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What does CPAP stand for and what does it do?
CPAP is the acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. A CPAP is a therapeutic device that delivers air into your airway through a specially designed nasal mask or pillows. The mask does not breathe for you; the flow of air creates enough pressure when you inhale to keep your airway open. CPAP is considered the most effective non-surgical treatment for the alleviation of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which a patient’s breathing passage seals during sleep. This obstruction causes the patient to stop breathing. When the body senses its lack of required oxygen, it responds by waking from sleep. This cycle leads to symptoms of lack of required restful sleep, like constant fatigue, difficulty focusing and irritability. The sleeping partners of these patients also often suffer from these symptoms due to their lack of restful sleep as a result of the patients’ snoring and fitful sleep. Untreated, sleep apnea is potentially fatal, and frequently results in serious health problems like heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes.
I suspect I have sleep apnea. What should I do?
If you or a loved one suspects you have sleep apnea , you should be tested as soon as possible. Two types of tests are available:
Home Sleep Apnea Screener. (This will be coming soon to our site) This is a good option for patients who want a fast, easy and private way to screen for sleep anea, however this does not provide a total evaluation of sleeping patterns. The screener (Which we will provide soon) is applied like a Band-Aid under your nose. As you sleep, the screener tracks your breathing patterns and determines your Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI). In the morning, package the screener, affix the return label to the package and send it back for physician interpretation. If results merit, a prescription for an Auto Adjusting CPAP will be provided.
Sleep Study. A polysomnogram, or sleep study, measures many key metrics while you sleep. These metrics are used to determine if you have sleep apnea or other sleep-related conditions, such as central sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. A sleep study is performed in a laboratory. Your physician can schedule a sleep study for you.
Why are your prices so low? Do you sell used or refurbished equipment?
We buy all new equipment from manufacturers in large quantities. Our high-volume purchasing agreements earn us a discount on the merchandise. We can pass those savings on to you. None of our equipment is used or refurbished.
Why should I purchase a CPAP machine... won't my insurance cover the equipment?
The reason you would want to purchase a machine is to ensure that you get the best available equipment that can enhance your therapy. And the good news is that your insurance company will cover the same portion of cost for any CPAP machine you select.
A ‘bricks and mortar’ CPAP supplier might provide a basic CPAP machine that is heavy, noisy and prone to leaks, and then bill your insurance company, because the cost of that low-end machine is less than the reimbursement they will get from your insurance company. They do this to maximize their profits. But you get stuck with a machine that you may not continue to use because you have problems or the sound keeps you awake at night.
With CPAPScience, you can shop and select the best machine for your needs. We will provide you with the codes and the paperwork you need to submit the expense to your insurance company for reimbursement.
CPAP machines are only helpful if you can use them. Paying a little more for a quiet, trouble-free CPAP machine is far more beneficial than a basic, CPAP machine that was essentially free, but goes unused.
Will you match a competitor’s lower price?
Yes, in many cases, if you provide us with the documented lower price on the same piece of new equipment – via a Web site link, ad, flyer, etc. – we will offer the same equipment at that lower price.
Can I purchase a machine without a prescription?
No. To purchase a CPAP machine you must have a prescription from your physician stating the pressure for which the machine is to be set.
Can I purchase a CPAP mask or CPAP accessory without a prescription?
No. To purchase a CPAP mask you must have a prescription from your physician stating the type of mask. To purchase an accessory you may not need a a prescription. We require a prescription for the purchase of CPAP and BiLevel machines.
What does my prescription need to include?
Your prescription must include:
Physician's information and signature
The type of machine your physician prescribes (CPAP, Auto CPAP, or BiLevel)
The pressure at which the machine is to be set.
Your doctor may also want include what type of humidification is recommended, but this is not necessary.
Will you accept my old prescription?
Yes. Prescriptions do not expire. But please be aware that your insurance company may place limits on how old a prescription can be before allowing reimbursement. Check with your insurance company.
Will you accept a prescription from a doctor in my country?
At this time we are not accepting prescriptions from outside the United States, nor are we shipping outside the US.
Will you accept a prescription written in a language other than English?
Yes. In addition to English we will also accept Spanish.
What are the codes my insurance requires when I make a CPAP related purchase?
Insurance companies often require a product code called a HCPCS code for claims related to your CPAP purchases. Below is a detailed list of codes your insurance company may need to quickly process your claim.
E0601 - CPAP machine purchase
A7034 - CPAP nasal mask
A7032 - CPAP nasal mask cushion
A7030 - CPAP Full Face mask
A7031 - CPAP Full Face mask cushion
A7044 - CPAP Full Oral Interface
A7046 - CPAP Humidifier Chamber
A7037 - CPAP tubing, long and short hoses
A7038 - CPAP disposable filter
A7039 - CPAP foam filter
A7035 - CPAP headgear
A7033 - CPAP nasal pillows
A7036 - CPAP chinstrap
E0561 - CPAP Passover Humidifier
E0562 - CPAP Heated Humidifier
E0470 - BiPAP purchase
E0471 - BiPAP-ST purchase
E1399 - CPAP Miscellaneous
We also offer this handy reference for you to use when filing HCPCS codes with your insurance company. This information can be used for any manufacturer.
Can you bill my insurance company?
No. Our business model eliminates the administration of dealing with insurance companies, which is one of several reasons we are able to offer direct-to-patient service of quality equipment at lower prices. Your insurance company will reimburse you for your online purchase of CPAP equipment. We provide you with all the codes and forms you need to submit your expense for reimbursement. Be aware, however, that reimbursements are agreements between you and your insurance company and do not involve CPAPScience.
However, Please follow this link to Duke Medical Equipment, our sister company and they will be able to help you.
I am on Medicare. Does Medicare cover CPAP machines and supplies?
Yes. If you are a Medicare beneficiary with diagnosed sleep apnea and have not received supplies in the last 180 days, then you can choose from a wide selection of high end CPAP machines, equipment and supplies. Please follow this link to Duke Medical Equipment, our sister company and they will be able to help you.
Does a warranty come with my CPAP machine?
Yes. All of our CPAP machines are warranted for two years. We are happy to handle any problems that arise and will gladly contact the manufacturer for you. We can provide you a temporary machine on loan if yours must be sent back.
Why would we go to such trouble to help you with a problem with your machine?
Due to quality of products we sell and the top manufacturers we buy from, we rarely see a CPAP malfunction or have to return one.
What comes with a CPAP machine?
All CPAP machines come with a six-foot hose, owner’s manual and carrying case. They do not come with a mask – masks are purchased separately.
Which CPAP mask will work with my machone?
All CPAP masks and CPAP tubing are made to a standard size. Because of this, you can choose any mask to use with your CPAP or BiLevel machine. You should choose your CPAP mask based on previous good experiences with a mask, a doctor's recommendation based upon your sleep study, or one of our experienced CPAPScience representatives. Give us a call for questions or suggestions! Click here to contact us.
Which type of mask should I choose?
A patient’s level of comfort with a mask varies widely, and there are many different types of masks to try:
Traditional nasal masks (by far, the most popular with CPAP users)
Alternative nasal masks (such as the Respironics Comfort Curve)
Full face masks (for patients who have problems with mouth breathing or leaking from the mouth)
Nasal interface systems (such as nasal pillows systems)
Oral masks (such as the Fisher & Paykel Oracle Oral)
Each of these masks has benefits and drawbacks, and may work for some and not for others. For the best possible choice, stick with what has worked in the past. If this is your first mask purchase or you are unhappy with your current mask type, please give us a call and we will be happy to give you suggestions based on your individual therapy needs. Click here to contact us.
How should I care for my mask, and how often should I replace my mask?
Wash your mask daily in warm water and baby shampoo, and let it air-dry. Medicare allows for mask cushion replacement every 3 months and complete mask system replacement every 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 silicone eventually becomes too soft to hold a seal and headgear straps 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.
Which CPAP machine is easiest for people who travel often?
At just over 1.5 pounds, the Puritan Bennett Goodknight 420 series CPAP machines are great option for those who travel often or who are looking for a space-saving machine. It is small, quiet, and well-built. Check out the Goodknight 420G.
What do I need to do if I need to change the pressure of my machine?
When a physician orders a pressure change, or a patient moves to an area with a very different altitude and does not have an altitude compensating machine, there are a number of ways to ensure you are receiving CPAP therapy at the correct pressure.
Most sleep laboratories and sleep disorder centers are very willing to make this change at no cost. This is routine in most facilities. Just call a big local hospital or ask you physician for sleep lab phone numbers. Be sure to bring your prescription.
A second way is to do it yourself, and many patients have no trouble changing the pressure of their machines. We sell manometers that are very portable, accurate, and simple to use. All the machines we sell come with instructions on how to set pressure to physician orders. If your need help we can talk you through the procedure.
A third option is to ship the machine to us with the new prescription. We will set it and ship it back.
It is the law and good common sense to run all sleep disorder devices at the prescribed pressure. If you think your prescribed pressure is wrong, talk to your physician.
What is the purpose of adding humidification to my machine?
Humidification adds moisture to the air being blown into your airway, and without it, many patients find that they have significant drying out of their nostrils, mouths, and throats. If you use a therapy that is comfortable, you are more likely to complete your therapy and gain the benefits from it. If you are purchasing your first CPAP or do not normally use humidification, we strongly recommend adding a humidifier to your machine. Some great choices to look at are the Fisher & Paykel HC150 and the Respironics H2. HYPERLINKS
What kind of water should I use in my humidifier?
Use only distilled water in your humidifier to prevent harmful mineral build-up on your water chamber.
Is there a machine that has a CPAP and humidification all in one unit?
Fisher & Paykel is the only manufacturer that produces an all-in-one humidified CPAP machine with an integrated heated humidifier. Their unit requires only one outlet and has a removable chamber to add water to the humidifier component. The HC 233 and HC 600 series machines are great choices for those individuals who value a superior humidification system and quality CPAP machine.
Many of our CPAP machines, such as the Resperonics M Series or the Goodknight 420G have the option to add on integrated humidifiers that attach in some way to the machine. But these units are still essentially two separate pieces of equipment.
What are auto-titrating or auto CPAP machines?
Auto-titrating CPAPs are machines that automatically adjust your pressure throughout the night to ensure that you constantly receive the exact pressure necessary to keep your airway open. Because of this, you do not need to have another sleep study done every time your prescription pressure does not seem to be working for you. The auto machine senses and adjusts to whatever pressure is necessary for your needs.
What kind of power does a CPAP use? Will I need an adapter to operate my CPAP overseas?
Most CPAP and bilevel machines today are designed to operate on both AC current as well as DC/battery current. In the
Most CPAPs and bilevels contain internal converters that enable the machine to operate on any AC current from 100 to 240 volts without any adjustment or addition to the machine.
An adapter may be required to plug a
Is there a CPAP machine that runs on batteries? If so, how long do the batteries last?
Many CPAPs operate from 12-volt DC power. If your CPAP has a DC jack – a round, single hole in the back or side of the unit – then you should be able to operate it from a 12-volt DC power source with only the use of a DC power cord; an inverter is not necessary. Typically, the DC power cords plugs into the CPAP and end in a cigarette lighter plug. To connect a CPAP directly to a battery, you would need a DC adapter cable that fits over the cigarette lighter plug on the DC power cord and ends in alligator clips.
What is a BiPAP machine?
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machines deliver air flow to the airway at a certain pressure in the same manner as a CPAP, but they have different pressures for the patient's inhalation and exhalation. Inhalation pressures are higher and keep the patient's airway open, but exhalation pressures are lower to make breathing out against the airflow easier. BiPAPs are suitable only in specialized cases where the pressure must be very high, patients cannot tolerate a standard CPAP, or a muscular disease is present that makes it harder for a patient to breathe against the pressure. If you believe you may need a BiPAP, please consult your physician.
What is the difference betweena BiPAP machine and a BiPAP ST machine?
A BiPAP alternates blowing two set pressures, a higher pressure for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation.
A BiPAP ST machine is a non-invasive ventilator. ST stands for Spontaneous Timed.
A BiPAP has two set pressures but some patients require a back-up timed response in which the BiPAP will initiate a breath if a breath is not taken within the set timed parameters.
A BiPAP ST will not breathe for you, but will initiate a breath if you do not inhale a certain number of times a minute.
What does APAP stand for, and what is an APAP machine?
APAP stands for “Automatic Positive Airway Pressure” and an APAP 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, more feature-rich and more expensive than CPAP machines.
What kind of maintenance does my CPAP require?
The only maintenance required for a CPAP machine is the cleaning and changing of filters. All CPAPs use at least one filter that is usually a washable type of foam materials. Some CPAPs offer finer filtration with the addition of a disposable paper filter. The filters are located at the back of the machine at the air intake location.
How often should I clean or replace my filters? How do I replace them?
Washable foam filters should be cleaned as soon as they become discolored. Depending on your environment, that may mean weekly cleaning.
These should be replaced when they deteriorate and begin to fall apart. Paper filters should not be cleaned, just disposed of when they become discolored, or at least every 30 days.
If your CPAP machine uses both foam and paper filters, insert the paper filter first, with the smooth side against the machine and the soft, fuzzy side facing out. The tab is folded out for easy removal. The foam filter is placed on the outside to remove larger dirt particles first.
What is a HEPA bacterial filter?
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters are clinically indicated when a CPAP machine is used by multiple patients. Using this type of filter can reduce the occurrence of infections. They can be used with a humidifier but must be removed and allowed to dry during the day. HEPA filters should be replaced when matter is visible on the filter. A clogged HEPA filter can affect the amount of air the CPAP delivers.
How should I care for my tubing?
CPAP hoses and tubing can last up to a year if properly cared for. It will last longer if you detach it each morning and hang it to air dry. Grasp it on the rubber ends to remove. Drying the hose each day prevents bacteria from growing in the damp interior and reduces the possibility of adverse health issues. If you do not dry your hose daily, it should be replaced frequently.
Signs of wear are dry, cracked places on the inside lining or on the rubber ends; "stretch marks" near the rubber ends; and mineral deposits or mold from water left inside the hose.
For home cleaning, mix one part vinegar and three parts warm water. Allow tubing and mask parts to soak for a few minutes. Rinse clean and allow to air dry. We also offer Citrus mask cleaner to help with the job if the odor of vinegar is offensive.
You should replace disposable equipment regularly. CPAP filters should be replaced every 2-3 months to prevent sinus infections and nasal congestion.
I placed my order. What happens now?
We will send you an “Order Shipped” e-mail that confirms that we shipped the product you ordered. To ensure that you receive this e-mail, please add our e-mail address: XXXXX to your address book. This e-mail will have your order number and any tracking numbers associated with your shipment. TRACKING INFO INCLUDED?
I haven’t received my order. What caused the delay?
Nearly all order delays are caused by the need for additional patient information or documentation.
If you asked us during the order process to contact you for sizing assistance instead of selecting a CPAP mask size when you placed your order, please check your e-mail for our attempt to contact you. Before we can determine the proper mask size we need your facial measurements. The e-mail we sent contains instructions for taking these measurements.
Another reason for delay could be that we do not yet have your valid prescription on file. Federal law requires that we ship machines only to patients with valid prescriptions on file.
How quickly can you ship my order?
We usually have all items in stock and can ship the day the order is placed if all the information required for your order is received by 4 p.m. Central time.
Through what methods do you ship and what are the costs?
We ship UPS, Federal Express and
Please allow up to 5 days for delivery via UPS Ground service shipped from our warehouse in
Will you ship to a post office box?
We prefer to ship using UPS because of the reliability, insurance and tracking services. UPS delivers only to a physical address. The
Why is air leaking from my mouth?
Air leaks from the mouth when the mouth is opened during CPAP therapy. The most common reason is due to nasal irritation from the CPAP airflow. Humidification of the airflow is one possible way to prevent you from opening your mouth as you sleep with the CPAP machine. A chinstrap to help keep the jaw up and mouth closed is another possible remedy. If you still experience air leakage, a full face mask might be the next thing to try.
I feel congested since beginning my CPAP therapy.
This could be because of lack of humidification. CPAP air can easily irritate the nasal passages by drying them out and causing them to bleed. Your mucus membranes may try to compensate for this dry condition by over producing mucus, which results in congestion. We suggest trying a heated humidifier to add moisture to the CPAP air. Or, if you’re already using a heated humidifier, turn the setting up higher.
Why are my eyes dry when I wake up?
Air leaking from the mask at the bridge of the nose and over the eyes during sleep can cause dryness. Perhaps your mask is too big or too long for your nose. You might consider re-measuring your face to ensure you have the proper-sized mask. You might try a mask with an adjustment at the bridge of the nose. Also, you might try nasal pillows or nose cushion devices which do not rest on the nose.
My face is breaking out around my nose.
Most masks are made of silicone, which is an inert substance and therefore doesn’t cause reactions; however, silicone is manufactured in chemicals to which some people are allergic. Washing the mask to remove these chemicals can reduce or eliminate the problem. Also, be certain that you are experiencing a true allergic reaction and not irritation due to the mask being too tight. A too-tight mask can cause bruising, redness, and even open sores.
Why do I have a headache when I wake up?
CPAP machines don’t usually cause headaches unless there’s a sinus-related problem. If part of your sinus cavities are blocked during CPAP use, there may be a pressure differential between your sinus cavities. These can develop into sinus headaches, and are easily treatable with over-the-counter medications to open the sinus. A heated humidifier is strongly recommended to prevent these kinds of sinus headaches. If you continue to have headaches and have tried sinus medications and humidifiers, please see your physician.
I sometimes wake up and find that my mask is removed.
People remove their masks during sleep because they are not getting enough air. If your mask is leaking, the CPAP pressure may be reduced. An ill-fitting mask is usually the culprit – sometimes facial hair causes a mask to leak. Break-down over time of the silicone cushion could also be the cause – if your mask is six-to-nine months old, replace it. If you find that your mask fits well and is in good condition, perhaps you require a change in pressure. Speak with your doctor to find out if your pressure needs to be adjusted.
Why is my mouth dry in the morning?
This is a sign that you open your mouth while you sleep. If your mouth is open, it bypasses the beneficial humidification you may be using, and reduces the good results of CPAP therapy. If your mask is leaking, this could be why you open your mouth at night. It might need replacing or adjusting. If your mask is new and not leaking, try a chinstrap to help keep your mouth closed.
Why do I wake up with air in my stomach?
You are describing a condition called “aerophagia” which means in Greek “to eat air.” This is a sign that you are swallowing the CPAP air, which could be a symptom of the position in which you sleep. Try changing positions to see if this resolves your problem. If not, talk to your doctor about the possibility of lowering your pressure somewhat.
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