Welcome to CPAP Therapy
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine uses a hose and mask or nosepiece to deliver constant and steady air pressure. The CPAP machine creates enough pressure in your airway to hold the tissue open, so your airway does not collapse. The soft, steady jet of air from the CPAP machine creates enough pressure to keep the airway open.
CPAP SET UP GUIDE
Step 1:
Set CPAP unit level to your bed or lower on bedside table and plug in CPAP unit with power cord to your wall outlet. Make sure you clear the space around your CPAP unit as it needs to pull in air through the filter. Your unit will automatically power up on once you attach mask and breath.
Step 2:
Remove water chamber and fill to “Max” line, using distilled water. Carefully insert water chamber back into the unit. Make sure to empty water chamber each morning, allow to air dry and refill with distilled water in the evening.
Step 3:
Connect tubing to unit. Ensure to match the shape of tubing to the back of your unit connection and insert. If using heated tubing you will have to pinch both sides of tubing connection to remove your tubing from unit for weekly cleaning.
Step 4:
Place mask on your face and fit your mask using mask straps on the side. Ensure the cushion of your mask is properly placed on the bridge of your nose with your straps loose. Find a place where you can lay down in your normal sleep position (on the back, or on the side). Take a breath in and out to start your air flow in your CPAP device. Now using the straps pull gently until you have a good seal and then secure fit into place. Make sure the mask is snug but not overly tight which is a common problem. Be sure the mask is just secure enough to create a proper seal.
Step 5:
Connect your mask to your CPAP using the tubing.
Step 6:
Take a couple deep breaths and the unit should turn on. Re-adjust mask on face if air leaking out of mask.
*CALL US IF YOU ARE HAVING ANY ISSUES*
Don’t wait; if you are having problems call us we have many solutions available to help you.
CPAP SETTINGS
“Auto” Start – plug the unit into your wall outlet, connect the tubing to mask and once you start breathing through the mask your machine will automatically turn on. If you wake up and take the mask off of your face the machine will automatically turn off after 7 seconds, it will turn back on once you put your mask back on.
“Auto” Humidity – This is the default mode, set to an air temperature at the mask of 27°C and 85% relative humidity. If you feel the need to decrease or increase the temperature, you need to switch Climate Control into Manual mode, and carefully look at the humidity level as well as the heated tube temperature to help prevent condensation in the tubing..
“Auto” Ramp – This feature allows the machine to start at a lower pressure for a pre-set period of time. The pressure will slowly start to increase until it eventually gets to your prescribed pressure setting. By the time the machine ramps up to your full pressure you will be asleep. The time of this ramp feature can be adjusted based on how long it takes you to fall asleep. If you wake up during the night activate ramp again, by turning off the unit and then restarting pressure delivery, to reduce pressure and make it more comfortable to fall asleep again.
Getting used to the mask – Try wearing just the mask for short periods of time during the day to get used to the fit of the mask and the feeling of something on your face. You could then try to wear the mask with the pressure blowing, still during the daytime maybe as you are watching TV or reading a book. If you find you have taken the mask off during the night, put it back on and go back to sleep. Try making adjustments to the mask in a laying position. Make sure not to over tighten your mask as this can lead to discomfort, marks and sores on face, and air leaks. Consistency is key, wear your mask as long as you can every night and you will soon get used to it. If it doesn’t work please call us to set an appointment to try a different style mask.
Adjusting – Expect this first month of your CPAP therapy to be the adjustment period. The next couple weeks may involve some trial and error as you get accustomed to your pressure setting. Try to use the CPAP device every time you sleep whether it is at night or during naps. Inconsistency in wearing the CPAP machine may delay your compliance.
Goal – The goal is to wear your CPAP unit a minimum of 4 hrs each night, with the intention of wearing therapy for your whole sleep, in order for you to feel the benefits of therapy. If you have a large mask leak we will need you to try to adjust mask at home first and if it still is leaking give our office a call for help.
Please note – Your CPAP screen will go into sleeping mode while you are wearing the CPAP unit, your unit is still on and blowing air, but the lights to the unit will go off as to not illuminate your room while you sleep. Your CPAP screen will show you are report of your sleep each time the unit turns off. We will monitor this on our end. Just pay attention to “Mask” as we want to make sure you have a Green Happy face showing. If you continually have a Red Sad face showing under “Mask” you may need to adjust your mask.
CPAP CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Daily
1. Wipe mask down daily with CPAP wipes or clean wet cloth to remove body oils & skin cells. Do not use Lysol or anything anti-bacterial this will damage the silicone seal.
2. Empty water chamber each morning, allow to air dry and refill humidifier with fresh distilled water before bed.
Weekly
1. Wash your humidifier chamber, mask, and hose in warm soapy water (use mild dish soap). Rinse well after with water and let air dry.
Tips
- To prevent the buildup of mineral deposits in your water chamber use only distilled water.
- To prevent organism growth it is necessary to regularly clean your humidifier, hoses, mask or nasal pillows.
Replacement Supplies (Most insurance providers will cover this cost)
Every 3-6 Months – Mask, hose and water chamber to ensure optimal therapy results and to avoid bacteria growth.
Every 1- 3 Months – Unit filter, mask seal, and headgear.
Helpful Links:
https://pages.resmed.com/sleep-apnea-how-to-start-cpap-therapy.html
https://www.resmed.com/en-us/covid-19/
Video Links:
Full Face Mask Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY61YxgFwWE
Nasal Mask Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_kTSko5Vak
Unit Set up Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOGkJvSPhsM
Helpful Websites:
http://www.resmed.com
We are here to help!
www.homesleepcare.com
1.888.570.9601
COMMON QUESTIONS
My mask is causing redness/sores – Adjust the straps on your headgear and make sure straps are not too tight. Be sure you are wiping the cushion daily and washing the mask weekly. If redness persists you may need to switch masks or add a mask liner. Give your local Home Sleep Care location a call.
My eyes are dry – Ensure your mask is not leaking into your eyes before you go to sleep. Always adjust your mask when you are lying down with the CPAP unit running. Tighten only enough to stop a leak.
My mouth is extremely dry when I wake up – Increase the humidity control on your CPAP unit and note how much water is left in the water chamber in the morning. There are many reasons why you may have a dry mouth. It is best to call us, as we can often troubleshoot problems by talking directly with you.
My Nose is very dry/my nose feels stuffed up in the morning – Increase the humidity control on your CPAP unit, this will help your sinus passage to adjust to the increased volume of air that CPAP provides.
I wake up and I’ve taken my mask off – You will find you do this less as you become accustomed to therapy. Don’t give up. After 3 days give our office a call if you cannot keep mask on your face throughout the night.
How should I feel after using CPAP therapy – Every client varies significantly in his or her ability to adapt to CPAP therapy. On average, most clients take approximately 4-6 weeks to adjust to sleeping reasonably comfortable with their machine. It is extremely important to use your CPAP equipment consistently every night during the initial adjustment period.
Clients vary in their response to this type of therapy. Some clients feel rested and energetic within the first few days. For other clients, positive effects may not be experienced for several weeks or as much as 3-4 months after CPAP therapy has begun.
The benefits of CPAP therapy – Reduction in the incidence of long term health consequences such as coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation. Help reduce high blood pressure, obesity, asthma, seizers, and headaches.
Welcome to APAP Therapy
APAP – or Automatic Positive Airway Pressure – is a medical grade device which delivers a prescribed air pressure into the airways of the patient, in order to prevent the airways from collapsing during sleep.
APAP SET UP GUIDE
Step 1:
Set APAP unit level to your bed or lower on bedside table and plug in APAP unit with power cord to your wall outlet. Make sure you clear the space around your APAP unit as it needs to pull in air through the filter. Your unit will automatically power up on once you attach mask and breath.
Step 2:
Remove water chamber and fill to “Max” line, using distilled water. Carefully insert water chamber back into the unit. Make sure to empty water chamber each morning, allow to air dry and refill with distilled water in the evening.
Step 3:
Connect tubing to unit. Ensure to match the shape of tubing to the back of your unit connection and insert. If using heated tubing you will have to pinch both sides of tubing connection to remove your tubing from unit for weekly cleaning.
Step 4:
Place mask on your face and fit your mask using mask straps on the side. Ensure the cushion of your mask is properly placed on the bridge of your nose with your straps loose. Find a place where you can lay down in your normal sleep position (on the back, or on the side). Take a breath in and out to start your air flow in your APAP device. Now using the straps pull gently until you have a good seal and then secure fit into place. Make sure the mask is snug but not overly tight which is a common problem. Be sure the mask is just secure enough to create a proper seal.
Step 5:
Connect your mask to your APAP using the tubing.
Step 6:
Take a couple deep breaths and the unit should turn on. Re-adjust mask on face if air leaking out of mask.
*CALL US IF YOU ARE HAVING ANY ISSUES*
Don’t wait; if you are having problems call us we have many solutions available to help you.
APAP SETTINGS
“Auto” Start – plug the unit into your wall outlet, connect the tubing to mask and once you start breathing through the mask your machine will automatically turn on. If you wake up and take the mask off of your face the machine will automatically turn off after 7 seconds, it will turn back on once you put your mask back on.
“Auto” Humidity – This is the default mode, set to an air temperature at the mask of 27°C and 85% relative humidity. If you feel the need to decrease or increase the temperature, you need to switch Climate Control into Manual mode, and carefully look at the humidity level as well as the heated tube temperature to help prevent condensation in the tubing..
“Auto” Ramp – This feature allows the machine to start at a lower pressure for a pre-set period of time. The pressure will slowly start to increase until it eventually gets to your prescribed pressure setting. By the time the machine ramps up to your full pressure you will be asleep. The time of this ramp feature can be adjusted based on how long it takes you to fall asleep. If you wake up during the night activate ramp again, by turning off the unit and then restarting pressure delivery, to reduce pressure and make it more comfortable to fall asleep again.
Getting used to the mask – Try wearing just the mask for short periods of time during the day to get used to the fit of the mask and the feeling of something on your face. You could then try to wear the mask with the pressure blowing, still during the daytime maybe as you are watching TV or reading a book. If you find you have taken the mask off during the night, put it back on and go back to sleep. Try making adjustments to the mask in a laying position. Make sure not to over tighten your mask as this can lead to discomfort, marks and sores on face, and air leaks. Consistency is key, wear your mask as long as you can every night and you will soon get used to it. If it doesn’t work please call us to set an appointment to try a different style mask.
Adjusting – Expect this first month of your PAP therapy to be the adjustment period. The next couple weeks may involve some trial and error as you get accustomed to your pressure setting. Try to use the APAP device every time you sleep whether it is at night or during naps. Inconsistency in wearing the PAP machine may delay your compliance.
Goal – The goal is to wear your APAP unit a minimum of 4 hrs each night, with the intention of wearing therapy for your whole sleep, in order for you to feel the benefits of therapy. If you have a large mask leak we will need you to try to adjust mask at home first and if it still is leaking give our office a call for help.
Please note – Your APAP screen will go into sleeping mode while you are wearing the APAP unit, your unit is still on and blowing air, but the lights to the unit will go off as to not illuminate your room while you sleep. Your APAP screen will show you are report of your sleep each time the unit turns off. We will monitor this on our end. Just pay attention to “Mask” as we want to make sure you have a Green Happy face showing. If you continually have a Red Sad face showing under “Mask” you may need to adjust your mask.
APAP CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Daily
1. Wipe mask down daily with CPAP wipes or clean wet cloth to remove body oils & skin cells. Do not use Lysol or anything anti-bacterial this will damage the silicone seal.
2. Empty water chamber each morning, allow to air dry and refill humidifier with fresh distilled water before bed.
Weekly
1. Wash your humidifier chamber, mask, and hose in warm soapy water (use mild dish soap). Rinse well after with water and let air dry.
Tips
- To prevent the buildup of mineral deposits in your water chamber use only distilled water.
- To prevent organism growth it is necessary to regularly clean your humidifier, hoses, mask or nasal pillows.
Replacement Supplies (Most insurance providers will cover this cost)
Every 3-6 Months – Mask, hose and water chamber to ensure optimal therapy results and to avoid bacteria growth.
Every 1-3 Months – Unit filter, mask seal, and headgear.
Helpful Links:
https://pages.resmed.com/sleep-apnea-how-to-start-cpap-therapy.html
https://www.resmed.com/en-us/covid-19/
Video Links:
Full Face Mask Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY61YxgFwWE
Nasal Mask Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_kTSko5Vak
Unit Set up Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOGkJvSPhsM
Helpful Websites:
http://www.resmed.com
We are here to help!
www.homesleepcare.com
1.888.570.9601
COMMON QUESTIONS
My mask is causing redness/sores – Adjust the straps on your headgear and make sure straps are not too tight. Be sure you are wiping the cushion daily and washing the mask weekly. If redness persists you may need to switch masks or add a mask liner. Give your local Home Sleep Care location a call.
My eyes are dry – Ensure your mask is not leaking into your eyes before you go to sleep. Always adjust your mask when you are lying down with the APAP unit running. Tighten only enough to stop a leak.
My mouth is extremely dry when I wake up – Increase the humidity control on your APAP unit and note how much water is left in the water chamber in the morning. There are many reasons why you may have a dry mouth. It is best to call us, as we can often troubleshoot problems by talking directly with you.
My Nose is very dry/my nose feels stuffed up in the morning – Increase the humidity control on your APAP unit, this will help your sinus passage to adjust to the increased volume of air that APAP provides.
I wake up and I’ve taken my mask off -You will find you do this less as you become accustomed to therapy. Don’t give up. After 3 days give our office a call if you cannot keep mask on your face throughout the night.
How should I feel after using APAP therapy – Every client varies significantly in his or her ability to adapt to APAP therapy. On average, most clients take approximately 4-6 weeks to adjust to sleeping reasonably comfortable with their machine. It is extremely important to use your APAP equipment consistently every night during the initial adjustment period.
Clients vary in their response to this type of therapy. Some clients feel rested and energetic within the first few days. For other clients, positive effects may not be experienced for several weeks or as much as 3-4 months after APAP therapy has begun.
The benefits of APAP therapy – Reduction in the incidence of long term health consequences such as coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation. Help reduce high blood pressure, obesity, asthma, seizers, and headaches.
Welcome to BiPAP Therapy
BiPAP – stands for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure – BiPAP machines have two pressure settings: the prescribed pressure for inhalation (ipap), and a lower pressure for exhalation (epap). The dual settings allow the patient to get more air in and out of their lungs.
BiPAP SET UP GUIDE
Step 1:
Set BiPAP unit level to your bed or lower on bedside table and plug in BiPAP unit with power cord to your wall outlet. Make sure you clear the space around your BiPAP unit as it needs to pull in air through the filter. Your unit will automatically power up on once you attach mask and breath.
Step 2:
Remove water chamber and fill to “Max” line, using distilled water. Carefully insert water chamber back into the unit. Make sure to empty water chamber each morning, allow to air dry and refill with distilled water in the evening.
Step 3:
Connect tubing to unit. Ensure to match the shape of tubing to the back of your unit connection and insert. If using heated tubing you will have to pinch both sides of tubing connection to remove your tubing from unit for weekly cleaning.
Step 4:
Place mask on your face and fit your mask using mask straps on the side. Ensure the cushion of your mask is properly placed on the bridge of your nose with your straps loose. Find a place where you can lay down in your normal sleep position (on the back, or on the side). Take a breath in and out to start your air flow in your APAP device. Now using the straps pull gently until you have a good seal and then secure fit into place. Make sure the mask is snug but not overly tight which is a common problem. Be sure the mask is just secure enough to create a proper seal.
Step 5:
Connect your mask to your BiPAP using the tubing.
Step 6:
Take a couple deep breaths and the unit should turn on. Re-adjust mask on face if air leaking out of mask.
*CALL US IF YOU ARE HAVING ANY ISSUES*
Don’t wait; if you are having problems call us we have many solutions available to help you.
BiPAP SETTINGS
“Auto” Start – plug the unit into your wall outlet, connect the tubing to mask and once you start breathing through the mask your machine will automatically turn on. If you wake up and take the mask off of your face the machine will automatically turn off after 7 seconds, it will turn back on once you put your mask back on.
“Auto” Humidity – This is the default mode, set to an air temperature at the mask of 27°C and 85% relative humidity. If you feel the need to decrease or increase the temperature, you need to switch Climate Control into Manual mode, and carefully look at the humidity level as well as the heated tube temperature to help prevent condensation in the tubing..
Ramp – This feature allows the machine to start at a lower pressure for a pre-set period of time. The pressure will slowly start to increase until it eventually gets to your prescribed pressure setting. By the time the machine ramps up to your full pressure you will be asleep. The time of this ramp feature can be adjusted based on how long it takes you to fall asleep. If you wake up during the night activate ramp again, by turning off the unit and then restarting pressure delivery, to reduce pressure and make it more comfortable to fall asleep again.
Getting used to the mask – Try wearing just the mask for short periods of time during the day to get used to the fit of the mask and the feeling of something on your face. You could then try to wear the mask with the pressure blowing, still during the daytime maybe as you are watching TV or reading a book. If you find you have taken the mask off during the night, put it back on and go back to sleep. Try making adjustments to the mask in a laying position. Make sure not to over tighten your mask as this can lead to discomfort, marks and sores on face, and air leaks. Consistency is key, wear your mask as long as you can every night and you will soon get used to it. If it doesn’t work please call us to set an appointment to try a different style mask.
Adjusting – Expect this first month of your BiPAP therapy to be the adjustment period. The next couple weeks may involve some trial and error as you get accustomed to your pressure setting. Try to use the BiPAP device every time you sleep whether it is at night or during naps. Inconsistency in wearing the BiPAP machine may delay your compliance.
Goal – The goal is to wear your BiPAP unit a minimum of 4 hrs each night, with the intention of wearing therapy for your whole sleep, in order for you to feel the benefits of therapy. If you have a large mask leak we will need you to try to adjust mask at home first and if it still is leaking give our office a call for help.
Please note – Your BiPAP screen will go into sleeping mode while you are wearing the BiPAP unit, your unit is still on and blowing air, but the lights to the unit will go off as to not illuminate your room while you sleep. Your BiPAP screen will show you are report of your sleep each time the unit turns off. We will monitor this on our end. Just pay attention to “Mask” as we want to make sure you have a Green Happy face showing. If you continually have a Red Sad face showing under “Mask” you may need to adjust your mask.
BiPAP CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Daily
1. Wipe mask down daily with CPAP wipes or clean wet cloth to remove body oils & skin cells. Do not use Lysol or anything anti-bacterial this will damage the silicone seal.
2. Empty water chamber each morning, allow to air dry and refill humidifier with fresh distilled water before bed.
Weekly
1. Wash your humidifier chamber, mask, and hose in warm soapy water (use mild dish soap). Rinse well after with water and let air dry.
Tips
- To prevent the buildup of mineral deposits in your water chamber use only distilled water.
- To prevent organism growth it is necessary to regularly clean your humidifier, hoses, mask or nasal pillows.
Replacement Supplies (Most insurance providers will cover this cost)
Every 3-6 Months – Mask, hose and water chamber to ensure optimal therapy results and to avoid bacteria growth.
Every 1-3 Months – Unit filter, mask seal, and headgear.
Helpful Links:
https://pages.resmed.com/sleep-apnea-how-to-start-cpap-therapy.html
https://www.resmed.com/en-us/covid-19/
Video Links:
Full Face Mask Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY61YxgFwWE
Nasal Mask Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_kTSko5Vak
Unit Set up Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOGkJvSPhsM
Helpful Websites:
http://www.resmed.com
We are here to help!
www.homesleepcare.com
1.888.570.9601
COMMON QUESTIONS
My mask is causing redness/sores – Adjust the straps on your headgear and make sure straps are not too tight. Be sure you are wiping the cushion daily and washing the mask weekly. If redness persists you may need to switch masks or add a mask liner. Give your local Home Sleep Care location a call.
My eyes are dry – Ensure your mask is not leaking into your eyes before you go to sleep. Always adjust your mask when you are lying down with the BiPAP unit running. Tighten only enough to stop a leak.
My mouth is extremely dry when I wake up – Increase the humidity control on your BiPAP unit and note how much water is left in the water chamber in the morning. There are many reasons why you may have a dry mouth. It is best to call us, as we can often troubleshoot problems by talking directly with you.
My Nose is very dry/my nose feels stuffed up in the morning – Increase the humidity control on your BiPAP unit, this will help your sinus passage to adjust to the increased volume of air that BiPAP provides.
I wake up and I’ve taken my mask off – You will find you do this less as you become accustomed to therapy. Don’t give up. After 3 days give our office a call if you cannot keep mask on your face throughout the night.
How should I feel after using BiPAP therapy – Every client varies significantly in his or her ability to adapt to BiPAP therapy. On average, most clients take approximately 4-6 weeks to adjust to sleeping reasonably comfortable with their machine. It is extremely important to use your APAP equipment consistently every night during the initial adjustment period.
Clients vary in their response to this type of therapy. Some clients feel rested and energetic within the first few days. For other clients, positive effects may not be experienced for several weeks or as much as 3-4 months after BiPAP therapy has begun.
The benefits of BiPAP therapy – Reduction in the incidence of long term health consequences such as coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation. Help reduce high blood pressure, obesity, asthma, seizers, and headaches.
