Care and Buying Tips

Your CPAP mask, headgear and tubing must be cleaned weekly to prolong their lives. Products within the cleaning and comfort section will sanitize and help eliminate body oil, dirt, dust and/or bacteria which will aid in comfort and compliance. DO NOT USE alcohol to clean CPAP masks as it may adversely affect performance. DO NOT USE any cleaners containing fragrance or harsh soaps. This will leave residue on the CPAP mask or tubing which effects efficiency. Rinse thoroughly to insure that no detergent/soap residue remains. Headgear can be washed but only air dried. DO NOT USE bleach on headgear.

Hint: Always wash your face to remove facial oils before using your CPAP mask to help eliminate leaks.

Check CPAP filters weekly. Foam filters may be washed but should be replaced every few months. Replace dirty or old pollen filters to eliminate bacteria.

Buying a Mask:

Buying the right CPAP mask for you could be difficult but is one of the most important decisions when it comes to comfort and compliance. There are many different types of masks to choose from so you should not sacrifice your happiness and comfort or feel you must stick with one mask. In fact, having a few different CPAP masks is recommended. Try out a few masks in actual situations. The mask choice should be based on some simple guidelines:

Comfort - If the mask is not comfortable, your compliance rate will be low.
Convenience - If the mask is not easy to use, then you will eventually tire of wearing it.
Quality of Seal - Your mask should have a quality seal and should not leak. It should not require very tight headgear.
Quietness - Make sure you and your partner can tolerate the exhalation noise. Larger exhalation holes help reduce noise.

Accessory Replacement Guidelines:

Accessories	Replacement Schedule
Full Face Mask	Every three months
Full Face Mask Cushion	Every two months
Nasal Mask	Every three months
Nasal Mask Cushion	Every two months
Nasal Pillows Cannula-style interface)	Every two months
Headgear	Every six months
Air Filter(Disposable)	Every month
Air Filter (Non-Disposable)	Every three months

* Replacement schedules vary per CPAP patient.

Comfort Tips:

If your face becomes red or sore, try nasal pillows, a skin protection tape or mask spacers.
For a dry nose or throat, increase room humidity, add a humidifier to your CPAP and/or use Saline nasal spray.
If nasal draining or sneezing occurs, change filter on your machine, use a humidifier or increase humidification on your unit. A doctor should be advised if symptoms persist.
A chin strap or heated humidifier should help mouth leaks.