Philosophy, Care & Origins

Sleepco places quality sleep at the forefront of overall well-being, both in terms of physical and mental health. Quality sleep is a continuous process beginning in the morning as you wake, continuing throughout the day and then 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.

What are CPAP Machines?

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.

Choosing the Right CPAP Machine:

1. Prescription: It may be worthwhile informing your primary caregiver of the sleep issues you're facing. It's useful to have everything on record. You may receive a prescription for CPAP or simply a recommendation. Either is enough to get started, trial a CPAP and see if helps.
2. Machine Type: Standard CPAP, APAP, BiPAP. Generally, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form and is treated using APAP. If central apneas are detected, we will consider BiPap. For more complex situations such as
3. Comfort Features: There are several features associated with CPAP comfort that can enhance your experience. Humidifier, ramp time, respiratory relief, extension tubing, tubing covers and heated tubing. Ask us about these features.
4. Mask Compatibility: Ensure good fit. We believe a majority of the CPAP experience and success comes down to a successful mask. This is why we allow mask hires to ensure the best mask for you.
5. Portability: For frequent travelers, we recommend the BMC M1 Mini or ResMed AirMini. If you use a humidifier, look for the HME version of your mask. This includes a small moisture circulating tablet within the masks tubing that provides a self humidifying effect.
6. Data Tracking: Monitoring usage. All CPAPs we sell allow some form of sleep compliance tracking. It may be via bluetooth or via SD-Card onto your computer.
7. Budget: Sleepco strives to provide quality PAP devices across all price ranges. Rest assured, if you're on a budget or paying top-dollar, you will receive quality PAP therapy with various comfort settings.
8. User Reviews: Consider reputable brands. BMC, ResVent and VentMed are growing brands in the field that offer quality devices at a various price points. ResMed is more well known in NZ and we are beginning to stock more of this brand, however we ensure all brands we partner with provide quality therapy.

Can I Travel with my CPAP Machine?

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.

Difference Between CPAP, APAP, BiPAP, and ASV

• CPAP: Constant pressure.
• APAP: Auto-adjusts pressure.
• BiPAP: Dual pressures for inhalation/exhalation.
• ASV: Advanced, for complex sleep apnea.

Replacement and Travel Guidelines 

Replace CPAP machines every 3-5 years. Check insurance guidelines, condition, and technological advances. When traveling, CPAP machines are carry-on items. Bring prescription, doctor’s letter, and necessary adapters.

CPAP General Use

Types of CPAP Masks

1. Nasal Masks: Ideal for higher pressure, moderate movement.
2. Nasal Pillow Masks: Minimalistic, for those with facial hair or claustrophobia.
3. Full-Face Masks: For mouth breathers, higher pressure needs.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Daily: Wash mask, cushion, tubing with mild soap.
• Weekly: Soak items in vinegar solution.
• Filters: Rinse or replace as recommended.
• Humidifier: Empty daily, clean weekly.
• Inspection: Replace worn parts promptly.
• Mask Discomfort or Leaks : Adjust fit, check for damage, try different styles, use liners, and clean regularly. Consult healthcare provider if issues persist.

Replacing CPAP Equipment Parts 

Replace masks and tubing every 3-6 months, headgear every 6-12 months, and filters every 1-3 months. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines.

Comfort Accessories 

Sleepco Silencing Kit, heated humidifiers, CPAP pillows, mask liners, and cleaning supplies enhance therapy comfort.

Sleep Testing

Consider a sleep test if experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, dry throat, frequent urination at night, or snoring. Consult a healthcare provider for assessment.

3-Night Home Oximetry Sleep Test 
Involves wearing an oximetry probe at home, receiving results through written findings and raw data.

Preparation for Oximetry Sleep Test 
Maintain normal routines, wear the probe correctly, avoid alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime.

Detectable Conditions via Oximetry Test 
Sleep apnea, COPD, asthma, and other respiratory disorders.

Polysomnographic Sleep Test 
Conducted in a lab, it monitors brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, and snoring. Detects complex sleep disorders. Sleepco does not yet offer polysomnographic sleep tests, however we are working hard to ensure this service is available in the future.

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