Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which a patients breathing passage seals during sleep, causing the patient to stop breathing. Apnea is Greek for “without breath”. The body responds to this lack of oxygen by arousing, or waking from sleep. This cycle leads to the patient being unable to get the needed quantity of restful sleep and results in:
Constant Fatigue
Difficulty Focusing
Irritability
Untreated Sleep Apnea is potentially fatal and frequently results in the following serious health problems:
Heart Attacks
Strokes
High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Pictured Right: An unhealthy, obstructed upper airway
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.
Sleep Apnea is a serious and potentially fatal medical condition. If you or a love one suspect you have it, you should be tested as soon as possible.
Sleep Questionaire This is a simple test you can fill out and bring with you to a physicians visit that evaluates you for the most common symptoms of sleep apnea.
Sleep Study A Polysomnogram, or Sleep Study, 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.
To find a Sleep Physician or Sleep Lab in your area simply enter your address into our sleep services locator.
CPAPtalk.com has created an "Introduction To The Sleep Lab" video that explains the process of verifying, diagnosing and treating Sleep Apnea. If you are curious about the process or would like to know what to expect during your sleep study you can view the video below now, or download it and watch it later.
If you have tested positive for Sleep Apnea, you will need to treat it. CPAP is the most popular and proven way to treat Sleep Apnea. Here is our advice on navigating the tricky process of getting effective equipment:
Get The Best Equipment. Watch Out! There is a significant difference between basic and high end CPAP equipment. High end equipment is generally smaller, lighter, quieter, less prone to leaks, easier to breathe against, better humidified and easier to travel with than basic CPAP Equipment. The key to CPAP treatment is comfort, choose wisely!
Many traditional, brick and mortar CPAP providers will set you up on a CPAP and bill your insurance company. If this approach to getting your equipment is used, you will most likely be given basic equipment. This is because there is only one billing code for all CPAP Machines and very few unique codes for CPAP Masks. Due to this, the insurance company will pay your CPAP Provider the same amount if you get a high end or basic machine. Usually, the amount paid to traditional CPAP Providers by insurance companies is not enough to cover the cost of high end CPAP equipment and the patient is left to make due with basic equipment.
If you would like high end equipment, there are a variety of ways to obtain it online for equal or lesser cost than dealing with traditional CPAP dealers.
CPAP.com (CPAP Retailer) CPAP.com sells high end CPAP Supplies and Equipment direct to consumers. Many times buying with cash is less expensive than the copay and deductible charged through insurance. If you want a way around the hassle and low end equipment provided by insurance companies and local providers, this is a good choice.
I have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, what should I do?
Get The Best Equipment. For effective treatment, you must wear your CPAP nightly. Due to this, it is a good idea to get the most comfortable equipment possible. Our company provides a low cost, hassle free alternative to the stress and risk of dealing with private insurance and traditional providers to obtain CPAP equipment and supplies.
Get Support and Information From Other CPAP Users. The prospect of adjusting to CPAP Therapy can be daunting. You are not alone. The online CPAP Community cpaptalk.com is a free, no registration required resource where CPAP users from all over the world gather to ask questions, provide encouragement, review CPAP Equipment and stay up to date on the latest treatment techniques and options.
Replace Disposable Equipment Regularly. CPAP Filters should be replaced every 2-3 months. CPAP Masks should be replaced every six months. Sinus infections and nasal congestion often result from the failure to replace disposable equipment regularly.
Staying up to date on your equipment replacement is easy with our reminders. After placing orders with our company, you will be given the option to have email reminders sent to you at the period time after your order has shipped that you specify. This allows our customers to "order it and forget about it" without putting themselves at risk of using out of date equipment.
Stay Informed. The market for CPAP goods and services is competitive and dynamic. Manufacturers are frequently coming to market with products that make CPAP therapy more comfortable and effective. You do not want to be stuck using an inferior product! Subscribe to our CPAP newsletter and get the product and industry news that affects your therapy.
We provide our customers with many tools to make informed decisions about their machine purchases. Options include:
Calling a CPAP Expert Toll Free. 1-800-356-5221.
Comparison Charts. These charts compare available machines, feature by feature. Click on the name of any feature you are not familiar with for a definition. Click on the image or name of the product for more detailed product information, pictures and resources.
CPAP Video Library, CPAP Comparison Video. We maintain an extensive video library available for download free of charge. We have created a video that walks you through the variety of machines available and highlights key differences.
Browse Our Machine Product Categories. These categories show each machine our company offers, ranked by popularity. Popularity is determined by a mix of sales data and our in house opinion of the quality of the machine based on our experience and customer feedback. The best products float to the top of our categories.
Yes. Federal law requires we have a valid prescription on file before we ship your machine. We provide many easy ways to fax us your prescription and also have created a section of this FAQ that lists what phrases are required for each machine type.
The only care the machines require is that you clean or change the filters in the back of the machines to keep the internal parts from accumulating dust.
You can safely mix and match nearly all machines and CPAP Masks.
Be aware that there are known issues with APAP Machines and certain styles of CPAP Masks as well as with sensor tubes and some CPAP masks. If you are purchasing a new style mask for use with APAP for sensor tubes, check with us first!
Please see the CPAP Mask section of our FAQ for more details:
C-Flex is a feature that makes breathing back against CPAP pressure easier to do. Independent studies conducted by leading universities indicate that patient comfort, and therefore, patient CPAP compliance, is higher with machines that use C-Flex. C-Flex is a technology invented by Respironics, is proprietary, and is not available on other brands of CPAP Machines.
How do I change the pressure setting of my machine?
When a physician orders a pressure change, or a patient moves to an area with a very different altitude and does not have an altitude compensating machine, there are a number of ways to ensure you are receiving CPAP therapy at the correct pressure.
Most sleep laboratories and sleep disorder centers are very willing to make this change at no cost. This is routine in most facilities. Just call a big local hospital or ask you physician for sleep lab phone numbers. Be sure to bring your prescription.
A second way is to do it yourself. We sell manometers that are very portable, accurate, and simple to use. All the machines we sell come with instructions on how to set pressure to physician orders. Most patients have little trouble doing this themselves. If they need help we can talk them through the procedure.
A third option is to ship the machine to us with the new prescription. We will set it and ship it back.
It is the law and good common sense to run all sleep disorder devices at the prescribed pressure. If you think your prescribed pressure is wrong, talk to your physician.
A CPAP machine blows one constant pressure. Your ideal pressure was determined during your sleep study. However, many factors can affect your ideal pressure over time, like weight fluctuations and even sleeping positions.
CPAP therapy provides a constant airflow which holds the airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. It is traditionally provided through a nasal mask that seals around the nose to maintain the pressure level.
Is there a CPAP that runs on batteries? How long do they last?
Many CPAPs operate from 12 volt DC power. If your CPAP has a DC jack, a round, single hole in the back or side of the unit, then you should be able to operate it from a 12 volt DC power source with only the use of a DC power cord; an inverter is not necessary. Typically, the DC power cords plugs into the CPAP and end in a cigarette lighter plug. To connect a CPAP directly to a battery, you would need a DC adapter cable that fits over the cigarette lighter plug on the DC power cord and ends in alligator clips.
For the longest usage time, we suggest you use a deep-cycle marine type battery. It will operate most CPAPs at most pressures for about three nights before needing to be recharged. We sell a smaller, portable, rechargeable Battery Pack on our site that will operate most CPAPs and most pressures for one night.
Heated Humidifiers will not operate on DC power without an inverter.
The AEIOmed Aura is newly released and is the worlds first CPAP with integrated battery system. The Aura's optional battery attachment that will run the CPAP and its integrated heated humidifier for one night before needing to be recharged. The AEIOmed Aura CPAP is pictured below.
An APAP machine automatically adjusts on a breath by breath basis to blow the minimum pressure needed to keep your airway open during sleep. This allows your machine to provide you with your ideal pressure nightly.
APAPs tend to be more advanced, more feature rich and more expensive than CPAP machines.
A BiPAP alternates blowing two set pressures, a higher pressure for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation.
A BiPAP ST Machine is a non-invasive ventilator. ST stands for Spontaneous Timed.
A BiPAP has two set pressures but some patients require a back up timed response in which the BiPAP will initiate a breath if a breath is not taken within the set timed parameters.
For example, a BiPAP ST might be set with an inhale pressure of 10 and an exhale pressure of 5 with a BPM (BPM=Breath Per Minute) of 12. A BiPAP ST will not breathe for you but will initiate a breath if you do not inhale 12 times a minute.
We have created the only CPAP Mask Sizing Guide on the internet. Just take a few measurements of your nose, enter them in and you will receive a list of masks in the sizes that will fit you best.
A full face mask seals around both the nose and mouth and is held in place with straps, or headgear.
Full face masks are good alternative for 'mouth breathers'. For some people the mouth tends to drop open unknowingly during sleep. This allows the treatment pressure blowing through the nose via a traditional nasal mask to escape. If this happens, it renders CPAP therapy ineffective as the pressure intended to hold a patient's airway open instead flows out of the patient's mouth. The full face mask equalizes pressure between the nose and mouth allowing the patient to receive the proper treatment pressure at all times.
Sometimes nasal blockages like a common cold or those who have nasal congestion due to illness or allergies might also need a full face for consistent treatment.
A nose cushion mask seals over both nostrils, similar to a nasal mask, but it fits under the nose instead of around the entire nose. The cushion does not fit over the tip of the nose or rest on the bridge. These devices include different sized cushions for ease of fit.
A nasal prong device is inserted into each nostril and seals inside rather than around the outside edge as a nasal pillow device does. Sizing of such devices is best accomplished in person with the actual product.
An oral mask fits into the mouth to deliver the CPAP pressure. One size is intended to fit any user. Since the CPAP air will not be conditioned by the mucous membranes in the nose, an oral mask tends to dry out the mouth and should be used only with a heated humidifier.
Currently, the only oral mask on the market is the The Oracle from Fisher and Paykel.
A nasal pillow device seals against the outside edge of each nostril rather than around the entire nose. The pillows open into the nostril but are not inserted inside to seal. This device is helpful for people who sleep on their side or stomach, or for those with facial hair. It is sold with different pillow sizes for ease of fit.
A total face mask seals over the entire face, at the forehead, down the sides and under the chin. It can only be used when sleeping on the back and is somewhat of a last resort.
There are special circumstances or needs for this mask, like patients who leak air out of the corner of their eyes. This mask is like a Full Face mask in that it equalizes pressures for an even treatment, but this mask encompasses every opening on the face where air might escape like the eyes.
Medicare allows for mask cushion replacement every three (3) months and complete mask system replacement every six (6) months. CPAP manufacturers and vendors suggest these replacement schedules as well.
In our experience, most mask cushions begin to deteriorate after about six months of use. The silicone eventually becomes too soft to hold a seal and headgear straps must be tightened more and more to get the same quality seal.
We strongly suggest replacing cushions and pillows as soon as they start to soften. Air leaks may reduce the effectiveness of CPAP therapy and headgear that is too tight may cause facial sores at pressure points.
Humidification adds moisture to the CPAP air, reducing irritation to the nasal passages caused by the increased airflow.
CPAP air is an irritant - to one degree or another - to everyone. In some cases the irritation dries out the nasal passages and may cause bleeding. It may also cause swelling, excess mucous, congestion or sneezing. The irritation also creates a very fertile ground for infections to begin. The irritation may be cumulative, building up over time. The only way to reduce the irritation is to add moisture.
Humidification is therefore a critical part of CPAP Therapy.
A heated humidifier uses heat to produce moisture. The heat is adjustable for more or less moisture, and the chamber is much smaller than a passover humidifier.
It is our experience from over ten years of specializing in CPAP equipment, that patients who use heated humidifiers have a much higher rate of therapy effectiveness to CPAP therapy.
A passover humidifier is a chamber of water added to the CPAP to help moisten the airflow and reduce irritation to the nasal passages.
Air flows from the CPAP, through a short hose to the humidifier, then into the six foot hose to the mask. The air picks up whatever moisture it can as it "passes over" the water in the chamber.
Passover humidifiers may provide suffcient moisture with CPAPs set at lower-end pressures, but if not, there is no way to increase the amount of moisture produced. Furthermore, in cold climates, the water temperature in the chamber will drop, causing the CPAP air to become very cold and reduce the amount of moisture.
An integrated humidifier is a component to a specific CPAP that fits directly to the CPAP, eliminating the need for a second hose and in some heated humidifiers, a second power cord.
The advantage of an integrated humidifier is a more compact unit that uses fewer parts.
A disadvantage is that they may produce less moisture if used as passover humidifiers because the surface area is typically smaller. Also, most integrated humidifiers will function only with the CPAP for which they were designed.
A “built in” humidifier is designed so that it is part of the CPAP machine and cannot be removed or separated from the CPAP machine. This is similar to an all-in-one unit eliminating the need for a second hose or second power cord. Usually the water chamber can be removed for cleaning or replacement purposes.
The advantage of a “built in” humidifier is a more compact unit that uses fewer parts. This design also helps to ensure therapy effectiveness by including the heated humidifier which may provide comfort to the CPAP user they may not have received otherwise.
A disadvantage is that they may produce less moisture if used as passover humidifiers because the surface area is typically smaller. Also, since the humidifier is “built in” to the machine, the ability to detach the humidifier is not an option. This can be an issue for frequent travelers. Lastly, if the machine or humidifier stops working, the entire unit must be sent in for repair or replaced, not just the component that failed.
A stand-alone humidifier is a component that will work with any CPAP and does not attach directly to the CPAP. It uses its own power cord and typically a short hose is used to connect it to the CPAP. Usually it would sit next to the CPAP machine and is slightly larger than a integrated humidifier.
The advantage of an stand-alone humidifier is superior humidity and control and often a larger water capacity with the chamber. Also, the fact they may be used with any CPAP machine can be useful.
The main disadvantage is that the size is often larger than the a “built in” or integrated humidifier and the short hose is needed to connect it to the CPAP machine.
Most CPAP and bilevel machines today are designed to operate on both AC current as well as DC / battery current. In the United States, the AC current from wall outlets is 110 volt and most batteries produce 12 volt DC current. Overseas, the AC current is usually 220 or 240 volt.
We include information about the power needs and capacities in the description of our products.
Most CPAPs and bilevels, and all the models we sell, contain internal converters that enable the machine to operate on any AC current from 100 to 240 volts without any adjustment or addition to the machine.
An adapter may be required to plug a US power cord into a wall outlet in a foreign country. We suggest that these be purchased from an electronics or travel store.
All CPAPs will operate on DC power with the use of an inverter to change the current from DC to AC before it reaches the machine.
Many will operate on DC power without the need for an inverter, just a power cord that plugs into the CPAP and ends in a cigarette lighter plug.
To determine if your CPAP will operate without an inverter, look for a DC outlet on the machine, either at the back or on the side, with a single opening directly in the center. It should be labeled "DC Power" or similar term.
If your CPAP is configured to operate directly from a DC power source without the need of an inverter, you first must use the DC power cord that plugs into your CPAP and ends in a cigarette lighter plug.
Then, to connect directly to a battery, you need an adapter cable that fits over the cigarette lighter plug and ends in alligator clips.
For longer battery use, we suggest a deep-cycle marine battery. A CPAP set at 10cm will usually run for about three nights before having to recharge a deep cycle marine battery. A car battery will usually run a machine for 8 hours and still start the car.
There are small, portable battery packs that will operate a CPAP set at 10cm for at least one night, or about eight hours.
CPAP machines use filters to remove dust and other impurities from the air that can collect inside the CPAP and cause damage, especially to the motor/fan assembly.
Yes, all CPAPs use at least one filter that is usually a type of foam material and washable. Some CPAPs offer finer filtration with the addition of a disposable paper filter.
The filters are located at the back of the machine at the air intake.
Cleaning and changing filters is the only maintenance required for a CPAP machine.
If both the foam and paper filters are used, the paper filter is inserted first with the smooth side against the machine and the soft, fuzzy side facing out. The tab is folded out for easy removal. The foam filter is placed on the outside to remove the larger dirt particles first.
Foam filters are designed to collect larger dirt particles and animal fur. If two filters are used in a machine, the foam filter should be on the outside.
Ultra fine filters collect much smaller particles and are useful for those with allergies or sinus issues. These filters are not meant to be cleaned, but discarded when dirty.
What is a In-line Outlet Bacteria Filter for CPAP/BiPAP?
Bacteria filters are fine enough to remove some bacteria and are clinically indicated when a CPAP machine is used by more than one person. However, many CPAP users find them helpful in reducing the occurrence of sinus infections and other nasal issues.
Bacteria filters are housed in a plastic frame and are placed at the CPAP air outlet, rather than the air inlet. They may be used with humidifiers, but should be removed and allowed to air dry during the day.
The entire housing is disposable and should be discarded as soon as matter becomes visible. A clogged Bacteria filter may effect the amount of air delivered by the CPAP.
CPAP software allows the downloading of information from certain CPAP machines. Information on breathing, pressure levels delivered, apneas, etc. is available to help determine the effectiveness of CPAP therapy. Software is not required to operate a CPAP machine.
Each CPAP manufacturer maintains a proprietary software package that is only compatible with their machines.
Here is a list of each manufacturer and the name of its related software:
MyEncore is a supplement to Respironics Encore Pro software that allows users to view their nightly sleep metrics (AHI, RDI, Mask Leaks, etc.) in a clearer, user-friendlier format.
MyEncore does not replace the Encore Pro software. Encore Pro software must be installed and operating before MyEncore will function. Support for MyEncore is provided solely by the cpaptalk.com community.
MyEncore was created by and is maintained by cpaptalk.com user Derek.
cpaptalk.com proudly hosts Derek's MyEncore software. More information and free downloads are available here:
Are there user supplements for other software packages?
We hope other supplements will be available in the future, but at this time only a supplement to Encore Pro has been created.
We are interested in hosting and supporting supplements for other software manufacturers should a user of our online sleep community wish to create them.
A smart card is used to store data. A reader downloads the data from the smart card into a computer. The alternative is to bring the CPAP to the computer and download data directly using a cable.
CPAP tubing and CPAP hose can be interchangable terms, however, we usually refer to the larger diameter connection that delivers the CPAP air to a mask or humidifier as a Hose, and any other similar item as a Tube or Tubing.
All CPAPs use basically the same hose, but there may be additions that are necessary to operate certain machines.
A standard CPAP hose is six feet long. The ports on all CPAPs, humidifiers and masks are a standard size and so a standard CPAP hose will fit on all. The best hoses are smooth-bored for less noise.
Many auto-titrating CPAPs and bilevels require a pressure line senor to detect breathing patterns and presssure needs. The sensor may be in the form of an adapter with narrow tubing attached, or narrow tubing threaded inside the six foot hose. In both cases, one end of the narrow tubing is plugged into the machine. Those machines will not operate without the pressure line sensor.
There are certain delivery devices, such as the Comfort Curve, which require a special CPAP hose, too.
CPAP hoses can last a long time, sometimes up to a year if taken care of properly.
Signs of wear are dry, cracked places on the inside lining or on the rubber ends; "stretch marks" near the rubber ends; and minieral deposits or mold from water left inside the hose.
Your CPAP hose will last longer if you detach it every morning and hang it to air dry. It should be removed by grasping it on the rubber ends, rather than on the hose itself. A "Hose Quick Connect" is available to help remove and replace the hose more easily.
Drying the hose each morning will also prevent bacteria from growing in the damp interior and help reduce the possibility of colds and other health issues.
If you are not drying the hose daily, then be sure to replace the hose very frequently as negative health issues will result!
Cool air holds less moisture than warm air. If warm air from a heated humidifier cools while moving through CPAP hose, water will accumulate inside the hose rather than travel to the user. The condensation that occurs inside the CPAP hose is referred to as "rainout."
Insulating the CPAP hose will help maintain the moisture in the airflow all the way to the nasal membranes.
The simplest and most cost effective way to insulate a CPAP hose is to wrap it in an insulating fabric. This enables the hose to remain flexible and adds little weight.
Companies such as Snugglehose provide cost effective tubing insulation available in several colors and styles. Not only will the covers reduce or eliminate rainout, they also provide a more personal and less institutionalized appearance.
Rainout is the accumulation of water in a CPAP tube due to warm moist air cooling on its way from your CPAP machine to your CPAP mask.
Solutions to rainout include raising the temperature of your bedroom, insulating your tubing with a snugglehose, or purchasing a CPAP machine with an integrated heated hose.
Nasal delivery devices are the preferred mode of delivering CPAP air. They are smaller, lighter and usually more comfortable, with many styles and sizes to choose from.
When using a nasal device with a CPAP, it is imperative that the mouth remain closed for the pressure to be maintained and the therapy to be effective. Most people will automatically keep their mouth closed while on CPAP, but some are unable to do so, at least in the beginning of the therapy.
Use of a chinstrap is the first response to opening the mouth during sleep. It is worn in addition to the CPAP mask to hold the jaw up and help keep the mouth closed.
Even with the use of a chinstrap, some people are still able to breathe through their teeth and lips. If so, a full face mask is an option worth considering.
A basic chinstrap cups the chin and has narrow straps that connect at the top of the head, usually with velcro. It works best for those who sleep on their side and who do not open their mouth very much. The straps may fall forward or backward on the head if not held in place by the mask headgear.
For greater strength, a wider chinstrap is available. The width of the strap is sufficient to cup the chin, and narrow straps are available to attach across the forehead to keep the chinstrap from falling back, as well as across the back of the head to keep it from falling forward. This style of chinstrap is more stable, but it will cover the ears.
Another style of chinstap is a series of straps that cup the chin at a lower angle for greater support, and include the stabilizing straps in the design.
A basic CPAP setup consists of a power cord, filters, CPAP machine, hose (tubing), and a CPAP Mask. More advanced and comfortable setups also include humidifiers, machine software, CPAP Mask pads and chinstraps.
Yes! We work very hard to allow our customers to compare products in many different ways. Here are product guides we have created and maintain:
CPAP Machine Comparison Guide. This guide stacks up every popular CPAP machine we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click its name for a definition. The most popular CPAPs are shown by default, but you can also "Choose CPAPs to Compare" or "Compare All CPAPs".
Auto Adjusting Machine (APAP) Comparison Guide. This guide stacks up nearly every APAP machine we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click its name for a definition. The most popular APAPs are shown by default, but you can also "Choose Self Adjusting Machines to Compare" or "Compare All Self Adjusting Machines".
BiPAP, VPAP and BiLevel Comparison Guide. This guide stacks up nearly every BiPAP machine we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click its name for a definition. The most popular BiPAPs are shown by default, but you can also "Choose BiPAPs to Compare" or "Compare All BiPAP Machines".
CPAP Mask Measurement Sizing Guide. Input facial measurements into this guide (we show you how to take the measurements) and you'll get a listing of each mask that will fit you.
CPAP Mask Equivalence Guide. Do you find yourself wanting to trade in your old mask that fits just right for a newer model CPAP Mask? Tell this guide which mask you have now and it will list other masks that are equivalent to your current mask.
We make it easy to order from us! You can place your order online, call your order in, fax your order to us, or mail your order to us. For phone numbers, fax numbers and mailing addresses, please visit our contact us page:
We use proprietary, custom built MadCow software to protect your billing information. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encrypts information and keeps the data private and confidential between your machine and www.cpap.com. This technology makes it safe to transmit your credit card number over the Internet. Look for two security icons, the "s" after "http" in the address line and the lock in the top menu bar and bottom status bar of your browser in Firefox, Opera and Netscape or in the bottom status bar only in Internet Explorer.
We host our website on dedicated servers guarded by Rackspace, one of the oldest, largest and most trusted names in webhosting. Our security certification is issued and maintained by Thawte, a world leader in SSL technology.
Look For An Order Shipped Email. Please expect to receive an Order Shipped confirmation email from us the evening after your order has shipped. To ensure that you receive this email, please add our email address, cpap@cpap.com, to your address book. Our email will contain your order number and any tracking numbers associated with the package.
Track Order Status Online. You can track the status of your order from our warehouse to your door.
Nearly all order delays are caused by the need for additional patient information or documentation.
CPAP Mask Sizing. If you requested "Contact Me For Sizing" assistance instead of selecting a CPAP Mask size when placing your order, please check your email for our fitting guide. Before we can determine the proper mask size for you we need to know your facial measurements. We certainly do not want to send you a mask that will not fit.
Alternately, you may also take your measurements and determine your correct size online:
Machine Prescriptions. Federal law requires that we have your prescription on file before we ship your machine. We adhere strictly to this policy and will not ship unless we have a valid prescription on file. Once we have a prescription on file it does not expire.
For more on prescriptions, please visit the Prescription section of this FAQ:
Will you accept my old prescription or do I need a new one?
Yes we will take your old prescription. Prescriptions do not expire.
Be aware that many insurance companies place limits on how old a prescription can be before allowing reimbursement. This is why companies who accept insurance as payment for CPAP equipment sometimes require a new prescription or letter of medical necessity from your doctor before providing you with equipment.
Do I need a prescription to purchase non-machine products?
No. You only need prescriptions to purchase machines from our website. You can purchase masks, tubing, humidifiers, filters, etc without a prescription.
Contains one of the following words or phrases "APAP", "AutoPAP", "AutoSet", "Auto CPAP", "Auto Adjusting CPAP", "Self Adjusting CPAP", "CPAP" or "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure" or similar term.
Contains your physicians contact information
Contains your physicians signature
Contains your pressure range (Optional, Not Required)
Example: 4-20 CM/H20
Example: 4-20
Example: 6-18 CM/H2O
Example: 6-18
CPAP prescriptions are accepted for Auto Adjusting (APAP) Machines.
Will you accept a prescription from a doctor in my country?
Yes.
If you and your doctor are residents of the same country and the prescription given to you meets the guidelines set down by your country, we will accept your prescription.
When you order from us, you can expect your order to ship same day when placed before 4 PM CST Monday through Friday provided it is in stock. We publish stock status on each product page. You can also expect your package to arrive within 1-5 business days in most cases. A tracking number link will be provided with each order via email.
We offer free ground shipping to all 50 US States and Puerto Rico for orders over $99. We reserve the right to decide which carrier will ship orders qualifying for free shipping.
Here are the shipping costs for the contiguous United States:
$35.00 - Next Business day by the end of the day (Saturday)
$25.00 - Next Business day by the end of the day (Mon - Fri)
$18.00 – Second Business day by the end of the day
$12.00 – Third Business day by the end of the day
$ 7.00 – Ground shipping on orders under $99.00
$ Free – Ground shipping on orders over $99.00
If your order includes a machine, the extra weight will add $10.00 to your shipping charges.
Shipping options that are available for Puerto Rico, Hawaii & Alaska:
$35 Next Day Air Services
PR = Next Business day by the end of the day. Early AM= Not available
HI = Next Business day by the end of the day. Early AM= Not available
AK = Next Business day by noon. Early AM = delivery by 8:30
$18 2 Day Air
$ 7 Ground
$45 Alaska Next Day Air Early AM
Add $10 for a machine for Next Day Air, Next Day Air Early AM and 2 Day Air.
We cannot ship via UPS 3 Day Select, or Next Day Air Saver to Puerto Rico, Alaska or Hawaii.
We cannot ship Next Day Air Early AM to Puerto Rico or Hawaii.
If you choose Next Day shipping for an order placed on Friday, it will be delivered on Monday unless you specify Saturday delivery in the Comments section of your order.
If you wish an order placed on Friday to be delivered on Saturday, the charge increases by $10.00. For example, if you order a mask on Friday for Saturday delivery, the cost will be $35.00. If your order includes a machine for Saturday delivery, the cost will be $45.00.
Delivery by 10:30 a.m. the next morning will require an additional charge and must be quoted.
Ground shipping times vary depending on the distance from our warehouse in Houston, Texas, but the longest distances usually take only five business days.
Transit time for Ground shipping is not guaranteed.
Yes, we offer shipping to Canada via Landmark Direct Mail Canada. Orders ship out of our Houston warehouse 1 to 3 days after being received. The shipment will be delivered in 2 to 8 business days after pickup. All Canada orders are tracked, insured and tax exempt.
If you have a UPS or FedEx account, we can ship via those carriers and have the charges applied to your account. Also, we ship via UPS in the United States if you have a broker who could handle it from that point.
How much are the taxes and duties of shipping to Canada? Who pays?
Packages shipped through our Canada shipping partner, Landmark, are tax exempt and marked prominently as medical supplies.
If you choose to ship on your account to Canada, you are responsible for determining, managing and paying all taxes and duties associated with our transaction. We will not pay and can not quote taxes and duties for non-Landmark orders. However, we can work with you to package and properly label international shipments as medical supplies.
