Cleaning and Maintenance

HOW DO I CLEAN MY CPAP/BiPAP MACHINE

Every day:

Wipe off or wash Mask or Nasal Pillows (the part that touches your face). This removes the oily residue from your skin that can cause your mask to leak.

Every 1-2 days:

Empty Humidifier Chamber in the morning, leave out and open to air dry, and refill with fresh water before bed.

Every Week:

Disconnect the tubing, humidifier, mask or nasal pillows and foam filter (if applicable, not disposable filters) from the device and gently wash them in a solution of hot water and mild soap. DO NOT use antibacterial or scented soaps as they have a chemical that can leave a film on the plastic or irritate your skin.
Rinse thoroughly, shake out any excess water and hang up to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
After your supplies are dry, place the mask or nasal pillows in a zip-lock bag to keep dust away from it after cleaning.

USE ONLY Distilled, Bottled or Reverse Osmosis water in your humidifier chamber.

If you need additional assistance with cleaning using your device, refer to your
user’s manual.

DEALING WITH MASK LEAKS

Mask leaks are very common and may be caused by various sources. Mask problems are the most common complaint from CPAP/BiPAP users.

Make sure the mask is properly assembled. If the mask is not properly assembled, it will leak or not seal to your face that way it should.

Is your face clean before using your mask? Sometimes natural oils or soiled skin may affect the ability to seal the mask to your skin. Wash your face before bed.
Do you use face creams or lotions before bed? Some beauty products can interfere with the seal of your mask. Try using a mask liner.

Is your mask adjusted properly? Remember to adjust the headgear with the CPAP/BiPAP machine on at higher pressures using the “mask fit” feature. You should adjust your mask while lying down as your face changes shape in different positions.

Has the headgear worn and lost its elasticity? The headgear stretches with use and can be affected by the oils in your hair and skin.
Is the cushion torn or discolored? Replace the cushions regularly as they can tear with use and discolor from the oils in your skin.

HELPFUL HINTS

Make sure bedding, curtains, or other items are not blocking the filter or vents of your CPAP/BiPAP machine.
Wash your face before putting on your mask. Normal oils in your skin can shorten the life of the mask and lead to more leaks.
Keep your sleeping space quiet, dark, and cool.

If your machine has a pressure delay (ramp), this can make it easier to fall asleep with your CPAP/BiPAP.

We can show you how the ramp feature works if you are interested in using it.
As you get adjusted to the CPAP/BiPAP, you may prefer to start at full pressure instead of using the ramp.

When traveling by commercial airline, the carrying case is for carry-on ONLY.

The machine is not properly protected when it is put through checked baggage. Some airlines prohibit it in checked luggage.
Any damage that occurs to the CPAP/BiPAP machine by the airlines or others is NOT covered by the warranty.

For airport security checkpoints, make sure you let them know you have a medical device so it can be scanned.

Recommended to travel with a current copy of your CPAP/BiPAP prescription. (No more than 1 year old)
Some airports may require you to remove the device from the carry case. Place it in a large zip-lock style plastic bag to prevent any bacteria from contaminating your device.

If the CPAP/BiPAP therapy irritates your nose or causes dryness, there are products you can purchase over the counter but please check with your Physician or Pharmacist first. DO NOT USE VASOLINE or any other product with petroleum in it as it will break down the silicone.
DO NOT use any extension cords for CPAP/BIPAP machines.
DO NOT immerse the CPAP/BiPAP machine in water. The machine should be wiped down with a damp cloth. (See cleaning instructions)

If your CPAP/BiPAP machine has a white paper filter, DO NOT wash them, they will disintegrate in water.

DO NOT machine wash the headgear. Hand-wash the headgear and gently squeeze out any excess water and air dry to avoid stretching the material.

Frequently Asked Questions about CPAP/BIPAP Therapy

Question: Whom do I call if my CPAP/BIPAP machine is not working properly?

Answer: If the machine is under warranty, it will be repaired or replaced at no cost to you. The warranty is void if the machine sustains damage that is related to abuse, loss, or natural disasters. If not under warranty, we can send the machine to the manufacturer for an estimate and let you decide if you want it repaired, based on the charge to you. You will be responsible for any costs incurred to have the machine evaluated by the manufacturer. We handle all warranty issues quickly and efficiently. We may rent or loan machines to our patients while their machine is being evaluated or repaired. You should not go without your therapy while your machine is being repaired.

Question: What if I have allergies?

Answer: Most CPAP/BiPAP machines filters air through a foam pollen filter. Therefore, the air you will be breathing will be cleaner and will most likely not have an allergenic effect. It is important that you clean the foam filter and change it regularly especially in dusty areas or households with pets.

Question: What can be done about sore/dry throat or stuffy nose?

Answer: Increasing the heat and humidity on your humidifier may address comfort regarding dry throat or stuffy nose. If you are opening your mouth during the night, a chinstrap (elastic band) or Full-Face mask may be used to close your mouth. You will need to contact your Physician to have one of these options ordered for you.

Question: What if I’m a mouth breather?

Answer: A chinstrap or Full-Face Mask can be used to help keep your mouth closed. Many people find they cease to be a mouth breather with the use of the CPAP or BiPAP. CPAP/BiPAP therapy allows most patients to breathe easier through their nose eliminating the need for mouth breathing. You will need to contact your Physician to have one of these options ordered for you.

Question: How do I get rid of water in my tube?

Answer: Water in the tube is due to condensation. The difference in temperature between the humidifier on your machine and the cool air in your bedroom surrounding the tubing causes water to collect in your tubing and mask. Try insulating the tubing during the cooler months; or warm up the room temperature; or turn down the heated humidifier. Place the machine lower than the head of your bed to allow the condensed water to roll back into the humidifier canister.

*The CPAP/BiPAP machines that are used in the home DO NOT have battery back-ups.
Remove your mask when the power goes off. If you sleep through a power outage, your mask
has a vent that will prevent you from rebreathing CO₂. You will open your mouth and breathe
easily. You will not be able to continue with your therapy until the power returns. Some people
in areas with frequent power outages use generators, which are not covered by insurance.

USAGE REQUIREMENTS

PLEASE NOTE:

YOU HAVE 90 DAYS FROM TODAY TO MEET THE USAGE REQUIREMENTS
THAT HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED BY YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE

NOT MEETING THE USAGE REQUIREMENTS OF YOUR INSURANCE
COVERAGE MAY REQUIRE YOU TO START OVER, INCLUDING ANOTHER
SLEEP STUDY IN A SLEEP LAB OR THE RETURN YOUR MACHINE

Your insurance requires that you meet a certain level of usage of your CPAP/BiPAP
machine within the first 90 days for them to continue to pay for the it.

You will not be eligible for any additional supplies until these usage requirements have
been met. If you require supplies prior to meeting these usage requirements, you will be
responsible for payment.

Use your CPAP/BiPAP EVERY NIGHT! Use your CPAP/BiPAP DURING NAPS! Use your CPAP/BiPAP ANYTIME YOU ARE SLEEPING! When you sleep, you may experience a decrease in breathing. Your machine helps prevent this from happening.
You MUST use your machine for a MINIMUM OF 4 HOURS IN A 24 HR PERIOD FOR 70% OF THE TIME DURING 30 CONSECTIVE DAYS DURING THE FIRST 90 DAYS. (You must meet a minimum of 4 hours a night for at least 21 days in any 30-day period for your insurance to continue payment for your machine and supplies).

Schedule a FACE-TO-FACE FOLLOW UP VISIT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. This cannot be done any sooner than 31 DAYS from the setup of your CPAP/BiPAP machine. If the appointment is not complete in the correct timeframe, you will have to make another appointment.

DISCUSS with your doctor the BENEFITS you have or may be experiencing from using the CPAP/BIPAP machine. Do you sleep more soundly? Waking less to use the restroom? Feeling more rested? More daytime energy and less fatigue? These can all be benefits of the machine.
Please CONTACT US if you experience problems, so we can help you.

Failing to meet the usage requirements listed above may result in you becoming financially responsible for the CPAP/BiPAP machine and supplies you have been provided.

Schedule Follow-up Appointment with Physician to Discuss CPAP/BiPAP Therapy:

CPAP--31 DAYS after setup FOLLOW UP WITH PHYSICIAN (No Sooner)
BIPAP--31 DAYS after setup FOLLOW UP WITH PHYSICIAN (No Sooner)

WHEN TO REPLACE CPAP/BIPAP SUPPLIES & HOW TO CONTACT US

To receive the maximum benefit from your CPAP/BiPAP therapy, it is crucial to replace your supplies regularly. Like many other frequently used health products, CPAP/BiPAP supplies will deteriorate and cease to function optimally.

Listed below are the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedules for each item. Most insurance companies have adopted the same replacement schedule.

Masks - Replace every 90 Days

Material loses elasticity over time which causes air to leak.

Headgear - Replace every 6 Months

Elastic in the headgear can lose tension over time resulting in a loss of pressure.
Traps bacteria from sweat and moisture that regular cleaning cannot eliminate.

Cushions/Pillows - Replace every 2 Weeks for Nasal and every 30 Days for Full-Face

Deterioration caused by natural oils and acids in the skin cause discomfort and air leaks.

Filters Disposable – replace every 2 Weeks

These filters protect you from airborne particles, dust and bacteria and wear out or may become clogged (especially in the dusty areas).

Filters Reusable – replace every 6 Months

These filters can be washed and reused for up to 6 months (not all machines have reusable filters)

Tubing - Replace every 90 Days

Tubing can collect bacteria that regular cleaning cannot eliminate
Tubing can develop microscopic pores that can cause leakage.

Water Chamber - Replace every 6 Months

Over time, bacteria and contaminants build up which regular cleaning cannot eliminate.

Chin Strap - Replace every 6 Months

Elastic in the chin strap can lose tension over time and cease to function.

CONTACT US TO REORDER YOUR SUPPLIES:

Sea Breeze Sleep

Office: 603-601-6881

Email: contact@seabreezesleep.com

18 Lafayette Rd, Unit 4, North Hampton, NH 03862