ResMed S8 Escape™ Travel CPAP Machine

CPAP Video & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Yes. Federal law requires we have a valid prescription on file before we ship your mask, machine, humidifier, or Provent.

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 a Provent prescription form.

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

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 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 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

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 does a CPAP prescription need to say?

A CPAP prescription must contain all of the following information:

• One of the following words or phrases: "CPAP" or "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure"
• Your physician's contact information
• Your physician's signature
• The patient's full name
• Your specific pressure setting:
  
  
  • Example: 9 CM/H2O
  • Example: 9
  • Example: 14 CM/H2O
  • Example: 14

Here are some of our top selling CPAP machines:

XT Fit CPAP Machine
PR System One REMStar 60 Series Pro CPAP Machine with Bluetooth
Transcend© miniCPAP™ Machine
+ See More

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.

Will my CPAP operate on DC / battery power?

All CPAPs will operate on DC power with the use of an Inverter to change the current from DC to AC before it reaches the machine. However, many will operate on DC power without the need for an inverter, just a power cord that plugs into the CPAP and ends in a cigarette lighter plug.

Inverters do require a lot of power. If you need to use an inverter to run your machine on battery power, the inverter will probably take about half the life off the battery.

To determine if your CPAP will operate without an inverter, look for a DC outlet on the machine, either at the back or on the side, with a single opening directly in the center. It should be labeled "DC Power" or similar term. You can also review our Compare Charts to see if your machine has a optional DC cable option.

Here is a video describing different DC cable and battery options for various machines:

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 type of battery should I use?

For longer battery use, we suggest using a deep-cycle marine battery to power the machine. A deep-cycle marine battery is heavier than the ordinary battery, but it has many advantages. The battery is easily found at auto shops and it provides power to the machine for an extended period of time. For example, a CPAP machine set at 10 cm H20 and charged on a deep-cycle marine battery will usually last three nights before it needs to be recharged.

There are small, portable battery packs that will operate a CPAP set at 10cm for at least one night, or about eight hours. CPAP.com sells full Battery Kits that come with everything needed to run your machine off battery power including the correct cables needed for your machine and a battery. You can find the battery kit for your machine Here. On each battery kit page, you can input your machine and pressure setting to see an estimate battery life for your machine.

Some machines have batteries created to be used specifically with them only. Here are some of the machines we carry with integrated or specialized battery options:

Transcend EZEX miniCPAP™ Machine
Z1 Travel CPAP Machine
Transcend Auto miniCPAP™ Machine with EZEX
Z1 Auto Travel CPAP Machine

How do I prepare for plane travel with CPAP?

Your CPAP does NOT count against your carry on limits. Allow for an additional 10-20 minutes in security, not likely but it happens. If airport personnel ask about the CPAP, let them know politely that it is a medical device (a CPAP unit). Most of them understand what it is and that it is an exception to the normal rules. We provide a luggage tag for CPAP systems: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/medical-identification-luggage-tag-cpap-equipment

You can use your CPAP on board, just use batteries or make sure you're seated by a power outlet. You can call or reserve one of these seats online with most airlines. Alternatively visit Seat Guru , a website that works with most major airlines.

Be sure to bring spare parts and a back up mask. If you're in a bind, CPAP.com delivers all over the US and to most international destinations.

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.