FAQ by Category
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Education:
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA is a common medical disorder in which breathing stops during sleep for at least 10 seconds or longer. When the muscles supporting the tongue and soft palate relax during sleep, the airway becomes narrower, causing snoring and difficulty breathing. When these muscles relax excessively, the tongue and tissues completely block the airway preventing breathing completely. Apneic episodes may occur as often as 500 times each night. This leads to a decline in the oxygen level of the blood, and causing other health consequences. The person may wake up gasping, but may not remember awakening due to these events. During REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, apneic events are the most severe. This is due to a loss of musculature or paralysis that causes apnea to be at its worse because the muscles in the upper airway and the tongue collapse and prevent any air from entering the lungs.
What is snoring?
Snoring is a noise produced during sleep, usually when an individual breathes in. It occurs when the muscles associated with structures at the back of throat relax during sleep. This causes vibration of some or all of those structures (soft palate, uvula and sometimes tonsils). All snorers have incomplete obstruction of the upper airway. Many habitual snorers have complete episodes of upper airway obstruction where the airway is completely blocked for a period of time. This is usually followed by snorts and gasps as the individual fights to take a breath.
Should I worry if I snore?
There are different kinds of snoring that can indicate different things. Primary snoring, also known as simple snoring, is characterized by loud upper airway breathing sounds and NO episodes of apnea. Primary snoring is often treated by losing weight, sleeping on your side and refraining from alcohol and sedatives. It can also be treated with oral devices that help maintain an open airway, or, various types of surgery that involve removing excess tissue from the throat.
Snoring can sometimes be a symptom of a serious disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). "Apnea" means the absence of breathing. Clinically, "apnea" is defined as stoppage of breathing for 10 seconds or more. When an individual snores loud enough to disturb others, it is usually a strong indication of obstructive sleep apnea. If this is the case, then the individual needs to be evaluated by a sleep specialist. Treatment for sleep apnea includes sleeping with a special machine called a CPAP.
What are the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
If you or someone you know snores regularly and has one or more of the following symptoms, it may be Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
- Snoring, interrupted by pauses in breathing
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
- Poor judgment or concentration
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Obesity
- Large neck size (>17" in men; >16" in women)
- Crowded airway
- Morning headache
- Frequent urination at night
What happens if Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not treated?
There is possible increased risk for:
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Decreased quality of life
- Stroke
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Travel Information:
If I'm away for only a day or two, do I really need to bring it with me?
Chances are that you have had sleep apnea for many years without any treatment at all. Not using the device for a day or two should not cause irreparable harm, but people who use their PAP device on a regular basis report that they feel significantly better and more alert during their waking hours when they have used the device the previous night. Many people feel so much better after using the device that any inconvenience of traveling with it is more than compensated by their restful sleep and improved daytime alertness.
Will my device be harmed by the metal detectors at the airport?
No. It is absolutely safe. Baggage inspectors are used to seeing PAP devices and usually wave them on without question. Some patients keep a copy of their original PAP prescription in the PAP travel bag in case there is any question about traveling with a device that is available by prescription only.
Are there any special considerations for international travel?
All current generation PAP devices automatically detect and convert voltage differences in different countries. The only special consideration is to make sure you have the correct plug adapter for the country you will be visiting. These plugs are available at most electronics and luggage stores.
Can I check my PAP device with my baggage, or should I bring it as carry-on?
We strongly recommend that PAP devices should only be handled as a carry-on item. The devices are not built to withstand the jostling that checked baggage must endure, and may get damaged or perhaps lost.
Does my PAP device "count" as a carry-on item?
According to FAA regulations, as a medical device, your PAP device is not supposed to count as one of your carry-on items. As a practical matter however, many airlines do count it as a carry-on. Department of Transportation's Air Consumers Rights website.
To find out the latest in transportation issues and how they may affect your travel, please contact your airline directly. Also, you may visit the Department of Transportation's website, pertaining to restrictions carrying on medical equipment.
Can I use my PAP device during a flight?
If you plan on sleeping on the plane, particularly for overnight flights, you should contact your airline to find out if there are any restrictions when using your PAP device. Whether battery operated or requiring electrical connection, all electrical devices have the potential to interfere with important aircraft systems. The use of personal electronic equipment is also governed by FAA regulations. Many airlines require that you clear the usage of the device with them before you actually use it, preferably at least 48 hours before departure. They may need to know the name and telephone number of your physician. Some airlines also restrict the usage of the device to use in First Class or Business Class.
Can I go camping with my PAP device?
Some devices have adapters available to run via direct current (DC) with either a cigarette lighter adapter or a connector to go directly to as 12V marine battery. See your manufacturer's manual for details. In general, a CPAP device uses about 20 watts of power, which needs to be sustained for about seven hours. If you want to use a humidifier, the power consumption dramatically increases to about 300 watts.
Should I bring my humidifier with me?
See the appropriate sections above on International Travel and Camping.
What if I can't find distilled water while I'm traveling?
We recommend the use of distilled water so that the chamber holding the water remains as clean as possible. If there are any minerals in the water, the metal plate at the bottom of the chamber will accumulate mineral deposits and the chamber will get cloudy. If you are unable to find distilled water while traveling, the use of tap or bottled water (not mineral water) is probably better than not using a humidifier at all. Some humidifier chambers can be opened for cleaning. If yours can be opened, make sure to clean it thoroughly when you return home. Remember, replacement chambers are available through ABCpap.com.
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Insurance Considerations:
Is CPAP equipment covered by my insurance provider?
This depends on the severity of your sleep disorder, and benefits available based on your insurance policy. Some insurance entities, such as Blue Cross, require a patient to rent a PAP device for a certain period (i.e. 10 months) before they will reimburse for a purchase, while some insurers will cover the purchase of any type of supplies or equipment from any equipment provider. Medical necessity is the determining factor in most cases. You should contact your insurance company at the phone number on the back of your card and ask about their medical policy for covering PAP devices and replacement supplies.
You probably know that prices on the internet are considerably lower than those of most local home care suppliers of CPAP equipment, who may charge up to three times what we charge. Even if your insurance company reimburses at these higher prices, remember that policyholders may end up paying for it through higher deductibles and higher co-payments.
Will you bill my insurance company?
No, though we will provide you with the important billing codes you will need in order to file a claim with your insurance company. You should also send a copy of your prescription along with your invoice and claim form. Your insurance company may also require a copy of your diagnostic sleep study, if they have no record of covering the cost previously. We recommend that you call them to find out exactly what paperwork they will require in order to pay your claim.
What is a HCPCS Code?
HCPCS is an acronym for Health Care Procedure Coding System. HCPCS codes are assigned to Medical Supplies, Equipment & Services in order to help providers and insurance companies specify what services where provided. Each item supplied to you will have one or more HCPCS codes.
What is a CPT code?
CPT is an acronym for Current Procedure Terminology. CPT codes refer to procedures or services performed by physicians on or for patients.
Billing Codes
| E0601-NU |
CPAP & Auto CPAP |
| E0470-NU |
Bi-Level |
| E0562-NU |
Heated Humidifier |
| E0561-NU |
Passover Humidifier |
| A7034-NU |
Nasal Mask |
| A7032-NU |
Nasal Mask Cushion |
| A7033-NU |
Nasal Pillows |
| A7030-NU |
Full Face Mask |
| A7031-NU |
Full Face Cushion |
| A7044-NU |
Oral Mask |
| A7035-NU |
Headgear |
| A7036-NU |
Chin Strap |
| A7037-NU |
Tubing |
| A7038-NU |
Disposable Filters |
| A7039-NU |
Reusable Filters |
| A7046-NU |
Humidifier Chamber |
| A4604-NU |
Tubing with Integrated Heating |
| E1399 |
Miscellaneous Items |
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Product Questions:
Do I need a prescription to purchase CPAP, Auto CPAP or Bi-Level devices?
Yes, we need a prescription from your doctor in order to purchase these items. A copy of your sleep study is not a substitute for a prescription. Additionally, the prescription should be current and not older than one year from issuance.
Which items require a prescription?
All Auto CPAPs, Bi-level devices and CPAP devices require a prescription. It should indicate the pressure setting(s) and should be faxed to us toll free at 877-361-7378
What should the prescription say?
If you are purchasing a CPAP, it should indicate the word "CPAP" along with your prescribed pressure setting, expressed in centimeters of water ("cm H2O"). If you are purchasing an Auto PAP, the Rx should show a minimum and a maximum pressure, reflecting the range of pressures that your device will fluctuate throughout the night (i.e. 6-13 cm H2O).
For a Bi-Level device, your prescription should indicate a higher inspiratory pressure and a lower expiratory pressure (i.e. 14 I / 10 E cm H2O).
What is the easiest way to clean the tubing that contain a small tube inside?
Visit Puritan Bennett's
Solvit Center for complete cleaning instructions.
How do I know if I should I use a nasal mask, nasal pillows or a full face mask?
Typically, this is a personal issue of comfort, and some people find they may have to try several styles before they find the one that feels best and fits most securely. A key to a good mask fit is to be sure you are able to maintain a good seal, meaning that you will not have air leaking around your mask. The headgear should not be pulled too tight or this may cause discomfort, or leaks at the bridge of the nose or in the corners of the nose.
If you do not like the feeling of wearing a mask over your nose, then an interface with nasal pillows may be a better alternative. With these interfaces, the air from the PAP device goes directly into the nasal passages, thereby reducing the contact points on your face. The seal is created at the base of each nostril. Masks with nasal pillows are an excellent option for people who tend to feel claustrophobic.
You should consider a
full face mask if you breathe through your mouth while sleeping, have nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, polyps or nasal congestion or allergies.
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Replacement Schedule as Allowed by Insurance Companies:
Insurance Code |
Device & Supplies |
Reimbursement Frequency |
| E0601-NU |
CPAP & Auto-CPAP |
Inquire w/ insurance co. |
| E0470-NU |
Bi-Level |
Inquire w/ insurance co. |
| E0562-NU |
Heated Humidifier |
Inquire w/ insurance co. |
| E0561-NU |
Passover Humidifier |
Inquire w/ insurance co. |
| A7034-NU |
Nasal Mask |
1 every 3 months |
| A7032-NU |
Nasal Mask Cushion |
2 per month |
| A7033-NU |
Nasal Pillows |
2 pair per month |
| A7030-NU |
Full Face Mask |
1 every 3 months |
| A7031-NU |
Full Face Cushion |
1 per month |
| A7044-NU |
Oral Mask |
1 every 3 months |
| A7035-NU |
Headgear |
1 every 6 months |
| A7036-NU |
Chin Strap |
1 every 6 months |
| A7037-NU |
Tubing |
1 per month |
| A7038-NU |
Disposable Filters |
2 per month |
| A7039-NU |
Reusable Filters |
1 every 6 months |
| A7046-NU |
Humidifier Chamber |
every 6 months |
| E1399 |
Miscellaneous Items |
Inquire w/ insurance co. |
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Mask Sizing Gauges:
Whether you are looking to replace your existing mask, or you are purchasing a mask for the first time, ABCpap.com is here to help select the right mask for you. Some nasal masks and interfaces are packaged with several cushion or pillows sizes, while others are packaged with one specific size. If you have not already been sized by a professional sleep care provider for your specific mask style, ABCpap.com offers sizing gauges that can be downloaded and printed from our site. Please read our Return Policy before purchasing your mask.
If the mask you are interested in does not have a sizing gauge available on ABCpap.com, it may be packaged with all sizing options, or the manufacturer may not have made a sizing gauge available. All sizing gauges are provided as a courtesy from the manufacturers. If you have any questions about sizing or selecting a mask on ABCpap.com, please contact our Customer Care Department at 1-877-361-7378 or by emailing us at customercare@abcpap.com.
Fisher & Paykel
Respironics
ResMed
Puritan Bennett
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Mask Incentive Program:
In order to maintain the maximum benefit from your equipment, it is recommended that you replace your mask every 3 to 6 months. This is due to normal usage that can cause air leaks or skin reactions, and make your treatment less effective. We have developed a program designed to help make this a little easier for our customers.
How it works:
- Order any regularly priced mask on ABCpap.com
- A promotional code will be included on your invoice
- The code is valid for 1 purchase only and will expire 6 months from the date of purchase if unused
- Order another mask on ABCpap.com within 6 months
- Enter the promotional code during checkout
- 10% of the purchase price for the mask will be deducted from your order total
- Receive another promotional code for your next purchase!
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Country Codes:
What is a Country Code?
A "Country Code" is a 2 digit abbreviation given to each country. This code is used to identify the country for shipping and for billing purposes.
Example: "US" represents the United States
Please refer to the list below if you are not sure of your country's code.
| UNITED STATES |
US |
| ÅLAND ISLANDS |
AX |
| ALBANIA |
AL |
| ALGERIA |
DZ |
| AMERICAN SAMOA |
AS |
| ANDORRA |
AD |
| ANGOLA |
AO |
| ANGUILLA |
AI |
| ANTARCTICA |
AQ |
| ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA |
AG |
| ARGENTINA |
AR |
| ARMENIA |
AM |
| ARUBA |
AW |
| AUSTRALIA |
AU |
| AUSTRIA |
AT |
| AZERBAIJAN |
AZ |
| BAHAMAS |
BS |
| BAHRAIN |
BH |
| BANGLADESH |
BD |
| BARBADOS |
BB |
| BELARUS |
BY |
| BELGIUM |
BE |
| BELIZE |
BZ |
| BENIN |
BJ |
| BERMUDA |
BM |
| BHUTAN |
BT |
| BOLIVIA |
BO |
| BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA |
BA |
| BOTSWANA |
BW |
| BOUVET ISLAND |
BV |
| BRAZIL |
BR |
| BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY |
IO |
| BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |
BN |
| BULGARIA |
BG |
| BURKINA FASO |
BF |
| BURUNDI |
BI |
| CAMBODIA |
KH |
| CAMEROON |
CM |
| CANADA |
CA |
| CAPE VERDE |
CV |
| CAYMAN ISLANDS |
KY |
| CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC |
CF |
| CHAD |
TD |
| CHILE |
CL |
| CHINA |
CN |
| CHRISTMAS ISLAND |
CX |
| COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS |
CC |
| COLOMBIA |
CO |
| COMOROS |
KM |
| CONGO |
CG |
| CONGO, THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE |
CD |
| COOK ISLANDS |
CK |
| COSTA RICA |
CR |
| CÔTE D'IVOIRE |
CI |
| CROATIA |
HR |
| CUBA |
CU |
| CYPRUS |
CY |
| CZECH REPUBLIC |
CZ |
| DENMARK |
DK |
| DJIBOUTI |
DJ |
| DOMINICA |
DM |
| DOMINICAN REPUBLIC |
DO |
| ECUADOR |
EC |
| EGYPT |
EG |
| EL SALVADOR |
SV |
| EQUATORIAL GUINEA |
GQ |
| ERITREA |
ER |
| ESTONIA |
EE |
| ETHIOPIA |
ET |
| FALKLAND ISLANDS (MALVINAS) |
FK |
| FAROE ISLANDS |
FO |
| FIJI |
FJ |
| FINLAND |
FI |
| FRANCE |
FR |
| FRENCH GUIANA |
GF |
| FRENCH POLYNESIA |
PF |
| FRENCH SOUTHERN TERRITORIES |
TF |
| GABON |
GA |
| GAMBIA |
GM |
| GEORGIA |
GE |
| GERMANY |
DE |
| GHANA |
GH |
| GIBRALTAR |
GI |
| GREECE |
GR |
| GREENLAND |
GL |
| GRENADA |
GD |
| GUADELOUPE |
GP |
| GUAM |
GU |
| GUATEMALA |
GT |
| GUERNSEY |
GG |
| GUINEA |
GN |
| GUINEA-BISSAU |
GW |
| GUYANA |
GY |
| HAITI |
HT |
| HEARD ISLAND AND MCDONALD ISLANDS |
HM |
| HOLY SEE (VATICAN CITY STATE) |
VA |
| HONDURAS |
HN |
| HONG KONG |
HK |
| HUNGARY |
HU |
| ICELAND |
IS |
| INDIA |
IN |
| INDONESIA |
ID |
| IRAN, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF |
IR |
| IRAQ |
IQ |
| IRELAND |
IE |
| ISLE OF MAN |
IM |
| ISRAEL |
IL |
| ITALY |
IT |
| JAMAICA |
JM |
| JAPAN |
JP |
| JERSEY |
JE |
| JORDAN |
JO |
| KAZAKHSTAN |
KZ |
| KENYA |
KE |
| KIRIBATI |
KI |
| KOREA, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF |
KP |
| KOREA, REPUBLIC OF |
KR |
| KUWAIT |
KW |
| KYRGYZSTAN |
KG |
| LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC |
LA |
| LATVIA |
LV |
| LEBANON |
LB |
| LESOTHO |
LS |
| LIBERIA |
LR |
| LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA |
LY |
| LIECHTENSTEIN |
LI |
| LITHUANIA |
LT |
| LUXEMBOURG |
LU |
| MACAO |
MO |
| MACEDONIA, THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF |
MK |
| MADAGASCAR |
MG |
| MALAWI |
MW |
| MALAYSIA |
MY |
| MALDIVES |
MV |
| MALI |
ML |
| MALTA |
MT |
| MARSHALL ISLANDS |
MH |
| MARTINIQUE |
MQ |
| MAURITANIA |
MR |
| MAURITIUS |
MU |
| MAYOTTE |
YT |
| MEXICO |
MX |
| MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF |
FM |
| MOLDOVA, REPUBLIC OF |
MD |
| MONACO |
MC |
| MONGOLIA |
MN |
| MONTENEGRO |
ME |
| MONTSERRAT |
MS |
| MOROCCO |
MA |
| MOZAMBIQUE |
MZ |
| MYANMAR |
MM |
| NAMIBIA |
NA |
| NAURU |
NR |
| NEPAL |
NP |
| NETHERLANDS |
NL |
| NETHERLANDS ANTILLES |
AN |
| NEW CALEDONIA |
NC |
| NEW ZEALAND |
NZ |
| NICARAGUA |
NI |
| NIGER |
NE |
| NIGERIA |
NG |
| NIUE |
NU |
| NORFOLK ISLAND |
NF |
| NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS |
MP |
| NORWAY |
NO |
| OMAN |
OM |
| PAKISTAN |
PK |
| PALAU |
PW |
| PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, OCCUPIED |
PS |
| PANAMA |
PA |
| PAPUA NEW GUINEA |
PG |
| PARAGUAY |
PY |
| PERU |
PE |
| PHILIPPINES |
PH |
| PITCAIRN |
PN |
| POLAND |
PL |
| PORTUGAL |
PT |
| PUERTO RICO |
PR |
| QATAR |
QA |
| RÉUNION |
RE |
| ROMANIA |
RO |
| RUSSIAN FEDERATION |
RU |
| RWANDA |
RW |
| SAINT HELENA |
SH |
| SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS |
KN |
| SAINT LUCIA |
LC |
| SAINT PIERRE AND MIQUELON |
PM |
| SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES |
VC |
| SAMOA |
WS |
| SAN MARINO |
SM |
| SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE |
ST |
| SAUDI ARABIA |
SA |
| SENEGAL |
SN |
| SERBIA |
RS |
| SEYCHELLES |
SC |
| SIERRA LEONE |
SL |
| SINGAPORE |
SG |
| SLOVAKIA |
SK |
| SLOVENIA |
SI |
| SOLOMON ISLANDS |
SB |
| SOMALIA |
SO |
| SOUTH AFRICA |
ZA |
| SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS |
GS |
| SPAIN |
ES |
| SRI LANKA |
LK |
| SUDAN |
SD |
| SURINAME |
SR |
| SVALBARD AND JAN MAYEN |
SJ |
| SWAZILAND |
SZ |
| SWEDEN |
SE |
| SWITZERLAND |
CH |
| SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC |
SY |
| TAIWAN, PROVINCE OF CHINA |
TW |
| TAJIKISTAN |
TJ |
| TANZANIA, UNITED REPUBLIC OF |
TZ |
| THAILAND |
TH |
| TIMOR-LESTE |
TL |
| TOGO |
TG |
| TOKELAU |
TK |
| TONGA |
TO |
| TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO |
TT |
| TUNISIA |
TN |
| TURKEY |
TR |
| TURKMENISTAN |
TM |
| TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS |
TC |
| TUVALU |
TV |
| UGANDA |
UG |
| UKRAINE |
UA |
| UNITED ARAB EMIRATES |
AE |
| UNITED KINGDOM |
GB |
| UNITED STATES |
US |
| UNITED STATES MINOR OUTLYING ISLANDS |
UM |
| URUGUAY |
UY |
| UZBEKISTAN |
UZ |
| VANUATU |
VU |
| Vatican City State see HOLY SEE |
VA |
| VENEZUELA |
VE |
| VIET NAM |
VN |
| VIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH |
VG |
| VIRGIN ISLANDS, U.S. |
VI |
| WALLIS AND FUTUNA |
WF |
| WESTERN SAHARA |
EH |
| YEMEN |
YE |
| Zaire see CONGO, THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE |
CD |
| ZAMBIA |
ZM |
| ZIMBABWE |
ZW |
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