Frequently asked questions

Welcome to the Whitzard Medical FAQ page, where you’ll find answers to common questions about our brand. Our page covers a wide range of topics, from our CPAP products and clinical solutions to our operational practices and sleep apnea fundamentals. Whether you’re new to Whitzard Medical, a long-term user, or a healthcare provider, our frequently asked questions page is designed to support your needs with clear, reliable information.

Sleep Apnea

What are the current treatments for sleep apnea?

Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy — most commonly known as “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)” — is recognized as the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).1 Whitzard Medical’s CPAP devices, such as the SleepSync™ series, feature intelligent sensing technology that adapts to breathing rhythms in real-time, while enabling remote monitoring of device data by physicians via a cloud-based platform. This design allows healthcare providers to precisely adjust settings and ensure proper usage, significantly improving long-term CPAP treatment success rates.2 Additionally, the accompanying health management app supports users in self-recording sleep data, enabling dynamic tracking of treatment outcomes and personalized adjustments.

Does sleep apnea worsen with age?

The symptoms of sleep apnea generally worsen with age. This is associated with several physiological and health factors. As people age, the muscle tone of the upper respiratory tract gradually weakens, making the airway more prone to collapse during sleep. Meanwhile, issues such as weight fluctuations (especially abdominal fat accumulation) and fragmented sleep patterns are more common among middle – aged and elderly people, further increasing the risk of airway obstruction. Additionally, the incidence of age – related chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, rises. These diseases have a two – way relationship with sleep apnea. They can trigger sleep apnea due to decreased blood vessel elasticity and weakened neural regulation, and at the same time, nighttime oxygen deprivation can in turn exacerbate the symptoms of these underlying diseases, creating a vicious cycle.

Can untreated sleep apnea pose serious health risks?

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a range of serious health risks. It is closely associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases (such as coronary heart disease, arrhythmias), stroke, treatment-resistant hypertension, metabolic disorders (including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes), and even cognitive decline.1 While direct deaths from sleep apnea alone are rare, the cumulative multi-system damage caused by long-term hypoxia and disrupted sleep patterns can significantly elevate long-term mortality risks. Therefore, early screening and standardized treatment are crucial for reducing health hazards.

How many apneas per hour are considered severe?

The severity of sleep apnea is typically determined by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which counts two types of events: the number of apneas (brief pauses in breathing) and hypopneas (shallow breathing episodes) per hour of sleep.7

Mild sleep apnea: 5–14 events per hour
Moderate sleep apnea: 15–29 events per hour
Severe sleep apnea: 30 or more events per hour

How does a CPAP machine know when I'm asleep?

CPAP devices are engineered to monitor patient usage patterns. Many models feature sleep onset detection technology, which identifies sleep by tracking characteristic respiratory pattern changes (e.g., slower breathing rate, stabilized airflow) to activate prescribed therapy. Whitzard Medical’s SleepSync™ App — a self-monitoring tool for users with connected devices, compatible with Apple Health and/or Google Fit sleep trackers — displays the quality of sleep apnea treatment your body receives during rest.

CPAP Basics

Can a CPAP machine detect if you stop breathing?

Most modern CPAP devices can detect instances where you stop breathing (known as apnea events) or experience shallow breathing (called hypopnea events). Equipped with airflow and pressure sensors, CPAP machines monitor respiratory patterns in real time, capturing abnormal events and recording their frequency throughout the night. This data is compiled into detailed treatment reports, allowing healthcare providers to assess therapy effectiveness. Additionally, Whitzard Medical’s SleepSync™ app syncs with the device, enabling both users and clinicians to review event statistics and track treatment progress dynamically.

How many events per hour are normal with CPAP?

With effective Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, the goal is to reduce the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) to fewer than 5 events per hour—considered the normal range. Achieving this level typically indicates that CPAP therapy is effectively managing sleep apnea symptoms. Whitzard Medical’s CPAP devices record event data in real time, with statistics viewable on the device screen or via the SleepSync™ app, helping users and healthcare providers easily monitor treatment compliance.

Why should a CPAP machine be placed below bed height?

CPAP machines are typically recommended to be positioned below the level of the bed, primarily to prevent condensation (known as the “raindrop effect”) in the tubing. If the machine is placed higher than the head, moisture from the humidifier may condense in the tubing and flow back into the mask, causing discomfort and disrupting therapy. Placing the machine lower leverages gravity to direct moisture toward the device rather than the mask, effectively avoiding this issue.
In addition to placement height, factors such as room temperature, humidifier settings, and tubing type (heated vs. unheated) can affect condensation. Whitzard Medical’s CPAP devices are equipped with heated tubing designs to further reduce condensation caused by temperature differences, enhancing user comfort.

What happens to the exhaled air in a CPAP mask?

CPAP masks are engineered with specialized ventilation structures that facilitate the continuous expulsion of exhaled air. When the device is operating normally, the steady flow of fresh air from the machine flushes exhaled air out through the mask’s micro-vent ports. Whitzard Medical’s masks feature an optimized vent layout, which enhances exhaled air evacuation efficiency while minimizing airflow noise, ensuring quieter nighttime use.

What percentage of people fail with CPAP?

Research data shows that approximately 20% of users will discontinue CPAP treatment within five years.8 Discomfort from wearing the mask and inconveniences during nighttime use (such as tube tangling) are common reasons for treatment interruption. These issues can be effectively improved through continuous follow-up by the medical team, timely adjustment of device parameters or replacement of a properly fitting mask. Whitzard Medical’s adaptive mask series uses skin-friendly materials and a lightweight design, which can reduce wearing discomfort. Combined with the usage reminder function of the app, it helps improve long-term treatment compliance.

Why do I wake up after 4 hours on my CPAP machine?

There could be multiple reasons for waking up midway while using CPAP. Common triggers include discomfort from ill-fitting masks, nasal dryness causing mucosal irritation, pressure settings mismatched with breathing patterns, and difficulty adapting to airflow sounds.
Addressing these issues may involve: switching to Whitzard Medical’s adaptive mask for better fit, activating the device’s intelligent humidification to alleviate dryness, using the SleepSync™ app to record sleep data and assist doctors in optimizing pressure settings, or gradually adjusting to therapy airflow. It is advisable to consult your sleep medical team to review therapy reports and develop personalized solutions.

Are there any long-term side effects from using a CPAP machine?

Long-term use of CPAP is generally safe, with potential side effects being mild and reversible. These include nasal dryness or congestion, skin irritation at mask contact points, air swallowing, dry mouth, and rarely, sinus or ear pressure issues.
Most of these can be effectively managed: intelligent humidification system balances moisture levels to reduce nasal dryness; the adaptive mask uses skin-friendly silicone to minimize skin irritation; and doctors can precisely adjust pressure settings based on data from the app to reduce air swallowing. Regular communication with your healthcare team is recommended to optimize treatment plans.

Whitzard Medical's CPAP Products

Is Whitzard CPAP safe to use?

All Whitzard CPAP devices and masks are safe for patients to use — provided that the patient follows the proper directions for use. Whitzard has established a rigorous multi-stage testing protocol, including biocompatibility testing, pressure stability verification, and long-term use simulation tests from raw material selection to final product delivery, with patient safety as the top priority.
Clinical data shows that when used in accordance with healthcare team guidelines, the incidence of adverse events with Whitzard CPAP devices is significantly lower than the industry average. For usage questions, official instructions are available via the SleepSync™ app, or one-on-one operational guidance can be obtained by contacting customer service.

What is the life expectancy of a Whitzard CPAP device?

App features built-in equipment maintenance reminders, automatically prompting users to replace filters, masks, and other consumables based on usage duration. Through the official resupply platform, users can conveniently obtain genuine accessories. It is also advisable to consult your equipment provider for personalized maintenance guidance.

What is the life expectancy of a Whitzard CPAP device?

The life expectancy of a CPAP device varies by specific model; Whitzard’s mainstream models such as the SleepCore™ series typically remain functional for approximately five years. Sleep apnea therapy equipment requires regular maintenance and replacement of consumables, which is crucial for ensuring comfort and compliance with therapy.
Whitzard’s SleepSync™ app features built-in equipment maintenance reminders, automatically prompting users to replace filters, masks, and other consumables based on usage duration. Through the official resupply platform, users can conveniently obtain genuine accessories. It is also advisable to consult your equipment provider for personalized maintenance guidance.

Usage and Maintenance

Should I wear my CPAP all night?

To get the most out of CPAP therapy, it’s important to wear your device whenever you sleep and keep it on for the entire duration of sleep. Whitzard’s adaptive masks, featuring lightweight design and breathable materials, enhance comfort during all-night wear, reducing the likelihood of removal midway.

Note that some insurance providers may have specific usage duration requirements for reimbursement eligibility. Therefore, consult your healthcare team about your insurance’s usage criteria. Additionally, you can track usage duration via the app to ensure compliance.

Can I wear a CPAP mask while I’m awake?

Wearing a CPAP mask while awake is particularly beneficial for new users. This period helps the body gradually adapt to airflow pressure and mask sensation, reducing resistance during nighttime use. Whitzard’s adaptive masks feature adjustable head straps and flexible sealing edges, ensuring a comfortable fit even during awake activities (such as reading or sitting quietly) without the discomfort of traditional masks. It is recommended to start with 10-15 minutes of awake wear daily, gradually extending the duration. Use the app to record pressure tolerance data during adaptation, allowing healthcare teams to adjust initial therapy parameters and improve long-term compliance.

Why do I keep waking up with my CPAP mask off?

When starting CPAP therapy, it takes time for your body to adjust to wearing the mask all night — it’s not uncommon to wake up finding the mask off without remembering removing it. This is often linked to poor fit, discomfort, or initial resistance to airflow.

Product Lifespan and Replacement

How many years is a CPAP good for?

The life expectancy of a CPAP machine varies by specific model, but in general, most CPAP machines last approximately five years. Sleep apnea therapy equipment requires regular maintenance and replacement of consumables, which is crucial for maintaining treatment comfort and compliance.
official resupply channels ensure the compatibility of replacement parts, and users can also consult their equipment provider for personalized maintenance advice.

How often should I replace my CPAP machine?

CPAP machines typically require replacement every five years, though the exact timeline varies by model.Proper maintenance (regular cleaning and timely consumable replacement) can extend the machine’s effective lifespan.For further clarification, contact Whitzard’s official support team for model-specific advice.

How often should I replace my CPAP related cleaning supplies?

Based on normal usage and effectiveness, we recommend the following guidelines for replacing your CPAP cleaning supplies:
Every two weeks, you should replace:
Mask cleaning wipes
Disinfectant spray for CPAP accessories
Every month, you should replace:
Tube cleaning brush
CPAP equipment cleaning solution
Every 3 months, you should replace:
Filter cleaning tool
Humidifier descaling agent
Filter cleaning tool
Remember to consult your supplier, as some suppliers may have specific recommendations for the replacement cycle of cleaning supplies.

Troubleshooting and Issues

Why does my CPAP make unusual noises at night?

If your CPAP machine has a high-efficiency filtration system — a feature designed to reduce air impurities while maintaining smooth airflow — your device may produce whistling or rattling sounds at night if the filter is clogged, the tubing is loose, or the humidifier water level is too low. If it’s not the filtration system causing the unusual noises, you may want to check for loose parts or contact your CPAP equipment provider to assist with identifying the issue.

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