Roman Korytski
Founder, Air Voel
If you’re one of the millions of Canadians living with sleep apnea, getting properly diagnosed and treated is easier than you think.
Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, can cause loud snoring, gasping for air, and restless sleep. We have many heathy young men and women on CPAP it may unintentionally come across as discriminatory and humiliating to them). Left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues.
That’s where continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines and masks come in. Finding the right device for you can lead to better sleep and improved overall health.
Mediaplanet spoke with Roman Korytski, owner and CEO of Air Voel — an online CPAP store — to discuss the range of CPAP products available and how those with sleep apnea can choose the best one for them.
How did Air Voel come to be?
Co-owner Krystyna Namolovan and I started helping Canadian customers in 2009 with our first CPAP store in Toronto. During COVID, we moved online, offering a one-stop CPAP shopping experience of high-quality, hand-picked products from the world’s finest manufacturers.
How will people know if they need a CPAP machine or mask?
Our Home Sleep Apnea Test provides a quick and convenient alternative to sleep lab testing, delivering a comprehensive report and therapy prescription (if needed) within a few days.
How do CPAP machines/masks work?
CPAP machines blow air through a mask, keeping the airway open with gentle pressure to prevent breathing interruptions during sleep.
What are the different types of CPAP machines and how can people choose the one that’s best for them?
The main types of CPAP machines are stationary (permanent) and travel models.
Stationary machines, like the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet, adjust pressure automatically based on how the person is breathing.
CPAP machines blow air through a mask, keeping the airway open with gentle pressure to prevent breathing interruptions during sleep.
When travelling, many patients prefer portable CPAP machines, which are more compact and convenient. The ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP Machine, for example, weighs less than a pound while boasting all the features of a bedside CPAP machine.
What about the CPAP masks — what are the different types and the benefits of each type?
CPAP masks include nasal masks, nasal pillows, and full-face masks. Choosing the right mask depends on your sleeping position, breathing habits, level of facial obstruction, and personal comfort preferences. Nasal masks are best for nose breathers and side or back sleepers. As they cover only the nose, they provide minimal facial obstruction and are extremely comfortable. Nasal pillows are even less obtrusive, and are ideal for side sleepers and active sleepers. They may not be suitable for those with high-pressure settings, however. Full-face masks are best for those who breathe through their mouth or have nasal obstructions, back sleepers, and those who require high-pressure settings. Other factors to consider include facial hair, claustrophobia, and leakage.
What can customers expect when buying a CPAP product from Air Voel?
We’re proud to provide extensive post-purchase support and have on-staff nurses to help customers choose the right CPAP machine and mask for them. Our products include remote access, which allows health care providers to remotely track, adjust, and optimize patients’ therapy. We also offer a 30-day mask guarantee.
Find the CPAP machine that’s best for you at airvoel.ca.
