Product Features

Specifications

Basic Features
Manufacturer This is the company that produces the product being compared.
Type This identifies the machine as continuous, auto adjusting, or bilevel operation. This does not identify whether the machine automatically adjusts pressure. Auto adjusting refers to APAP, whereas BiPAP Auto is differentiated using the Auto Pressure Adjustment property. BiPAP machines are defined further using Spontaneous or Timed properties. A CPAP machine blows one constant pressure of air into your passageway throughout the night. Your ideal pressure was determined during your sleep study. A BiPAP machine delivers two separate pressures of air; One when the patient inhales and a separate pressure when they exhale. The machine alternates between the two set pressures to help optimize your sleep apnea treatment. 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.
Warranty Warranty is the length of time that the manufacturer will guarantee a product to be free of defects. Warranties vary in length depending on manufacturer, but generally all machines come with a 2 Year Warranty.
Sound Level This is the level of sound the machine produces at a pressure of 10cm, standing 1 meter away or roughly 3 feet from machine. Measured in Decibels, the values also indicate whether the machine is considered a "quiet CPAP"; see Quiet property.
Quiet This identifies which machines have a decibel rating of 29 and lower. This does not account for use with the humidifier attached, which could supply additional volume that can muffle or amplify sound. This property does not account for noise that travels through the CPAP tubing, seemingly sounding louder than the measured db rating.
Manuals Included This indicates which manuals are included with the purchase of a CPAP machine. Most all machines come with a patient manual; also called 'user manual', which may or may not have pressure setting instructions. Some machines come with both the patient and quick setup guide or both patient and clinician manuals.
Dimensions
Travel Sized Looking to travel? We have found some machines are easier to travel with than others. These smaller and more lightweight machines are still robust enough for constant daily use as well as travel.
Under 3 lbs This measures only the weight of the machine and does not include total weight of power cables, bag, additional batteries or non-built-in humidifiers.
Machine Weight This is the actual weight of the CPAP Machine without any accessories, power cord, or humidifier. Machines with a weight 3lbs or less are also identified in the Under 3 lbs property.
Entire Weight This is the combined weight of the machine, heated humidifier, power cables, bag and hose.
Entire Size This is the combined dimensions of the CPAP with the Heated humidifier.
Entire Package Size This is the size of the CPAP with Heated Humidifier in its travel bag.
Machine Size Only Measures the overall dimension of the machine only. Machines with a built-in humidifier are marked NA and must refer to Entire Size dimensions.
Humidifier Features
Heated Humidifier This indicates which heated humidifier works best with the listed CPAP machine. In some instances, Built-in is used to describe a machine/humidifier combination system. The Fisher and Paykel HC150 was used for machines that do not have an integrated or built in humidifier system.
Built-In Humidifier Identifies which CPAP has a humidifier that is built into the CPAP. Built-In humidifiers cannot be separated from the CPAP machine.
Heated Humidifier Type This property identifies how the machine incorporates a Heated Humidifier. Build In humidifiers are built into the CPAP machine and cannot be separated from the machine. Integrated humidifiers connect directly to the CPAP machine and they can only be used with compatible CPAP machines. With Integrated� humidifiers, the CPAP machine, can be separated and used without the humidifier. CPAP machines that do not have a built in humidifier and do not have an integrated humidifier option have to use a Stand Alone humidifier as the machine's heated humidifier option. Stand Alone� humidifiers can be used with any machine and connect to the CPAP machine with an additional hose.
RainOut Reduction Manufacturers are finding ways to reduce the amount of water that collects in the CPAP hose when using a Heated Humidifier. The Rainout Reduction feature varies by manufacturer and machine and can be anything from an integrated heated hose, to technology that measures the humidity at the mask and adjusts the humidity to reduce rainout.
Integrated Heated Hose This indicates that the machine has an integrated heated hose option to enhance humidification and reduce rainout. An integrated heated hose draws its power from the machine itself and does not have a separate power cord and is adjusted through the machine settings.
Pressure Features
Auto Pressure Adjustment This property defines whether the machine automatically adjusts pressure to meet the needs of the CPAP user on a breath-by-breath basis. All APAP machines are defined as 'Auto Adjusting', but some BiPAP's also use an Auto feature on both the IPAP and EPAP. If not marked, Yes, assume the machine does not have AUTO capabilities.
Pressure Range A CPAP (Constant Positive Air Pressure) delivers continuous airflow at a prescribed pressure at 4cm to 30cm. APAP operates between a range and BiPAP machines are a mix of ranges and constant pressures. This pressure is measured in centimeters of water pressure (H2O) and 4-20cm is average pressure range on most CPAP machines.
EPAP Pressure Range This Property lists the operating range for the Exhalation Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP). This is the pressure setting used when you exhale. EPAP is always lower than the IPAP (inhalation) pressure, making breathing out easier and more comfortable.
Easy Breathing Pressure Relief is a feature that lowers your therapy pressure to help with difficulties breathing against the machine's airflow, providing a more comfortable and natural breathing pattern. Assistance can occur on the Exhalation, on the Inhalation, and on both exhalation and inhalation at the same time.
Ramp The Ramp feature allows the user to start treatment at a lower pressure to fall asleep with, gradually raising the pressure over a set time. This is a comfort setting and can set from 0 to 45 minutes on most CPAP machines.
CPAP Mode This property defines whether the machine is capable of continuously blowing a constant pressure. All CPAP machines are defined as 'continuous', but some BiPAP's and APAP's also come with a CPAP mode; some BiPAP and BiLevel machines Do NOT. By setting the IPAP and EPAP to the same pressure, a CPAP Mode is achieved, preventing the EPAP pressure from dropping.
Power Features
Direct Battery Operation Indicates which machines have a DC port in which you can use to connect a battery pack or a deep cycle marine battery with an optional DC cable. This is different from an integrated battery that works only with the machine it was designed for. (i.e. Everest CPAP Machine) see property Integrated Battery
Voltage Range Domestic Voltage is the voltage that is used with a standard wall outlet in the United States and ranges from 100-120 volts. International Voltage can range from 220v-240v AC.
Optional DC Cable A 'Yes' answer indicates that the CPAP Machine has an optional DC cable that plugs directly into a DC port (see _Direct Battery Operation_). This allows you to use a DC power source, such as a battery or car cigarette lighter. Although some cables already come with battery terminal leads, some DC cables will need a separate part that connects the cigarette lighter adapter to another adapter with terminal leads.
Integrated Battery An integrated battery pack attaches to and functions seamlessly with the machine it is integrated with. It allows your CPAP to run on AC and fail over to the DC battery only if necessary.
Software Features
Advanced Software/Data Identifies which machines are data capable and have the ability to track your therapy progress over time. The machine captures key metrics like AHI (Apnea/Hypopnea Index), Leakage, and most pressure used. Depending on the machine, the data can be retrieved through an on Machine Screen Display (MSD), through Optional Software (OS), and/or through SmartCode (SC).
Data Card This property marks the machines that have the ability to record performance data on a removable card. Some machines that are flagged as having software (seeOptional Software), do not have removable memory cards, rather instead, records information on-board and must use a download cable to retrieve the data from the machine.
Optional Software Software is an option on some CPAP machines. The software can give details on compliance and performance. The patient or physician downloads the data from the CPAP machine to determine how long a patient has used their machine each night and how well the machine is working to stop Apnea/Hypopnea events. This property shows the software package to use for machine that has the ability to transfer data to your computer and report Hours of Usage. See Advanced Software for a list of machines that can report AHI or Leakage.
Additional Features
Auto Altitude Adjustment Altitude Adjustment is defined as the machine's ability to compensate for changes in altitude. Compensation can either occur manually or automatically. Manual adjustments occur within the Setup Menu and must be set by the user. Automatic requires no user intervention.
Auto ON/OFF This feature turns the machines off and on when putting on or taking off the mask. When you put your mask on the machines senses you breathing and turns itself on. Take off the mask and the machine turns off.
Mask Off Alert This feature detects excessive mask leaks due to poor cushion seal or when a user stops therapy by removing a mask when in use. The alert can be in the form of an audible alarm (ALARM) or a text message on the unit's LCD display (LCD).
Spontaneous Spontaneous (S) mode tells the machine to start blowing at IPAP pressure with no specific interval set. The machine must wait and detect a break in the breathing cycle before reacting, switching from exhalation to inhalation. If a backup rate is needed, then the unit will need a time interval setting and will be marked 'Yes' on the Timed property.
Timed Timed (T) or Spontaneous Timed (ST) modes provide a customizable backup rate that forces the machine to switch from exhalation to inhalation. In ST Mode, the machine monitors the breathing cycle and switches from EPAP to IPAP once the backup time is met or whenever the break is detected through the sensors; whichever occurs first. The time aspect is only meant to act as a backup respiratory rate to the (S) function (see Spontaneous). This is used for patients with central sleep apnea, or those who need non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
Designed For Her These machines were designed with a woman's lifestyle in mind.

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• We are only authorized to sell and ship Philips Respironics products to end-users residing in the United States.
• Philips Respironics recommends that new patients purchase their devices, masks and initial accessories from a homecare company that can provide an individualized patient equipment set-up, clinical and after-sales support, and a program to assist patients with therapy success.

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CPAP Video & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is unique about the ComfortLite 2?

ComfortLite 2 has a unique headgear system that minimizes facial contact and reduces pressure points. The Halo headgear only touches the face at the forehead, at the brow line. The strap goes around the circumference of the head, and does not sit on the cheeks.

What interface options can I choose from if I purchase the ComfortLite 2?

The three choices are the Pillows cushion, the Simple Cushion and the Direct Seal cushion.

What interface options can I choose from if I purchase the ComfortLite 2?

The three choices are the Pillows cushion, the Simple Cushion and the Direct Seal cushion.

How do the Pillows Cushion work?

The pillows cushion inserts slightly into the nostrils for a robust seal.

How does the Direct Seal cushion work?

The Direct Seal is a “pillow-like” cushion with pillows or bulbs that sit just outside the nostrils vs. slightly inside them. It comes in 6 sizes, 1-6 with most adults using sizes 3-5.

Is the headgear one-size-fits all?

Yes.

Do I have to buy three whole masks to try the different pillow sizes?

No, the ComfortLite 2 has several 'combo packs' that include two types of cushions in one. Also, you can order all cushions separately if you'd like to try all three!

Do the Pillows expand in the nostrils like some ‘prongs’ style cushions?

No.

How does ComfortLite 2 affect nostrils?

One unique feature of these two cushions is that they include a metal band on the bottom side of them. The metal band is pliable and allows you to change the angle of the pillows or bulbs; a squeeze brings the bulbs closer together, helping you to direct the airflow to a more comfortable direction.

Can the metal band on the Pillows and Direct Seal cushions be shaped for comfort?

Yes, the band can also be used to spread the pillows apart, so you have the ability to find a comfortable angle for the airflow on a daily basis, as desired.

How does the Halo headgear work?

The Halo headgear has two soft, comfortable straps that extend from the center of the forehead and merging into a single, wide strap at the back of the head. It sits low at the neck. The ‘halo’ itself is a flexible oval shaped piece worn up the center of the head to just below the crown.

What is the function of the Halo headgear?

Most headgears are a means to attach and stabilize the mask to the face or nose. The Halo headgear sits low at the center of the forehead and has the Vertical and Angle adjusters suspended from it there. A Crown Swivel is at the upper end of the Halo.

Why are there 6 eyelets to attach the four ends of the 2 front straps?

You will always use the lowest of the eyelets for the lower strap. This is for stability. The upper strap can be attached in any of the 4 remaining eyelets – adjust for comfort.

Does any of the headgear touch my face or cheeks?

No, the headgear only touches the forehead. The cushions only touch either under the nose (Pillows and Direct Seal) or gently around the tip of the nose (Simple Cushion).

How do you adjust the mask to properly fit it to avoid leaks?

There are two key adjustments you can make regardless of the cushion option you choose. Once the headgear is in place, you use an Angle Adjuster and a Vertical Adjuster for optimizing fit.

What do these adjusters do?

The Angle Adjuster controls the tilt of the cushion to the face and the twist Vertical Adjuster helps position the cushions relative to the length of your face and nose.

Can you explain the Angle Adjuster in more detail?

If you have seen a picture of the ComfortLite 2, you will notice that the cushions connect to a tube. The tube is suspended from the center of the headgear where the Angle Adjuster is. By squeezing the blue tabs on each side of the Angle Adjuster, you are able to change the angle of the tube (and cushion) either closer to or away from the face.

What does the Vertical Adjuster do?

As you look at the mask picture, you’ll see a circular blue knob at the top of the tube connected to the ComfortLite 2 cushion. By twisting the knob, you either extend or retract the length of the tube.

Why is the Vertical Adjuster important?

There are many varieties of faces in the population and we want to accommodate both short and longer faces by extending or shortening the length of the tube for proper cushion fit. Again, depending on the cushion you use, the Vertical adjustment will be slightly different for each.

Are there any fine tuning adjustments available for the Simple cushion?

Yes. The Simple Cushion sits on a ball joint fitting. The cushion rotates freely on the ball, allowing you to change the tilt of the nasal cushion to adjust for leaks or for optimal comfort.

What is the function of this Halo headgear Crown Swivel at the top of the head?

The swivel helps to manager your longer 6 foot hose with a 180 degree swivel which moves from one side to the other in an arch above your crown. The sleeve your hose attaches to swivels 360 degrees also.

Why is the Crown Swivel attached to the Halo headgear?

Respironics trials found that the short and long hose easily get wrapped up around the active sleeper if not anchored. Also, the anchored swivel helps to absorb the movement of the long hose as you move. Masks often lose their seal because the weight of the long hose tugs at the mask or cushion, which is prevented by the Crown Swivel design.

Can I use the ComfortLite 2 headgear with other products?

No, the unique headgear on the ComfortLite 2 can only be used with this product.

Does the ComfortLite 2 work for people who sleep on their sides?

Yes, the ComfortLite 2 is designed to accommodate side sleeping by providing an assembly and interface that is centered over the nose and up the center of the head.

Is it easy to take the ComfortLite 2 mask on and off?

Yes, it is very easy. To take the ComfortLite 2 off, simply grasp the angular adjustment area and pull the mask forward then lift upward. This way, the mask can be placed on and taken off without changing any of the adjustments.

What direction does the exhaled air of the ComfortLite 2 mask go?

The exhalation feature of the ComfortLite 2 has been placed on the elbows of the Pillow, Simple Cushion and Direct Seal cushions using a series of small holes. When using ComfortLite 2, the exhaled air is diffused through these holes for a less-direct and quiet stream of air.

There is air coming out of the elbow on the cushion – is this OK?

Yes, this is air coming from the exhalation valve. This leak is intentional and removes CO2 from the mask. Never cover or attempt to block these holes. Your CPAP unit is designed to still provide your therapy pressure.

Can I wear a chin strap with the ComfortLite 2?

Yes, a chin strap can be worn underneath the ComfortLite 2 headgear.

How should I clean the ComfortLite 2?

Hand wash any Respironics mask using a mild dishwashing liquid, free of alcohol, bleach, conditioners or moisturizers. For optimal outcomes, clean the mask and cushion daily. Headgear and tubing should be cleaned at least once a week.

When cleaning, can I take apart the cushions of the ComfortLite 2?

The Simple Cushion can be separated from the exhalation (ball-and-socket) elbow for cleaning. The Pillows Direct Seal cushions are not designed to be disassembled from their cradle or housing.

Are the Pillows two pieces or one?

The ComfortLite 2 Pillows and Direct Seal cushions are single pieces. They both include an integrated exhalation port in their plastic housing.

How does the Direct Seal cushion work?

The Direct Seal is a “pillow-like” cushion with pillows or bulbs that sit just outside the nostrils vs. slightly inside them. It comes in sizes 1-6, with most adults using sizes 3-5.

Do the three cushions options all work with the same headgear?

Yes, all use the same un-intrusive Halo headgear and straps. You can switch from one style cushion to another in less than 5 seconds with just a simple twist and turn motion!

When should someone pick a minimal contact mask like the ComfortLite 2?

There are several reasons why someone might want to use a minimal contact mask like the ComfortLite 2. Some patients have trouble being compliant because of feelings of claustrophobia when wearing a mask, or they have skin sensitivities that are irritated by using larger masks on their face. Some seek improved visibility or are dissatisfied with aspects of their traditional nasal mask. Others just have a personal preference for less bulk on their face. The ComfortLite 2 helps meet all these needs.

Which of the three cushion options is the better cushion for me?

You are the only one who can make that determination. The goal of this CPAP mask is to give you three chances to find a cushion you will like and use.

Once I have the correct angle for one cushion, will it be the same for all?

You will have slightly different angular adjustments when using the Simple Cushion vs. the Pillows or Direct Seal cushions.

Are there tuning options for the Pillows or Direct Seal cushion?

Yes, there are small metal band on the underside of those cushions which allow you to adjust the distance between the pillows or bulbs to optimize your comfort and seal.