Philips Respironics Amara Full Face Mask with Headgear

CPAP Video & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

How can I compare different masks?

Like our machine comparison chart, we have created a CPAP Mask Comparison Guide to help you compare different masks. This guide stacks up every mask 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 masks, or to the different types of masks we sell.

Compare Most Popular Masks

Compare All Nasal Masks

Compare All Full Face Masks

Compare All Nasal Pillow Masks

Compare All Nasal Prong Masks

Compare All Hybrid Masks

Compare All Oral Masks

Compare All Total Face CPAP Masks

How do I choose the mask that is right for me?

We provide our customers with many tools to make informed decisions about their mask purchases. Options include:

• Calling a CPAP Expert Toll Free. 800.356.5221.
  
  
• Comparison Charts. These charts compare available masks, feature by feature. If you're unsure of the meaning of a feature, click on or hover over the question mark for a pop out definition. Click on the image or name of the product for more detailed product information, pictures and resources.
  
  Compare Most Popular Masks
  
  Compare All Masks
  
  
• Browse Our Mask Product Categories. These categories show each mask 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 mask based on our experience and customer feedback. The best products float to the top of our categories.
  
  Nasal Mask Category
  
  Full Face Mask Category
  
  Nasal Pillow Mask Category
  
  Nasal Prong Mask Category
  
  Hybrid Mask Category
  
  Oral Mask Category
  
  Total Face Mask Category
  
  
• Sizing Guides. Many Nasal and Full Face masks have sizing guides available to help determine the size needed. Simply print the sizing guide, cut out if needed, and use a mirror or helper to look at the guide to see if it is a proper fit on the face. Please note, to ensure the guide is the proper size, it should be printed in PDF format at 100% scale, meaning "Fit to Page" may have to be disabled.
  
  
• Return Insurance. With every mask we sell, you have the option of purchasing return insurance. Masks are FDA approved medical devices. Once a mask is used, it cannot be resold to another customer. CPAP.com was the first in the industry to offer return insurance to our customers. Return insurance provides 30 days for you to try a mask and return it for any reason for a refund of the price of the mask. If you are trying a mask for the first time, return insurance might be right for you.
  
  We also offer Free Return Insurance on some masks.

How do I care for my mask?

Masks should be washed daily with warm water and gentle soap or baby shampoo. Let the mask air dry. Never use antibacterial soap as it will break down the silicone of the mask cushion. Avoid soaps that include lotion which can coat the mask and cause it to lose its seal. A safe cleaner is the Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution. Remember, going to bed with a clean face will improve your seal and protect the lifespan of your mask.

The best time to clean your mask is in the morning after use. This removes the oils left behind from your skin which can reduce the lifespan of your mask. We recommend using Mask Wipes to make daily morning cleaning easy. The mask wipes are made from materials that will not break down your mask.

For customers who want to completely disinfect their mask and accessories, there's an even better option than wipes. The Lumin Mask and Accessories Cleaner uses powerful UV light to disinfect, killing almost all bacteria almost instantly. It's not a cleaner and doesn't scrub or wash anything, but for simple disinfecting the Lumin works great!

Here are some other cleaning products to help with keeping your mask fresh:

Citrus II CPAP Mask Spray Cleaner

Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution - Home Care Kit

Hurricane CPAP Equipment Dryer

Unscented CPAP Mask Wipes

Lumin CPAP Mask and Accessories Cleaner

How can I find replacement parts for my CPAP mask?

Replacement parts such as: mask cushions, headgear, headgear clips, and others are available for many masks.

To find parts which are compatible with your mask, or to find which parts of your mask are replaceable, do the following:

• Use our Replace Part Wizard to identify your mask and see all the related parts.
• Browse for your mask and then click the "Replacement Parts" button on your mask's product page.

How often should I replace my mask?

Medicare allows for mask cushion replacement every three (3) months, and a complete mask system replacement every six (6) months. CPAP manufacturers and vendors suggest these replacement schedules as well.

In our experience, most mask cushions begin to deteriorate after about six months of use. The cushion eventually becomes too soft to hold a seal. The headgear straps lose elasticity and must be tightened more and more to get the same quality seal.

We strongly suggest replacing cushions and pillows as soon as they start to soften. Air leaks may reduce the effectiveness of CPAP therapy and headgear that is too tight may cause facial sores at pressure points. In most cases, replacement headgear is available if it is stretched out or the Velcro worn out.

To see what parts of your mask are replaceable refer to our Replacement Part Finder. Just search for your mask to see all of the replaceable parts.

Are mask cushions interchangeable with other mask frames or can I use a different size cushion on the same frame?

The answer to this question depends on the mask. In most cases, the mask frame will only accept cushions or pillows made for that specific mask. However, there are a few variations to this rule: ResMed's Mirage SoftGel Nasal CPAP Mask and Mirage Activa LT Nasal CPAP Mask are examples of the exception. In this case, both masks use the same mask frame; therefore, the cushions for the two masks are interchangeable. The EasyFit Masks by DeVilbiss offer different cushion types such as gel or silicone, which are interchangeable between the mask frames.

As to whether or not you can use different size cushions for a specific mask on the same mask frame, this also depends on the mask. Some mask frames are compatible with multiple cushion or pillow sizes, while other mask frames only fit cushions of the same size. This information is provided on the product pages. Please review the page of the specific product you are interested in to learn if you will need a different size mask frame for each size of cushion or pillow. For assistance, contact us at 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 mask prescription need to say?

A mask prescription must contain all of the following information:

• One of the following words or phrases: "CPAP Mask", "CPAP Supplies", "CPAP Humidifier", "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 masks:

DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear - Fit Pack
ComfortGel Blue Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
+ See More

I breathe through my mouth, what are my options?

People who have a deviated septum, small nostrils, or who suffer from seasonal allergies or chronic sinus issues, may breathe through the mouth rather than the nose. If you are a person who breathes through your mouth you may be able to wear most masks with a few adaptations. Add a Chinstrap if using nasal pillows, nasal prongs or a nasal mask.


A full face mask or hybrid mask can be used without a chinstrap because the seal covers both the nose and mouth. A full face mask will allow you to breathe through your mouth or through your nose.

If you suffer from chronic sinus issues, a full face mask or an oral face mask are good options. Oral masks work best for mouth breathers with blocked nasal passages. You must use a heated humidifier with the oral mask. CPAP.com sells the Oracle HC452 Oral CPAP mask.

If you are a mouth breather who cannot or who does not want to wear a chinstrap, please see our recommended masks for Mouth Breathers.

Here are some suggested items that may help with mouth breathing:

Hybrid Masks
Oral Masks
Full Face Masks
Chinstraps

I sleep on my side or stomach, what are my options?

Sleeping on your side or stomach is preferable to sleeping on your back because sleeping on your back worsens all forms of sleep-disordered breathing. However, sleeping on your side or stomach can present problems with CPAP therapy. Both positions can put pressure on one side of your mask increasing your leak rate. Your options are to (1) try a mask that other side sleepers like (2) try bed pillows made for CPAP users.

• Masks: In our experience, some masks allow for movement in different sleeping positions better than others. See our recommended masks for Active or Side/Stomach Sleepers.
  
  
• Special CPAP Pillows: Regular bed pillows can put pressure against the mask and cause leaks. CPAP pillows are made with CPAP users in mind. These special pillows are designed to minimize the contact of the CPAP mask with the pillow, even when you are sleeping on your side.
  

What type of mask works for people with full beards?

Full face masks work well for CPAP users with full beards. One tip is to smooth the beard with lanolin to soften the beard where the seal makes contact.

Nasal pillow masks are also liked by full bearded CPAP users. If you are a person who breathes through your mouth remember to use a chinstrap.

Total face masks encompass the entire face and can be an option for people with facial hair.

Masks with a gel or foam cushion can also be better with facial hair as they are able to mold better to the face to create a seal.

See our recommended masks for people with Facial Hair.

I have a deviated septum, what mask should I choose?

With a deviated septum, you likely breathe through your mouth. A mask that delivers air to the nasal passageway will not be as effective as one that delivers air to the mouth. A full face mask, hybrid mask, or an oral mask will serve you well.

If you awake in the morning to find your mouth is dry, then you are most likely breathing through your mouth, and one of these masks will work for you. See our masks for Mouth Breathers.

What masks are recommended for people with small faces?

Nasal pillow and nasal prong masks seal only at the nostrils or nares. Therefore, only the size of the nostrils has to be considered when selecting a delivery system. Also, most nasal pillow masks include small, medium, and large nasal pillow cushions to offer the user multiple options. Some nasal and full face masks are offered in smaller sizes.

We have created a selection filter so you can easily see the masks that we would recommend for people with small faces. View Masks for Small Faces.

Why do I wake up to find my mask is off?

People tend to remove their masks during sleep because they are not getting enough air.

The CPAP pressure may be reduced if your mask is leaking. Your mask may be too big or too old. We would suggest you resize your mask to be sure you have the best fit. If your mask fits, but it is six to nine months old, it should be replaced. As the silicone in the mask cushion ages, it deteriorates and becomes too soft to hold a seal. For many masks, you can get a replacement cushion. See our Replacement Part Finder to see if your mask has a replaceable cushion.

If the CPAP air is being delivered effectively and without leaks, it may be that the pressure is set too low. Pressure settings may require change due to weight gain or loss and aging. You should speak to your doctor if you think your pressure may need to be adjusted.

An auto-adjusting CPAP machine (APAP) may be another solution. An APAP machine will provide the minimum amount of pressure required to keep your airway open on a breath-by-breath basis. With an APAP you can be sure your machine is always providing the correct amount of pressure needed.

Here are some of the APAP machines we carry:

Transcend Auto MiniCPAP Machine
AirSense 10 AutoSet CPAP Machine
PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto
+ See More

Why is my mouth dry in the morning?

Dry mouth is a sign that you are opening your mouth while you sleep. If you use a nasal mask, breathing through your mouth bypasses any humidification you may be using so increasing the heat will not be effective. Breathing through your mouth while using a nasal mask reduces the benefit of CPAP therapy.

First, be sure the mask is not leaking. If the mask is six to nine months old and leaking, try replacing it. If it is new and leaking, the fit could be incorrect. We can help you find a mask with a great fit.

If your mask is new and NOT leaking, try a Chinstrap to keep your jaw up and mouth from dropping open during sleep. If a chinstrap doesn't solve the problem, try masks recommended for Mouth Breathers.

If you use a full face mask and have a dry mouth, try adding a Heated Humidifier to add moisture.

Here are some items we recommend that may help with dry mouth:

Heated Humidifiers
Full Face Masks
Chinstraps
Heated Tubing

Does this product contain BPA?

Yes, all CPAP masks and CPAP humidifier chambers either contain BPA or their manufacturer has not released a statement calling their products BPA free. Here is a statement released by Respironics:

Government of Canada Takes Action on Another Chemical of Concern: Bisphenol A

April 25th 2008

To Whom It May Concern

This document represents Respironics' position regarding the use of Bisphenol A in Respironics Sleep and Home Respiratory Devices. On April 18, 2008, the Government of Canada, banned the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate baby bottles, claiming that the exposure to BPA on newborns and infants up to 18 months of age, could potentially present a health risk to this patient group when the polycarbonate baby bottles are exposed to high temperatures.

At this time, we are able to provide the following information to our customer: NONE of our Sleep and Home Respiratory products which are either breathable or skin contacting are intended for use with newborns or infants under 18 months of age. Therefore, Respironics is in compliance with Health Canada's position for exposure for the identified at risk patient population.

Although Health Canada's restriction for BPA does not include products used for ages above 18 months at this time, Respironics is evaluating its product portfolio and will take the appropriate actions to determine and mitigate any potential risk from use of its products or potential exposure to BPA. It should be noted that NOT all polycarbonate resins contain BPA. In response to the direction provided by Health Canada's device licensing division, Respironics will be evaluating all of our Class II and III medical devices to determine if the resins used in the manufacturer of its products contain BPA.

Further, none of our products or accessories using polycarbonate are labeled for exposure.

In closing, it is Respironics position that our products do not pose any increased risk of exposure to BPA for our users and thus our products remain safe for use.

If you have any further question regarding this topic, please feel free to contact me at zita.yurko@respironics.com or at 724-387-4120.

Regards,

Zita Yurko Director, Regulatory Affairs Sleep and Home Respiratory Division Respironics, Inc.

Why might I need a full face mask?

If your mouth drops open during sleep, a full face may be selected to allow for the CPAP airflow to be delivered through both the nose and mouth.

Some CPAP users move to using a full face mask after finding that using a nasal mask along with a chinstrap does not meet their sleep therapy needs. Some CPAP users use a full face mask when suffering from seasonal allergies.

Why might I need a full face mask or hybrid mask?

If your mouth drops open during sleep, a full face or hybrid mask may be selected to allow for the CPAP airflow to be delivered through both the nose and mouth. The most common reasons why you would need a full face mask are:

• You have chronic sinus issues and it is not possible to breathe solely through your nose.
• You would like a full face mask to use when you are congested due to seasonal allergies or a cold.
• Your mouth drops open during sleep and using a chinstrap with a nasal, nasal pillow, or nasal prong mask did not meet your therapy needs.

Hybrid Masks are another option for people who fall into the circumstances listed above. Hybrid masks deliver airflow to both the nose and mouth using nasal pillows and an oral cushion.

Here are some of our top selling full face masks:

ComfortGel Blue Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Simplus Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
AirFit™ F10 Full Face Mask with Headgear
+ See More

How do I best fit my full face mask?

With your mask attached to the long hose and the CPAP / BiPAP machine, begin by putting your mask on with the straps as loose as possible. Lie down on the bed and turn on the airflow. Starting with one of the forehead support connections, tighten each strap a small amount, moving around your face from one attachment to the next. Tighten the straps only as much as needed to hold the mask securely in place.

This allows the cushion to maintain a seal during movement. There can be a tendency to over tighten a full face mask which causes one side or the other to lift off the face.

Here are some items we carry that can help with mask leaks:

RemZzzs Padded Full Face CPAP Mask Liners
Silent Night Full Face CPAP Mask Liners
Boomerang Gel Pad
+ See More

Why might I prefer a nasal mask?

The ideal CPAP mask is not noticeable to the user during CPAP therapy. If you breathe through your nose only, the nasal mask may offer the best therapy. Nasal cushions create a very good seal around your nose, while keeping a small profile. Also, nasal masks can be found in silicone, gel, foam, or cloth material. The SleepWeaver masks are the only cloth masks on the market, and are a very popular choice among nasal mask users. Lastly, most nasal masks have a forehead support which offers stability and support for the mask.