The Haven blog
Practical writing for CPAP users.
Specific, honest answers about therapy, supplies, side effects, and the parts of life with sleep apnea no one prepared you for. 18 articles and counting.
Most read
- Care & Maintenance6 min read
How Often Should You Replace Your CPAP Filter?
Disposable every 14 days. Reusable every 6 months — but most people should swap monthly. Why the manufacturer dates aren't optional.
Read article → - Troubleshooting8 min read
Why Your CPAP Mask Isn't Sealing — And How to Fix It
The six fixable causes of mask leak, ranked by how often each one is the actual culprit. Most users assume size when the problem is wear.
Read article → - Care & Maintenance7 min read
How to Clean Your CPAP Machine — A Realistic Guide
Daily rinse, weekly soap-and-water, monthly vinegar soak for the chamber. Skip the ozone cleaner. Cleaning doesn't replace replacing.
Read article →
Therapy & Health
6 articles
- 8 min read
Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss: What the Research Actually Says
Losing 10% of body weight cuts AHI by ~20% on average. CPAP and weight loss aren't substitutes — they compound.
- 9 min read
Can Sleep Apnea Be Cured?
Depends on the cause. Anatomical apnea sometimes can. Weight-related apnea is improvable, rarely fully reversible. The honest options, ranked.
- 6 min read
Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea: How to Tell the Difference
Snoring is noise. Sleep apnea is breathing stoppage. Most apnea patients snore, but most snorers don't have apnea.
- 8 min read
The First 90 Days on CPAP: What to Expect, Week by Week
Most CPAP failure happens in the first 30 days. A realistic timeline of what weeks one to twelve actually feel like.
- 9 min read
Inspire (Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation) vs. CPAP: The Honest Comparison
Inspire works for the right patient — but the eligibility is strict and the trade-offs are real. The honest comparison.
- 8 min read
CPAP Insurance Coverage: What's Covered, What Isn't, and the Workarounds
Medicare covers CPAP supplies on a strict replacement schedule. Here's exactly what — and when paying cash actually saves you money.
Care & Maintenance
3 articles
- 6 min read
How Often Should You Replace Your CPAP Filter?
Disposable every 14 days. Reusable every 6 months — but most people should swap monthly. Why the manufacturer dates aren't optional.
- 7 min read
How to Clean Your CPAP Machine — A Realistic Guide
Daily rinse, weekly soap-and-water, monthly vinegar soak for the chamber. Skip the ozone cleaner. Cleaning doesn't replace replacing.
- 5 min read
Why You Should Use Distilled Water in Your CPAP
Tap and bottled water both leave mineral residue that compounds in your chamber. Distilled is the only one without dissolved solids.
Equipment
4 articles
- 8 min read
AirSense 10 vs AirSense 11: A Practical Comparison
The AirSense 11 isn't a revolution — it's a refinement. Here's what's actually different, and which one you should buy if you have a choice.
- 7 min read
The Best CPAP Masks for Side Sleepers
Side-sleeping breaks most CPAP seals. The fix isn't a magic mask — it's choosing one with minimal hardware in contact with the pillow.
- 7 min read
Best CPAP Masks for Mouth Breathers
If your mouth opens during sleep, you need a mask that covers it. Honest comparison of the F30i, F20, AirTouch, and DreamWear Full Face.
- 7 min read
BiPAP vs. CPAP: Which One Do You Need?
CPAP is one pressure. BiPAP is two. Most users only need CPAP — but here's when BiPAP actually matters.
Troubleshooting
4 articles
- 8 min read
Why Your CPAP Mask Isn't Sealing — And How to Fix It
The six fixable causes of mask leak, ranked by how often each one is the actual culprit. Most users assume size when the problem is wear.
- 6 min read
Why Is My CPAP So Loud? The Fixes, In Order
A working CPAP is quieter than a refrigerator. If yours has gotten loud, the cause is almost never the machine itself.
- 7 min read
CPAP Side Effects: What's Normal, What Isn't, and What to Do
Most CPAP side effects are fixable in one setting change. Here's what causes each, and what to actually do about it.
- 6 min read
Mouth Breathing on CPAP: Why It Happens and How to Stop It
If your mouth opens during sleep with a nasal mask, the pressurized air leaks out. Three fixes: chinstrap, mouth tape, full-face mask.