This is a common problem, the first thing to do is work on adjusting the headgear. Review the mask user guide to make sure you have the headgear and mask together correctly and in the proper position. Adjust the mask when you are in the sleeping position. If you have facial hair, consider shaving or trimming beard or mustache. Keep the mask clean and replace the cushion and parts when needed.

The cushion will lose its shape from use and also from the oils on your face. Keeping the cushion (part that touches your face) clean and not using harsh cleaning agents will extend the life of your mask. Most cushions are expected to last 4-6 weeks so be sure to replace when needed. Replacing the cushion is like making your mask brand new again.

First, check what you are using to clean the cushion of the mask. You may be sensitive to the soap you are using especially if it contains any harsh ingredients like bleach, alcohol, or fragrance. It is recommended to use a mild dish washing liquid such as Ivory, Joy, Palmolive with no added antibacterial, disinfectants, or bleach. It is not recommended to use DAWN as this is too harsh for the plastics and silicone used in CPAP masks. Some prefer to use baby shampoo or hand soap but be sure it is free of any harsh additives and that you do not mind the fragrance as this may linger in your mask.

Also be sure you are not using facial creams or anti-aging products where the mask comes in contact with your skin. This can cause irritation due to the friction of the mask on top of the creams or oils. Keep your face and the mask cushion clean and dry for low risk of skin irritation.

It is possible that your mask is leaking at the top and air is getting in your eyes while you sleep. Review the mask adjustment and fit to be sure there is no leak that gets to your eyes. If it persists, speak to your CPAP provider. There are mask interfaces or barriers that can be used to decrease the risk of general air leak and air leak to your eyes. These are REMZZZZ’s (thin, cotton mask liners that create a barrier between your face and the mask to alleviate irritation to the skin and decreases air leak), silicone nose pads, etc…

Call REMsafe SLEEP at 877-304-5139.

Most CPAP machines last over 5 years. Remember replacing the Filter when needed assures that you machine’s air intake is consistent which will keep your machine working well longer. Filters should typically be changed when you see dust/dirt on them or they show a color change in the microfiber from white to a gray or brownish color.

Do not try to adjust your CPAP machine yourself. Any changes to your original CPAP pressure settings should be ordered by your physician to the machine provider (REMSafe SLEEP) Your pressure setting was determined by your severity of OSA and based off your reported symptoms. Speak to your Respiratory Therapist if you feel your pressure may not be right for you. Often there are comfort settings that can be changed slightly that do not need a prescription change.

Your CPAP machine should be placed on a flat stable surface preferably at or below the level of your head when you are sleeping. This reduces the risk of the machine falling or being pulled off your bedside table or truck’s bunk shelf. Placing it at or below the level of your head when sleeping assures that if tipped or pulled it will not spill water into the tubing and run down to your mask while sleeping. The use of heated tubing has alleviated the over condensation or water droplets forming in the tube as the air cools on its way to your mask but if using a simple tube in the cooler climates, you could experience water coming into your mask from such condensation.

Full Face cushion Replace every month Nasal cushions or pillows Replace every two weeks Complete mask Replace every 6 months Filter (disposable) Replace every 2-6 weeks determined by color change Water Chamber Replace every 3-6 months or if damaged Tubing or Heated tubing Replace every 3-6 months or if damaged

Daily cleaning of your mask is not usually necessary. Some people choose to wipe the mask cushion (the part that touches your face) to remove any facial oils or mucous from the nights use with a CPAP wipe or basic baby wipe. CPAP wipes can be purchased at CPAPSupplyUSA.com or by calling 877-304-5139. Emptying the left-over water from your chamber should be practiced daily. Do not add more distilled water each night because repeated heating and cooling of the water can result in bacteria growth. Wash your tubing, water chamber, and mask cushion weekly in warm soapy water using mild soap, (no Dawn) rinse well with clear water and let all air dry. You can hang your tubing over a towel bar or shower head after cleaning. Your mask cushion and water chamber can be laid on a paper towel on the counter to dry naturally. Drying them with a towel or cloth can introduce bacteria or dirt to your clean supplies. Do not use supplies until they are dry. Any excess moisture in the system can grow bacteria or fungi. Most new machine such as the Airsense 11 have a bias flow when turned off that runs a low pressure of air through the tubing and mask until the system cools down to decrease the risk of moisture in the system. On the Airsense 11 screen this is relayed by the presence of a snowflake icon on the screen while cooling down.

In most instances, the underlying cause of the unstable upper airway that leads to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is lifelong. However, if your weight was a major factor in your sleep apnea, weight loss can possibly decrease the amount of pressure needed to stabilize your airway. In some cases, weight loss can eliminate the need for PAP therapy. If you do lose or gain significant weight, it is very important to talk with your sleep provider about your PAP therapy.

After your initial diagnosis, a repeat study is not usually necessary unless your original symptoms return, (daytime sleepiness, snoring, interrupted sleep…) you lose or gain significant weight, you have upper airway surgery, or your medical history changes significantly.

Typically, you will start feeling better rested in a matter of weeks! It can take a few weeks to adjust to the mask on your face and to the pressure blowing at your while you sleep. Your body will also try to catch up on backlogged sleep once you are being optimally treated. However, if the prescribed therapy level is not decreasing your AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index which is the number of apnea or low oxygen levels you showed on your sleep test) Optimal treatment usually lowers the AHI to <5. Notify your Respiratory Therapist with REMSafe SLEEP if you are feeling more tired after the first few weeks of therapy.

The most common fix for dryness is increasing your humidity or temperature of your heated tubing. If you do not currently use a heated tube, it is recommended that you check to see if your machine manufacturer offers a heated tube option. The Airsense 11 Device has Auto Climate Control used with a heated tube as default. This allows the machine to sense the air quality entering the machine and self-adjusts the humidity and temperature accordingly. This is proven to optimize the humidification of pressures delivered and comfort to the user. You may also be dry if you are taking any new medication or a diuretic medication. Dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications. It is also important to note that seasonal changes in air quality and moisture can increase the amount of distilled water your machine will use each night. If your mask is over 6 months old or shows signs of wear, it may be leaking more which in turn increases the amount of water used as the flow increases to try to achieve a better seal.

For most people, an appropriate pressure is between 6 and 14 cmH20, with an average of 10 cmH20. Your sleep physician determines what specific level or range is right for you based on your Sleep Study results and sleep historical symptoms.

If your pressure feels too high let the Respiratory Therapist know. There may be some comfort settings that can be adjusted that do not need a prescription. It also could be because of a large leak from your mask which forces the machine to increase pressure to try to achieve a seal. If your pressure truly needs to be adjusted, your physician will change your prescribed pressure and provide to REMSafe SLEEP to adjust your machine remotely. Work with your Respiratory Therapist to troubleshoot the problem and find resolution.

Some people must work harder at becoming comfortable with therapy. You must commit to using your CPAP every night all night to make it a habit and to adjust quickly. If you take a few days off from using it, you start the adjustment period all over again. Commit to using it longer each night until you can get at least 4 hours of use per night. If you wake up with the mask off, replace the mask on your face and go back to sleep. It is not uncommon for you to take it off your face while sleeping until you adjust to having it on.

Often it helps to wear the mask during the day when convenient while it is not attached to your machine. Although you make look strange wearing a CPAP mask while walking around your house or watching TV, it can aid in the adjustment to wearing it. Work with your CPAP provider and your physician to troubleshoot why you are not acclimating to your CPAP therapy.

Most newer units have an auto off feature. If your machine is shutting off during the night during use and this feature is turned on it is most likely due to an elevated mask leak. Try adjusting your headgear and mask. When the leak is high, the machine has difficulty determining if you have taken the mask off or not so the auto off feature will turn the machine off. The first thing you should do is think how long you have been using the same cushion on your mask. These cushions are meant to last 1-2 months so if you have not changed the cushion recently, this could be the reason your auto off is engaging.