Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, involves pauses in breathing or a shallowing of breath during sleep. These pauses, or 'apneas', typically occur due to the relaxation of muscles around the throat that causes blockages or a narrowing of the airways. This will then trigger the body to release a shot of adrenaline to wake us up and take a breath, often resulting in sudden snorts or gasps. Though we may not consciously wake up, the disruption is enough to pull us out of the restorative sleep stages. These cycles, once repeated throughout the night, lead to decreased oxygen levels, fragmented sleep, and daytime exhaustion.

An essential metric in assessing sleep apnea is the "AHI" or "Apnea Hypopnea Index," this tells us the average number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep. The severity of sleep apnea is categorized based on this index.

There are three primary types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, causing airway collapse (apnea) or narrowing (hypopnea).
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Arises from the brain's failure to send appropriate signals to breathing muscles, resulting in breathing pauses despite open airways.
• Mixed Sleep Apnea: Combines features of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Recognizable signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include persistent snoring or choking during sleep, eccessive fatigue, the need for day time napping, poor concentration, short-term memory loss, frequent nighttime urination, and restless legs syndrome.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications, including stroke, heart attack, dementia, diabetes, and difficulty managing obesity. Therefore, seeking medical evaluation and treatment is crucial if you suspect you may have sleep apnea.

It all comes down to where you are!

The USA prefers to use "Apnea", while the UK uses "Apnoea".

We tend to be a bit more easy going here in Australia and consider either one to be correct, however "Apnea" tends to be more popular.

Absolutely! Using a CPAP machine should completely eliminate snoring. CPAP therapy keeps your airway open during sleep, preventing the collapses that cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. If snoring continues, it may be due to an incorrect mask fit or pressure settings. We recommend speaking with our support team or heading in to one of our many locations to help you resolve any issues you may be experiencing.

A CPAP machine has four key components that work together for a better night's sleep:

1. CPAP Machine: The main device.
2. Humidifier: to prevent dryness and irritation in the airways.
3. Tubing: Flexible hose connecting the machine to the mask.
4. CPAP Mask: Worn on the face to deliver the air. Comes in various different styles for comfort.

“I personally used to sleep for 8 hours but was still always tired. Quality sleep is more important than quantity. I learned after my diagnostic test that I stopped breathing 28 times per hour, so it’s no wonder I felt so wrecked the next day. After my first night on CPAP, I no longer needed an afternoon nap at 2 PM. To be honest, it’s changed my life to the point that I’m motivated to get off my butt and be productive!”
– Bryce Perron, Managing Director of CPAP Direct

Starting CPAP therapy can be a daunting thought and may not feel natural at first. However, with a little bit of persistence, most people are amazed at how much this therapy can enhance their quality of life.

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and delivers a constant level of air pressure throughout the night. The pressure setting is determined during a sleep study or titration test and remains fixed to that setting for the entire night.

APAP stands for Automatic Positive Airway Pressure. Similar to CPAP therapy, however, APAP automatically adjusts the air pressure in response to changes in airflow needed during sleep.

A Fixed pressure machine (CPAP) is set at a single therapy pressure calibrated through titration testing, these machines will start softly, allowing you to drift off to sleep, before raising up to your personalized therapy level and staying there the rest of the night. While they may be more budget-friendly compared to their automatic counterparts, it's important to note that regular re-testing is essential to keep your CPAP finely tuned to your theraputic needs.

An Automatic machine (APAP) operates within a wide range of pressures. The device will monitor your breathing throughout the night and adjust the airflow as needed to always keep your airways open. While they may be pricier, their adaptive nature is often worth the investment. Alcohol consumption, a change in medication or even just a little more stressed than normal, they can provide the extra air pressure you may require, unlike fixed pressure machines.

The USA operates on a subsidized market with their machines tailored for American citizens and aren't meant to be sold in Australia.

Despite any claims by suppliers, machines bought online from overseas or unaccredited providers come with zero warranty in Australia and are not eligible for health fund rebates. On top of that, we're also advised against altering or tweaking settings for you. This means if you encounter any warranty or setting issues, then you are stuck having to ship your device back to the USA.

Pillows: Also referred to as 'prongs', these masks are the smallest and lightest masks you can use. They sit just inside the nostrils to direct air directly into our airways. Convenient to sleep with on your side or back. To browse pillow masks: click here

Nasal: These masks sit just under the nostrils or over the whole nose. They can have more secure headgear than the pillow masks and minimises nostril irritation. These masks are also great for sleeping on your side or back. To browse nasal masks: click here

Full Face: A larger style mask that covers both the nose and the mouth, full face masks may have more trouble sealing than either the nasal or pillow masks (especially if you lie on your side or front), however they can be great for people with sinus/nasal issues or people unable to breathe through their nose during the night. To browse full face masks: click here

Typically, a CPAP mask lasts around 9-12 months as the silicone cushion and fabric naturally deteriorate with wear and tear. However, with regular cleaning, you might extend its lifespan. There are exceptions to this, such as the The ResMed AirTouch series, which features disposable memory foam cushions that should be replaced every 4-6 weeks.

You can generally replace individual parts of your mask as they fail. However, we would recommend checking the cost of the entire mask at that time, as it can be more cost-effective to purchase the whole unit and have spares for emergencies.

Yes, most CPAP masks are designed to be compatible across different CPAP machines, but it’s always a good idea to check the mask’s compatibility. Some travel CPAP machines or specialty models, like the ResMed AirMini, may require specific masks or adapters to work properly. If you're unsure, contact the manufacturer or your CPAP provider for guidance.

Yes you can! We have a large range of CPAP machines & masks available for hire from all of our CPAP Direct stores. These monthly trials will help you choose the right mask and machine for you and includes free consultations and support throughout. We will even deduct a portion of your rental fee off the price of any CPAP package you choose after your trial! Contact or support team or any of our stores to get started today!

now available for hire equipment!

 *See our T's & C's for more details

Absolutely nothing!

We're dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of your treatment without breaking the bank. That's why we provide an extensive array of complimentary services, including unlimited lifetime phone support, personalized in-store mask fittings, thorough machine checks, follow-up consultations, and convenient sleep reports emailed directly to your physician—all completely free!

If your health fund covers CPAP machines as part of your policy then we've got you covered! As an accredited Australian supplier, the detailed receipt we provide upon checkout is all you should need. However, bear in mind that what you will require to claim can change from fund to fund so it's always best to contact them first to find out exactly what you may need.

Also note that if you buy a machine from an overseas company, you’ll forfeit your health fund rebate.