1. Why should I shop online for CPAP and respiratory supplies when I can go to a local dealer?
2. What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
3. Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OAS) dangerous?
4. What is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?
5. What is CPAP Compliance?
6. What must I provide in order to purchase a CPAP online?
7. Do I need a prescription for a CPAP?
8. Is CPAPnea a Registered Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) vendor?
9. Where is CPAPnea located?
10. How do I know when I should get my CPAP Pressure Adjusted?
11. What should I know about general CPAP Equipment Care?
12. What about CPAP Side Effects?
13. What type of CPAP or mask should I purchase?
14. How can I find out my mask size?
15. What information should I provide when selling my used equipment online?
16. Is There a Trial Period?
17. Can I get faster delivery service?
18. How long do you honor sales?
19. What is a Ramp?
20. How is the pressure measured?
21. Do Masks come with headgear and accessories?
22. What are my options for Full Face Masks?
23. How long will it take until I’m used to my CPAP unit?
24. How much sleep with a CPAP do I need to feel rested?
25. Is it normal to take my mask off every night?
26. Do you sell parts and accessories for the equipment you sell?
    

1) Why should I shop online for CPAP and respiratory supplies when I can go to a local dealer? (Back to top)

1. It’s easy and far less expensive to shop online.
2. It’s from the privacy of your own home, workplace…etc., no driving, no parking, and no hassles.
3. It’s on your time. The stores always open.
4. Selection, selection, selection. If we don’t have it, we’ll get it for you!
5. No pushy sales reps telling you what you need.
6. Lets make deal! It is easier and cheaper to provide a package than a single item.
7. Online payments.
8. Delivery to your door.
9. Privacy, maybe you don’t want your neighbor to know your business.
10. It’s FUN!
    
    

2) What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)? (Back to top)

Sleep apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep due to the obstruction and/or collapse of the upper airway (throat), usually accompanied by a reduction in blood oxygen saturation, and followed by an awakening to breathe. This is called an apnea event. Respiratory effort continues during the episodes of apnea. People with sleep apnea generally have the following symptoms:

1. Loud, frequent snoring

2. Excessive daytime sleepiness/fatigue, falling asleep when you don't intend to. People with sleep apnea often are not aware of feeling tired or unusually sleepy since the disorder develops over a number of years.

3. Your bedmate indicates that you periodically stop breathing during your sleep, or gasp for breath

4. Unreflecting sleep with feelings of grogginess, dullness, morning headaches, severe dryness of the mouth.

3) Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OAS) dangerous? (Back to top)

Absolutely! In rare cases, apnea can be fatal. It has been linked to high blood pressure and to increased chances of heart disease, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). The continual lack of quality sleep can affect your life in many ways including depression, irritability, loss of memory, lack of energy, a high risk of auto and workplace accidents, and many other problems.

4) What is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)? (Back to top)

There are only a few effective treatments for OSA. They fall into several categories: weight loss, surgery, dental appliances, and a breathing-assistance device. The most popular and most effective is the use of a device, which delivers air under slight pressure to the airway by way of a nasal mask. There are several types of positive airway pressure devices including CPAP, bi-level positive airway pressure, and responsive and "smart" airway pressure devices.

"Nasal CPAP" is the treatment of choice for most people with obstructive and mixed apnea. It is the most reliable and effective treatment in most cases. It involves using a small air blower device connected via a hose to a nasal mask. Essentially, this devices blows air into your nose to keep your airway from collapsing by increasing the air pressure in your airways.

5) What is CPAP Compliance? (Back to top)

Compliance is the patients’ ability to follow the physicians’ prescription for the CPAP therapy. In general, using the device on a regular daily basis. Here are some tips to help:

Read the manual for your CPAP.
Get a mask that works for you; not all masks are the same.
Adjust the headgear for comfort.
Use humidity to prevent dryness and irritability.
Usually air leakage problems are due to positioning, not pressure. Find an appropriate position to sleep in; back, side …etc.
It is normal to occasionally wake up and remove the mask as you become accustomed to the CPAP therapy.
Studies have shown that between 4-5 hrs of CPAP sleep/night can be adequate to counter the potential risks associated with OSA.
Don’t give up! This is a long-term commitment to improve your health and quality of life.

6) What must I provide in order to purchase a CPAP online? (Back to top)

1. CPAP physicians prescription with date and pressure setting; can be the original purchase copy.
2. Your Address
3. Method of Payment

You can fax the prescription to 1-519-434-2943.
This will give us the authorization and pressure setting to set and release the unit.
Payments are VISA, MC, AMEX, cert CHX, money order, or PAYPAL online.

7) Do I need a prescription for a CPAP? (Back to top)

Yes, U.S. and Canadian Federal law require a physicians' prescription for this item.
CPAPnea posts that all CPAP sales require a physician’s prescription. It is the last statement in "more info" in the CPAP products list. A CPAP unit is a medical device that requires the patient to undergo testing with a registered sleep physician and have the units' pressure setting precribed. Some e-auction houses have attempted to sell outside the regulation, although E-Bay has recently discontinued CPAP e-sales. Under Federal law CPAPs cannot be sold without a physicians prescription (clinic or family); it must have the pressure setting in order for us to set up the unit.

8) Is CPAPnea a Registered Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) vendor? (Back to top)

No, CPAPnea is not an ADP registered vendor.   If possible we may be able to suggest a vendor in your area that is registered with ADP.

9) Where is CPAPnea located? (Back to top)

Ontario, Canada.

10) How do I know when I should get my CPAP Pressure Adjusted? (Back to top)

Pressure adjustments may be required to your CPAP unit for the following reasons:

• weight gain/loss
• snoring or apnea noticed by a bed partner when the CPAP is in use
• sensation of needing more air
• removal of mask during sleep
• mouth opening during sleep

11) What should I know about general CPAP Equipment Care? (Back to top)

Reservoir Bottle – Use only distilled or filtered water in your reservoir bottle to decrease the amount of mineral deposit residue. Make sure the bottle is filled to the fill line every night. Soak the bottle with a 1-part vinegar, 3-part water solution for several hrs weekly to keep clean and disinfect.

Gross Particle Filter – Rinse with warm water and let air dry every two weeks; more often if there are smoking/pets in the house.

Mask – Wash daily with mild soap and warm water to prevent hardening from facial oils. This is important to extend the life of the mask. Never over-tighten the head gear as this may cause irritation or pressure sores. Small leaks, avoiding the eyes, are acceptable.

12) What about CPAP Side Effects? (Back to top)

If your nose is dry, irritated, congested, runny or plugged in the morning, increase the humidity setting on your CPAP unit. If the problem persists, there are several over-the-counter products that are water-based (not petroleum) that can help. Ask your pharmacist which products would be best for you. If the additions of humidity and nasal moisture are not enough, a nasal steroid may be required. Ask your doctor for details.

DO NOT use topical/oral decongestants on an ongoing basis – the may cause nasal dryness and rebound congestion.

13) What type of CPAP or mask should I purchase? (Back to top)

To purchase a cpap and/or mask online you generally need some experience as a user. Our suggestion is to read the manufacturers details or go to the supplied links. You could even try local dealers and find out what there is available. We carry most cpaps and masks on the market and sell online at lower costs.

14) How can I find out my mask size? (Back to top)

Most patients on CPAPs generally know their mask size from previous purchases.
Respironics packaging come with sizing gauges, no help unless you know the size though.
You could try online FAQs and CPAP chat lines.
CPAPplus.com has downloadable sizing gauges in adobe acrobat for respironics masks.
Listed are several sites for Sizing Gauges

http://www.cpap-pro.net/downloadVideo.php?VGID=11
http://www.comfortseries.respironics.com/images/rightfit_header.gif
http://www.comfortseries.respironics.com/pdf/comfortgel_p.s.m.pdf
http://www.comfortseries.respironics.com/pdf/comfortgel_l.pdf

15) What information should I provide when selling my used equipment online? (Back to top)

1. Type of equipment, manufacturer and model#?
2. What year is the unit?
3. How many hours are on it?
4. Is it in good condition for resale on the site; clean, no scratches, odor free (cigarette smoke)...etc.
5. Is there a picture attachment or do I need to send one?

These are relevant to the price of resale. CPAPnea does not buy the items per se; we only advertise them on the site for resale

16) Is There a Trial Period? (Back to top)

Since CPAPnea is a web-based company, prices are a lot cheaper; therefore there is no trial period per se. Although Canadian law states that any purchase has 14 days to return an item, if that is any consolation. There is a small restocking charge, about 3%.

17) Can I get faster delivery service? (Back to top)

CPAPnea commonly uses Canada Post for deliveries, but will use any provider you request based on cost. You can have it expedited overnight, whatever you want, as long as it’s in stock, and its generally in stock. We just sold one in BC and he had it overnight at a cost of $40.00.

18) How long do you honor sales? (Back to top)

There aren't any sales I know of other than the ones posted one the home page, but we can honor sales within 60 days Truthfully, its better to cut a deal on a CPAP package. Tell us what you need and we can arrange a price, we have limits we can work within.

19) What is a Ramp? (Back to top)

All CPAP units in general come with a Ramp; it increments the pressure within a set time frame i.e. 4cmH2O to 9 cmH2O in 20 min.

20) How is the pressure measured? (Back to top)

Blower Air Pressure for the CPAP is measured in Centimeters of Water Pressure, not pounds, ounces, meters… It is a common misunderstanding i.e. 10 cmH2O (actually pronounced sont-e-meters) FYI.

21) Do Masks come with headgear and accessories? (Back to top)

Yes, all our masks come with headgear in the original manufacturers packaging. We also supply all parts and accessories for all our products.

22) What are my options for Full Face Masks? (Back to top)

There are currently only several Full-face masks on the market worth wearing, none of which are gel. They are: Fisher&Paykel HC431-$274.55, Respironics Comfortfull-$267.13, Hans Rudolph 7600-$267.13, Resmed Mirage2 Full face-$300.00. Some items listed are not yet updated to the products pages, yet we sell most manufacturers products

We are having a lot of success with the new Fisher&Paykel HC431 Full face mask. It’s very soft and easy on the face, moveable sliders for adjustment and replaceable face cushion, so you don’t have to buy a new mask, just replace the cushion.

23) How long will it take until I’m used to my CPAP unit? (Back to top)

That’s really a personal opinion. Some patients with severe OSAS feel benefit overnight and are more concerned with the positive outcomes than getting used to the therapy. On the other hand, patients with mild/moderate OSAS, or with a diagnosis treated by CPAP therapy and who find no immediate relief, generally take longer. Sometimes up to 6 months.

24) How much sleep with a CPAP do I need to feel rested? (Back to top)

Studies have documented that between 4 ½ to 5 hrs. per night is enough CPAP therapy to receive benefit. Although again this is quite personal, as you may need more sleep, this is the base minimum.

25) Is it normal to take my mask off every night? (Back to top)

Yes, a lot of patients take their mask off most do it unknowingly. It generally appears to take place after 4-5 hrs.

26) Do you sell parts and accessories for the equipment you sell? (Back to top)

Yes, CPAPnea sells parts and accessories for all our product lines such as hoses, filters, AC/DC battery adapters, mask parts, foam and gel inserts, plastics, mask skins…etc. CPAPnea just does not advertise them on the site since we believe that too many products becomes confusing and detracts from the aesthetics.