The Kate's Vine

The most subtle differences in CPAP machines can often mean the difference between being successful with therapy, and being the proud owner of a very expensive paperweight. One of the most widely implemented comfort features on modern CPAP machines is a form of expiratory relief. This is where the pressure delivered by the CPAP machine is reduced in order to reduce the effort for expiration. Despite most manufacturers having some form of this on their machines, the delivery is often slightly different. This impacts how the machine feels to breathe with, and the overall comfort of the machine. Each manufacturer seems to have their own take on this function. Also, they all seems to have their own name for it; be it C-Flex or A-Flex (Philips Respironics), EPR (ResMed), EZEX (Transcend), SmartFlex (DeVilbiss), Reslex (3B Medical), Z-Breathe (Human Design Medical), EUT (Curative Medical), or softPAP (Weinmann). They all effectively mean the same thing, the machine drops the pressure sl...

At least, this is the case with the majority of masks. The reason? Significant improvements on design, performance, and comfort come with the newer mask models. This is not so much the case with ResMed’s Mirage Quattro Full Face Mask . ResMed have released three full face masks since the Mirage Quattro, and each seems to fall short in some manner. The Mirage Quattro remains most sleep professionals go-to mask. It is still the mask we reach for when someone is having CPAP mask difficulties and needs a full face mask. But why is this so? What makes it such a standout? Well… It just works. There is no one magic part that makes this mask work. Like the planeteers on captain planet, it is with the component parts powers combined that makes it a winning package. Read More - https://cpapreviews.org/resmed-mirage-quattro-fullface-mask-in-depth/

No matter how you categorize the Philips Respironics Dreamwear mask, it’s certainly unique. Respironics has thrown a number of novel design features which has turned CPAP mask design on its head (excuse the pun). A real winner for some CPAP users . Not all its cracked up to be for others. Unboxing So, what comes in the bag of the DreamWear mask ? For our purpose, we will be looking at the Medium FitPack option. Everything comes neatly packed up in a sealed bag. In the bag includes: A fit guide and mask manual. Four different sized nasal cushions – small, medium, large, and medium-wide. A set of fabric mask frame wraps And the complete mask itself. Pre-fitted to the medium mask frame (or headgear, whatever) is the medium cushion, mask headgear/strap, elbow and quick-release hose connector. First Impressions My first impression when I pulled the DreamWear out was a resounding ¨and how the hell is this going to work then?!?¨. I remember Respironics tried t...

The usual advice for CPAP users who side sleep is to sleep on the edge of our pillow (to prevent pushing the mask off your face) and draping the CPAP hose over the bed head. Although these can help, there are a number of CPAP masks and products that can improve it further. Nasal Pillow Masks First of all, it is worthwhile trying a nasal pillow mask. Both the Swift FX and AirFit P10 from ResMed incorporate ResMed’s unique ‘cone shaped’ double walled cushion nasal pillows. Both the Swift FX and AirFit P10 feature a low profile, cheek hugging headgear that barely moves when side sleeping. In addition, the low profile of these masks, as well as the cone shaped pillows, reduce the likelihood of the silicone pillows being pushed out of position. Nasal CPaP Masks If your are a nasal mask wearer, it may be worthwhile considering the Mirage Activa LT. Despite being a few years old now, the Mirage Activa LT is still one of the best masks for side sleepers. The reason? When fitted ...