Articles by Chris Vasta

Articles by Chris Vasta

Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes and is frequently tapped to provide reviews on new releases.



  • Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Tips
    September 19, 2024

    Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Tips

    An oxygen concentrator is one of the primary sources of supplemental oxygen. Patients managing respiratory conditions depend on their oxygen concentrator for better breathing. Those who require long-term respiratory treatment need to maintain their oxygen concentrator properly. A well-cared-for oxygen concentrator can provide many years of reliable service.

  • Vaseline and Oxygen Therapy
    September 10, 2024

    Vaseline and Oxygen Therapy: Is it Safe?

    Regular use of oxygen for treating a respiratory condition can often lead to side effects. The dry air of oxygen therapy may cause dry lips, and the consistent contact of the nasal cannula can cause soreness around the nostrils. Patients may use some type of lubricant to soothe these chafed and sore areas. One of the most common household skin lubricants, petroleum jelly, however, is not recommended.

  • Best Home Oxygen Concentrators of 2022
    August 13, 2024

    Comparing the Best Home Oxygen Concentrators of 2024

    Managing oxygen therapy at home is safe, easy, and comfortable with a reliable home oxygen concentrator. To select a home oxygen concentrator, consider the features that are most important to you and the oxygen settings you need based on your prescription. Here are few of the best from leading manufacturers in 2024. 

  • What Does a Nebulizer Do for Asthma
    August 6, 2024

    What Does a Nebulizer Do for Asthma?

    When an asthma attack strikes, asthma sufferers reach for their nebulizer. While we typically think of inhalers as the solution for asthma, nebulizers are another option for many people who prefer fast relief. But what do nebulizers do to help treat asthma? What is a Nebulizer? Nebulizers are devices that turn liquid medicine into a mist. Unlike inhalers, which are manual i...
  • What Is A Pulse Oximeter?
    July 24, 2024

    What Is A Pulse Oximeter?

    Pulse oximeters are an essential tool for quickly measuring blood oxygen levels non-invasively. Monitoring blood oxygenation helps identify unhealthy oxygen saturation in the blood. Low measurements are the first indicator that someone needs medical attention due to reduced oxygen levels.  What is a Pulse Oximeter? A pulse oximeter is a small device that is usually placed on the...
  • Relationship Between COPD and Allergies
    July 16, 2024

    Relationship Between COPD and Allergies

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD can block airflow and make it hard for patients to breathe. Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath and a chronic cough. People with this condition can also have other breathing health issues including asthma or allergies. These respiratory conditions can worsen the symptoms of COPD.

  •  How To Attach A Humidifier To An Oxygen Concentrator?
    July 9, 2024

    How To Attach A Humidifier To An Oxygen Concentrator?

    When you use your oxygen concentrator regularly, you may find that your throat, mouth, and nasal passages become dry. Pure oxygen, especially high flow oxygen above 5 liters per minute, can cause this dryness. Adding a humidifier to your oxygen concentrator will hydrate the airflow and make your oxygen therapy more comfortable. Do You Need A Humidifier with An Oxygen Concentrator? A ...
  • What Is A Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator?
    June 26, 2024

    What Is A Medical Grade Oxygen Concentrator?

    Managing a respiratory illness requires due diligence on the part of patients. They may be expected to conduct tests at home that might be typically done in a doctor’s office. However, being part of the solution also empowers patients to maintain higher standards of care for themselves and stay alert of any health changes.

  • How to Test Lung Function at Home
    June 17, 2024

    How to Test Lung Function at Home

    Managing a respiratory illness requires due diligence on the part of patients. They may be expected to conduct tests at home that might be typically done in a doctor’s office. However, being part of the solution also empowers patients to maintain higher standards of care for themselves and stay alert of any health changes.

  • Do You Need a Prescription for an  Oxygen Concentrator?
    June 9, 2024

    Do You Need a Prescription for an Oxygen Concentrator?

    In accordance with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), oxygen concentrators are considered a Class II Medical Device. This means that you must have a valid prescription from a board-certified doctor in order to purchase one. Why Do You Need a Prescription for an Oxygen Concentrator? The FDA seeks to ensure that oxygen supplies, including oxygen concentrators, are being prope...
  • Best Portable Nebulizers Of 2022
    May 29, 2024

    Best Portable Nebulizers Of 2024

    Nebulizers help manage respiratory illnesses to prevent attacks or increased severity of the illness. Portable nebulizers allow users to take their treatments on the go so their lifestyle is not limited by their respiratory illness. We have reviewed some of the best portable nebulizers on the market to find which brands provide the most benefits to patients. Our experts have looked at key features from preferred devices and have selected the best portable nebulizers of 2022.  

  • what is a jet nebulizer
    May 14, 2024

    What is a Jet Nebulizer?

    Jet nebulizers use compressed gas to make medicated mist. These nebulizers deliver this gas through a pressurized stream of air, down a narrow tube or channel, and through an opening to create a jet. The movement of the air creates a vacuum that pushes the liquid medication out of the nebulizer, driving the misted medication deep into the lungs. Jet nebulizers are inexpensive, easy to use, and can deliver a variety of medications that cannot be administered by handheld inhalers.