Fisher & Paykel ICON Premo CPAP Machine with Built-In Heated Humidifier and ThermoSmart Heated Hose

CPAP Video & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is CPAP therapy?

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP therapy is the most commonly recommended, and the most effective, treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

A CPAP machine provides air at a constant prescribed pressure. The air is delivered to the person through a tube and a CPAP mask. CPAP therapy provides a constant airflow which keeps the airway open so uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. The air stream eliminates Sleep Apnea events and allows the person to get a restful sleep.

The level of air pressure required to maintain your airway is determined during your sleep study. Your doctor will write a prescription for a CPAP machine set at that pressure.

CPAP therapy is delivered through a nasal mask that seals around the nose, nasal pillows which seal at the nasal opening, or nasal prong masks that seal inside the nares. Full face masks are available for a person who breathes through both the nose and mouth. Many innovative and comfortable options are available and advances in the delivery of CPAP therapy are continually occurring.

For instance: Some machines offer a comfort feature such as FLEX or EPR technology. It provides exhalation relief, a slight drop in pressure at the time of exhalation to help make therapy more natural. APAP, BiPAP and BiLevel machines offer various levels of pressure throughout the night.

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. 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.
  
  Travel 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

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.

What type of power does my CPAP need?

Most CPAP, APAP and BiLevel machines today are designed to operate on both AC and DC voltage. In the United States, the AC current from a wall outlet is 110 volts. Overseas, the AC current is usually 220 or 240 volt. Most batteries produce 12 volt DC current.

We include information about the power needs and capacities on the CPAP.com pages 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.

Here is a video explaining differences in power cords and power supplies of various CPAP machines:

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.

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.


There are two types of humidifiers:

Heated Humidifiers
Cold (Passover) Humidifiers

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.

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.

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

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.

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 is ramp?

The ramp button on a machine is a feature that allows for a gradual pressure build-up to your prescribed pressure. The feature is enjoyed by those with high pressures because it eases up to their pressure.

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 travel tips should I know?

CPAP therapy should be used every night. Your CPAP or BiPAP machine and equipment should go with you on trips. There are some tips to help with your travel:

• Remove Water From The Humidifier. If you are going to take your CPAP humidifier with you, remove ALL water from the humidifier chamber. Water left in the humidifier chamber can be tipped into your machine and cause damage.
• Accompany Your CPAP Through Security. Stay with your CPAP machine. When going through security, security agents will usually need to inspect the CPAP separately. Ask to stay with the CPAP. This way you can watch them handle the CPAP machine, and you can make sure all of your parts (cords, masks, chambers, filters) get back into the bag.
• Plan Your Power Needs. Know what type of power your CPAP requires. If you are going to use a battery, make sure you have all the parts needed to safely run the CPAP on battery power. If you are traveling abroad make sure you have an international adapter plug. Check out the Power Solutions section of the FAQ for more information.
• Identify Your CPAP as Medical Equipment. To help move through security easier, put a medical equipment tag on your CPAP bag. We offer a Medical Equipment Luggage Tag.
• Carry a Medical Alert Card. When traveling or handling daily tasks, it is good to carry a medical alert card in your wallet. The card will inform emergency personnel that you have obstructive sleep apnea. We offer a Medical Alert Card.
• Pack Your Power Cord. Just like people commonly leave cell phone chargers at home or in the hotel, we frequently get calls from travelers who have left their CPAP power cord behind. Check to make sure your cord is packed with your machine before you leave home and when heading back home.
• Bring Spare Parts and Back Up Mask. Like the power cord, items get left behind or misplaced while on the road. Having spare parts and a back up mask will ensure you are not caught without equipment.
• Call Us If You Leave Something. CPAP.com delivers all over the US and to most international destinations. This includes to hotels and resorts. We also have expedited shipping options. If you are in a bind, give us a call 800.356.5221.

Check out all of our travel accessories we carry that may help you on your travels with your CPAP.

How do I prepare for international travel with CPAP?

To prepare for your international travel, be sure to:

• Check the voltage of your destination. You may need a plug adapter for your machine.
• It is recommended to pack spare parts for your equipment.
• Review the general Travel Tips found in this section.
• It may be necessary to bring a travel-sized surge protector with you when you travel. Some countries have issues with power surges that can damage your machine. It's hard to say which country has power surges and which ones don't, so it's helpful to be prepared and bring a surge protector.
• While CPAP.com can ship internationally, we cannot guarantee any delivery date, and you may not want to incur the additional costs of having a replacement sent to your hotel.

Can I travel by air with my CPAP?

Yes, you can travel by air with CPAP equipment. Sleep therapy should be used every night and your equipment should be taken along when traveling. The following information is intended as a general guideline and does not reflect any particular airline's policy. Check with your airline carrier to verify their policies regarding CPAP / BiLevel equipment.

• Generally in the USA, a CPAP machine and mask are NOT counted as a carry-on item.
• The CPAP carry case must meet the size restrictions set for carry-on items.
• Only items directly related to the medical treatment are included in the exception, any other items will count towards the carry-on allowance.
• Some airlines ask that you contact them 48 hours prior to the flight, especially if you are planning on using the machine on the flight. Before traveling, check the policy for the airline you will be using.
• Some airlines require documentation from a doctor stating the equipment is required by the user and must be kept with the user during travel.
• In some cases, an on-board electrical outlet may be available. If you plan to use the equipment during the flight, a battery backup should be carried in the event the on-board power is interrupted.
• Some locations in Asia and Europe may count the equipment used for Sleep Therapy as a carry on, but all airlines will allow it.

Air Travel: Call your airline. Each airline has a different policy on whether or not you can use your CPAP while in flight, and if they have a power source available.

Here is a letter from the manufacturer ResMed on the topic:

ResMed Air Travel

Here is a letter from the manufacturer Philips Respironics on the topic:

Philips Respironics Travel Letter

Will my CPAP operate overseas?

An adapter may be required to plug a US power cord into a wall outlet in a foreign country. CPAP.com sells an assortment pack of World Traveler Power Adapter Plugs, which allow CPAP machines to plug into different types of wall sockets found in different countries.
All the models CPAP.com sell contain power converters that enable the machine to operate on any AC current from 100 to 240 volts without any adjustment.

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. 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.