Puritan Bennett Sandman Duo ST BiLevel CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier

CPAP Video & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference BiPAP and BiPAP ST?

A BiPAP (also referred to as a BiLevel or VPAP) delivers two set pressures, a higher pressure for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation.

BiPAP and BiPAP ST machines are similar, as they are both designed to provide the same airway pressure. The difference between a BiPAP and a BiPAP ST is the Spontaneous Timed feature. The ST responds to the user when the minimum number of breaths per minute has not been met. This machine ensures all breaths occur by triggering the user to take another breath within the minute.

For example, a BiPAP might be set at the following:

• Inhalation Pressure - 10
• Exhalation Pressure - 5

In this case, a BiPAP will provide an IPAP of 10 and EPAP of 5.

A BiPAP ST might be set at the following:

• Inhalation Pressure - 10
• Exhalation Pressure - 5
• 12 BPM (Breath Per Minute)

Similarly to the regular BiPAP, the BiPAP ST will provide an IPAP of 10 and EPAP of 5, and will additionally monitor if you inhale 12 times within the minute. Please Note: The ST will not breathe for you, rather it will prompt the user to take a breath.

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. 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
  
  
• 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

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

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, APAP, and BiPAP 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.

Which CPAP masks work on which machines?

Any mask will work with any machine, with one important exception. The ResMed AirMini is only compatible with certain ResMed CPAP masks. Compatible masks for the AirMini are as follows:

• ResMed AirFit™ N20 Nasal Mask
• ResMed AirFit™ F20 Full Face
• ResMed AirTouch™ F20 Full Face
• ResMed AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow

When considering another CPAP, APAP or BiPAP machine from ResMed or any other manufacturer, mask compatibility extends to all brands. The AirMini uses non-standard tubing to connect the machine to the mask, and is the primary reason why other masks won't work with the AirMini. Despite this issue, many of our customers consider the AirMini to be an excellent machine.

Are prescriptions required for mask, machine, humidifier, and EPAP purchases?

Yes. Federal law requires we have a valid prescription on file before we ship your mask, machine, humidifier, or EPAP therapy, including Provent and Bongo RX. You will also need a prescription to purchase the Nightbalance POSA device.

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: 866.353.2727, or our international fax number: 713.541.7377
• Email your prescription to cpap@cpap.com
• Upload your prescription in your account, under the Prescriptions Section
• Ask your doctor to fill out our prescription form. We have both a standard prescription form and an EPAP prescription form.

For more information on prescriptions, please see our Prescription Section of the Learning Center.

What does a BiPAP ST prescription need to say?

A BiPAP ST prescription must contain all of the following information:

• One of the following words or phrases: "BiPAP ST", "Synchrony ST", "VPAP ST"
• Your physician's contact information
• Your physician's signature
• The patient's full name
• A backup rate or BPM setting.
• Your inspiration pressure (Also called IPAP or breathing in pressure)
  • Example: IPAP 13 CM/H20
  • Example: IPAP 13
  • Example: IPAP 4 CM/H20
  • Example: IPAP 4
• Your expiration pressure (Also called EPAP or breathing out pressure)
  • Example: EPAP 13 CM/H20
  • Example: EPAP 13
  • Example: EPAP 18 CM/H2O
  • Example: EPAP 18

What is exhalation relief?

Exhalation relief is a comfort feature which reduces the air flow at the time of exhalation, making the breathing process more natural.

The following are the different types of exhalation relief names by manufacturer.

• Philips Respironics = C-Flex, C-Flex+, A-Flex and Bi-Flex
• Resmed = EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief)
• 3B Medical = RESlex
• Apex Medical = PVA (Pressure Variation Algorithm) Pressure Relief
• Curative Medical = EUT (Expiratory Unloading Technology)
• DeVilbiss = SmartFlex
• Fisher & Paykel = SensAwake Technology
• Human Design Medical = Z-Breathe
• Somnetics = EZEX

Here are some machines with an exhalation relief feature:

Transcend Auto miniCPAP™ Machine with EZEX
PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto with Bluetooth
AirSense™ 10 AutoSet CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
+ See More

What maintenance is required on machines?

The only care a CPAP, APAP 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.

Here are some other suggested actions to care for your machine:

• Keep the area around your machine clean by removing any dust from the area to improve the air quality delivered to your machine and to 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 with your therapy, 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, 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.

How do I use a battery to operate my CPAP?

All machines can connect to DC power. Some machines are configured to operate on DC Power and have a DC power outlet. Other machines require AC power and will need an Inverter that turns DC power to AC power.

Having the proper equipment is the biggest key to successfully operating the machine from a battery. For example, if your machine does have a DC outlet and you want to run your machine from a marine battery, be sure to get the correct DC cable for the machine, as well as an adapter cable with alligator clips that fits over the cigarette lighter plug.

CPAP.com sells complete battery kits with everything you need for many machines including the correct cables for those machines and batteries. You can see if there is a battery kit available for your machine Here. If you have questions about the specific power needs of your machine, review the 'Power' tab found on the machine's product page, or give us a call at 1-800-356-5221.

What are the CPAP, BiPAP, Sleep Apnea, and Oxygen related HCPCS, CPT or billing codes?

• A7034 is Nasal Mask
• A7034 is Nasal Pillow Mask
• A7030 is Full Face Mask
• A7027 is Hybrid Mask
• A7044 is Oral Interface Mask (Oracle)
• A7035 is Headgear for Mask - Any Style
• A7036 is Chinstrap - Any Style
• A7032 is Replacement Nasal Mask Cushion
• A7033 is Replacement Nasal pillows
• A7031 is Replacement Full Face Mask Cushion
• A7028 is Replacement Hybrid Mask Cushion
• A7029 is Replacement Hybrid Mask Nasal Pillow
• A7046 is Replacement Humidifier Chamber
• A7037 is Tubing / Hose - Long & Short Tubes
• A4604 is Heated Tubing
• A7038 is Disposable Filter (White / Paper)
• A7039 is Washable Filter (Gross Particle / Foam/ Black)
• E0601 NU is CPAP Purchase
• E0601 NU is APAP Purchase
• E0470 NU is BiPAP Purchase
• E0470 NU is BiPAP Auto Purchase
• E0471 NU is BiPAP ST Purchase
• E0471 NU is BiPAP Auto SV Purchase
• E0562 NU is Heated CPAP Humidifier
• E0561 NU is Passover or Cool CPAP Humidifier
• E0601 RR is CPAP Rental
• E0601 NU is APAP Rental
• E0470 RR is BiPAP Rental
• E0470 RR is BiPAP Auto Rental
• E0471 RR is BiPAP ST Rental
• E0471 RR is BiPAP Auto SV Rental
• E1356 is Oxygen Concentrator Battery
• E1357 is Oxygen Concentrator Battery Charger
• E1358 is Oxygen Concentrator DC Cable
• E1390 is Portable Oxygen Concentrator

E1399 is Miscellaneous and is used for other CPAP and Oxygen items.

What are the benefits of using a humidifier?

Many CPAP users experience nasal congestion and dryness of the nose and throat during treatment. This can be especially problematic for new users who are adapting to treatment. Humidification adds moisture to the air helping to reduce the symptoms of dryness and congestion.

Nasal congestion also leads to mouth breathing, which perpetuates the problem of dryness. If this is an issue for you, try a heated humidifier.

What is a heated humidifier?

A heated humidifier uses heat to warm the water to add moisture to the airstream. The heat is adjustable for more or less moisture. A heated humidifier water chamber is much smaller than a passover humidifier water chamber.

In our experience, it is common for CPAP users to report that their therapy is greatly enhanced by the use of a heated humidifier.

There are three types of heated humidifiers:

• Stand Alone Humidifiers
  
  Stand Alone Humidifiers can be used with almost any machine as long as an integrated humidifier is not being used and the machine does NOT have a built in humidifier. The Fisher & Paykel HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand is a stand alone heated humidifier that includes ambient tracking to keep the humidity consistent independent of room temperature.
  
  
• Integrated Humidifiers
  
  Integrated Humidifiers connect directly to the machine the humidifier was made to be used with. This provides the convenience of being able to remove the humidifier from the machine for traveling or other purposes. Here are some of the integrated humidifiers we carry:
  
  PR System One 60 Series Heated Tube Humidifier with Heated Tube
  Transcend Heated Humidifier
  XT Heated Humidifier
  
  
• Built In Humidifiers
  
  Built In Humidifiers are permanently affixed to their machine and cannot be removed. The chamber can still be removed for cleaning, however the heating element is a part of the machine. The advantage of built in humidifiers is they generally take up less space than a machine with an integrated or stand alone humidifier. Here are some machines that have a built in humidifier:
  
  AirSense™ 10 AutoSet CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
  ICON Auto CPAP Machine with Built-In Heated Humidifier and ThermoSmart Heated Hose
  iCH Auto CPAP Machine with PVA and Built-In Heated Humidifier
  + See More

What is a built in humidifier?

A "built in" humidifier is designed as a part of the CPAP machine and cannot be removed or separated from the CPAP machine. As with an integrated humidifier, the design eliminates the need for a second hose or power cord. The water chamber can be removed for cleaning or replacement purposes.

The advantage of a "built-in" humidifier is its compact shape, which operates on fewer parts. This integrated design helps to ensure optimum moisturized comfort and effectiveness when CPAP therapy and humidification are used together. Also, it allows an option for the humidification to be turned off while the CPAP is blowing.

A disadvantage is that a built in humidifier may produce less moisture if used as passover because the surface area is typically smaller. Also, since the humidifier is "built in" to the machine, detaching it 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 replacement, not just the component that failed.

An example of a machine with a built in humidifier is the ICON Auto CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier and SensAwake as seen below.
Here are some other machines we carry with built-in humidifiers:

AirSense™ 10 CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
AirSense™ 10 AutoSet CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
iCH Auto CPAP Machine with PVA and Built-In Heated Humidifier
+ See More

How do I care for my humidifier?

To care for your humidifier simply empty and clean the water tank each morning. Only distilled water should be used in the humidifier to avoid mineral deposit build up.

Here are some items that can help with caring for your humidifier:

CleanSmart CPAP Disinfectant Spray

Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution - 16 oz Concentrate

Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution - Home Care Kit

Hurricane CPAP Equipment Dryer

What does CPAP therapy do?

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.

What is a passover humidifier?

A passover humidifier uses a chamber of room temperature water with the CPAP to add moisture to the airflow and reduce irritation to the nasal passages.

Air flows from the CPAP through a short hose to the humidifier chamber where the air "passes over" the water to pick up whatever moisture it can. The air then flows into the six foot hose to the mask.

Passover humidifiers may provide sufficient moisture with CPAPs set at lower-end pressures. However, if the moisture is not sufficient there is no way to increase the amount of moisture added. The water is room temperature. In cold climates, the water temperature will drop causing the CPAP air to become very cold, and causing the amount of moisture to be reduced.

What is an integrated humidifier?

An integrated humidifier is used with a specific CPAP and fits directly onto the machine. For most heated humidifiers, this design eliminates the need for a second hose as well as a second power cord.

An advantage of an integrated humidifier is that it works very closely with the CPAP machine to deliver humidification. Also, an integrated humidifier is a compact unit that uses fewer parts to provide moisture to the user.

A disadvantage of the integrated humidifier is the user will receive less moisture when it is used with a passover humidifier. The smaller surface area effects the amount of moisture produced. Also, a integrated humidifier will only function with the CPAP for which it was designed.

You can see if your machine has an integrated humidifier option by reviewing our Compare Charts.

An example of an integrated humidifier is the PR System One Heated Humidifier as seen below attached to a machine in the PR System One line.

Here are some of the integrated humidifiers we carry:

DreamStation Heated Humidifier
Transcend Heated Humidifier
IntelliPAP 2 Heated Humidifier with Pulse Dose Humidification
PR System One 60 Series Heated Tube Humidifier with Heated Tube

What is a stand alone humidifier?

A stand alone humidifier is a component that will work with any CPAP and does not attach directly to the machine. It has its own power cord and a short hose to connect it to the CPAP. Generally it will sit next to the CPAP machine and is slightly larger than an integrated humidifier.

The advantage of a stand alone humidifier is the fact that it may be used with any CPAP machine.

The main disadvantages are that the size is often larger than either a "built in" or integrated humidifier and that a short hose is needed to connect it to the CPAP machine.

An example of a stand alone humidifier is the Fisher & Paykel HC150 Heated Humidifier as seen below.

What is rainout?

Rainout is the accumulation of water in a CPAP tube due to warm moist air cooling and condensing on its way from your CPAP machine to your CPAP mask.

The image below from Fisher & Paykel explains how rainout is formed. Warm, moist air leaves the heated humidifier and travels through the CPAP tube. As air flows through the tube, the temperature of the room causes the tube to cool. As the tube cools, the air inside releases its moisture, and creates condensation in the hose.

Solutions to rainout include:

• Raise the temperature of your bedroom.
• Keep your CPAP machine at the same level as your bed.
• Insulate your tubing with a hose cover like Snugglehose.
• Reduce the temperature setting on your heated humidifier.
• Purchase a CPAP machine with a rainout reduction comfort feature.
• Some machine systems offer a compatible heated CPAP hose which maintains the temperature from the machine all the way to the mask, reducing the occurrence of rainout. The list of available heated hoses can be found here: Hoses With Heating Coils.
• If your machines uses a standard hose, consider the Hybernite Heated Rainout Control System.

Why do I need to use distilled water with in my humidifier chamber?

Use distilled water to help keep the humidifier chamber clean and mineral deposit free. Tap water should not be used as it will leave hard white mineral deposits in the chamber as the water evaporates, or it may lead to mold growth. Cases of lung disease have been connected to using contaminated well water in a CPAP humidifier.* Source

If distilled water is not available where you live, use bottled water. It will be important to clean the chamber each morning, do not leave standing water in the chamber between uses.

What does a humidifier prescription need to say?

A humidifier prescription must contain all of the following information:

• One of the following words or phrases: "CPAP Humidifier", "Humidifier", "HH", "CPAP Supplies", "CPAP Mask", "CPAP", "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure", "APAP", "AutoPAP", "AutoSet", "Auto CPAP", "Auto Adjusting CPAP", "Self Adjusting CPAP", "BiPAP", "BiLevel", "VPAP", "BiPAP Auto", "BiPAP ST", "Synchrony ST", "VPAP ST"
• Your physician's contact information
• Your physician's signature
• The patient's full name

Here are some of our top selling humidifiers:

PR System One 60 Series Heated Tube Humidifier with Heated Tube
Transcend Heated Humidifier
XT Heated Humidifier
+ See More

Do all CPAPs use filters?

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.

Cleaning and changing filters is the only maintenance required for a CPAP machine.

The filters are located at the back of the machine at the air intake.

What data capable machines are available?

CPAP machines which record full data (such as AHI and leak info):

• AirSense™ 10 CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
• AirSense™ 10 Elite CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
• DreamStation Pro CPAP Machine
• ICON Premo CPAP Machine with Built-In Heated Humidifier and ThermoSmart
• IntelliPAP Standard Plus CPAP Machine with SmartFlex
• Luna CPAP Machine with Integrated H60 Heated Humidifier
• PR System One REMStar 60 Series Pro CPAP Machine with Bluetooth
• RESmart™ CPAP Machine with RESlex with Heated Humidifier
• Transcend miniCPAP™ Machine
• Transcend EZEX miniCPAP™ Machine
• Transcend II Travel CPAP Machine
• Z1 Travel CPAP Machine

AutoPAP ("Autotitrating CPAP" or "APAP") machines which record full data:

• AirSense™ 10 AutoSet CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
• AirSense™ 10 AutoSet For Her CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
• Curasa Auto CPAP Machine with EUT
• DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine
• iCH Auto CPAP Machine with PVA and Built-In Heated Humidifier
• ICON Auto CPAP Machine with Built-In Heated Humidifier and SensAwake
• IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine with SmartFlex
• IntelliPAP 2 AutoAdjust Auto CPAP Machine
• Luna Auto CPAP Machine with Integrated H60 Heated Humidifier
• PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto with Bluetooth
• RESmart™ Auto CPAP Machine with RESlex with Heated Humidifier
• S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine
• S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with H5i™ Heated Humidifier for Her
• Transcend Auto miniCPAP™ Machine with EZEX
• XT Auto CPAP Machine
• Z1 Auto Travel CPAP Machine

BiLevel ("BiPAP") machines which record full data:

• AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
• AirCurve™ 10 S BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
• DreamStation BiPAP Pro Machine
• DreamStation BiPAP Auto Machine
• IntelliPAP AutoBiLevel Machine with SmartCode
• IntelliPAP BiLevel Machine with SmartCode
• PR System One REMStar 60 Series BiPAP Auto with Bluetooth
• RESmart BPAP 25A Auto Bi-Level Machine with RESlex and Heated Humidifier
• S9 VPAP™ Auto BiLevel Machine
• S9 VPAP™ S BiLevel Machine

CPAP Machines that only record compliance data (hours used) are:

• Curasa CPAP Machine with EUT
• DreamStation CPAP Machine
• IntelliPAP Standard Travel CPAP Machine
• S9 Escape™ CPAP Machine with EPR™
• XT Fit CPAP Machine

What does a BiPAP prescription need to say?

A BiPAP prescription must contain all of the following information:

• One of the following words or phrases: "BiPAP", "BiLevel", "VPAP"
• Your physician's contact information
• Your physician's signature
• The patient's full name
• Your inspiration pressure (Also called IPAP or breathing in pressure)
  • Example: IPAP 13 CM/H20
  • Example: IPAP 13
  • Example: IPAP 4 CM/H20
  • Example: IPAP 4
• Your expiration pressure (Also called EPAP or breathing out pressure)
  • Example: EPAP 13 CM/H20
  • Example: EPAP 13
  • Example: EPAP 18 CM/H2O
  • Example: EPAP 18

Here are some of our top selling BiPAP machines:

IntelliPAP BiLevel Machine with SmartCode
AirCurve™ 10 S BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
DreamStation BiPAP Pro Machine
+ See More