Therapy equipment care

Keeping good care of your therapy equipment is essential in order for you to get the most benefits from your treatment. Here are some recommended guidelines in order to provide you an optimal therapy:

Mask Cleaning:

• Clean the cushion of your mask every morning, after using it at night. That way, you will have a clean, dry mask ready to use for your next treatment. Cleaning your mask will also remove facial oils to optimize your mask seal.
• To clean your mask, hand wash each day with a mild soap (without moisturizer) or alcohol free wipes. You should avoid any harsh cleaning products since they may damage the mask or leave harmful residue. Allow mask to dry away from direct sunlight.

Replacement:

• It is recommended to replace your mask every six months. Here are some indications to help you decide if you require a new mask;
  •  Have to tighten the straps very often
  •  Notice the mask cushion has lost its seal quality
  •  Feel your treatment may be less effective than usual
  •  Find an oil-like residue on your mask even after cleaning it

* Note that your mask is guaranteed for up to 3 months. The majority of insurance companies cover 1 to 2 masks per year.

Device Cleaning & Replacement:

• Your device needs to be well maintained to deliver a consistent high quality treatment. A blocked air filter may impact on the pressure delivered to you. To ensure a quality therapy, you must regularly examine the air filter for holes or dust build-up and change it as needed. It is usually recommended to change the air filter every 6 months.
• Considering that CPAP machines are provided with a warranty lasting from 3 to 5 years and to prevent any mechanical problems which may occur, it is recommended by the manufacturers to change your device every 5 years.

* Note that the majority of insurance companies cover 1 CPAP machine every 5 years.

Water Chamber & Tubing Cleaning:

• To achieve an effective treatment and prevent the build-up of deposits on the equipment, it is important to maintain your water chamber and tubing.
• You must use distilled water at all times.
• Once a week, we recommend washing the water chamber and tubing with a mild detergent and warm water. It should then be thoroughly rinsed and dried, away from direct sunlight. It is also important to check the water chamber monthly to make sure that it is not cracked or ‘cloudy’. If it is, the chamber should be replaced.

Replacement Tubing:

• It is recommended to change your tubing once a year, or before if needed. Over time the tubing tends to get cloudy with residue and sometimes small holes are formed as the plastic breaks down, which may reduce the treatment effectiveness.

Water chamber:

• Water chambers can last as long as 5 years or even more, depending on the care provided. It should be replaced when needed, check it regularly to make sure that it is not cracked or ‘cloudy’. If so, the chamber should be replaced.

We also encourage you to take an active role in your sleep apnea therapy. SleepMapper is a free mobile app and web-based system that provides the personalized feedback you need to take an active role in your sleep apnea therapy. See video below or contact us for more information.