Frequently asked questions

Most modern CPAP machines have an 'Auto' climate control setting, which is the best place to start as it automatically adjusts to your room's temperature to prevent condensation. If your machine is manual, start at a middle setting (like a 3 or 4) and adjust up if you feel dry, or down if you get water in your tube.

The amount of water needed varies from one humidifier to the next, from one patient to the next, and with the temperature and humidity of the bedroom.

The water should be changed for each use - even if you don't use it all in one night's time.

If it varies from one night to the next, it may be that you are mouth breathing or have a mouth leak. If you mouth breathe, you let lots of air escape from your mouth. All the extra air that escapes uses up your water more quickly.

This condensation is called "rainout". If your room is cold, the warmed, humidified air hits the colder room temperature and cools. When warm air becomes cooler overnight, it has less capacity to carry water, so water condenses and forms droplets.

There are several ways to deal with this:

1. Try turning your humidity level down.
2. Raise the temperature of your bedroom at night to lessen the difference between the room temperature and the humidifier (make sure your window is closed).
3. Run the air tubing beneath your blankets to keep it warm, or cover the tube with a tubing wrap or tube sock.

Daily: Wash your water tub in warm water, using a mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry away from direct sunlight.

Monthly: Inspect the tub for wear and deterioration. Replace it if it has cracked, become cloudy, or pitted. Clean white powder or mineral deposits by using a solution of one part household vinegar to ten parts water.

Up to 40% of PAP users experience nasal congestion and dryness of the nose and throat. The humidifier adds moisture and warmth to the air delivered by a CPAP or bilevel system, reducing symptoms of dryness and congestion, and improving comfort. Research also shows that heated humidification can prevent the large increase in nasal resistance that results in mouth breathing and leaks.

A full face mask should not change the amount of water used each night. If you had a mouth leak before, you could have been losing lots of air and humidity through your mouth, in which case you should actually use less water now.

No. The tubing supplied with CPAP machines can withstand far higher temperatures than the heat generated by the humidifier.

If you find the air dry and irritating, then you may want to turn your humidifier on 20 minutes prior to going to bed to make sure the water is warm first.

Humidification doesn't cure OSA or UARS, but it does help with side effects caused by CPAP. If you are already on CPAP treatment and experiencing nasal dryness, humidification adds moisture to the air breathed and helps the nasal passages cope with the increased flow of air.

Using distilled water will maximize the life of the water tub and reduce mineral deposits. However, it is ok to occasionally use tap water to clean your humidifier. Do not use: bleach, alcohol, chlorine, ammonia-based solutions, moisturizing/antibacterial soaps, or unapproved descaling agents.

Please contact us for more information on compatible batteries for your specific device.

Yes! Your CPAP is a medical device and does not count toward your carry-on limit. Do not check it in your luggage. Most modern machines have an FAA-compliance sticker on the bottom. If you plan to actually sleep and use the machine during a long flight, check with your airline a few days in advance to confirm your seat has a compatible power outlet. (Note: Do not use water in your humidifier while flying).

No. The x-ray scanners will not harm your CPAP device. However, Security may require you to show the medical statement from your physician verifying that you are carrying medical equipment. Make sure this is handy.

Yes. If you are having surgery, it is very important that you tell both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist that you are being treated with CPAP. You should also inform the attending physician that you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Please note: The use of automated Ozone (SoClean) or UV light cleaners is strongly discouraged by manufacturers. These devices can degrade the sound-abatement foam and silicone inside your machine and will void your warranty. Stick to mild soap and water!

Daily: Wash the mask system with warm, soapy water. Do not use soaps with added scents. We recommend plain Ivory® liquid soap or baby shampoo. Rinse well and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Weekly: Separate and hand wash the mask components and headgear in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and air dry.

Cautions: Do not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents, or scented oils. Do not expose any part to direct sunlight. The dye in the headgear may run during the first wash.

Facial muscles change when we lie down and further relax once we are asleep, so it is always best to fit the mask while you are in your sleeping position. If you sleep in a bed with no pillows, fit your mask like that. If you sleep in a recliner, fit your mask that way.

This type of problem is likely occurring due to nasal congestion. If you have a history of sinus and allergy problems, you may be better treated with a full face mask and/or humidification. You should discuss this with your primary care physician.

It probably means you have an incorrectly fitted mask. It is important not to over-tighten the mask system. If you can only get a good seal by over-tightening the headgear, you probably have the wrong size cushion or an incorrectly adjusted forehead support.

Yes, full face masks have a special anti-asphyxia valve that opens if your PAP device loses power. This feature allows you to breathe room air in the event of a power failure.

This may indicate one of several things: incorrect adjustment, incorrect assembly, incorrect size, or the mask is worn out and needs replacement.

You should replace your mask cushion periodically because as it becomes worn, it becomes less effective. The life of a mask cushion depends on use, the oils from your skin, and cleaning.

To get the longest life, wash your face each night before putting on your mask, and wash your mask after each use with mild soap. Poor performance is often the first clue that your cushion may need replacement. Check for small tears or pinholes. (Keep out of reach of pets and children!)

Like mask cushions, the life of headgear depends on use, the oils from your skin, and care. Wash your headgear at least once per week and dry it out of direct sunlight. If you have oily skin or hair, you may need to wash it more often. Headgear generally lasts longer than a mask cushion, but it will depend on use and environment.

If you mouth breathe or have mouth leaks, a full face mask will provide a number of benefits. It will stop air loss that can compromise treatment and resolve dry throat and nose problems. If you have leaks, you will not receive your full treatment pressure.

Even if you don't mouth breathe all the time, you may still experience intermittent mouth leaks. Mouth leaks can contribute to decreased treatment effectiveness and consequent symptoms of poor therapy.

With a deviated septum, you are likely breathing through your mouth due to your nasal passage being blocked. A full face mask will certainly work for you and would allow you the option of breathing through your nose and/or mouth.

Yes. However, the thing to remember is that every mask has slightly different flow characteristics, so if you're using an Auto or BiLevel device, you'll need to change the mask setting on the user menu when you switch masks.

Everyone is different. Some people find that they prefer a full face mask while others prefer a nasal mask. It is really a personal preference. However, both our nasal and full face masks utilize the same cushion technology that inflates to form a floating seal, maximizing comfort.

Yes! The best options for patients with moustaches or beards are usually Nasal Pillow masks or Under-the-Nose Cradle masks. Because these seal directly at the base of the nostrils, the facial hair does not interfere with the silicone seal at all.

Yes. Based on studies, people using bilevel therapy are more prone to mouth leak and mouth breathing, which reduces the quality of sleep. A full face mask is often highly beneficial for these users.

Yes. In fact, switching to a full face mask may eliminate or reduce your need for humidification, depending on how much mouth breathing you experience.

Skin irritation is generally caused by headgear that is too tight, a worn-out/dirty mask cushion, or a poorly fitting mask size.

Suggested Solutions:

• Readjust your straps: The mask should be as loose as possible while still creating a seal.
• Wash your face and mask: Silicone absorbs facial oils, sweat, and creams. Wash your face before bed (pH neutral) and wash your mask daily with mild soap and warm water.
• Avoid facial lotions: Do not use creams where the mask contacts your face; they degrade the silicone cushion.
• Check for wear: Inspect the cushion for cracks or stiffness and replace if worn out.
• Use skin tape: You can place porous hypoallergenic skin tape over sensitive areas to create a barrier between the skin and mask.

Constant air flow, especially at high treatment pressures, can lead to dryness, nasal irritation, and nosebleeds. Humidifiers provide relief by adding warmth and moisture to the air delivered by the system. Humidifiers provide relief by adding warmth and moisture. You can also use water-based saline gels (such as Ayr) or saline nasal sprays available at most pharmacies. Never use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or oil-based products, as they can damage your lungs over time and will destroy the silicone of your mask.