Always, check the user manual to see manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning and maintenance of equipment. Use distilled water only in humidifier. Below are basic tips:

Make sure to unplug the CPAP from the power source before cleaning. Never immerse your machine in water.

Daily

• Mask and tubing—remove the mask/nasal pillows and tubing from the headgear. Wash in warm, soapy water. Rinse and air dry.
• Humidifier—empty the humidifier. Clean with warm, soapy water. Let air dry. Refill with distilled water.

Weekly

• Filter—replace the filter with a new one if it looks dirty. If you have a reusable filter, wash in warm, soapy water. Rinse, air dry and reinstall.
• Headgear-wash headgear by hand with warm, soapy water. Rinse and let air dry.
• Machine—wipe the outside of the machine with a soft, damp cloth.
• Humidifier-- clean the humidifier chamber with white vinegar to prevent mold growth. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and refill with distilled water before using the humidifier.

These are recommendations only. Always check manufacturer’s instructions. If equipment is covered by insurance, check with their policy on replacing equipment.

• CPAP mask cushions—every 3 to 6 months
• Entire mask—every 6 to 12 months
• Head/chin gear—every 6-9 months unless they no longer hold the mask or jaw firmly or if the Velcro breaks or slips
• Tubing—every 90 days or anytime holes or leaks appear.
• Filter—follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Humidifier chamber—every 6-12 months
• Entire machine—every 3 to 5 years unless not working, then replace immediately.

• Wear just the mask before going to sleep at night, while using the computer, reading or watching television. You can wear it with the hose disconnected from the mask itself if you are moving around.
• You can do the same during the day while doing work around the house.
• Wear the mask every time you sleep, even during naps.
• If you wake during the night and the mask is off, put it back on and at least attempt to rest.

• It may take time to get used to wearing the mask. Unless it is causing pain or irritation, give it a little time.
• Make sure the mask type and style are right for you. It may take some trial and error to find the right one.
• Make sure you are shown how to adjust the mask. A mask that is fitted while you are sitting up will not fit the same as when you are laying down.
• Read all manufacturer instructions as they may help with proper fit ideas.

• A slight redness or irritation is common when first using a CPAP mask.
• Most current masks are latex free but older versions could contain latex.
• Making sure your mask is clean can keep skin irritations to a minimum.
• If the mask does not fit well, it can cause skin irritation.
• A leaky mask can also blow air into your eyes making them dry or teary.
• If the irritation becomes severe or the skin appears to be raw or blistered, stop using the mask and contact your doctor.

• Using a heated humidifier can help with nasal congestion or runny nose by allowing you to control the level of humidity.
• If you use a full-face mask, a humidifier can help with dry mouth.
• If you have nasal or mouth drying, talk to your doctor about using a nasal saline spray.
• Some people also benefit from medications that treat nasal inflammation.
• If your mouth is drying out and you use a nasal mask, try using a chin strap to keep your mouth closed.
• Make sure your mask fits well. A mask that leaks can cause a dry nose and/or mouth.
• If you find the heat uncomfortable, you can turn it off and use non-heated humidification.

• Start by holding just the mask up to your face while you are awake without any other parts attached—maybe while watching television. Once that seems comfortable to you, try using the mask with the straps attached but not the hose.
• Or try holding the mask with the hose connected to your face, without using the straps. When you start to feel comfortable with that, you can try attaching the hose to the CPAP machine and running it with a low-pressure setting. After that you can work on wearing the mask with the straps and with the machine running while awake. After you're comfortable with that, try sleeping with it on.
• It may help to get a different size mask or try a different style, such as one that uses nasal pillows. There are masks and pillows that don’t block your field of vision which could help.
• There might be certain relaxation exercises that can help.
• If nothing seems to work, talk to your doctor or sleep technician.

• Sometimes people feel like they are getting too much or not enough air either coming in or when they exhale. This may be a temporary sensation, or may mean that the pressure settings need to be adjusted. There could also be another medical problem that needs to be addressed.
• It might help using a machine with a "ramp" feature. This allows you to start with low air pressure. The machine then automatically and slowly increases the air pressure to your prescribed setting as you fall asleep. Your doctor can adjust its rate.
• If, after trying this for a couple of weeks, you still can’t get used to the air pressure, you may want to contact your sleep doctor about rechecking the pressure settings and consider alternative

• This can occur when the air from your CPAP enters the esophagus and stomach rather than the lungs.
• It can occur when your CPAP pressure is set too low or too high.
• It can also occur if you are a mouth breather but not wearing a full-face mask.
• Consult your physician if the problem is chronic and persistent.

• Sometimes issues with headaches and earaches can be caused by the pressure being too high or too low. Check this with your doctor or sleep technician to see if an adjustment needs to be made.
• An APAP machine should adjust automatically to the correct pressure. If it doesn’t, check with your doctor to find out why.
• Inadequate ventilation (breathing) also could build up carbon dioxide levels, which can cause headaches. Check with your doctor to make sure you are getting the right pressure to best support your breathing.
• Sinuses can sometimes become blocked from nasal congestion. Treatment of nasal stuffiness as described above and checking with your doctor to make sure you do not have a nasal infection may be helpful.
• Check the humidifier settings to see if the heated water is warm enough to help open sinuses.
• Headaches can be caused if your headgear straps are too tight. Try loosening the straps to see if that helps.

• Heated, humidified air can sometimes cool as it travels from the humidifier through the hose causing condensation.
• You can try using a hose cover which is like a coat for your CPAP hose. It traps the heat inside the tube and prevents it from escaping. This keeps the moisture from condensing.
• You can also try placing the tubing under the bed covers instead of using a hose cover.
• Another option is a heated hose which uses heating coils to warm the air in the tube preventing condensation.

• It takes time to get used to wearing a mask, but keep at it.
• Sometimes a mask will not stay on your face, especially if you move around in your sleep a lot. Check to see if a different mask or better fit helps with this. You may be taking it off because it isn’t fitting right. Using a chin strap can help keep the mask in place.
• Sometimes the CPAP tubing can get tangled so if you toss and turn at night, it could pull the mask off. CPAP tubing holders can help the tubing from getting tangled as it directs the tubing up and over your head.
• You can also try using a special CPAP pillow that is designed to hold the tubing away so it can't create a drag on the mask, cause breaks in the seal, or remove it completely.
• You may be pulling off the mask because your nose is congested or your mouth is dry. Try using a humidifier and make sure there aren’t any mask leaks.
• Anytime you wake up and the mask is off, put it back on.
• If you don’t wake when the mask comes off, think about setting an alarm to check if it is on or off. When you find you are wearing the mask all night, you can stop using the alarm.
• Speak to your provider about trying an automatic setting (A-PAP) vs. a set pressure. The automatic setting will automatically adjust during your sleep cycles.

• Most newer CPAP devices are almost silent but if the noise bothers you, check the filter. If it should be dirty or blocked, it may be causing some noise.
• Have your doctor or CPAP supplier check the machine to see if it is working correctly.
• Try wearing earplugs or use a fan to make “white noise” to cover the sound of the machine.

• There are pads you can purchase that attach around the headgear straps with Velcro to create a cushion between the straps and your skin. You may need to readjust the straps for a better fit if you use these.
• There are mask liners available that can be used as a buffer between the mask and your skin that can also help with air leaks and skin irritation.
• Both of these can also make wearing the mask more comfortable.
• You may also consider wrapping your straps with a 100% silk scarf which will ease marks on your face and ease friction against your hair.

Many newer masks come with a type of vent diffuser that keeps the air from coming out as directly. Ask your CPAP supplier about this if your machine doesn’t come with one.

• It's perfectly understandable that you may feel wearing a mask every night (probably for the rest of your life) is annoying at best and depressing at worst.
• When you find yourself getting frustrated or upset with your CPAP equipment, don't dwell on what the comfort the mask is taking away from you. Instead, remind yourself of the health benefits you are receiving, and the risks you are avoiding by wearing your mask.
• Work with your doctor and CPAP supplier to get the best fit, device and mask.
• Making regular visits to your sleep doctor can help troubleshoot any problems and adjust settings, if needed.
• It can take a while to find the correct settings and get used to the mask.
• It’s okay to ask questions or for help from your doctor, sleep technician or device supplier. This is your health and you should expect quality care.

With time and patience, CPAP can positively affect your quality of life and health.

• Travel can upset your sleep schedule so it is very important to get the best sleep you can while away from home.
• If you will be traveling for several days or especially if you are traveling out of the country, keep a copy of your prescription for your CPAP machine, mask, tubing, filters, headgear and humidifier in your wallet or purse. Accidents, lost luggage, or theft can cause real problems if you have no way to replace any of your CPAP supplies.
• Bring a back-up power supply in case there is an outage of some length or because you are in a location that may not provide electricity. There are portable batteries available that are designed for use with CPAP machines. Make sure to charge it fully before you leave and keep it charged during your trip.
• If traveling out of the country, you may want to invest in a universal power adapter. Power outlets may have a different voltage or your plug may not fit. Find out which adapters will work in the area where you are going.
• CPAP machines use distilled water in the humidifier. If distilled water is not available, you can use bottled water for a short time. Make sure to clean your machine thoroughly as soon as possible to get rid of any water deposits.

• CPAP machines are considered medical equipment.
• Check with the airline about rules for medical equipment such as CPAP. When possible, pack your machine and supplies as a carry on. Most airlines do not count medical equipment towards your personal carry-on item limit.
• CPAP machines are sometimes taken out of the case to run through the security checkpoint. Hoses, headgear and masks usually stay in your bag. Bring a clear plastic bag to put your CPAP machine in so that it does not come into contact with unsanitary bins or conveyors.
• If the security official need to make a closer examination of your CPAP, you can ask them to use a new pair of gloves and a new swab to check it over.
• You may want to check with your airline about using your CPAP. Some airlines require a notice of at least 48 hours if you will be using your CPAP during the flight. They need to verify that your model meets FAA standards and regulations. You may need to label your machine showing that it meets FAA safety regulations and is approved for use on an aircraft.
• If you will be on a long flight, check to see what electrical outlets there may be.

The CPAP machine is affected by a change in altitude, so it will operate differently at higher altitudes. At higher altitudes the air pressure decreases. With less air pressure, the CPAP machine delivers less pressure to open your airway.

Newer CPAP machines automatically compensate for altitude changes. If your CPAP doesn't have an automatic function, you may need to adjust it manually, but do this with your doctor. There are some calculations to be made for manual adjustment. In either case, discussing this with your doctor is a good idea.

At higher altitudes some machines might record a false leak detection. The lower air pressure can cause the pressure sensor in the machine to shut itself off every few seconds.