CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP therapy is the most recommended and the most effective treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

A CPAP machine provides air at a constant prescribed pressure through a tube and out of a CPAP mask to a person with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. CPAP therapy provides a constant airflow which holds the airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. This eliminates sleep apnea events and allows the patient to get a restful sleep.

The pressure of the air is determined during your sleep study and your doctor will prescribe you a CPAP machine at that pressure.

We provide our customers with many tools to make informed decisions about their machine purchases. Please call us at (866) 373-7747 to discuss the best options available to you.

The ramp button on a machine is a feature that allows for a gradual pressure build-up to your prescribed pressure. The feature is frequently used by those with high pressures because they ease up to their pressure.

The filters are located at the back of the machine at the air intake.

It is important to clean your CPAP supplies regularly for good hygiene and effective therapy. If you have any questions about the recommended CPAP cleaning instructions below, do not hesitate to contact Respira or email clinicalcare@respirainc.com. Additionally, keep in mind that you will still need to replace your supplies on a regular basis for effective therapy. For more information on supply replacement, contact bettercaredirect@respirainc.com.

A BiLevel machine, which is also referred to as BiPAP or VPAP, delivers two separate and distinct pressures; that being a higher pressure when the patient inhales and a lower pressure when they exhale. The machine alternates between the two set pressures which are set per the doctor's order or prescription. A prescription for a CPAP machine may not be used for a BiPAP machine.

The ramp button on a machine is a feature that allows for a gradual pressure build-up to your prescribed pressure. The feature is frequently used by those with high pressures because they ease up to their pressure.

We provide our patients with a fitting, conducted by a licensed professional, who explains a range of mask options and recommends one based on the unique needs of the individual. Additionally, our therapists provide each patient with detailed instruction throughout the fitting to ensure patient confidence and optimum comfort. Should you experience difficulty in adjusting to your new mask, feel free to contact us and we will work to get you a mask that better suits your preferences.

All CPAP masks work with all machines.

- Masks, headgear, filters, tubing and humidifier chamber replacement is recommended every 3-6 months and is covered by most insurances. Keep in mind, these supplies actually have a limited lifespan and should be replaced on a regular basis. If they aren't being replaced, bacteria and mold can build up, your mask can get stretched out and your sleep therapy can be affected.
- Typically, most mask cushions begin to deteriorate after a few weeks of use. The cushion eventually becomes too soft to hold a seal. The headgear straps lose elasticity and must be tightened more and more to get the same quality seal.
- We strongly suggest replacing cushions and pillows as soon as they start to soften. Air leaks may reduce the effectiveness of CPAP therapy and headgear that is too tight may cause facial sores at pressure points. In most cases, replacement headgear is available if it is stretched out or the Velcro worn out.
- It is important to remember that Respira will only ship supplies to you if they are requested via our automated system or by contacting one of our representatives at the office. Here are 3 easy ways to get new CPAP replenishment supplies through Respira Medical's better caredirect program:
1. Email us at bettercaredirect@respirainc.com
2. Call our toll free number at 866-373-7747
3. Go to our website at www.respiramedical.com and click on "Request CPAP Supplies" in the upper right hand corner.

Yes. Federal law requires we have a valid prescription on file before we ship your mask, machine and/or humidifier.
We provide many easy ways to get your prescription:
- We can request your prescription for you! Contact us when you are ready to start your therapy and we will assist you along the process of acquiring your equipment.
- Fax your prescription to us at 443- 200-0054.
- Email your prescription to patientcare@respirainc.com or bettercaredirect@respirainc.com

- Ask A Question: Question Submission Form
- Email Us: patientcare@respirainc.com or bettercaredirect@respirainc.com
- By Phone: 1 (866) 373-7747 (8:30 AM - 5 PM EST Mon-Fri)
- By Fax: 1 (443) 200-0054

A device that delivers medication to the lungs by an inhalable mist.

Nebulizers treat a variety of respiratory conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
A doctor may prescriber a nebulizer to patients:
- Experiencing difficulty using metered-dose inhalers
- Living with severe COPD and/or asthma and those unable to hold their breath long enough to use a metered-dose inhaler
- Pediatric patient with respiratory problems such as asthma or croup

We recommend every two to four months.

There are several name brand and generic drugs that will work with nebulizers, your physician must prescribe the medication for you. Respira partners with a pharmacy that can provide you with your nebulizer medications.

Most insurances will cover nebulizers. In some instances the patient is responsible for any applicable deductible, co-pay or coinsurance amounts.

An APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) machine automatically adjusts on a breath by breath basis to blow the minimum pressure needed to keep your airway open during sleep. This allows your machine to provide you with your ideal pressure nightly.

APAPs tend to be more advanced than CPAPs in that they normally offer more therapy tracking information and more comfort features.

Every APAP machine can be placed in a CPAP mode to blow one straight pressure like a CPAP. However, no CPAP can automatically adjust pressure like an APAP.

Some CPAP users find it more pleasant to breath with APAP than with CPAP because the pressure automatically changes as needed to deliver the minimal pressure needed. With a CPAP, on the other hand, the pressure is set at the highest necessary to keep the airway open, even though the high pressure is needed only a fraction of the time.

The ramp button on a machine is a feature that allows for a gradual pressure build-up to your prescribed pressure. The feature is enjoyed by those with high pressures because they ease up to their pressure.

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. "Progressive" means the disease gets worse over time. Currently, millions of people are diagnosed with COPD. Many more people may have the disease and not even know it. COPD develops slowly. Symptoms often worsen over time and can limit your ability to do routine activities. Severe COPD may prevent you from doing even basic activities like walking, cooking, or taking care of yourself. Most of the time, COPD is diagnosed in middle-aged or older adults. The disease isn't passed from person to person—you can't catch it from someone else.

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants—such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust—also may contribute to COPD.

The best way to prevent COPD is to not start smoking or to quit smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit.

If you have trouble quitting smoking on your own, consider joining a support group. Many hospitals, workplaces, and community groups offer classes to help people quit smoking. Ask your family members and friends to support you in your efforts to quit.

Also, try to avoid lung irritants that can contribute to COPD. Examples include secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust.

COPD has no cure yet, and doctors don't know how to reverse the damage to the airways and lungs. However, treatments and lifestyle changes can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease.

There are many treatment options for COPD. If you have COPD or think you might be at risk, you can take steps to make breathing easier and live a longer and more active life. Get a simple breathing test and talk with your doctor or health care provider about treatment options.

One treatment option that may be recommended by your doctor is oxygen therapy. Respira can provide you with your oxygen if this is what your physician prescribes. If you have severe COPD and low levels of oxygen in your blood, oxygen therapy can help you breathe better. For this treatment, you're given oxygen through nasal prongs or a mask.
You may need extra oxygen all the time or only at certain times. For some people who have severe COPD, using extra oxygen for most of the day can help them:
- Do tasks or activities, while having fewer symptoms
- Protect their hearts and other organs from damage
- Sleep more during the night and improve alertness during the day
- Live longer

Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, is a sleep disorder in which the person stops breathing for at least 10 seconds each hour during sleep. It is caused by relaxation of the throat muscles; the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and closes, resulting in blocked airways.

The episodes of pauses in breathing are called apneas, which literally means "without breath". An apnea is a period during which breathing either stops or is significantly reduced.

Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:

- Being male
- Being overweight
- Being over age 40
- Having a large neck size (17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women)
- Having large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw bone
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD
- Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems

The most common obstructive sleep apnea symptoms include:

- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening
- Headaches in the morning
- Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, depression, or irritability
- Night sweats
- Restlessness during sleep
- Sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, the first thing to do is see your doctor. Bring with you a record of your sleep, fatigue levels throughout the day, and any other symptoms you might be having. Ask your bed partner if he or she notices that you snore heavily, choke, gasp, or stop breathing during sleep. Be sure to take an updated list of medications, including over the counter medications, with you any time you visit a doctor for the first time. You may want to call your medical insurance provider to find out if a referral is needed for a visit to a sleep center.

One of the most common methods used to diagnose sleep apnea is a sleep study, which may require an overnight stay at a sleep center. The sleep study monitors a variety of functions during sleep including sleep state, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, airflow, and blood oxygen levels. This test is used both to diagnose sleep apnea and to determine its severity. Sometimes, treatment can be started during the first night in the sleep center.

Asthma is a disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Asthma is caused by inflammation (swelling) in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the lining of the air passages swells and the muscles surrounding the airways become tight. This reduces the amount of air that can pass through the airway.

In persons who have sensitive airways, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens or triggers.

Common asthma triggers include:
- Animals (pet hair or dander)
- Dust mites
- Certain medicines (aspirin and other NSAIDS)
- Changes in weather (most often cold weather)
- Chemicals in the air or in food
- Exercise
- Mold
- Pollen
- Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
- Strong emotions (stress)
- Tobacco smoke

Symptoms can include:
- Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
- Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing (intercostal retractions)
- Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity
- Wheezing
 

Other symptoms that may occur:
- Abnormal breathing pattern --breathing out takes more than twice as long as breathing in
- Breathing temporarily stops
- Chest pain
- Tightness in the chest

Symptoms can include:
- Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
- Pulling in of the skin between the ribs when breathing (intercostal retractions)
- Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity
- Wheezing
 

Other symptoms that may occur:
- Abnormal breathing pattern --breathing out takes more than twice as long as breathing in
- Breathing temporarily stops
- Chest pain
- Tightness in the chest

Asthma is usually a lifelong (chronic) disease. If you have asthma, see a doctor regularly. Treatment for asthma requires several steps:
- Monitoring daily asthma symptoms and need for rescue medication in an asthma diary.
- Avoiding asthma triggers.
- Taking medications daily that control inflammation and prevent chronic symptoms (long-term-control drugs).
- Ready availability of drugs to treat asthma attacks when they occur, such as albuterol.

You can help reduce asthma symptoms by avoiding triggers and substances that irritate the airways. Here are some suggestions:

- Cover bedding with allergy-proof casings to reduce exposure to dust mites.
- Remove carpets from bedrooms and vacuum regularly.
- Use only unscented detergents and cleaning materials in the home.
- Keep humidity levels low and fix leaks to reduce the growth of organisms such as mold.
- Keep the house clean and keep food in containers and out of bedrooms. This helps reduce the possibility of cockroaches. Body parts and droppings from cockroaches can trigger asthma attacks in some people.
- If a person is allergic to an animal that cannot be removed from the home, the animal should be kept out of the bedroom. Place filtering material over the heating outlets to trap animal dander. Change the filter in furnaces and air conditioners often.
- Eliminate tobacco smoke from the home. This is the single most important thing a family can do to help someone with asthma. Smoking outside the house is not enough. Family members and visitors who smoke outside carry smoke residue inside on their clothes and hair. This can trigger asthma symptoms. If you smoke, now is a good time to quit.
- Avoid air pollution, industrial dust, and irritating fumes as much as possible.