CPAP Resources

Now that you have a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (or CPAP) machine, here are a few resources you'll need.

CPAP Therapy Troubleshooting Guide

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSES	WHAT TO DO
Air Pressure feels too high or too low	Air pressure is set incorrectly	Email Dallas Sleep to check pressure settings
Air Pressure feels too high or too low	Air pressure settings may need adjustment for comfort	Schedule an appointment with Dallas Sleep
Air from the machine is too hot	Temperature setting on the humidifier is too high or the temperature in the room is too hot	Lower the setting on humidifier, lower temperature in the room, or use heated tubing to enable constant temperature and humidity control
	Tubing under the blanket	Keep the tubing above the blanket
	Dirty filters	Clean or replace filters
Air from the machine is too cold	Room temperature is too low	Place tubing (if standard) under blankets, increase room temperature, or use heated tubing for constant temperature control
Rainout/moisture inside the mask	Water level too high in the water tub	Lower water level if above max point
Rainout/moisture inside the mask	Heated air is cooling inside the tubing	Use heated tubing or use tubing wrap
Dry mouth or nose	The flow from the CPAP is drying the membranes	Increase humidifier settings or use heated tube for comfort
Dry mouth or nose	Dry mouth	Switch to a full face mask if already using a nasal. Call your DME supplier for full face mask options
Eye irritation	Mask may be leaking air into your eyes	Adjust your mask or headgear
Mouth falls open during sleep	High pressure levels or mouth breather	Use a chin strap or call your DME supplier for full face mask options
Air leaks around the mask	Mask not fitting properly/wrong size	Call your DME supplier
Sore on forehead or bridge of nose	Inappropriate fitting mask	Call your DME supplier
	Wrong size mask	Call your DME supplier
	Headgear too tight	Loosen headgear
Initial symptoms worsen or reappear (snoring, daytime sleepiness, etc.)	Weight gain	Schedule an appointment with Dallas Sleep
	Pressure setting incorrect	Schedule an appointment with Dallas Sleep
No pressure/ flow from machine	Power cord may be disconnected from machine OR no power to outlet	Plug power cord into grounded outlet and try another outlet
No pressure/ flow from machine	Equipment malfunction	Call your DME supplier
To contact Dallas Sleep, Email us: info@dallas-sleep.com

CPAP and Supplies Cleaning Schedule

SUPPLIES	FREQUENCY	WHAT TO DO
CPAP Mask or Nasal Pillows	Daily	Wash your face before putting on your mask each night. Mask should be washed daily with warm soapy water and rinsed well. Allow to air dry on towel.
Humidifier Chamber	Daily	Always fill with distilled water before using. Chamber should be washed daily with warm soapy water and rinsed well. Allow to dry on towel.
Tubing	Weekly	Once every week wash the tube with warm soapy water and rinse well. Allow to air dry.
Humidifier Chamber	Weekly	Wash with warm soapy water and rinse well. Soak in 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for 30 minutes. Rinse well and allow to dry on a towel.
Headgear	Weekly	Hand wash in warm soapy water and rinse well. Allow to air dry.
Exterior of Machine	Weekly	Wipe with a damp cloth.
Disposable Filter		Do not wash – replace white disposable filter every month!

CPAP Resupply Eligibility (for most insurance, please check with yours to verify)

ITEM	REPLACE
Full face mask and headgear	Every 6 months
Full face cushion replacement	Every 1 month
Nasal mask and headgear	Every 6 months
Nasal cushion replacement	Every 1 month (Medicare = 2 per month)
Nasal pillow mask and headgear	Every 6 months
Nasal pillow replacement	Every 1 month (Medicare = 2 per month)
Chinstrap	Every 6 months
Tubing	Every 3 months
Filters	Every 1 month (Medicare = 2 per month)
Water Chamber	Medicare = Every 6 months