Western Sydney Local Health District

Nasal CPAP information sheet

Information and instructions on how to use your Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device.

A man fits a CPAP machine mouthpiece and equipment on to his head and face while sitting on a bed.

For maximum benefit

You should use your CPAP machine and mask all night, every night and whenever you take a nap. The CPAP masks and headgear usually need to be replaced every 1-2 years depending on how well you take care of your equipment.

What is a CPAP?

A CPAP device is a mechanical way of assisting your breathing and preventing your airway from collapsing by blowing air constantly into a mask, which is usually placed over your nose.

The amount of air pressure needed to unblock your airway can vary from 4-20cms of water. This is determined during your treatment sleep study.

Note: The pressure should only be changed by trained staff with the proper equipment.

Learn more CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) support devices.

Before you use your CPAP machine

Before starting your treatment, familiarise yourself with your machine.

Your machine should be set to the pressure prescribed by your doctor before you start to use the treatment. This can be done by the machine's distributor or the technicians at the Westmead Sleep Investigation and Research Centre (WSIRC).
As CPAP machines can vary, always read the manufacturer's instructions. If you are not sure how to use it properly, call us for advice.

To make an appointment, call WSIRC at (02) 8890 6042.

How to use care for your CPAP machine

Always use your machine in a well-ventilated area.
Place the machine off of the floor and away from dust and moisture.
The best position is on a bedside table, sitting away from the edge and slightly lower than your head.
Check the machine filters every 4 weeks.
Some machine filters need be washed once a month, other machines will need the filters to be replaced (usually every 1 to 3 months).
Always be prepared with spare filters, if your machine needs them.

Note: Replace of the equipment can be costly. Keep your machine and accessories away from children and pets.

Good mask fitting

Your mask should fit securely on your face without any discomfort. If you have fitted your mask correctly, it should NOT:

rub on any part of your nose, including the skin covering the bridge of your nose, under the nose, or over your cheeks. Rubbing can cause skin abrasions or pressure sores making it painful to use your mask.
put pressure on your gums. If you wear dentures, try leaving them in overnight.
cause leaks into your eyes, it may cause conjunctivitis or eye irritation.
be over-tight, which can cause you to wake with a red ring around your nose or red spots on your forehead.

If you have any of these symptoms and are unable to fix them by adjusting the mask, contact us for advice or to book an appointment with a CPAP technician. For enquiries or to make an appointment, call WSIRC at (02) 8890 6042.

How to clean your CPAP machine

Wipe your mask every morning with a moist cloth
Once a week dismantle your mask and headgear, tubing and chinstrap (if using) and wash them all in warm, soapy water.
Rinse properly in fresh water and then leave them all to dry away from direct sunlight.
Do not use detergent, bleach, eucalyptus oil or disinfectant. These will cause your equipment to deteriorate quickly.
Do not soak mask for more than 10 minutes.
After your equipment is dry, make sure there are no tears or cracks before reassembling. Replace items as needed.

Troubleshooting

If any of the provided options to the issues fail to help, call WSIRC at (02) 8890 6042 to book an appointment to reassess or refit your mask in a daytime clinic.

Issue	Solution
Pressure sores	Loosen the mask's straps to reduce the pressure on your skin. Treat pressure areas by gently massaging them in the morning and evening to improve blood flow. Apply non-greasy vitamin E cream to the affected area. Try a band-aid with the long ends cut down to help relieve pressure area.
Air leaks into your eyes	Reposition your mask by lifting it off your face and allow it to resettle around your nose. Adjust the straps to reposition the mask (remember not to make them too tight).
Blocked or runny nose, or sneezing	Check the filters to make sure they are not dirty. Position your tubing under the bed covers or wrap them in cloth or knitted tube. Warming your bedroom with a column heater in cooler weather may help. Try using a nasal decongestant (for example, Drixine or Beconase) for a maximum of 5 days. If this fails, see your sleep doctor, you may need a chinstrap or humidifier. If you have a cold and your nose if completely blocked, you may not be able to use the CPAP for a few days. Don't worry if this happens. Have a few days off treatment and try using it again when your nose has improved.

Learn how we conduct sleep studies and about respiratory and sleep medicine in Western Sydney.