3B Medical Luna G3 CPAP & APAP Troubleshooting Guide
The 3B Medical Luna G3 CPAP & APAP provide essential therapy for patients with sleep apnea. The G3 CPAP is a user-friendly CPAP machine with features for enhancing sleep comfort and managing sleep data. The G3 APAP offers the benefit of automatic pressure settings to help some patients adjust more easily to CPAP therapy and includes many of the beneficial features of the G3 CPAP.
If any issues arise with either machine, use the following troubleshooting guide to find a solution before contacting a technician.
Common Problems & Solutions - 3B Medical Luna G3 CPAP & APAP
Dry, Runny, Blocked & Cold Nose
Probable Cause
Dry nose, runny nose, cold nose, or nasal congestion can be common side effects of CPAP therapy due to the dry pressurized air. The flow of dry air all night can leave your nose dry and cold in the morning. You may also experience symptoms similar to a cold such as a runny nose or nasal congestion. Keeping the air flowing from your CPAP machine warm and moist can help reduce these side effects.
Solution
Use the integrated heated tubing available with your 3B Medical Luna G3 to keep the airflow warm. The warm air can be more soothing and reduce the side effects. You can also use the pre-heat feature on your machine to get the air warm before you begin your CPAP therapy. You can also try using some ointment on your nose to reduce dryness when wearing your CPAP mask. If the side effects persist, see your doctor.
Dry Throat and Mouth
Probable Cause
Much like a dry nose, dry throat and mouth are often the results of the dry pressurized air from your CPAP machine. The dry air can reduce moisture in your throat and mouth and leave them dry in the morning. Also, it is not uncommon for those CPAP therapy patients that sleep with their mouths open to experience dryness in the throat and mouth. This issue may be more easily resolved with a different style of CPAP mask.
Solution
The same solution for dry noses also can be applied to dry mouths and throats. The heated tubing of your CPAP machine moistens the air which can soothe and help keep your mouth and throat from drying out. You can also use a humidifier to help moisten the air if the heated tubing is not enough. For mouth breathers, choosing a full face CPAP mask can help keep your mouth closed while you sleep and reduce the side effect.
Eye Irritation
Probable Cause
Many patients who use the machine experience air leaks, causing a constant airflow over the eyes that results in eye irritation, occasional swelling, and dryness. Dry eyes can cause discomfort and can cause serious eye problems. If not addressed the side effects of the CPAP machines can become chronic. If you are experiencing dry eye due to your CPAP mask, you may need to look at a different type of CPAP mask or check the one you have to see if it needs adjustment.
Solution
Reduce the likelihood of eye irritation by determining if your CPAP machine is leaking air. The airflow may be blowing on your eyes and irritating them while you sleep. If the leak is coming from your CPAP mask, you will need to adjust the mask to tighten the seal to prevent the leak or replace the mask if the seals are broken. Never overtighten a CPAP mask. If you are tightening to the point of discomfort then you may need a new mask.
Facial Reddening
Probable Cause
The silicone in the CPAP mask cushion gradually gets worn away by skin oils, creating microscopic pockets on the surface of the cushion where bacteria can thrive in. If you find that the red marks start occurring after a few weeks of using a mask, bacteria is almost certainly the cause.
An ill-fitting CPAP mask can also dig into parts of your face during your sleep, which can cause your skin to be red and irritated the next morning. This can even cause chaffing in extreme cases.
Solution
If the mask is causing redness from residue skin oils, then it is time to clean your CPAP mask. Use a regular cleaning schedule to ensure no bacteria is lingering in the silicone. You can also follow a schedule to replace your CPAP mask as the silicone becomes worn. Look to your manual to learn more about replacing your mask and keeping it clean.
If your facial redness is due to the mask rubbing against your face, then you need to take a look at adjusting it, so it fits more comfortably. If after adjustment you still experience discomfort, then you should consider a different type of CPAP mask.
Water in the Mask
Probable Cause
Although a continuous positive airway pressure machine can help you sleep better if you have sleep apnea, there are times when the device can cause you problems. One of them is the build-up of moisture that can occur when a heated humidifier is used. This can cause the CPAP unit to make spitting sounds or allow the mask to fill with water. Excess moisture from too high of a humidifier setting can be the most likely cause.
Solution
If you can avoid using your humidifier you can avoid water in your CPAP mask. If you need your humidifier nightly then consider reducing the humidity setting to avoid the formation of condensation. Start by finding the best temperature for your humidifier so you can sleep comfortably. You can then lower the temperature on your humidifier little by little until you get the right balance.
A heated tubing can also help prevent rainout or the development of condensation from cooler temperatures outside the tube. Heated tubing regulates the humidity level so that rainout does not occur.
Discomfort from The Pressure of Treatment
Probable Cause
New patients of CPAP are most likely to feel discomfort from breathing pressurized air while they sleep. Often the pressure setting prescribed by your doctor can be high to help treat your sleep apnea, but it can create discomfort. Many patients have to get used to breathing under pressurized conditions, which can take some time and practice. Finding the ideal comfortable setting for pressure may not be helpful if you need a higher setting for your to sleep apnea treatment.
Solution
Some patients may find the ramp feature on their CPAP machine helpful. The ramp eases into their prescribed setting slowly, starting with a lower more comfortable setting and then as they fall asleep, shifting to a higher setting. The ramp is especially helpful for those just starting CPAP and in time they may not need it at all.
Others may use the automatic settings of their 3B Luna APAP, which automatically adjust to changing breathing patterns to provide more comfort during CPAP therapy.
The Device is Getting Too Noisy
Probable Cause
Noise coming from the CPAP mask may require mask adjustment or replacement, and noise from the CPAP machine may indicate a need for replacement, maintenance, or relocation. If you are new to CPAP, just like anything else new, it may take some time to get used to the sounds that the CPAP makes during operation. If the natural sound of the CPAP is disturbing to a sensitive-hearing person, masking the sound with white noise, a fan or relaxing music may be the answer for you.
Solution
A well-fitting CPAP mask should provide a comfortable fit and a secure seal that doesn’t let air escape. Hearing CPAP noise when inhaling can be indicative of a leak. Wearing a mask with a loose fit can cause the pressurized air to leak, which could be causing a high–pitched whistling sound you hear. Try adjusting your mask with the headgear straps; if it doesn’t help, you may need a new cushion in a different size.
Abnormal Delivery of Air from The Device
Probable Cause
If the delivery of air from your CPAP machine is too high or too low, it can be due to several problems. Too low delivery of air might indicate a leak somewhere in the CPAP machine system. Look for leaks, especially around the tubing or the CPAP mask. If you are receiving too much air, then you can try adjusting the airflow to a lower setting. Check with your doctor about changing pressure settings.
Solution
If your airflow is too low and you happen to find a leak then you need to replace that accessory on your machine. Replacing tubes and CPAP masks should be done on a regular schedule as these parts wear out, which can lead to leaks and reduced air pressure. Also, check filters for blockage.
Reducing the pressure setting on your machine can be easily done but requires consultation with your doctor to ensure that the lower setting, while comfortable may not be adequate to manage your sleep apnea. You may need to use ramp features or auto features on your 3B Luna to adjust to pressure settings that are not comfortable.
Device Not Turning On
Probable Cause
When your 3B Medical Luna CPAP or APAP does not turn on, check the power source. Make sure that the machine is receiving adequate power. If the machine stays off or there is no airflow at all, you should take it to your equipment provider or a technician for inspection. They can determine if the device needs to be repaired or replaced.
Solution
While most CPAP and APAP machines like the Luna Medical 3B machines are designed to last, they do have a life cycle. Older machines can wear out and may need to be replaced. In some cases, they may be serviced by a technician. Always check the power source to ensure that the machine is properly plugged in and that the power supply is not due to electrical problems in the home. Try another outlet before taking the machine for repair.
Variance in The Pressure from The Prescribed Pressure
Probable Cause
The varied pressure that occurs on your APAP machine is actually a beneficial feature. The pressure setting adjusts to your breathing pattern to make CPAP therapy more comfortable. The pressure setting may not always stay at the setting you were prescribed by your doctor.
If you are experiencing variations in pressure with your Luna G3 CPAP machine then it may have a leak somewhere. Older tubing and CPAP masks can develop leaks over time which can cause the air flow pressure to vary.
Solution
If you are experiencing variations in your air flow and you do not have an APAP, then start by looking for leaks. These leaks can develop in the tubing and you can feel the leak when you run the machine and touch different parts of the hose. Replace the tubing if needed. Your mask may also be leaking. Feel around the CPAP mask as you wear it to see if you feel any air escaping. You may be able to tighten the mask to stop the leak or replace the mask if the leak persists after adjustment.
Device Producing Low Pressure
Probable Cause
Low pressure may be the result of a leak somewhere in the CPAP or APAP machine. Check for leaks along tubing or around the CPAP mask. If you do not find a leak, then you can try to change the pressure setting on the machine. Often low pressure settings can be adjusted. But be sure to check with your doctor about changing pressure settings as a higher pressure setting may not be what is prescribed.
Solution
Once you check for leaks and find one, then you most likely must replace the tubing or CPAP mask where you find the leak. You can also tighten your CPAP mask if the leak is emerging there to see if that helps.
You can also adjust the pressure settings. See if you can find a higher setting and if the machine performs better after that adjustment.
If the low pressure persists, it may be time to replace your CPAP or APAP machine.
Problem with the Screen Display
Probable Cause
The operating system of the CPAP or APAP needs to be restarted or adjusted if you start experiencing problems with your CPAP or APAP display screen. Operating systems on CPAP and APAP machines, like computers, occasionally need a reboot. You may notice the problem if after you have turned on your machine the screen displays intermittently, like a flashing, or displays nothing at all. Rebooting does not require the help of a technician and can be done by yourself.
Solution
To resolve screen display problems, unplug the power cord of the machine and plug it back in 20 seconds later. This will allow the CPAP or APAP machine operating system to reboot and the screen should display normally. If there are still problems, you may need the help of a technician or you may need to replace the CPAP or APAP machine if it is too old.
Replacing CPAP machines after several years is common as the performance can diminish over time. Often the cost of repair exceeds the replacement cost.
The Device Is Not Starting Properly
Probable Cause
If you go to start your CPAP or APAP machine and it stays in standby mode then it may need to be rebooted. Much like screen problems, a CPAP or APAP machine stuck in standby mode needs to have its operating system periodically restarted. While restarting a CPAP or APAP machine should not have to be done frequently, there are occasions when it needs to be restarted to refresh and reboot the system. Always try to restart the machine before taking it for service.
Solution
To resolve the standby node problem, unplug the power cord of the machine and replug it 20 seconds later. This will allow the CPAP or APAP machine operating system to reboot and the machine should exit standby mode as normal. After restarting give the machine extra time to resume activity. If there are still problems, you may need the help of a technician or you may need to replace the CPAP or APAP machine if it is too old.
