From Masks To Liners, Dr. Weiss Recommends Her 4 Favorite CPAP Supplies

If you’ve been a member of the Aeroflow Sleep family within the past couple of years, you probably know Dr. Carleara Weiss. If not, you should read more of our blogs and consider ordering your CPAP supplies from us; covered up to 100% through insurance.

But we digress… A postdoctoral fellow in sleep and circadian rhythms, Dr. Weiss is our top Sleep Science Advisor. She is also affiliated with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Sleep Research Society, has over 15 years of experience as an adult geriatric nurse, and acts as the personality behind the popular, sleep apnea-centered YouTube show, “Weiss Words.”

Her merits certainly make her an expert of our field, and she has extensive knowledge on CPAP supplies in particular. That’s why we asked her, what’s the best equipment you should get from Aeroflow Sleep this year? So, without further ado, here are a few of Dr. Weiss’ favorite things…

Let’s begin with the most important component of PAP therapy: your machine. Dr. Weiss did not have a preference for her favorite standard machine, because she admits each is different; just like the patient will have different needs. For this section, we’ll instead go over the 3 possible types of standard machines, plus a bonus product thrown in by Dr. Weiss at the end…

CPAP Machines

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices provide a—literally—continuous flow of air at one set pressure; no adjustments without additional features or changing to a different device entirely. They are often the most effective for first-time PAP users, and therefore, are the most commonly prescribed. Aeroflow Sleep recommends the ResMed AirSense series: 10 or 11 machines.

APAP Machines

Automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) machines are automatically adjustable; hence the difference between APAP and CPAP. Based on your breathing patterns, this device can sense when your pressure settings may need to be adjusted throughout the night. Someone like Dr. Weiss is still needed to prescribe a pressure range though, so don’t worry; your APAP will never drop below what your body actually needs to survive.

An APAP may be named an Auto CPAP too, and within this distinction, Aeroflow Sleep recommends the Resvent iBreeze Auto CPAP.

BiPAP Machines

The last among the standard PAP devices is a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine. “Bi” is the Latin origin of “two,” and so “bilevel” refers to the two different airflows you can receive from a BiPAP machine; either exhaling or inhaling. These machines are generally recommended to patients who suffer from congestive heart failure, COPD, obesity, and/or CSA (central sleep apnea.)

Some BiPAPs—like ResMed’s—are instead called variable positive airway pressure (VPAP) machines, so if you have one of the previously listed conditions, Aeroflow Sleep recommends the ResMed AirCurve VAuto.

Travel Machines

Finally, not a standard machine, travel CPAPs are designed for on-the-go therapy. Most insurance providers do not cover travel CPAPs, because they are considered nonessential to the typical sleep apnea patient. But for anyone who can afford it out-of-pocket, Dr. Weiss is a big fan of ResMed’s AirMini:

“This travel CPAP machine works well, is lightweight, and is easy to pack. There is a stereotype about thinking of a CPAP user as an older (maybe retired) and sedentary person. However, it has been my experience that people with OSA can be younger, active, working full time, or simply ready to enjoy life. Traveling for work or leisure and sleeping over to care for grandkids or relatives is part of their lives, and this mini-CPAP machine helps them accomplish it.”

Next, we’ll discuss Dr. Weiss’s favorite CPAP mask. Don’t be fooled by the name though! Masks do not vary in type the same way machines do. Any mask can fit any machine, so long as the tubing lines up. Any that don’t, there are adapters.

Mask types vary based on the shape and fit of the mask. Full-face CPAP masks cover both the nose and mouth, nasal masks cover only the nose, and nasal pillow masks actually insert into the nostrils. There are also hybrid masks; like Bleep Dreamports, which we’ll get into later.

A moment ago, we mentioned Bleep Dreamports. This hybrid mask is unique, because it doesn’t require any additional accessories. It’s the only mask that’s headgear free on the market today, because it uses Dreamports—adhesive strips like Bandaids—that you can stick to your face in order to maintain the perfect seal.

Bleep Dreamports are an exception to the rule, so most of you are going to be using a full-face, nasal, or nasal pillow CPAP mask. All of which come with CPAP cushions. Although Dr. Weiss’s favorite mask is the ResMed AirFit F20, her favorite cushion is actually fit for ResMed’s AirTouch product line (still in full-face,) because they’re not silicone:

“This type of product (foam or gel cushion around the full mask) has been around forever and can be overlooked, but it’s a classic for a reason: it works! I use mask cushions when demonstrating the mask (to potential users or my students,) to demystify the notion that CPAP masks are uncomfortable.”

If you do find the mask is still uncomfortable, Dr. Weiss has a solution for that too! She recommends CPAP mask liners; like the CPAP Hero Reusable Full-Face Mask Liners. “An alternative to this cushion that can be used with other brands, they are designed to fit around the full mask, make it more comfortable, and help patients achieve the compliance they need for their CPAP treatment.”

Last but not least, all of these parts need to be cleaned regularly, of course. Remember to unplug your pieces first. Then, use warm, soapy water to wash your mask, mask cushions, and humidifier water chamber every morning. Let each air dry throughout the day, and start the process again until you reach the weekend when you’ll need to soak your tubing too.

We understand that this doesn’t always happen for one reason or another. You may be running late to work, need to get the kids ready for school, etc. That’s why CPAP sanitizers exist. Every now and then, you can toss certain accessories into an ozone cleaner or UV-light cleaner to expedite the cleaning process.

With the above cautionary tale in mind, Dr. Weiss advises, “SoClean3 is a good option for those with busy schedules and little time to clean their equipment. Cleaning your CPAP mask, tubes, and accessories regularly is critical for your safety and prevents respiratory infections and allergies. This automatic sanitizer can clean masks, tubing, and humidifier chambers.”

Now, it’s time to add your favorites to our online shopping cart—sort of. Aeroflow Sleep is the nation’s leading supplier of durable medical equipment (DME,) specializing in PAP therapy and advocating for all sleep apnea patients so that you can get your machines, masks, and accessories covered up to 100% through insurance.

We do this by negotiating with your insurance company. Aeroflow Sleep works with private plans; including Aetna, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and Unite Healthcare, plus Medicare and Medicaid. If we’re in your network, you can count on us to get you the best possible coverage! We also contact your doctor, obtaining any necessary prescriptions and paperwork on your behalf.

All you need to do to become a member of the Aeroflow Sleep family is sign up. Click the link below to fill out our online application, and our team of dedicated Sleep Specialists will check your eligibility for Dr. Weiss’ 4 favorite CPAP supplies and more. It’s that easy!