CPAP
CPAP unit should be placed approximately two (2) feet off the floor, sitting on a small shelf or stool. The CPAP unit should never be placed at the same height as the bed.
Wipe CPAP unit down at least weekly and remove any dust from filters. The part of the mask/nasal pillows that come in contact with the patient should be wiped down daily with warm soapy water. The shell of the mask and the headgear should be washed weekly with warm soapy water.
If your room is on the cool side, you may want to place the CPAP tubing under the covers to help prevent rainout from occurring and having the unit “spit” water at your nose, and to prevent water from gurgling in the tubing.
Humidifier
The humidifier setting should be set at a comfortable level (usually a setting of 2). If you experience a dry nose, runny nose, nose bleeds then you should increase the humidifier setting to a setting that resolves this issue.
Empty the humidifier daily and fill the reservoir with new fresh distilled water. If distilled water is not available, use purified water. If purified water is not available, use bottled water. Only use tap water as a last resort. (Tap water causes calcium and lime build up).
Once a week rinse out the reservoir with warm soapy water. The reservoir can be replaced every 6 months.
Filter
Change/clean filter per your DME provider. Mask and tubing should be cleaned weekly in warm soapy water with a small amount of vinegar. Rinse mask and tubing well to remove vinegar odor. Let all items air dry.
Hose
Once a week clean out the hose with warm soapy water. You can dry your hose by attaching the hose and turning on your CPAP unit.
Mask/nasal pillow/headgear
The part of the mask/nasal pillows that comes in contact with you should be wiped down daily with warm soapy water.
The shell of the mask and the headgear should be washed weekly with warm soapy water. You can use a 1:3 solution of white vinegar and warm water for a good cleaning of the mask. Bleach should not be used.
The CPAP mask and headgear, depending on the type of insurance, can be replaced every 3-6 months.
Traveling
Always make sure the humidifier is empty when traveling.
When flying, always carry your CPAP with you, NEVER check it as baggage on airlines. You will have to remove the CPAP unit so that it can be tested by the TSA.
Always make sure you have your mask and tubing with you.
You will need appropriate plug adapters when traveling outside the United States.
