FAQS ON Sleep Apnea and CPAP THERAPY.

Continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) device is a gold standard treatment for people who suffer from sleeping disorders, like snoring or OSA. It is one of the most commonly used treatment methods for OSA. In OSA a person experiences, shortness of breath several times while asleep, due to a blocked airway. OSA can disrupt sleep making it difficult for a person to get a complete sleep, making the person drowsy and anxious, after waking up and in long term if it is left untreated it could increase the risk for High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Stroke, Heart diseases and obesity. This is where CPAP comes into play.

CPAP device helps a person to have a more regulated breathing. A CPAP device increases the flow of air pressure in the throat, preventing the airway from collapsing when you breathe. A constant pressure is maintained while the machine gently blows the pressurized air through your airway.

The machine consists of 3 parts, that work in conjunction to perform.

  • The CPAP motor – Acts as a compressor to draw in the room temperature air and pressurize it, to gently deliver the right amount of air and thereby, clear the obstruction.
  • CPAP hoses – Transfers the air from the motor, to the mask.
  • CPAP masks – Available in different shapes and sizes, keeping in mind the comfort levels of different individuals.

CPAP results in positive outcomes for most users. Some of these improvements in sleep include:

  • Breathing and snoring issues are eliminated
  • Improved quality of sleep
  • Regular use of CPAP device results in reduced daytime drowsiness and tiredness, especially in mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.1
  • Improvement in health conditions like cardiovascular problems.
  • Regulates blood pressure both during daytime and night.
  • Increased attention, and better concentration during day.
  • Mask size/style: CPAP masks are available in a wide range of sizes and style, depending on individual needs. Find the perfect fit and style for you, to feel comfortable. Some people might feel claustrophobic in masks that cover the full face, and thus may opt for nasal pillows, as they cover less of your face. Also, different styles may have different size charts, so it is always good to check the fitting, before buying the product.
  • Tolerance for forced air: Beginners may find difficulty in getting used to the forced air from a CPAP device. In such cases, it is advised to switch to the ‘ramp’ feature, as this setting has low pressure air to make you tolerant to the technique.
  • Stuffy nose: This can be due to a leaking or broken mask, so make sure you test your device properly.
  • Dry mouth: This is a result of breathing through your mouth which can worsen while using a CPAP machine. In such cases, a chin strap helps in keeping your mouth closed, and reduce leakage of air while you use a nasal mask.
  • A noisy CPAP machine: The newer CPAP machines are comparatively a lot less noisy. However, if you find the sound irritating, it can be due to a jammed filter. Always check that the filter is clean, and nothing is blocking the path of air in it, that might contribute to the sound.

Before you start using a CPAP device, it is good to know about the below mentioned instructions:

  • Follow the instructions that come with the user guide, to assemble the equipment. It is not advised to assemble the product without proper instructions.
  • Place the CPAP device on a sturdy surface and make sure that the air inlet in the room is not blocked.
  • Avoid placing the CPAP device near a heat source.
  • Wash your CPAP mask daily with warm water, to keep it germ-free.
  • Make sure to wash your face before putting on the mask, to get rid of excess facial oils and for proper fit.
The PAP machine is a therapeutic device that will assist you in getting a good night’s sleep. You will most likely continue using the PAP device as long as your condition/diagnosis remains the same. Some patients find that they do not need to use their device or can reduce their pressure settings after significant weight loss. It is important to talk to your doctor before you stop therapy. You may benefit from a sleep study to determine a lower pressure or to evaluate the severity of your condition.
You should use the PAP machine as ordered by your physician. However, it is generally recommended that you use your PAP machine every night. If at first you experience some difficulty staying asleep with the PAP device for a long period, it is recommended that you use it every night for as long as you can. Then try adding 30 minutes – 1 hour to your usage time nightly, until you have fully adapted to the machine.
All masks are designed with exhalation ports, or small apertures where the pressurized air is released. If you notice air blowing out of these small ports, this is OK. However, it is important not to have air blowing around your face and into your eyes. Please contact us if you are experiencing excessive air leakage or discomfort with your mask. Our staff will explain how to avoid these problems.
If you are using a disposable filter (usually white colored and thinner than a non-disposable filter) you should change it twice a month OR every 6 months. However, keep in mind that you may need to swap out these filters more often depending on the quality of the air in your room.
A heated humidifier specifically designed for your PAP device may help reduce dryness. Please refer to the user manual for operation instructions. If you have not received a heated humidifier along with your PAP device or if you have questions about the operation of your heated humidifier, please contact us.
Most humidifiers come with a water chamber that has a maximum water level mark on them. Do not pour water past this mark. The water used with the humidifier needs to be distilled water and must be changed daily. Please refer to your user manual for more information.
The air pressure on your device is normally based on the results of your sleep diagnostic test. At times, it will take up to eight weeks for you to fully adapt to this pressure However, if you feel like the pressure is causing you excessive difficulty, please contact us so that we can assist you.
Our technical support team is ready to answer all your equipment questions. Please contact us as soon as a problem is detected.
One of the most important steps in taking charge of your health and maintaining effective therapy is replacing your mask and supplies regularly. Just as you replace your toothbrush, razor blades and many everyday items, it’s important for your comfort and health that you replace your mask and supplies as recommended to ensure every component is working at its best. Even minimal replacement can help drive effective therapy. However, failing to replace certain items on the mask and PAP device may lead to poor outcomes.

Daily:
Wash the mask cushion in warm, soapy water – rinse and allow to air dry
Change the distilled water in the humidifier tank

Weekly:
Wash the humidifier tank in warm, soapy water – rinse and allow to air dry
Wash the tubing in warm, soapy water – rinse and allow to air dry

Monthly:
Change the cushion in the mask
Change the filter in the CPAP device (may replace up to two times per month)

CPAP therapy should be used every night. Your CPAP or BiPAP machine and equipment should go with you on trips. There are some tips to help with your travel:
  • Remove Water From The Humidifier.If you are going to take your CPAP humidifier with you, remove ALL water from the humidifier chamber. Water left in the humidifier chamber can be tipped into your machine and cause damage.
  • Accompany Your CPAP Through Security.Stay with your CPAP machine. When going through security, security agents will usually need to inspect the CPAP separately. Ask to stay with the CPAP. This way you can watch them handle the CPAP machine, and you can make sure all of your parts (cords, masks, chambers, filters) get back into the bag.
  • Plan Your Power Needs.Know what type of power your CPAP requires. If you are going to use a battery, make sure you have all the parts needed to safely run the CPAP on battery power. If you are traveling abroad make sure you have an international adapter plug. Check out the Power Solutions section of the FAQ for more information.
  • Identify Your CPAP as Medical Equipment.To help move through security easier, put a medical equipment tag on your CPAP bag. We offer a Medical Equipment Luggage Tag.
  • Carry a Medical Alert Card.When traveling or handling daily tasks, it is good to carry a medical alert card in your wallet. The card will inform emergency personnel that you have obstructive sleep apnea. We offer a Medical Alert Card.
  • Pack Your Power Cord.Just like people commonly leave cell phone chargers at home or in the hotel, we frequently get calls from travelers who have left their CPAP power cord Check to make sure your cord is packed with your machine before you leave home and when heading back home.
  • Bring Spare Parts and Back Up Mask.Like the power cord, items get left behind or misplaced while on the road. Having spare parts and a back up mask will ensure you are not caught without equipment.
Yes, you can travel by air with CPAP equipment. Sleep therapy should be used every night and your equipment should be taken along when traveling. The following information is intended as a general guideline and does not reflect any particular airline’s policy. Check with your airline carrier to verify their policies regarding CPAP / BiLevel equipment.
  • Generally in the USA, a CPAP machine and mask are NOTcounted as a carry-on item.
  • The CPAP carry case must meet the size restrictions set for carry-on items.
  • Only items directly related to the medical treatment are included in the exception, any other items will count towards the carry-on allowance.
  • Some airlines ask that you contact them 48 hours prior to the flight, especially if you are planning on using the machine on the flight. Before traveling, check the policy for the airline you will be using.
  • Some airlines require documentation from a doctor stating the equipment is required by the user and must be kept with the user during travel.
  • In some cases, an on-board electrical outlet may be available. If you plan to use the equipment during the flight, a battery backupshould be carried in the event the on-board power is interrupted.
  • Some locations in Asia and Europe may count the equipment used for Sleep Therapy as a carry on, but all airlines will allow it.
Air Travel: Call your airline. Each airline has a different policy on whether or not you can use your CPAP while in flight, and if they have a power source available. We from zenith sleep solution , will provide you with the travel certificate along with the delivery of the cpap purchased.
An adapter may be required to plug a US power cord into a wall outlet in a foreign country. CPAP.com sells an assortment pack of World Traveler Power Adapter Plugs, which allow CPAP machines to plug into different types of wall sockets found in different countries. All the models CPAP.com sell contain power converters that enable the machine to operate on any AC current from 100 to 240 volts without any adjustment.
When a physician orders a pressure change, or a patient moves to an area with a very different altitude and does not have an altitude compensating machine, there are a number of ways to ensure you are receiving CPAP therapy at the correct pressure. Be sure to take your prescription. Most patients have little trouble doing this themselves. If you need help we can talk you through the procedure. Contact us by phone at +91 9825850333
CPAP machines work by gently pressurizing the outside air using a motor, and then delivering it to your mouth or nose with a hose and a mask. The mask covers your mouth, nose, or both; creating a seal that ensures that the pressurized air doesn’t escape and is able to reach the lungs. The pressurized air acts as a splint that gently holds your airway open while you sleep. As air is able to reach your lungs, you’re able to get better and more productive sleep. The improvement in the quality of your sleep will help relieve the symptoms of Sleep Apnea that you may be feeling during the day. The idea for a CPAP machine was originally conceived as a vacuum motor in reverse. Instead of sucking in, the motor worked by blowing out. Over time, CPAP machines have evolved dramatically, with more brands and styles being available now than ever before. We now have APAP machines, which automatically adjust the pressure being supplied on a breath-by-breath basis. We also have BiPAP machines (also known as BiLevel or BPAP machines), which are able to deliver a higher pressure for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation. BiPAP machines can make it easier to exhale and can raise blood oxygen levels.
A CPAP machine will last roughly 3 – 5 years, or about 20,000 hours of use. Some CPAP machines have been known to make it to 50,000 hours of constant use. CPAP machine longevity depends a lot on how much you use your machine, and how well you maintain it. Doing things like changing the filters regularly and cleaning the machine will add to its lifespan.
Modern CPAP machines aren’t as loud .Another source of noise from a CPAP machine actually has nothing to do with the machine itself. CPAP masks create noise when venting exhaust from the mask. As CPAP machines have gotten quieter, CPAP masks have gotten quieter too. Today’s masks are also considered almost whisper quiet, and do a good job of reducing noise from the venting process to as low as 14 dBA. While it will take some time to get used to the noise from the machine and the mask, eventually most CPAP users get used to it.
It’s not recommended to buy a used CPAP machine and use it for ongoing CPAP treatment. Doing so can increase exposure to harmful pathogens, germs, and bacteria left behind by the former owner. It’s also not easily apparent how the machine was cared for. Was it cleaned with harmful toxins like bleach or household cleaners? If cleaned with these harsh substances, CPAP air could become toxic, exposing the user to chemicals that could be detrimental to their health. Another potential issue with a used machine is it won’t necessarily be set to the correct pressure setting, which could drastically effect the effectiveness of therapy and side effects.
Machines come with a six foot hosepower cord, at least one filter, and manuals. Most manufacturers include a carrying case which is designed specifically for their equipment. CPAPAPAP, and BiPAP machines do not come with a delivery system or mask. CPAP masks must be purchased separately.