimes
be a hassle. However, with proper preparation, it can be very
easy. If you are flying with your CPAP, you can bring your CPAP
machine on the airplane with you and it will not count as one
of your carry-on items. Never check your CPAP machine because
through normal luggage handling procedures it can easily be broken.
You may want to call ahead and find out your airline's procedures
for carrying your CPAP machine on the airplane to prevent any
delays through security. We have learned that many airlines will
not let you use your CPAP machine during the flight because it
is not a life-sustaining device. You may want to contact your
airline to see if you can make special arrangements. This
link will also provide helpful information.
If you are driving across country with your CPAP or are camping,
you can still use your machine (depending on the make and model).
If your machine has the ability to run off of 12V (check your
owners manual) then you will be able to run your machine off of
either a battery, or plug it into the cigarette lighter adapter
in your car / RV if you purchase the proper cables. Respironics
and Puritan Bennett sell battery adapter cables for those who
wish to bring their CPAP camping in the wilderness. A 12V deep
cycle marine battery or a motorcycle battery are recommended for
the longest life between charges. The life span of the battery
depends on its rating and what your pressure setting is on your
machine.
Q)
What is an Auto machine? Back to
Top
A) An Auto CPAP machine is a machine that
uses two pressure settings; a high setting and a low setting.
The machine starts at the lower setting (typically 2 - 4 cm below
your normal CPAP pressure) and through the course of the night
it senses when you are having an apnea occur. It then begins to
slowly raise the pressure toward the set high pressure. One the
apnea is overcome it will stay at that pressure for a period of
time and then slowly begin to decrease back toward the low pressure.
If another apnea occurs in the meantime, it will then begin to
increase, so on and so forth. In this way, the machine automatically
figures out the best pressure for you to be sleeping at for that
particular night. This is a nice feature because your best therapy
pressure is not always the same. It greatly depends on your daily
activities and your personal habits.
Q)
What is a Bi Level (Bi PAP) machine? Back
to Top
A) A Bi Level machine, or as some call it
a Bi PAP machine uses two pressure settings for your therapy: An
inspiratory pressure and an expiratory pressure. When you inhale,
the therapy is delivered at the set inspiratory pressure, then
when you exhale, the pressure is delivered at the set expiratory
pressure. The inspiratory pressure is always greater than the
expiratory pressure. This type of machine is usually used for
people who cannot tolerate a normal CPAP machine or for people
who have other conditions along with their Sleep Apnea.
Q)
How do I know which size mask to purchase? Back
to Top
A) If you are purchasing the same mask that
you already have, then somewhere on your existing mask there will
be a size indication, usually a single letter (M for medium, etc.).
If you are feeling adventurous and purchasing a new style mask,
then the best option is to call us and request a sizing gauge
for the mask you are interested in. We have sizing gauges for
many of the masks that we sell that we can send you at no cost.
The other option would be to come see us if you are in the area
and we can fit you, or if you are not in our area, then visit
a local homecare dealer and see if they will be able to size you
for a mask.
Q)
How often should I change my filters, tubing, water chambers?
Back to Top
A) For filters, if you are using the white,
disposable filters, you should change them whenever you start
to see them get fairly dirty. Remember, this is the air you are
breathing at night! If you have the foam, reusable filters, then
you should rinse them out and let them air dry at least once every
other week. Medicare guidelines suggest that you replace your
tubing every 30 days. This may be a little too often so we recommend
replacing your tubing once every three months. This is because
dirt and bacteria can build up in your tubing and that can cause
you to become ill. Water chambers should be replaced at least
once every 6 months.
Q)
How do I clean my mask, tubing, water chambers? Back
to Top
A) The best way to clean your mask is to
use a product that we sell called Simple Step
mask cleaner. This cleaner disinfects your mask without breaking
down your mask cushion. Otherwise you can use a MILD soap that
is NOT anti-bacterial. This is because the anti-bacterial soap
will break down you mask cushion significantly faster. Tubing
can be cleaned using a mild vinegar water solution (1 part vinegar,
3 parts water) and swishing is back and forth through your tubing.
You can also use the Tube
Cleaning Brush that we sell to assist you in the cleaning
process. Water chambers can also be cleaned with the vinegar water
solution.
Q)
Should I use special water in my humidifier? Back
to Top
A) You should always use distilled water
in your humidifier to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits
on your water chamber. This will significantly prolong the life
of you humidifier.
Q)
How do I know if the mask I want will work with my machine? Back
to Top
A) All of the masks are standardized so
that any mask will connect with any machine. There are however
a few masks that are not recommended for use with Auto CPAP machines.
The ComfortLite by Respironics is not recommended with Auto CPAP's
because of the way the machine senses when you are having an apnea
occur. Also, it has been said that with pressures over 12 cm of
H2O, nasal pillow style masks may become uncomfortable for the
user because of the high pressure being applied directly inside
the nostrils.
Q)
Which machine is the quietest? Back
to Top
A) All new machines these days are extremely
quiet compared to older model machines. Patients will hear the
noise from the air venting out of their CPAP masks before they
will ever notice the noise from their CPAP machine. This is why
it is recommended that when you shop for a new machine, look for
other features like size, comfort features or the option of an
integrated humidifier.
Q)
Are there battery operated CPAP machines? Back
to Top
A) There has recently been a battery powered
CPAP machine released on the market. It is called the Everest
and is made by AeioMed. This machine is the only current machine
on the market that can run solely on batteries. You can find more
information on this product by clicking
here.
Q)
What is the difference between the Remstar Plus and Remstar Pro?
Back to Top
A) The Remstar Plus CPAP machine is a basic
CPAP machine with all of the standard features and the option
to add in an integrated heated humidifier. The Remstar Pro has
all of the features of the Remstar Plus with the added functionality
of being able to record information about your sleep. This information
is only useful, however, if your doctor has the proper software
to read the information from the machine. Unfortunately, the software
is not to be sold to end users.
Q)
What is C-Flex? Back to Top
A) The link below will take you to Respironics'
page that explains how C-Flex works. It is VERY informative and
will open in a new browser window so you do not loose your place
on our website. CLICK
HERE FOR C-FLEX INFO.
Q)
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Back
to Top
A) The partial or complete closure of a patients
breathing passages during sleep is know as Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(OSA). Apnea is Latin for “without breath”. The body
responds to this lack of oxygen by arousing, or waking from sleep
sometimes in a violent fashion. This cycle leads to the patient
being unable to get the needed quantity of restful sleep and results
in:
Irritability
Constant Fatigue
Difficulty Focusing
Untreated Sleep Apnea is potentially fatal and frequently results
in the following serious health problems:
Diabetes
Heart Attacks
Strokes
High Blood Pressure
CLICK
HERE FOR MORE INFO.
Q)
What is CPAP? Back to Top
A)CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure. CPAP therapy provides a constant airflow which holds the
airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during
sleep. This eliminates Sleep Apneas and allows the patient to get
a restful sleep.
CPAP
therapy is traditionally provided through a nasal mask that seals
around the nose. However, more innovative, comfortable and better
sealing options are beginning to emerge.
CLICK
HERE FOR MORE INFO.
Q)
Do I Need a Sleep Study? Back to
Top
A)
If you suspect you may have some sleep related problems - you should
consult your doctor. As about sleep disorder breathing as Sleep
Apnea is a serious and potentially fatal medical condition. If you
feel you may suffer from this type of disorder you should be tested
as soon as possible.
There
are Sleep Questionnaires posted throughout the internet which can
help you determine is you suffer from symptoms. Bring this questionnaire
with you to a physicians to help evaluate your condition and possible
symptoms of sleep apnea.
If
your physician determines a sleep study is necessary a Polysomnogram,
or Sleep Study will be conducted which measures many key metrics
while you sleep. These metrics are used to determine if you have
Sleep Apnea or a number of other sleep related conditions such as
central sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
CLICK
HERE FOR MORE INFO.
Q)
Which Machine Should I Choose? Back
to Top
A)
There is a great deal of information on the internet concerning
CPAP Machines. While most of this information is accurate, please
seek out as much information as possible. Things to consider are:
type of usage, do you travel; do you need humidification, weight
of the machine, size of the machine, noise level, etc.
We
have provided a CPAP
Comparison chart on our site to help in your decision making
process.
CLICK
HERE FOR MORE INFO.
Q)
Is there a maintenance schedule for my CPAP Machine? Back
to Top
A)
Contrary to you may have been told by your local provider, there
is NOT any maintenance which must be performed on your machine with
the exception of changing the filters on a regular basis. Many providers
will attempt to sell you maintenance packages for your equipment.
Be wary of vendors who often try to sell you extras.
CLICK
HERE FOR MORE INFO.
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