CPAP Equipment
Parts Of A CPAP System
A basic CPAP setup consists of a CPAP machine, hose and CPAP mask. The CPAP machine and CPAP mask are attached to either side of the hose. The CPAP machine blows air into the hose and through the mask to you.
CPAP Equipment FAQs
What is CPAP therapy?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP therapy is the most recommended and the most effective treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
A CPAP machine provides air at a constant prescribed pressure through a tube and out of a CPAP mask to a person with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. CPAP therapy provides a constant airflow which holds the airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. This eliminates sleep apnea events and allows the patient to get a restful sleep.
The pressure of the air is determined during your sleep study and your doctor will prescribe you a CPAP machine at that pressure.
CPAP therapy is traditionally provided through a nasal mask that seals around the nose. However, more innovative and comfortable options are available and advances in the delivery of CPAP therapy are continually occurring.
For instance: CPAPs with that boast FLEX or EPS technology will offer you exhalation relief. APAP, BiPAP and BiLevel machines offer various levels of pressure throughout the night and exhalation relief.
How can I compare different machines?
We work very hard to provide many different ways for our customers to compare products. Here are the machine product guides we have created and maintain:
- CPAP Machine Comparison Guide. This guide stacks up every CPAP machine we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click the question mark for a definition. The links below will take you to the most popular CPAPs, or all CPAP machines we sell.
Compare Most Popular CPAP Machines
Compare All CPAP Machines
- Auto Adjusting Machine (APAP) Comparison Guide. This guide stacks up every APAP machine we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click the question mark for a definition. The links below will take you to the most popular APAPs, or all APAP machines we sell.
Compare Most Popular APAP Machines
Compare All APAP Machines
- BiPAP, VPAP and BiLevel Comparison Guide. This guide stacks up every BiPAP machine we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click the question mark for a definition. The links below will take you to the most popular BiPAPs, or all BiPAP machines we sell.
Compare Most Popular BiPAP Machines
Compare All BiPAP Machines
How do I choose the machine that is right for me?
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. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click on the question mark for a definition. Click on the image or name of the product for more detailed product information, pictures and resources.
CPAP Comparison Chart
APAP Comparison Chart
BiPAP Comparison Chart
- Help Me Choose Guide. We created a guide to help you select the right machine according to your preferences. The guide asks you a series of questions regarding your preferences and your prescription. Based on your answers we provide you with a comparison chart of the machine that meet your criteria. Get started here:
Help Me Choose - Machine
- 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.
CPAP Machine Category
APAP (Auto Adjusting) Machine Category
BiPAP (Two Pressure) Machine Category
What comes with my machine?
Machines come with a six foot hose, power cord, at least one filter, and manuals. Most manufacturers include a carrying case which is designed specifically for their equipment. CPAP / BiPAP / APAP machines do not come with a delivery system or mask. CPAP Masks must be purchased separately.
To see the list of what specifically comes with each machine, you can browse for a machine. Then on the product page, click the "Specs" tab to see a full list of what comes with the machine.
How can I find replacement parts for my CPAP Machine?
Wondering which filters work for your machine? Or trying to find the right replacement power cord? To find what parts are compatible with your machine or to find what parts of your machine are replaceable you can:
- Use our Replacement Part Wizard to identify your machine and see all the related parts.
- Browse for your machine and then click the "Replacement Parts" button on your machine's product page.
What type of power does my CPAP need?
Most CPAP and BiLevel machines today are designed to operate on both AC and DC battery currents. 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. Please see the "Power" tab on any machine product page for this information. You can also see a summary of the voltage range and whether it is DC capable on our Compare Charts.
What maintenance is required on machines?
The only care a CPAP or BiPAP machine requires is to clean or change the filters at the air intake. This keeps the internal parts from accumulating dust. Fine, paper filters should be changed out every 30 days, or when they appear soiled. Foam, washable filters should be rinsed with clear running water once a week, allowed to air dry, and reinserted.
There are some other suggested actions to care for your machine:
- Keep the area around your machine clean. Remove any dust from around the machine to improve the air quality delivered to your machine and you.
- Keep the air intake of the machine unblocked. Curtains, bedding, and papers can easily block the air intake of your machine, reducing the airflow.
- If a humidifier is used do not pick up the machine with the humidifier attached. With most machines it is easy to spill water from the humidifier chamber into the machine causing damage. Manufacturer warranties are voided by water damage to the machine. To avoid this, remove the chamber from the humidifier and then remove the humidifier from the machine rather than transporting them together.
- If a humidifier is used you should empty the water from the chamber every morning. Accidents happen. If a family pet or family member moves the machine and humidifier with water in the chamber it is more likely that water could be spilled into your machine. Water damage to a machine voids the manufacturer warranty.
What is Humidification?
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 may create 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.
Are prescriptions required for mask, machine and/or humidifier purchases?
Yes. Federal law requires we have a valid prescription on file before we ship your mask, machine and/or humidifier.
We provide many easy ways to get your prescription:
- We can request your prescription for you! When you checkout, just let us know you would like us to request your prescription, or you can log into your account to have us request your prescription.
- Fax your prescription to our Toll Free fax number: 1-866-353-2727, or our international fax number: 713-541-7370
- Email your prescription to cpap@cpap.com
- Upload your prescription in your account, under the prescriptions section
Which CPAP masks work on which machines?
All CPAP masks work with all machines.
How can I compare different masks?
Like our machine comparison chart, we have created a CPAP Mask Comparison Guide to help you compare different masks. This guide stacks up every mask we sell, feature by feature. If you don't know the meaning of a feature, click the question mark for a definition. The links below will take you to the most popular masks, or to the different types of masks we sell.
Compare Most Popular Masks
Compare All Nasal Masks
Compare All Full Face Masks
Compare All Nasal Pillow Masks
Compare All Nasal Prong Masks
Compare All Hybrid Masks
Compare All Oral Masks
Compare All Total Face CPAP Masks
How do I choose the mask that is right for me?
We provide our customers with many tools to make informed decisions about their mask purchases. Options include:
- Calling a CPAP Expert Toll Free. 1-800-356-5221.
- Comparison Charts. These charts compare available masks, feature by feature. If you're unsure of the meaning of a feature, click on or hoover over the question mark for a pop out definition. Click on the image or name of the product for more detailed product information, pictures and resources.
Compare Most Popular Masks
Compare All Masks
- Help Me Choose Guide. We created a guide to help you select the right mask or machine according to your preferences. The guide asks you a series of questions regarding your preferences and your facial features. Based on your answers we provide you with a comparison chart of the masks that meet your criteria. Get started here:
Help Me Choose - Mask
- Browse Our Mask Product Categories. These categories show each mask 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 mask based on our experience and customer feedback. The best products float to the top of our categories.
Nasal Mask Category
Full Face Mask Category
Nasal Pillow Mask Category
Nasal Prong Mask Category
Hybrid Mask Category
Oral Mask Category
Total Face Mask Category
- Return Insurance. With every mask we sell, you have the option of purchasing Return Insurance. Masks are FDA approved medical devices. Once a mask is used, it cannot be resold to another customer. CPAP.com was the first in the industry to offer Return Insurance to our customers. Return Insurance provides 30 days for you to try a mask and return it for any reason for a refund of the price of the mask. If you are trying a mask for the first time, Return Insurance might be right for you.
How can I get help from a CPAP Expert?
- Ask A Question: Question Submission Form
- Email Us: cpap@cpap.com
- By Phone: 1-800-356-5221 (8 AM - 10 PM CST Mon-Fri; 8 AM - 6 PM CST Sat)
- By Fax: 1-866-353-2727
How do I care for my mask?
Masks should be washed daily with warm water using a very gentle soap or baby shampoo, and left to air dry. Never use antibacterial soap as it will break down the silicone of the mask cushion. Avoid soaps that include lotion which can coat the mask and cause it to lose its seal. A safe cleaner is the Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution. Remember, going to bed with a clean face will improve your seal and protect the lifespan of your mask.
The best time to clean your mask is in the morning after use. This removes the oils left behind from your skin which can reduce the lifespan of your mask. We recommend using mask wipes to make daily morning cleaning easy. The mask wipes are made from materials that will not break down your mask.
How can I find replacement parts for my CPAP Mask?
For many masks there are parts that are replaceable such as the mask cushion, headgear, headgear clicks and other parts. To find parts which are compatible with your mask, or to find which parts of your mask are replaceable, you can:
- Use our Replace Part Wizard to identify your mask and see all the related parts.
- Browse for your mask and then click the "Replacement Parts" button on your mask's product page.
How often should I replace my mask?
Medicare allows for mask cushion replacement every three (3) months, and a 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 cushion eventually becomes too soft to hold a seal. The headgear straps lose elasticity and 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. In most cases, replacement headgear is available if it is stretched out or the Velcro worn out.
To see what parts of your mask are replaceable refer to our Replacement Part Finder. Just search for your mask to see all of the replaceable parts.
Are mask cushions interchangeable with other mask frames or can I use a different size cushion on the same frame?
The answer to this question depends on the mask. In most cases, the mask frame will only accept cushions or pillows made for that specific mask. There are a few exceptions to this. For instance, there are two masks by ResMed the Mirage SoftGel Nasal CPAP Mask and the Mirage Activa LT Nasal CPAP Mask, in this case the cushions are interchangeable between the two masks. You can buy one of these masks and use the same sized cushion in the other model of mask on the same mask frame. The EasyFit line of masks by DeVilbiss offeres different cushion types which are interchangeable between the mask frames.
As to whether or not you can use different sized cushions for a specific mask on the same mask frame, this also depends on the mask. Some mask frames are compatible with multiple cushion or pillow sizes and other mask frames will fit only the cushion of the same size. This information is provided on the product pages. Please review the page of the specific product you are interested in to learn if you will need a different size mask frame for each size of cushion or pillow. For assistance, contact us at 1-800-356-5221.
Philips Respironics CPAP Equipment Manufacturer
Philips Respironics is the market leader in the CPAP Therapy market. They are known for their high end CPAP, BiPAP and APAP Machines.
Additionally, Respironics invented and introduced BiPAP machines to the market with its BiPAP S. Other Respironics innovations of note in include C-Flex, Bi-Flex, and A-Flex easy breathing technology which makes breathing with a CPAP machine mimic natural breathing.
respironics.com
ResMed CPAP Equipment Manufacturer
ResMed is traded publicly under the ticker symbol RMD. Its Mirage Nasal Mask was a breakthrough in Nasal Masks and it continues to be known for its Nasal and Full Face Mask offerings.
ResMed created EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief) to make breathing with their machines more natural. ResMed is also known for having some of the quietest machines on the market.
resmed.com
Fisher & Paykel CPAP Equipment Manufacturer
Fisher & Paykel is traded on the NZSX and ASX under ticker symbol FPH.
They pioneered heated humidification in CPAP Therapy with their HC100 Heated Humidifier and continue to lead the industry in heated humidification innovation. They are also well known for the quality of their Full Face Mask offerings.
Fisher and Paykel
AEIOmed CPAP Equipment Manufacturer
A start up funded by venture capital, and based out of Minneapolis, MN, AEIOmed is privately held. They are watched closely by the industry as they developed the only CPAP on the market that has an integrated battery option which can run both the CPAP machine and the heated humidifier throughout the night. This Everest CPAP Machine is loved by CPAP travelers.
AEIOmed.com
DeVilbiss Healthcare CPAP Equipment Manufacturer
DeVilbiss is a privately held company. They are known for their quiet and sleek designed IntelliPAP CPAP Machines.
They also developed SmartCode technology. Instead of needing to buy option software, the IntelliPAP displays a SmartCode which is used to return sleep metrics on your sleep therapy. The code can be entered into the IntelliPAP Auto CPAP product page to return graphs of your results.
DeVilbissHealthcare.com
Covidien (Formerly, Puritan Bennett)
Covidien was spun off from Tyco Healthcare Puritan Bennett in 2008 and now trades on the NYSE as ticker symbol COV.
They were the first to bring to market a truly effective alternative to traditional Nasal and Full Face Masks, the Breeze Nasal Pillow System.
They also produced the first Travel CPAP line, which has gained a wide following from CPAP patients paying in cash due to its incredibly small size and very reasonable prices.
Covidien Healthcare
What are the CPAP, BiPAP and Sleep Apnea related billing codes?
- EO601 RR is CPAP Rental
- E0601 NU is CPAP Purchase
- A7034 is CPAP Mask
- A7032 is CPAP Nasal mask cushion
- A7033 is CPAP Nasal pillows
- A7030 is CPAP Full face mask
- A7031 is CPAP Full face mask cushion
- A7044 is CPAP Oral interface
- A7027 is CPAP Hybrid mask
- A7028 is CPAP Hybrid mask cushion
- A7029 is CPAP Hybrid mask nasal pillow
- A7046 is CPAP Humidifier chamber
- A7037 is CPAP Tubing, long and short hoses
- A4604 is CPAP Heated tubing
- A7038 is CPAP Disposable filter
- A7039 is CPAP Gross particle (foam) filter
- A7035 is CPAP Headgear
- A7036 is CPAP Chinstrap
- E0561 NU is CPAP Passover humidifier
- E0562 NU is CPAP Heated humidifier
- E0470 RR is BiPAP Rental
- E0470 NU is BiPAP Purchase
- E0471 RR is BiPAP-ST Rental
- E0471 NU is BiPAP-ST Purchase
Other CPAP items are listed under E1399, which is miscellaneous.