CPAP/BiPAP Patient Instructions

115 John Maddox Dr

Rome, GA 30165
Phone: 706-266-4086

Kevin Cooper, Owner/Respiratory Therapist

 Purpose of CPAP/BiPAP Therapy
The purpose of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is to provide your airway with supporting
pressure so they do not collapse. The airways relax during sleep and this can cause them to collapse, which can
cause you to stop breathing and wake up. When this happens repeatedly, your time spent in restful sleep is
decreased. Having your sleep continually interrupted can cause daytime sleepiness and puts additional stress on
your heart and other major organs. By keeping your airways open with the air pressure, you can breathe
without being awakened, which means you can get more restful sleep.

Because CPAP machines provide positive pressure to your airways, they require a prescription from your
physician. Your CPAP machine and its supplies are being supplied to you in conjunction with the prescription
obtained from your physician.

Always read and abide by all manufacturers’ operating instructions.

Types of CPAP/BiPAP Therapy

CPAP machines come in two basic types: preset and auto adjusting. Preset or standard CPAP machines have
one preset airway pressure that remains constant during treatment. Auto adjusting CPAP machines adjust the
airway pressure based on individual response to the treatment. Most CPAP machines have a ramping feature
that starts the pressure out at a lower level when treatment is started and slowly builds the pressure up to the
prescribed level. This ramping feature can help some people gradually adjust to the pressure.

BiPAP machines also come in two basic types: preset and auto adjusting. Preset or standard BiPAP machines
have two preset airway pressures that remain constant during therapy. You will have a higher pressure when
you inhale (inspiratory pressure or IPAP) and a lower pressure when you exhale (expiratory pressure or EPAP).
Auto adjusting BiPAP machines adjust the airway pressures based on your individual response to the treatment.

CPAP and BiPAP machines are electrical devices that take air from the room, pass the air through a filter, and
then provide it back in the form of pressurized air. This pressurized air travels through a breathing tube and is
applied to your airways by a mask, nasal pillows, or oral device. This pressure is expressed in centimeters of
water pressure or (cmH2O).

In most cases a humidifier will be added to your CPAP/BiPAP machine in order to put extra moisture in the air.
Humidifiers are provided because the air pressure tends to dry the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.

All CPAP/BiPAP machines are supplies as part of a treatment plan from your physician. Your physician’s
treatment plan includes the following prescription which was obtained from the sleep study you participated in
to diagnose sleep apnea:

CPAP Pressure:____________________cmH2O
or
BiPAP Pressure: _______________ inspiratory (IPAP) _______________ expiratory (EPAP)
Ramp Pressure:____________________
Ramp Time:_______________________
CPAP/BiPAP Unit and Model Number:___________________________________________
Mask Type:________________________
Mask Size:_________________________
 CPAP/BiPAP Accessories
In order to apply the pressure generated by your CPAP/BiPAP machine, you must wear an oral appliance, nasal
pillows, or a mask over the nose or over the nose and mouth. The choice of device is based upon which method
best fits your facial features, which provides the most comfortable fit, and whether or not you are a mouth
breather.

There are many different types of masks, nasal pillows, and oral devices to choose from to facilitate a good seal
and maintain comfort. If a headgear is used to secure the mask or nasal pillows, it should be snug enough for a
good fit in all sleeping positions. A chin strap may be needed to help keep your mouth closed during use.

If you would like to see what types of masks are available, simply come by our location at 115 John Maddox
Dr, Rome, GA 30165, or you may look at the manufacturers’ websites.

Respironics: http://masks.respironics.com/
Resmed: http://www.resmed.com/us/products/masks.html?nc=patients
Fisher and Paykel: http://www.fphcare.com/product-overview.html
General Info http://www.cpaptalk.com

Your supplies which include your mask, tubing, humidifier, and filter have a useful life that varies depending
upon use and will need to be replaced periodically. We will contact you occasionally regarding your supply
needs.

Humidifier
A humidifier can be added to a CPAP/BiPAP machine if a user has continued dryness of the nose, mouth, or
throat. CPAP humidifiers are medical devices and require a prescription. A water based lubricant can be used
inside the nose to help with irritation; do NOT use petroleum based products like Vaseline.

There are two basic types of CPAP/BiPAP humidifiers: passover and heated.
Passover humidifiers direct the airflow of the CPAP machine over the top of water in the chamber. This allows
the air to pick up some moisture as it is directed through the tubing to your airways. This type of humidifier
does not require heat or additional electricity.
Heated humidifiers require an electrical connection, either directly to the wall or through the CPAP/BiPAP
machine, to heat the water. By heating the water, the amount of humidity available to the user is increased.
Most heated humidifiers offer a temperature control function so the user can raise or lower the heat setting to in
turn raise or lower the moisture level.

ALWAYS use distilled water to fill your humidifier. There will be markings to show how much water is
required to fill the humidifier. Do not overfill the chamber because there is a chance the water can flow into the
machine causing damage. Never place anything in your humidifier except distilled water.
 Use of your CPAP/BiPAP
The most important part of using your CPAP/BiPAP is to understand your prescription and use the machine
every night as prescribed by your physician. CPAP and BiPAP machines and their accessories must be used
and applied in a very specific manner. Your CPAP/BiPAP has been preset to comply with your prescription.
Do not make any changes to these settings. If you have concerns or questions about your settings, feel free to
call us.

Your CPAP/BiPAP machine needs to be plugged into a grounded outlet and placed on a flat sturdy surface that
does not obstruct the air filter. Make sure that the machine is placed so that the filter is at least 6 inches away
from any wall, drapery, furniture, or other objects. The surface that the machine is placed on should not be
higher than your head while you are laying down. This will keep any water from the humidifier from draining
into your mask and also prevent the machine from falling if you get wrapped up in the tubing.

Attach your tubing and mask as shown by your Cooper Medical representative and the manufacturers
instructions. Press the power button to turn your pressure on. Before putting your mask on, wash your face to
remove excess facial oils and/or makup. Secure the mask with just enough pressure to ensure a comfortable, yet
secure fit. It will help to adjust the mask while laying in your normal sleeping positions. You do not want to
have any air pressure leaking at the bridge of your nose. A small amount leaking at your cheeks, below your
nose, or chin is acceptable as long as it is not bothering you and the machine does not display a high leak.

You may press the ramp button to slow the pressure down for a more comfortable feeling. This will allow the
pressure to build up slowly and give you a chance to get to sleep at a lower pressure. After a set amount of
time, the pressure will build back up slowly to your prescribed pressure. If the pressure builds up before you
are asleep, or if you wake up and the pressure is blowing too hard, simply enable the ramp feature again.

If you have any problems with setting up your CPAP/BiPAP or supplies, please refer to the manufacturers
instructions or call us.

CPAP/BiPAP Cleaning Instructions

Please note that this paper is an overview on how to clean all of your CPAP/BiPAP equipment. Most
manufacturers have their own suggested cleaning process. Be sure to read all of your manufacturer instructions
for their recommendations.

Equipment that should be cleaned daily:

CPAP Mask or Nasal Pillows: You should clean your mask or nasal pillows every day. You can either clean
your mask where it touches your face with a baby wipe or clean with mild soap and warm water. The
soap that you use should not contain perfumes, dyes, or moisturizers or ALCOHOL. If you have any
allergy problems while using your equipment, try switching to another cleaning product. Recommended
cleaning products are clear dishwashing liquids, baby shampoo, the shampoo you currently use, or
Neutrogena soap. Clean the mask or pillows with the mild soap where it touches your face or nose to
clean the facial oils off of the seal. Rinse with warm water and sit on a paper towel or hang to let air
dry. You may also hook the mask back up to the CPAP and turn on to let the air pressure dry out the
mask. If dishwashing liquids bother your sinuses, simply switch to baby shampoo. If your skin
becomes irritated try switching to Neutrogena.
Daily Cleaning (continued)
Humidifier Chamber: You should empty the water chamber of the humidifier daily to prevent bacteria
growth. Let the humidifier cool for about 15 minutes before cleaning. If you want, you can clean the
chamber with dishwashing liquid. Squirt a little into the chamber along with warm water, cover the
holes and shake. Rinse with warm water and let air dry or let your machine blow air through to dry.
Make sure you refill the distilled water on a daily basis.
Tubing: We recommend you clean your tubing daily only if using a heated humidifier and there is water
in your tubing. If there is no water in the tubing you can wait and clean once weekly. If water is in the
tubing, clean with the same type of soap that is used to clean the mask and humidifier. Clean the ends
off with the soap and run soapy water through the tubing. Rinse with warm water and hang to air dry.
You can also hook this up to your machine and run the air through to dry. You may opt to clean the
tubing in the shower and simply hang it over the shower rod to dry.

Equipment that should be cleaned weekly:

Mask and Nasal Pillows: You should clean all parts of the mask or nasal pillows once a week with mild soap
or soak in a vinegar and water solution (see instructions on next page). Make sure you take the headgear
off before soaking in vinegar and water.
Headgear/Chinstrap: The headgear that attaches to the mask and chinstrap should be cleaned at least once a
week with mild soap. If you sweat excessively during sleep, you may want to clean more often. Hang
to let air dry. Refer to your instructions that came with your mask before machine washing or drying.
Do not dry with heat turned on You may want to leave the headgear attached to the mask when cleaning
daily so you do not have to resize the velcro tabs. Do not soak your headgear in the vinegar solution.
Humidifier: You should clean your humidifier thoroughly with mild soap or soak in a vinegar and water
solution (see instructions on next page). Rinse and let air dry or hook it up to your CPAP and let air
pressure dry. Note that some brands of humidifiers may be placed in the dishwasher. Please refer to
your instruction manual before cleaning in the dishwasher.
Tubing: If you do not clean the tubing daily, make sure to clean it once weekly with mild soap and warm
water or soak in the vinegar and water solution. Hang to let air dry or hook up to your CPAP to dry.

Filters: Respironics CPAP Machines - Your machine has a gray and an optional white filter. Rinse the gray
filter with warm water to rinse the dust out of it. The white filter should be checked weekly, and when
they become discolored simply discard and replace.

Resmed and Fisher and Paykel CPAP Machines – These machines only has a white filter. Check
once weekly for discoloration, air blockage, or holes. Discard and replace if needed.

Vinegar and Water Solution: To make the vinegar and water solution, simply mix 3 parts water with
1 part distilled white vinegar (or you can fill your kitchen sink halfway with warm water and add 2
cups of vinegar). Soak your equipment in this solution for 30 minutes to kill the accumulated bacteria.
After your equipment soaks for 30 minutes, rinse and let air dry. You may also want to wash or soak
your equipment with dishwashing liquid to get the vinegar scent off of them.
 CPAP Instructions
Do these steps before going to bed:

1. If you do not use a humidifier, go to step 2. Your humidifier water chamber should be empty from cleaning
the morning before. Take the chamber off of the heater base and fill the chamber to the fill line with
distilled water. Put the chamber back on the base of the humidifier. For Resmed CPAPs - You may then
press the warmup button or heat button on the CPAP machine to preheat the water if desired.
2. Connect the tubing from the machine or humidifier to your mask.
3. Press the power button to start the pressure. If you are using a Resmed CPAP machine, you may need to
adjust the ramp time if necessary. Starting the pressure before putting the mask on will ensure a good fit
and ensure you are not breathing in exhaled air.
4. Put your mask on and adjust the straps if needed.
5. Respironics CPAPs - You can press the ramp button to decrease the pressure while you are going to sleep if
needed. ResMed CPAPs - The pressure should start out low and adjust up over the time that is specified.
6. Lay down and adjust your mask if needed.

Do these steps every morning:

1. Press the start/stop button to turn the CPAP and Humidifier off.
2. Disconnect the tubing from the mask and humidifier or machine.
3. If you have a humidifier, empty the water and clean with mild soap and let air dry.
4. Clean your mask (where it touches your face) with mild soap and let air dry.
5. If you want to clean your tubing daily, clean with a mild soap and hang to let dry.
6. If the parts that you clean are still wet when you get ready to use your CPAP, connect all of the parts and
turn the machine on to let air dry. (You may need to disable the auto-off feature on the machine or it will
cut off soon after turning the machine on.)

Do these steps once weekly:

1. Disconnect all of your equipment and clean with mild soap and warm water or in a solution of vinegar and
water.
2. For Respironics CPAP: Take the cap off of the back of the machine to expose the filter. Take the gray filter
out of the back and rinse with warm water. Check the white filter for discoloration and replace if necessary.
3. For Resmed CPAP: Take the filter cover off and inspect the filter for discoloration, blockage, or holes. If
any of these are present, discard the filter and replace.

Shopping List:
Mild Soap (Ivory, Baby Shampoo, Neutrogena)
Distilled Water (if using a humidifier)
Distilled White Vinegar
Getting New Supplies:

This is the Medicare replacement schedule. Your supplies may last longer than the
recommended time frame, but this is the suggested replacement schedule.
Monthly- Replacement Nasal Pillows (if applicable), Replacement Mask Seal (for nasal
or full face mask, if applicable), Pack of 2 disposable Filters (Respironics CPAP)
Every 3 Months- Mask only, (without headgear), 6’ tubing
Every 6 Months- Mask and Headgear , Heated Humidifier Water Chamber, 1 non-disposable
Filter

(Note: Georgia Medicaid Programs replace Mask and Tubing every 6 months, United Healthcare patients may
be required to pay a portion if they choose to upgrade to any mask other than standard masks)

If you have any questions or concerns about your CPAP machine, mask, insurance coverage etc, please feel free
to contact us at: 706-266-4086.