3B Medical RESmart™ Auto CPAP Machine with RESlex and Heated Humidifier

CPAP Video & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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.

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.

How often should I clean my filters?

Washable foam filters should be cleaned as soon as they become discolored. Manufacturers recommend foam filters be rinsed weekly under clear running water and allowed to air dry before being reinstalled in the machine. If the machine is used in a very dusty environment, the foam filter may require more frequent cleaning.

Disposable filters and bacteria filters are not intended to be cleaned but rather changed out, disposing of the used filter. Manufacturers recommend changing the disposable filter once a month, more frequently if used in a very dusty environment.

What is an APAP Machine?

An APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) 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 than CPAPs in that they normally offer more therapy tracking information and more comfort features.

Every APAP machine can be placed in a CPAP mode to blow one straight pressure like a CPAP. However, CPAP machines cannot automatically adjust pressure like an APAP. This DeVilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust is an example of an APAP machine that comes with built-in Smart Code therapy tracking software.


Here are some of our available APAP Machines:

DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine
Z1 Auto Travel CPAP Machine
XT Auto CPAP Machine
+ See More

Why might I prefer an APAP machine?

Some CPAP users find it more pleasant to breathe with an APAP than with CPAP. The pressure delivered by an APAP machine automatically changes as needed to deliver the minimal pressure required to maintain the airway. The pressure delivered by a CPAP machine is set to a single pressure, the highest necessary to keep the airway open as determined during the sleep study. This is the case even when the higher pressure is needed only a fraction of the time.

What are data capable machines?

Data capable machines track your therapy progress and performance over time. Therapy data can be used to spot issues and used to see how changes to your CPAP setup effects your overall treatment. You and your doctor can use the therapy information to make changes in your setup. Some changes might include altering the mask or fit or increasing or decreasing your pressure to see if your therapy performance improves to ensure you are getting effective treatment.

The data capable machines not only let you know how many hours the machine was used, like pure compliance tracking machines, but also tracks advanced information such as AHI, leak rate, and average pressure (if using an APAP).

Depending on the machine, the information can be reviewed or accessed

• On Machine Screen Display. Machines that display advanced tracking using the on machine display allow for fast review of therapy metrics. Many people like to use the on screen display to check every morning. Information such as AHI and leak rate for the previous night are displayed allowing the user to make adjustments such as mask fit. The information provided on the on machine screen is usually average values over different time frames, such as 1 day (last night), 7 night, 30 nights, etc.
• SmartCode. SmartCode is a code that is accessed through the machine's display. This code is then inputted into the machine's product page on CPAP.com and a summary report is generated. You can see a Sample Report here. An example of an on machine display with the SmartCode is shown below. The only machine with advanced data capable SmartCode is the IntelliPAP AutoAdjust. The SmartCode provides therapy data averages for the following time frames: 1 day (last night), 7 day, 30 day, 90 day, and cumulative. This is like the information provided from the on screen display, however the information is displayed in chart format instead of a single number at a time.
• Optional External Software. Some machines have external software that can be used to download the data from the machine for detailed analysis. External software, unlike the on machine display or the SmartCode, allows you and your doctor to access any night of use. Further, the information for any given night can be analyzed hour by hour. This allows you and your doctor to look for patterns in your data through the night; for instance, do you tend to have more apneas in the early morning? Or do you begin to breathe with your mouth open in the middle of the night? Some external software is available for sale to patients, other software is only sold by the manufacturer to sleep professionals. External software may require other components to be able to get the information from the machine onto you computer with the software installed.

What are compliance tracking machines?

Compliance tracking machines only track the numbers of hours the machine is used. These machines do not track any advanced information such as AHI or leak rate.

Compliance machines are basic machines which the manufacturers made to be able to track usage hours. Compliance tracking machines are a manufacturer response to Medicare requirements that mandate DME (Durable Medical Equipment) providers show the Medicare patient used the equipment for the required minimum number of hours set by Medicare. DME providers cannot continue to be paid by Medicare without this information.

There is one billing code for all CPAP and APAP machines. Therefore a DME will be paid the same from Medicare or insurance whether they provide a patient with a more expensive machine that is data capable with more comfort features or a basic compliance tracking machine. Therefore, compliance tracking machines are the most common type of machine that is provided to patients through local DMEs.

There is software created to show the compliance information from the machine, however CPAP.com does not recommend purchasing this software. This data will only tell you how many hours you actually used the machine. It will not tell you how effective your therapy is.

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

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.

What does an APAP prescription need to say?

An APAP prescription must contain all of the following information:

• 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.
• Your physician's contact information
• Your physician's signature
• The patient's full name

An APAP prescription may contain the following information:

• 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.

Here are some of our top selling APAP machines:

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