Sleepco places quality sleep at the forefront of overall well-being, considering both physical and mental health. Quality sleep is an ongoing process beginning in the morning as you wake, continuing throughout the day and of course sleeping throughout the night.

Addressing sleep concerns involves assessing clients' daytime routines, not just nighttime habits. Sleepco provides resources, sleep studies, products, and coaching to ensure optimal sleep quality.

A CPAP machine treats sleep apnea by maintaining an open airway, improving sleep quality, and reducing health risks. It generates positive pressure airflow, delivering constant, adjustable or auto-adjusting pressure through a hose and mask. CPAP settings are personalized depending on your situation or sleep test data. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

• No Prescription Required: We can start you on CPAP therapy after a quick triage or sleep test, without needing a doctor's prescription. We'll assess compliance reports from your device to determine suitability.

• Medical Records: It may be worthwhile informing your GP of any sleep issues you're facing. Having everything on record is useful for your overall healthcare.

• Machine Types: Standard CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is most commonly treated using APAP. BiPAP is considered if central apneas are detected.

• Comfort Features: Several options can enhance your experience including humidifiers, ramp time, respiratory relief, extension tubing, tubing covers, and heated tubing.

• Mask Compatibility: A successful mask fit is critical to CPAP therapy success. We offer mask hire options to ensure you find the perfect fit before committing.

• Portability: For frequent travelers, we recommend the BMC M1 Mini or ResMed AirMini. HME version masks are available for humidification while traveling.

• Data Tracking: All our CPAP devices allow sleep compliance tracking, either via Bluetooth or SD-Card download to your computer.

• Budget Options: Sleepco provides quality PAP devices across all price ranges, ensuring quality therapy regardless of your budget.

• Reputable Brands: We stock reliable brands including BMC, ResVent, VentMed, and ResMed, offering quality devices at various price points.

• Troubleshooting Support: Solutions are available for any therapy-related issues from mask discomfort to throat dryness. We're here to help with all PAP-related concerns.

Absolutely. Ensure your humidifier is empty before travel. Ensure also you have the appropriate AC/DC adapters for your destination. This may include socket converters or special cables to connect to your CPAP Battery. Sleepco offers various CPAP batteries for travel. Our popular Flight Friendly Battery is the largest capacity CPAP battery allowed on flight cabins. Otherwise we offer a Medium and Large CPAP battery. If you require a battery for your CPAP, please let us know which PAP device you're using so we can provide the appropriate cables. Additional charges may apply for proprietary required cables.

• For the ultimate travel experience, we recommend a travel CPAP. We currently sell the BMC M1 Mini and ResMed AirMini CPAP machine. Both machines are lightweight and very portable, about 1/4 the size of a regular CPAP device.
• Travel CPAP's do not have a water humidifier. However, if you require humidification with your travel CPAP device, both BMC and ResMed offer HME (Heat-Moisture Exchanger) type masks which provide humidification between the HME tablet and mask. Click here to see our range of HME equipment.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

• Delivers constant, steady air pressure throughout your entire breathing cycle
• Works by creating an "air splint" that keeps your airway open
• Ideal for straightforward obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with consistent pressure needs
• Best for patients who can tolerate a single pressure setting and don't require variable support
• Typically the most affordable option with simpler technology

APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure)

• Intelligently adjusts pressure levels throughout the night based on your breathing patterns
• Uses sensors to detect airflow limitations, snoring, or apnea events and responds accordingly
• Perfect for patients whose pressure needs vary due to sleeping position, REM sleep, or alcohol consumption
• Provides only the minimum pressure needed at any given moment, often improving comfort
• Excellent for those who found standard CPAP uncomfortable or struggle with fixed pressure

BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure)

• Delivers two distinct pressure settings: higher pressure during inhalation and lower during exhalation
• Reduces the work of breathing by making it easier to exhale against the pressure
• Particularly effective for central sleep apnea, mixed apnea, or patients with respiratory conditions like COPD
• Beneficial for patients who require higher pressures but struggle with exhaling against them
• Often prescribed when CPAP therapy has been unsuccessful or poorly tolerated

ASV (Adaptive Servo-Ventilation)

• Advanced technology that learns your normal breathing pattern and provides variable support
• Automatically adjusts pressure breath-by-breath to normalize your breathing pattern
• Specifically designed for complex sleep apnea, including central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration
• Often used when standard therapies fail or for patients with heart failure-related breathing disorders
• Most sophisticated option with advanced algorithms that adapt to complex breathing irregularities

CPAP Machine Replacement Guidelines

Typical Lifespan: Most CPAP devices are designed to last 5-7 years with proper maintenance, though some newer models may last even longer with good care.

When to Consider Replacement:

• Your device is showing signs of reduced pressure delivery or inconsistent operation
• The machine is making unusual noises or has mechanical issues
• Error messages appear frequently or performance has noticeably declined
• You've logged 20,000+ hours of usage (approximately 5-7 years of nightly use)
• Newer technology offers significant benefits for your specific therapy needs

Technology Advancements:

• Consider upgrading when new features would significantly improve your therapy:
• More sophisticated algorithms for pressure adjustment
• Enhanced comfort features like improved humidity control
• Better data tracking and reporting capabilities
• Quieter operation or more portable designs

Accessories Replacement Schedule:

• Masks: Every 3-6 months (cushions/pillows) and 6-12 months (frame)
• Filters: Disposable filters every 2-4 weeks; reusable filters every 6 months
• Tubing: Every 3-6 months, or sooner if cracking or discoloration appears
• Humidifier chamber: Every 6-12 months, or when discolored or damaged

CPAP Travel Guidelines

Carrying Your CPAP:

• CPAP machines do not count toward carry-on baggage limits per most airline regulations
• Always carry your CPAP onboard rather than checking it to prevent damage and ensure availability

Documentation to Bring:

• While not legally required in many countries, it's advisable to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your healthcare provider
• Consider bringing your most recent sleep study results or compliance data
• Print out your device's technical specifications in case of security questions
  

Power Considerations:

• Check voltage requirements for international travel (most modern CPAPs are dual voltage 100-240V)
• Bring appropriate plug adapters for your destination
• Consider a battery backup for camping or locations with unreliable power
• Some travel CPAPs offer DC power options for use in vehicles

Water and Humidity:

• Empty humidifier chambers completely before travel
• Consider using distilled water bottles at your destination or inquire about local water quality
• In dry climates or high altitudes, humidity settings may need adjustment

Cleaning During Travel:

• Pack CPAP wipes for quick mask and equipment cleaning
• Consider portable CPAP cleaners if traveling for extended periods
• Bring a small bottle of mild soap for manual cleaning if necessary

Security Screening:

• CPAP machines may sometimes be required to go through X-ray screening separately from other luggage
• Request a visual and hand inspection if concerned about X-ray effects
• Allow extra time at security checkpoints for additional screening if needed
  

Travel-Specific CPAP Options:

• Consider a travel-specific CPAP model for frequent travelers (smaller, lighter, with travel-friendly features)
• Travel CPAPs like ResMed AirMini or BMC M1 Mini are significantly smaller but provide comparable therapy

Nasal Masks

Design:

• Cover the nose from bridge to upper lip
• Create seal around nose perimeter
• Multiple sizes and cushion materials available

Best For:

• Medium to high pressure therapy (10-20 cmH₂O)
• Side sleepers seeking stable seal
• Users with nasal airflow issues
• Moderate movement during sleep

Benefits:

• More stable than pillows when changing positions
• Prevents nostril irritation with indirect airflow
• Distributes pressure effectively
• Generally quieter operation

Considerations:

• Potential bridge-of-nose discomfort
• May require chin strap for mouth breathers

Nasal Pillow Masks

Design:

• Small cushions that insert directly into nostrils
• Minimal facial contact with lightweight headgear

Best For:

• Users with facial hair
• Those experiencing claustrophobia
• Low to medium pressure settings (5-15 cmH₂O)
• Active sleepers
• People who read or wear glasses before sleep

Benefits:

• Maximum visibility with minimal coverage
• Reduces facial marks and pressure points
• Excellent for travel
• Compatible with beards

Considerations:

• Possible nostril soreness or dryness
• Less effective at very high pressures
• Not ideal for chronic mouth breathers

Full-Face Masks

Design:

• Cover both nose and mouth
• More substantial headgear with multiple adjustment points

Best For:

• Mouth breathers
• Users with chronic nasal congestion
• Higher pressure requirements
• Those with deviated septum or allergies

Benefits:

• Ensures therapy continues with mouth breathing
• No need for chin straps
• Effective during colds or allergy seasons
• Distributes pressure over larger area

Considerations:

• Sometimes have higher risk of air leaks depending on the mask and facial structure
• More likely to cause claustrophobia
• Can be challenging to seal properly
• May cause pressure point discomfort

Alternative Options

• Hybrid Masks: Combine nasal pillows with mouth coverage
• Under-Nose Masks: Avoid bridge-of-nose pressure while covering mouth
• Helmet/Total Face Masks: Helmet/Total Face Masks: Fully cover the face from forehead to chin, creating a perimeter seal without pressure points. Ideal for sensitive skin, facial trauma, or high-pressure therapy. Though bulkier, they offer excellent seal reliability for complex cases.

Daily (or as per basis) Cleaning

Mask and Cushion:

• Wash with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap
• Gently clean surfaces that contact skin
• Air dry completely before next use

Humidifier Chamber:

• Empty remaining water each morning
• Rinse with clean water
• Use only distilled water for refilling to prevent mineral buildup

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Vinegar Solution Method:

• Mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water
• Soak mask parts, headgear, and tubing for 15-30 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly afterward
• Alternative: use manufacturer-approved CPAP cleaners

Tubing Care:

• Wash weekly with soap and water
• Hang to dry completely (takes several hours)
• Inspect for mold or residue
• Ozone cleaner may be used to eradicate any residual pathogens

Humidifier:

• Disassemble per manufacturer instructions
• Soak to remove mineral deposits
• Inspect for damage before reassembly

Filter Maintenance

Disposable Filters:

• Replace every 2-4 weeks or when visibly dirty
• Replace more frequently with pets or dusty environments

Reusable Filters:

• Rinse weekly with water (no soap)
• Dry completely before reinstalling
• Replace every 6 months

Replacement Schedule

• Mask Cushions: Every 1-3 months
• Headgear: Every 6 months when elasticity diminishes
• Tubing: Every 3-6 months
• Complete Mask: Every 6-12 months depending on wear

Troubleshooting Mask Issues

For Leaks:

• Adjust straps while lying in sleeping position
• Clean oils from face before applying mask
• Check for cushion damage
• Try different mask size or style if persistent

For Discomfort:

• Look for pressure points and adjust accordingly
• Consider mask liners for sensitive skin
• Try different mask material if irritation occurs
• Document issues for discussion with provider

Regular maintenance extends equipment life, ensures effective therapy, and reduces infection risk. Most manufacturers provide specific cleaning instructions in their user manuals.

Essential Comfort Accessories

Mask-Related Solutions

Mask Liners & Cushions:

• Soft fabric liners that create barrier between skin and silicone
• Reduce skin irritation, pressure marks, and improve seal
• Available in disposable or washable versions
• Particularly helpful for sensitive skin or allergies to silicone
• Some feature moisture-wicking properties for improved comfort

Strap Covers & Pads:

• Soft, plush covers that prevent headgear from causing marks or irritation
• Washable designs for hygiene maintenance
• Provides cushioning for pressure points on temples and cheeks
• Available in various materials including memory foam and fleece

Mouth Strips & Chin Straps for Nasal Mask Users:

• Chin straps gently hold jaw closed to prevent mouth breathing
• Available in various designs from simple straps to full-cup supports
• Adjustable tension for personal comfort
• Mouth strips/tape specially designed to comfortably keep lips closed
• Hypoallergenic options for sensitive skin
• Help maintain nasal breathing to prevent dry mouth and leaking therapy pressure
• Some models integrate with nasal mask headgear for simplified application

Mask Leak Solutions:

• Silicone mask seals to enhance fit around problem areas
• Barrier creams specifically designed for CPAP users
• Specialized adhesive strips for improved nasal mask sealing
• Gel cushion enhancers for customized fit

Specialized CPAP Pillows

Contoured CPAP Pillows:

• Feature cutouts or contours to accommodate mask and tubing
• Reduce mask displacement during position changes
• Prevent excessive pressure on mask causing leaks
• Many include memory foam for pressure relief
• Available in various heights for different sleeping positions

Positional Therapy Pillows:

• Help maintain optimal sleeping position (typically side sleeping)
• Can reduce snoring and improve therapy effectiveness
• Complement CPAP therapy for better overall results
• Some include adjustable inserts for customized support

Tubing & Air Delivery Enhancements

Hose Management Systems:

• Suspended hose holders that keep tubing above head
• Reduce tugging and pulling on mask during movement
• Bedside clips and holders for organized setup
• Swivel connectors to prevent tangling

Heated Tubing & Covers:

• Heated tubing maintains temperature to prevent condensation ("rainout")
• Insulated covers for standard tubes to minimize temperature drop
• Reduces water droplets that can cause discomfort or startle users awake
• Most modern machines offer integrated heated tubing options

Sleepco Silencing Kit:

• Extended tubing allows PAP device to be placed under the bed
• Sound-dampening covers (such as an open travel bag) for further noise reduction
• Anti-vibration pads to place under CPAP device
• Particularly helpful for light sleepers or those with bed partners

Humidification & Moisture Management

Heated Humidifiers:

• Most modern CPAPs feature integrated or attachable humidifiers
• Adjustable settings for humidity levels based on comfort needs
• Reduces dry throat, nasal passage irritation, and congestion
• Essential for users in dry climates or during winter months

Water Chamber Enhancements:

• Dishwasher-safe chambers for easier cleaning
• Disposable water chambers for travel convenience
• Auto-filling stations for continuous use without refilling
• Special additives to prevent bacterial growth (check with doctor first)

Cleaning & Maintenance Solutions

CPAP Sanitizing Systems:

• UV light sanitizers that kill bacteria without chemicals
• Ozone cleaning systems for comprehensive disinfection
• Specialized CPAP-safe wipes for quick daily cleaning
• Travel-sized cleaning kits for maintenance away from home

Specialized Cleaning Solutions:

• Mask and tube cleaning brushes designed to reach all surfaces
• Fragrance-free, CPAP-safe detergents that leave no residue
• Vinegar alternatives specifically formulated for CPAP equipment
• Pre-mixed sanitizing solutions in convenient spray bottles
  

Lifestyle & Comfort Adaptations

Skin Care Products:

• CPAP-specific moisturizers that won't damage mask materials
• Hypoallergenic creams for sensitive skin
• Specialized products to prevent skin breakdown at contact points
• Barrier creams that improve seal without compromising mask material

Sensory Comfort Solutions:

• White noise machines to mask CPAP sounds
• Sleep masks compatible with CPAP headgear
• Aromatherapy attachments (use only with physician approval)
• Cooling gel pads for mask contact areas
  

Sleep Environment Optimization:

• Bedside organizers for CPAP accessories
• Nightstands with built-in power management for equipment
• Battery backup systems for power outages
• Sound-absorbing materials for room acoustics

A sleep study monitors your body during sleep to diagnose sleep disorders by recording brain activity, breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels, and movements that might be disrupting your sleep.

When Should You Consider a Sleep Test?

Consider a sleep study if you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, observed breathing pauses during sleep, morning headaches, dry throat, frequent nighttime urination, difficulty staying asleep, unexplained fatigue, concentration problems, mood changes, or difficult-to-control high blood pressure. These symptoms may indicate sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, or other disorders that require treatment.

Types of Sleep Studies

1. Basic Level 4 Sleep Study (Overnight Pulse Oximetry)

This is the simplest, most affordable sleep test available. It uses a small finger device that only monitors oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate throughout the night. The test focuses specifically on detecting drops in oxygen levels and corresponding heart rate changes to calculate an Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI). This index suggests the potential severity of sleep apnea based on how many times per hour your oxygen levels drop below normal. Because of its simplicity, this test can be self-administered at home for a single night and requires minimal technical knowledge. While it's the least comprehensive option, it serves as an excellent screening tool for those with strong indicators of moderate to severe sleep apnea, particularly when cost or access to healthcare is a concern.

2. 3-Night Home Oximetry Sleep Test

A more detailed home-based test involving wearing an oximetry probe on your finger for three consecutive nights. The device measures oxygen levels and heart rate while you sleep in your own environment. After completion, you'll receive results through written clinical findings and access to the raw data collected. This test can detect moderate to severe sleep apnea, oxygen desaturation events, and breathing irregularities related to conditions like COPD, asthma, and other respiratory disorders.

When preparing for a home oximetry test, maintain your normal routines to ensure accurate results. Wear the probe correctly according to instructions, avoid alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime, and continue regular medications unless told otherwise.

3. At-Home Level 3 Basic PSG Sleep Study

Sleepco offers this intermediate-level home sleep test that bridges the gap between simple oximetry and full laboratory studies. This portable polysomnography system monitors respiratory effort, airflow, oxygen saturation, heart rate, body position, and sometimes limited EEG (brain wave) activity. The equipment is more sophisticated than basic oximetry but designed for self-application at home.

What sets Sleepco's service apart is their tiered reporting options:

• (lowest price): A basic analysis and interpretation by a trained Sleepco healthcare provider, offering fundamental insights and recommendations.
• (mid-range price): A more detailed technical analysis by a certified sleep technician who specializes in interpreting sleep study data, providing more comprehensive scoring of respiratory events and sleep quality indicators.
• (premium price): The most thorough clinical assessment from a board-certified sleep medicine physician, including detailed diagnosis, personalized treatment recommendations, and follow-up suggestions.
  

Prices vary between these options, allowing patients to balance cost considerations with the depth of clinical expertise needed based on their symptoms and health concerns. This level of testing can detect various forms of sleep apnea, some sleep-related breathing disorders, and provides more comprehensive data for treatment decisions while maintaining the comfort and convenience of testing in your own bedroom.

4. Polysomnographic Sleep Test

A comprehensive overnight test conducted in a sleep laboratory that monitors brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, and snoring. This extensive monitoring allows for detection of complex sleep disorders that home testing might miss. The polysomnographic test can diagnose all types of sleep apnea, movement disorders, narcolepsy, insomnia causes, and abnormal sleep behaviors.

Preparing for a Sleep Study

For basic level 4 and home oximetry testing, maintain your regular sleep schedule, secure the probe properly, and avoid alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime. For at-home level 3 PSG studies, you'll receive more detailed instructions on applying several sensors and monitoring equipment, but the same general preparation guidelines apply. For in-lab studies, avoid caffeine and naps on test day, bring comfortable sleepwear, take regular medications unless advised otherwise, and be ready to discuss your sleep habits with technicians.

After the Sleep Study

A sleep specialist will analyze your data to identify abnormalities, diagnose disorders, and recommend treatments. Basic level 4 test results provide a simple ODI score indicating possible sleep apnea severity. Home oximetry test results include more detailed written findings showing oxygen patterns across multiple nights. The level 3 at-home PSG reports from Sleepco provide substantially more diagnostic information, with the depth of analysis depending on your chosen reporting option. Full lab studies provide comprehensive reports covering all measured parameters.

Treatment Options

Treatments may include CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, medications for narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome, behavioral therapy for insomnia, lifestyle modifications, oral appliances, positional therapy, or occasionally surgical interventions.

Sleepco currently offers basic level 4 testing, home oximetry testing, and at-home level 3 PSG studies with tiered professional reporting options, but is working to provide in-lab polysomnographic testing in the future.