Order related:
Non-order related:
Q) Do you bill my insurance
company? Back to Top
At this time, Respshop does not bill
insurance companies for purchases. However, we do provide you with all of the
necessary HCPCS codes and ICD9 code information on your invoice so that you can
easily file for reimbursement from your insurance company.
Q) Do you have a brick
mortar
store? Back to Top
We unfortunately at this time only have
web service in Kirkland, WA. But if you are located close to Seattle WA, please
feel free to pick up your orders locally.
Q) How do I know which size
mask to
purchase? Back to Top
If you are purchasing the same mask
that you already have, then somewhere on your existing mask there will be a size
indication, usually a single letter (M for medium, etc.). If you are feeling
adventurous and purchasing a new style mask, then the best option is to call us
and request a sizing gauge for the mask you are interested in. We have sizing
gauges for many of the masks that we sell that we can send you at no cost. The
other option would be to come see us if you are in the area and we can fit you,
or if you are not in our area, then visit a local homecare dealer and see if
they will be able to size you for a mask.
Q) Do your CPAP machines support 110v or 240v
voltage?
Back to Top
All machines we sell support 100v - 240v AC auto
conversion. You can use these machines anywhere around the world without a problem. However you may need a plug converter which can be purchased in the
most hardware stores for a few bucks.
Q) How do I travel with my
CPAP? Back to Top
Traveling with your CPAP can sometimes be a hassle. However, with proper preparation, it can be very easy. If you are flying with your CPAP, you can bring your CPAP machine on the airplane with you and it will not count as one of your carry-on items. Never check your CPAP machine because through normal luggage handling procedures it can easily be broken. You may want to call ahead and find out your airline procedures for carrying your CPAP machine on the airplane to prevent any delays through security. We have learned that many airlines will not let you use your CPAP machine during the flight because it is not a life-sustaining device. You may want to contact your airline to see if you can make special arrangements. This link will also provide helpful
information.
If you are driving across country with your CPAP or are camping, you can still use your machine (depending on the make and model). If your machine has the ability to run off of 12V (check your owners manual) then you will be able to run your machine off of either a battery, or plug it into the cigarette lighter adapter in your car / RV if you purchase the proper cables. Respironics and Puritan Bennett sell battery adapter cables for those who wish to bring their CPAP camping in the wilderness. A 12V deep cycle marine battery or a motorcycle battery are recommended for the longest life between charges. The life span of the battery depends on its rating and what your pressure setting is on your machine.
Q) What is an Auto CPAP machine? Back to Top
An Auto CPAP machine is a machine that
uses two pressure settings; a high setting and a low setting. The machine starts
at the lower setting (typically 2 - 4 cm below your normal CPAP pressure) and
through the course of the night it senses when you are having an apnea occur. It
then begins to slowly raise the pressure toward the set high pressure. One the
apnea is overcome it will stay at that pressure for a period of time and then
slowly begin to decrease back toward the low pressure. If another apnea occurs
in the meantime, it will then begin to increase, so on and so forth. In this
way, the machine automatically figures out the best pressure for you to be
sleeping at for that particular night. This is a nice feature because your best
therapy pressure is not always the same. It greatly depends on your daily
activities and your personal habits.
Q) What is a BiLevel
(BiPAP)
machine? Back to Top
A BiLevel machine, or as some call it a
BiPAP machine uses two pressure settings for your therapy: An inspiratory
pressure and an expiratory pressure. When you inhale, the therapy is delivered
at the set inspiratory pressure, then when you exhale, the pressure is delivered
at the set expiratory pressure. The inspiratory pressure is always greater than
the expiratory pressure. This type of machine is usually used for people who
cannot tolerate a normal CPAP machine or for people who have other conditions
along with their Sleep Apnea.
Q) How often should I
change my filters, tubing, water
chambers? Back to Top
For filters, if you are using the
white, disposable filters, you should change them whenever you start to see them
get fairly dirty. Remember, this is the air you are breathing at night! If you
have the foam, reusable filters, then you should rinse them out and let them air
dry at least once every other week. Medicare guidelines suggest that you replace
your tubing every 30 days. This may be a little too often so we recommend
replacing your tubing once every three months. This is because dirt and bacteria
can build up in your tubing and that can cause you to become ill. Water chambers
should be replaced at least once every 6 months.
Q) How do I clean my mask,
tubing, water
chambers? Back to Top
The best way to clean your mask is to
use a product that we sell called SimpleStep mask cleaner. This cleaner
disinfects your mask without breaking down your mask cushion. Otherwise you can
use a MILD soap that is NOT anti-bacterial. This is because the anti-bacterial
soap will break down you mask cushion significantly faster. Tubing can be
cleaned using a mild vinegar water solution (1 part vinegar, 3 parts water) and
swishing is back and forth through your tubing. You can also use the Tube
Cleaning Brush that we sell to assist you in the cleaning process. Water
chambers can also be cleaned with the vinegar water solution.
Q) Should I use special
water in my
humidifier? Back to Top
You should always use distilled water
in your humidifier to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits on your water
chamber. This will significantly prolong the life of you humidifier.
Q) How do I know if the
mask I want will work with my
machine? Back to Top
All of the masks are standardized so
that any mask will connect with any machine. There are however a few masks that
are not recommended for use with Auto CPAP machines. The ComfortLite by
Respironics is not recommended with Auto CPAPs because of the way the machine
senses when you are having an apnea occur. Also, it has been said that with
pressures over 12 cm of H2O, nasal pillow style masks may become uncomfortable
for the user because of the high pressure being applied directly inside the
nostrils.
Q) Which machine is the
quietest? Back to Top
All new machines these days are
extremely quiet compared to older model machines. Patients will hear the noise
from the air venting out of their CPAP masks before they will ever notice the
noise from their CPAP machine. This is why it is recommended that when you shop
for a new machine, look for other features like size, comfort features or the
option of an integrated humidifier.
Q) Are there battery
operated CPAP
machines? Back to Top
There has recently been a batery
powered CPAP machine released on the market. It is called the Everest and is
made by AeioMed. This machine is the only current machine on the market that can
run solely on batteries.
Q) What is the difference
between the Remstar Plus and Remstar
Pro? Back to Top
The Remstar Plus CPAP machine is a
basic CPAP machine with all of the standard features and the option to add in an
integrated heated humidifier. The Remstar Pro has all of the features of the
Remstar Plus with the added functionality of being able to record information
about your sleep. This information is only useful, however, if your doctor has
the proper software to read the information from the machine. Unfortunately, the
software is not to be sold to end users.
Q) What is
C-Flex? Back to Top
The link below will take you to
Respironics page that explains how C-Flex works. It is VERY informative and will
open in a new browser window so you do not loose your place on our website.
Q) What is Obstructive
Sleep
Apnea? Back to Top
The partial or complete closure of a patients breathing passages during sleep is know as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Apnea is Latin for ˇ°without breath? The body responds to this lack of oxygen by arousing, or waking from sleep sometimes in a violent fashion. This cycle leads to the patient being unable to get the needed quantity of restful sleep and results in:
Irritability
Constant Fatigue
Difficulty Focusing
Untreated
Sleep Apnea is potentially fatal and frequently results in the following serious
health problems:
Diabetes
Heart Attacks
Strokes
High Blood Pressure
Q) What is
CPAP? Back to Top
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive
Airway Pressure. CPAP therapy provides a constant airflow which holds the airway
open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. This eliminates
Sleep Apneas and allows the patient to get a restful sleep.
CPAP therapy is traditionally provided through a nasal mask that seals around the nose. However, more innovative, comfortable and better sealing options are beginning to emerge.
Q) Do I Need a Sleep
Study? Back to Top
If you suspect you may have some sleep
related problems - you should consult your doctor. As about sleep disorder
breathing as Sleep Apnea is a serious and potentially fatal medical condition.
If you feel you may suffer from this type of disorder you should be tested as
soon as possible.
There are Sleep Questionaires posted throughout the internet which can help you determine is you suffer from symptoms. Bring this questionaire with you to a physicians to help evaluate your condition and possible symptoms of sleep apnea.
If your pyhsician determines a sleep study is necessary aPolysomnogram, or Sleep Study will be conducted which measures many key metrics while you sleep. These metrics are used to determine if you have Sleep Apnea or a number of other sleep related conditions such as central sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.
Q) Which Machine Should I
Choose? Back to Top
There is a great deal of information on the internet concerning CPAP Machines. While most of this information is accurate, please seek out as much information as possibe. Things to consider are: type of usage, do you travel; do you need humidification, weight of the machine, size of the machine, noise level, etc.
Q) Is there a maintenance
schedule for my CPAP
Machine? Back to Top
Contrary to you may have been told by
your local provider, there is NOT any maintenance which must be performed on
your machine with the exception of changing the filters on a regular basis. Many
providers will attempt to sell you maintenance packages for your equipment. Be
wary of vendors who often try to sell you extras.
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