The CPAP Shop

  • Getting Used to CPAP Therapy: A Beginner’s Guide

    Getting Used to CPAP Therapy: A Beginner’s Guide

    September 27, 2023
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    If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor has most likely prescribed CPAP therapy as a treatment. The more you know about CPAP, the more effective your therapy will be. Our beginner’s guide answers the most important questions about CPAP therapy, from equipment to best practices.

  • CPAP Direct is Now The CPAP Shop!

    CPAP Direct is Now The CPAP Shop!

    September 21, 2023
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    CPAP Direct, formerly a place to shop for all your CPAP needs, has recently merged with our company, The CPAP Shop. This merge will offer an even better shopping experience designed for all sleep apnea patients.

  • Can Weight Loss Cure Sleep Apnea?

    Can Weight Loss Cure Sleep Apnea?

    September 20, 2023
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    Is weight loss is the best way to lessen – or even cure – people's sleep apnea? Patients have heard from their doctors that a relationship exists between weight and the severity of sleep apnea. It is said that being overweight or obese can cause or make sleep apnea worse. Patients also seem to think that simply losing weight can improve sleep apnea and its symptoms.

  • The Best CPAP Masks of 2023

    The Best CPAP Masks of September 2023

    September 19, 2023
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    CPAP masks are always a personal choice for CPAP users. Finding the perfect fit and type can be a trial-and-error process. We have tried to streamline selecting a CPAP Mask in 2023 by compiling some of the best masks available based on our experts, reviewers, and ratings, so finding your ideal CPAP mask is easier. Check out our list below of the best CPAP Masks of 2023.

  • Best CPAP Machines Of 2023

    Best CPAP Machines Of September 2023

    September 19, 2023
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    There are a lot of factors that go into selecting a CPAP machine for your therapy needs. Our experts have reviewed some of the top-rated CPAP machines and their features and benefits to help make it easier to choose a CPAP machine that’s right for you. Here are the best CPAP Machines of 2023.

  • CPAP Water: Distilled or Tap?

    CPAP Water: Distilled or Tap?

    September 13, 2023
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    The type of water you use for your CPAP humidifier is important to ensure the long life of your machine. Distilled water is the most preferred by CPAP machine manufacturers. Tap water, while less expensive, can cause harm to your machine over time. Filtered water is another option that is comparable to distilled. Avoid bottled waters labeled as spring or mineral water, as they may leave mineral deposits that can cause harm to your machine.  

  • Sleep Sounder Even With Sleep Apnea

    Sleep Sounder Even With Sleep Apnea

    September 6, 2023
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    So your doctor says you have sleep apnea. Your doctor probably recommended the nightly use of a CPAP machine, which is the number one treatment for this disorder. With the use of your CPAP machine every night you should see an improvement in how you sleep and how you feel in the morning. However, there are a number of things that you can do to improve your sleep and to improve your sleep a...
  • man sleeping with cpap mask

    CPAP Benefits Identified by CPAP Users

    August 29, 2023
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    When people start CPAP therapy they are usually concerned with daytime sleepiness, concentration, depression, weight gain, links to diabetes type II, heart disease, hypertension, and numerous other negative impacts to the body and mind that result from a lack of deep restful sleep. Like any change to a regiment, adjusting to sleep therapy or the use of a CPAP machine requires some adjustment. ...
  • Why Won't My New CPAP Mask Connect to My Tube?

    Why Won't My New CPAP Mask Connect to My Tube?

    August 29, 2023
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    We receive calls on an almost daily basis from people who find that their new cpap masks will not connect to their tubing correctly. In this video, Chris discusses a common problem that many people do not realize is affecting their tube (and how to fix it). In many cases, the swivel piece that belongs to your old mask becomes (sometimes very firmly) stuck in your tube, which means your ...
  • Solving CPAP Mask Problems

    Solving CPAP Mask Problems

    August 29, 2023
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    I Can’t Breathe with CPAP Mask Sometimes we get calls from CPAP patients using full-face CPAP masks calling in asking what to do about the feeling that they can’t breathe with a CPAP mask. Like aircraft pilots, CPAP patients can get the sensation of not being able to breathe. This sensation could be caused by several different factors. The following is a short list of causes and ...
  • Benefits of Using CPAP Humidification and Heated Tubing

    Benefits of Using CPAP Humidification and Heated Tubing

    August 29, 2023
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    Patients with sleep apnea who use CPAP machines for more than four hours a night enjoy a good night’s sleep and also improve their quality of life. Some sleep apnea patients, unfortunately, find that staying committed to the CPAP treatment process can be a difficult proposition. In particular, it is not uncommon for patients to experience dryness of the mouth, throat, or nasal passage . Th...
  • Can Using a CPAP Machine Cause Sinus Problems?

    Can Using a CPAP Machine Cause Sinus Problems?

    August 29, 2023
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    Many new CPAP users may experience nasal congestion or sinus infections. While using a CPAP machine does not cause sinus problems, sleep apnea and your sinuses both impact the quality of your sleep. What is Sinusitis? Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is an inflammation of the lining of the sinus tissue. Your sinuses are located on the forehead and on each cheek. When they become obstructed....

  • How to Choose the Best CPAP Chin Strap For You

    How to Choose the Best CPAP Chin Strap For You

    August 29, 2023
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    CPAP chin straps secure the cpap mask to the patients head making it easier to sleep. The general category of CPAP headgear includes the CPAP chin strap.
  • Insurance or Cash

    Should you Buy CPAP Supplies Using Insurance or Cash?

    August 28, 2023
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    You may think that if you have health insurance, the cost of your CPAP machine will be covered. That’s not necessarily true. CPAP equipment insurance coverage is getting increasingly more complicated each year and in the end, going through insurance may end up costing you more than paying out-of-pocket. It all depends on your policy.We strongly recommend reviewing your coverage before ...
  • can you buy cpap machines online

    Can You Buy CPAP Machines Online?

    August 28, 2023
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    Home medical devices, such as CPAP machines, are an important part of everyday life for a number of people. The ability to purchase that equipment quickly and conveniently is important. That is why a number of retailers offer the ability to buy a CPAP machine online. A variety of CPAP machines, including home and travel machines, auto machines, and BiPAP machines can be found from trust...
  • CPAP Masks are Best for Mouth Breathers

    Which CPAP Masks are Best for Mouth Breathers?

    August 28, 2023
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    This post was originally posted on May 12, 2020, and updated on July 27, 2022. Over the last few years, CPAP manufacturers have released many new types of masks. Choice is good for users but making the proper mask decision directly impacts compliance. The more comfortable and effective the mask, the higher use rate amongst CPAP patients. CPAP masks come in various models and styles so that...
  • best CPAP cleaning machines

    Comparing the Best CPAP Cleaners of 2021 - SoClean, Lumin, or Sleep8

    August 28, 2023
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    This post was originally posted on June 27, 2018, and updated on Jan 22, 2022. If you are a regular CPAP user, cleaning your CPAP machine and accessories is a very important daily task. Here we discuss the major CPAP cleaners and sanitizers on the market and provide a complete overview of the best CPAP cleaners of 2021.

  • Can Sleep Apnea Cause Brain Damage?

    Can Sleep Apnea Cause Brain Damage?

    August 23, 2023
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    Sleep apnea and brain damage are related but only in the most severe cases. Because sleep apnea can cause reduced oxygen flow to the brain, there is always the risk that damage can result. It is important to know that only prolonged periods of lack of oxygen can cause any severe damage, so while the risk of severe brain damage exists, it is low.  

  • Our Top-Rated and Best ResMed CPAP Masks Of 2023

    Our Top-Rated and Best ResMed CPAP Masks Of 2023

    August 22, 2023
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    ResMed is one of the leading manufacturers of CPAP masks. Every year they introduce new technology and features that improve the experience for CPAP users. Review some of the best ResMed CPAP masks of 2023. 

  • How Long Does CPAP Take To Work?

    How Long Does CPAP Take To Work?

    August 16, 2023
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    The results for CPAP therapy can vary. The severity of your obstructive sleep apnea and your compliance all factor in. Many patients may have a rough start from discomfort with the equipment and stop therapy, which can delay progress. The more disciplined you become with your CPAP therapy, the sooner you will see results.  

  • laying in bed with cpap equipment

    How to Improve CPAP Compliance

    August 9, 2023
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    CPAP Compliance. It’s a word that people with obstructive sleep apnea hear regularly, and also concept that’s critically important in making sure patients experience the positive benefits their therapy is designed to provide. Simply put, compliance means following through with all aspects of therapy as prescribed by your physician. 

  • woman yawning

    Learn How to Sleep Better

    August 2, 2023
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    Sleep. So much of it is a mystery: Why must we have it? What makes us do it? Do we enter a different world during sleep? But there’s one thing we know for certain about sleep: sleep is necessary for humans to function properly. Troubled sleep patterns or an overall lack of sleep can cause serious health problems within our bodies. If you’re one of the millions of people with sleep issues....

  • resmed aircurve on nightstand with mask

    What is a BiPAP Machine?

    July 26, 2023
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    This post was originally posted on January 18, 2019 and updated on Janurary 17, 2022. Some patients who have been prescribed CPAP therapy may have difficulties tolerating it. Oftentimes, they experience difficulties breathing normally against their current pressure settings. If breathing becomes too difficult, the patient may require a BiPAP machine. BiPAP, or Bilevel Positive Airway Pr...
  • cpap and dry eyes

    CPAP And Dry Eyes: Prevention And Treatment

    July 25, 2023
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    Dry eye is a condition in which your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep eyes moist. Dry eye can be temporary due to dry weather conditions and environmental factors, or become a consistent health problem in some individuals. 

  • silver whistle with red cord

    What to Do if Your CPAP Machine Whistles

    July 18, 2023
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    The leading form of treatment for people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP therapy. A CPAP machine uses a hose and mask to deliver a constant flow of pressured air to keep the airway open throughout the night and reduce apnea episodes. Some CPAP users...

  • Can CPAP Cause Pneumonia?

    Can CPAP Cause Pneumonia?

    July 17, 2023
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    The last thing that anyone with sleep apnea needs is to compound their condition with respiratory distress such as through the development of pneumonia. While studies show evidence that people with sleep apnea are potentially more vulnerable to developing pneumonia, there are ways to decrease that risk for CPAP machine users.

  • lightbulb on brown background

    What Causes Dry Mouth And Sore Throat?

    July 17, 2023
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    This post was originally posted on May 5, 2020, and updated on July 15, 2022. While are there many health benefits to staying CPAP compliant, including better sleep, there may also be some side effects with CPAP therapy. It is not uncommon for CPAP patients to experience dry mouth or a sore throat in the morning after a night of CPAP therapy, especially if they use their CPAP machine every ...
  • Best Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks of 2022

    Best Nasal Pillow CPAP Masks of 2023

    July 10, 2023
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    Nasal pillow CPAP masks are popular among CPAP patients as a preferred option over full face masks. That's because of their lightweight design, unobtrusive view, and quiet performance. Nasal pillow CPAP masks are ideal for users who breathe through their nose or use a CPAP chinstrap. This type of mask also reduces the chances of masks leaks because it provides air directly into the nostrils. 

  • man snoring wakes up wife

    Does A CPAP Machine Stop Snoring?

    July 5, 2023
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    One of the side effects of sleep apnea can be snoring. While the main side effects – daytime tiredness and mental fogginess – affect only the patient, snoring can affect anyone else in the room where the person sleeps. If you want to know about CPAP and snoring and how to stop snoring, then read on. Does CPAP Therapy Reduce or Eliminate Snoring? It can do just that, in many cases, but si...
  • xray image of brain inside head

    How Are Parkinson’s And Sleep Apnea Related?

    June 28, 2023
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    There may be a link between sleep apnea and Parkinson’s disease. The impact of poor sleep on brain tissue over time may contribute to the early stages of the degenerative condition. Getting a good night’s rest is essential for brain well-being. That means sleep disorders need to be taken seriously to ensure future brain health. What is Parkinson's Disease? Parkinson’s disease is a de...
  • Husband And Wife Using Phones Before Sleeping

    How Do Phones Affect Sleep And Disrupt Healthy Living?

    June 21, 2023
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    Humans have a circadian rhythm built in. Our circadian rhythm is tuned to relax or become energetic based on the natural light from the sky (the sun vs the moon and stars). In our age of digital and artificial lights, however, the circadian rhythm frequently gets interrupted. Lights from phones and computers are considerably less bright than the sun but considerably brighter than the moon and ...

  • diet and exercise for sleep apnea

    Are Diet And Exercise Effective In Reducing Sleep Apnea?

    June 14, 2023
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    One of the difficult aspects of being afflicted with sleep apnea is maintaining a healthy lifestyle while still dealing with the effects of the disorder. Multiple studies suggest that sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing various ailments including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, just to name a few. One way to lessen the severity of your sleep apnea symptoms while p...

  • head with pieces breaking off

    How Does Sleep Apnea Cause Memory Loss?

    June 7, 2023
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    Recent studies have shown that treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can help improve memory in older patients experiencing cognitive decline due to dementia.1 While sleep loss is one of the symptoms of dementia in some patients, the increasing decline of brain health from sleep deprivation may worsen the symptoms of dementia, creating a viscous cycle that accelerates overall cognitive degradation...

  • AirFit N20 Nasal Mask

    ResMed AirFit N20 Nasal CPAP Mask Review 2023

    May 31, 2023
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    Innovation is one of the keys to success. ResMed has been at the forefront of CPAP equipment innovation for many years. The company continues to offer compelling reasons to try new products that are typically state of the art and well-tested by actual users. Most recently, ResMed introduced an improved version of a quite popular nasal mask. The AirFit N10 was a strong addition to the ResMed na...
  • Relation Between Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer’s

    Relation Between Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer’s

    May 24, 2023
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    Sleep plays a vital role not only in our physical health but our mental health as well. Specifically, quality sleep is important for cognitive function and long-term memory. Perhaps that is why it comes as no surprise that some research suggests a link between sleep orders such as obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s. 

  • How Are Sleep Apnea And Depression Related?

    How Are Sleep Apnea And Depression Related?

    May 17, 2023
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    There are many studies about the link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and multiple other negative physical afflictions. These illnesses include diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. It is also a consequential link to stroke, heart attack, and, most recently, cancer.  In general, people with sleep apnea who either do not have a diagnosis or are non-compliant are at greater.

  • Alcohol glass bottles in row

    Relation Between Alcohol And Sleep Apnea

    May 10, 2023
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    This post was originally posted on October 13,2021, and updated on January 19, 2022. While alcohol seems like an ideal aid for falling asleep, it actually inhibits healthy sleep and may induce sleep disorders like sleep apnea. The different stages of sleep are important for getting the rest you need to recharge your mind and body. These phases of sleep can be disrupted by alcohol use. ...
  • Managing CPAP Anxiety and Panic Attacks

    Managing CPAP Anxiety and Panic Attacks

    May 3, 2023
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    Panic attacks can be common among people who are first starting CPAP therapy. According to a 2012 study at the University of California, Berkeley, when a person has apnea, their body releases certain hormones of anxiety and panic to try to restore breathing. In addition, people who suffer from panic attacks, in general, are more likely to have episodes while trying to fall asleep or while sleeping.

  • Sleep Apnea and Anesthesia

    Sleep Apnea and Anesthesia - What You Need To Know Before Surgery With Sleep Apnea

    April 26, 2023
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    If surgery is necessary for a person’s life, having surgery while also having sleep apnea, is doable with some extra precaution. There may be some special care when dealing with anesthesia, from preparation to after the surgery is concluded. Medical professionals have known for quite some time that patients with sleep apnea were at an increased risk of developing complications after operations.

  • man sleeping with cpap

    What are the Benefits Of CPAP Therapy?

    April 19, 2023
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    Every day, hundreds of people come to the conclusion that the benefits of CPAP therapy in the short term are nothing short of life changing. For those new to CPAP therapy, the challenges of the normal adjustment period can make it difficult to get to a level of CPAP compliance where the benefits can manifest themselves. It’s never a matter of being redundant to remind them of at least five...
  • What is CPAP Titration?

    What is CPAP Titration?

    April 12, 2023
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    Apnea events occur at different intervals and levels of severity for every person with OSA. Throughout their lives, CPAP machine users will need to have follow-up titration conducted during their sleep study in order to make adjustments. This is the process of checking and adjusting the air pressure for the patient to ensure that it is optimized to eliminate the apneic events during the night....
  • man holding full face cpap mask

    Can I Use a Used CPAP Machine?

    March 29, 2023
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    This post was originally posted on June 5, 2022, and updated on March 29, 2023. We’re all looking for ways to save money but when it comes to your health, remember there is a price to pay if you try to cut corners. While buying a used machine may save you money upfront, there is a significant cost to compromising the quality and efficacy of your CPAP therapy. Here’s what to consider...

  • Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease

    Sleep Apnea and Heart Disease

    March 17, 2023
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    Getting a good night’s rest is just important as diet and exercise in maintaining health. Poor sleep can impact the health of the cardiovascular system. Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea increase the risk of heart failure by 140 percent, the risk of stroke by 60 percent, and the risk of coronary heart disease by 30 percent.1 Patients with heart problems may not realize th...
  •  How Untreated Sleep Apnea Impacts Life Expectancy

    How Untreated Sleep Apnea Impacts Life Expectancy

    March 8, 2023
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    Sleep apnea is a widespread sleep condition and occurs when people repeatedly start and stop breathing frequently throughout the night while they are sleeping. Because it is an illness that occurs during sleep, many people do not even know they have it, and it could go undiagnosed their whole life. Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea is very harmful, and can certainly lead to shortened life expectancy.  

  • Is Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Linked to Sleep Apnea?

    Is Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Linked to Sleep Apnea?

    March 1, 2023
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    Due to its systemic and chronic nature, the potential list of possible sleep apnea side effects appears to be growing as a recent study shows evidence of a link between sleep apnea and hearing loss. The study found that sleep apnea was associated with hearing impairment at both high and low frequencies. That finding held true even after the researchers adjusted the data for other possible causes of hearing loss.

  • ResMed AirFit P30i Vs TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask Comparison 

    ResMed AirFit P30i Vs TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask Comparison 

    February 13, 2023
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    Choosing a nasal pillow CPAP mask can leave you many options. Most CPAP mask manufacturers offers some type of nasal pillow mask with varieties of benefits and features and lots with strong consumer reviews. So how do you choose? We have narrowed down two models of nasal pillow CPAP mask that stood above the rest. Compare the features and benefits of these two nasal pillow masks and see which one is a good fit for your CPAP therapy.  

  • man sleeping with Evora full face mask

    Best Full-Face CPAP Masks of 2023

    January 27, 2023
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    The CPAP Shop recommends choosing a full face CPAP mask based on your comfort and personal needs. Selecting a full face mask for your sleeping position also helps ensure the best CPAP experience and compliance. We’ve compiled some of the best full face CPAP masks of 2023.

  • travel cpap machines

    The Best Travel CPAP Machines of 2023

    January 25, 2023
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    Taking your CPAP therapy on your travels requires a reliable travel CPAP machine. Travel CPAP machines are portable, efficient, and FAA-approved. Our experts have curated some of the top manufacturers and reviewed the most important features and benefits to help you choose a travel CPAP machine that fits your needs. Here's our list of the best travel CPAP machines of 2023.

  • ResMed AirFit N30i Vs Evora Nasal CPAP Mask Comparison

    ResMed AirFit N30i Vs Evora Nasal CPAP Mask Comparison

    January 18, 2023
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    Choosing a nasal CPAP mask can mean trying out different makes and models to see which is the best fit and is the most comfortable.  Some nasal CPAP masks can leave marks on your nostrils or leave you with nasal soreness in the morning. So, choosing a nasal CPAP mask can be a trial and error process. Instead, use our comparison of two of the leading brands of nasal CPAP mask to see which one fits your PAP therapy needs.  

  • ResMed AirSense 11 vs 3B Luna II CPAP Machine Comparison

    ResMed AirSense 11 vs 3B Luna II CPAP Machine Comparison

    January 11, 2023
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    When selecting an auto-adjusting CPAP machine, consider two well-known models. The ResMed AirSense 11 and the 3B Luna II offer many useful features for users and provide reliable and consistent performance for CPAP compliance. Auto CPAP machines are especially useful for new users getting started with PAP therapy as they need time to get accustomed to breathing pressurized air while they sleep. Both of these machines offer features to help anyone experiencing comfort issues with a standard CPAP machine.