CPAP Equipment: Comfort & Cleaning
Comfort and Cleaning
Mask wipes, mask strap pads and custom CPAP pillows are popular and effective comfort items. Each of these items are crafted especially for CPAP therapy, often by CPAP users themselves. The mask wipes are made from natural, fresh smelling ingredients and they do not break down the plastic decreasing the life of your mask. Mask wipes are safe for every day cleaning and are often used to prolong time between thorough cleaning. Mask strap pads decrease skin irritation caused by contact from mask straps. CPAP pillows allow CPAP masks to "hang off" the pillow during sleep, which reduces or prevents torquing and mask leak.
Comfort & Cleaning FAQs
How do I avoid red marks?
Most red marks on the face are caused by over tightening the CPAP mask. CPAP masks should only be tightened down enough to create a seal. To avoid over tightening your mask, you should work clockwise around the mask, making small adjustments to the headgear, until the mask is securely in place but not overly tight. You should avoid pulling too much on one side of the mask than then other.
By cleaning your mask cushion, nasal pillows, and nasal prongs on a daily basis, you ensure a better seal each time you put on your mask. If you know you have a mask that fits, and are cleaning it daily, and still have red marks, consider using mask straps pads which are soft covering for the headgear straps.
How do I reduce mask leaks due to facial sweating?
Excessive facial sweating can affect the performance of most silicone CPAP masks. As sweat builds between the cushion and your face, the cushion walls tend to break seal and burp or squeal out escaping air.
The RemZzzs Padded Liners are made from a special blend of natural fibers that help to prevent leaks and irritation, while absorbing facial oils and moisture.
How do I care for my mask?
Masks should be washed daily in warm water with baby shampoo and left to air dry. Never use antibacterial soap as it will break down the silicone of the mask. Avoid soaps with lotion or lanolin which can coat the mask and cause it to lose its seal. A safe cleaner is the Control III Disinfectant CPAP Cleaning Solution. Remember to go to bed with a clean face, this will improve your seal and protect the lifespan of your mask.
The best time to clean your mask is in the morning so that the oils from your skin are removed. We recommend using mask wipes to make daily morning cleanings easy. The mask wipes are made from materials that will not break down your mask.
What maintenance is required on machines?
The only care required for machines is to clean or change the filters at the air intake of the machine to keep the internal parts from accumulating dust.
There are other suggested actions to care for your machine:
- Keep the area around your machine clean. Remove any dust from around your machine to improve the air quality delivered to your machine.
- Keep the air intake of the machine unblocked. Curtains, bedding, and papers can easily block the air intake of your machine, reducing the airflow to your machine.
- If you have a humidifier, it is suggested that you do not pick up the machine with the humidifier attached. With most machines, it is easy to spill water from the humidifier into the machine and cause damage. To avoid this, it is suggested to remove the machine from the humidifier instead of transporting them together.
- If you have a humidifier, it is also suggested that you empty the water from the chamber every morning. Accidents happen. If a family pet, or family member moves the machine and humidifier, when there is water in the chamber, it is more likely an accident could happen where water is spilled into your machine.
How often should I clean my filters?
Washable foam filters should be cleaned as soon as they become discolored. Depending on your environment, that may mean weekly cleaning.
Disposable filters should not be cleaned, just disposed of.
How often should I replace my filters?
Reusable foam filters should be replaced when they deteriorate and begin to fall apart, much as a sponge does. The foam filter should be washed with a mild detergent monthly and should be replaced every 3 months or more if the foam is torn.
Disposable fine filters should be discarded as soon as they become discolored or at least every 30 days.
Standard Disposable Filters for ResMed machines should be discarded every month or more often if the machine is in a dusty environment.
Hypoallergenic Disposable Filters for ResMed machines should be discarded every month or more often if the machine is in a dusty environment.
If you live in a house with pets or smoke, you may need to replace the filters more often.
How do I care for my humidifier?
The only care the humidifiers require is that you empty and clean the water tank after use in the morning. Be sure to use distilled water only in the tank.
How do I clean a CPAP hose?
Your CPAP hose will last longer if you detach it every morning and hang it to air dry. It should be removed by grasping it on the rubber ends, rather than on the hose itself. A "Hose Quick Connect" is available to help remove and replace the hose more easily.
Drying the hose each morning will also prevent bacteria from growing in the damp interior and help reduce the possibility of colds and other health issues.
If you are not drying the hose daily, then be sure to replace the hose very frequently as negative health issues will result!
Why do I need to use distilled water with in my humidifier tank?
Using distilled water helps keep your humidifier clean and mineral deposit free. If you were to use tap water, the water would evaporate to leave a hard white mineral deposit in your tank or lead to mold growth. Cases of lung disease have been connected to using contaminated well water in a CPAP humidifier.* Source
If you can't get distilled water where you live, use bottled water. You will need to rinse your tank out each morning and do not leave standing water in your tank between uses.
Why is my face breaking out around my nose?
Sores, redness and bumps around your nose can be caused by one three main reasons: facial oils are building up under the mask material; the mask is overly tight; or the mask material is causing an allergic reaction.
A breakout can occur from the facial oils building up under the mask at night. You can help minimize this by washing your face before putting on the mask at night and by cleaning the oils off the mask every morning. If you are still experiencing a breakout, you might consider Nasal Pillow masks which have less material that comes in contact with the skin.
Most masks are made of silicone, which is an inert substance. But silicone is manufactured in chemicals to which some people are allergic. The chemicals normally degrade and disperse over time, but may cause a reaction when first used. The solution is to remove surface chemicals before using the mask. Washing the mask will reduce or eliminate the problem. This process can be accelerated by long soaks in warm soapy water. This method can be used with all types of masks, and should also be applied to mask replacement parts. While soaking the mask will help remove the surface chemicals, it my reduce the life of the silicone.
Sores at the bridge of the nose or below the nose are usually due to tightening the headgear straps too much. The pressure will create soreness, then a bruise, and may eventually create an open sore if left untreated. Your mask should seal when worn comfortably. If you have to over tighten your mask to get a good seal, consider switching to another mask type. To avoid over tightening your mask, you should work clockwise around the mask, making small adjustments to the headgear, until the headgear in securely in place but not overly tight. You should avoid pulling too much on one side of the mask than then other.
What is Control III Disinfectant Germicide?
This is a hospital grade germicide and disinfectant. It contains an extremely effective formula that has two unique quaternary compounds that act as a broad-spectrum disinfectant.
Is Control III used extensively for respiratory therapy home care?
Nationally, Control III is the trusted product of choice for disinfecting home care respiratory supplies and equipment.
What is exhalation relief?
Exhalation relief is a comfort feature offered by two manufactures which reduces the air flow at the time of exhalation making the breathing process more natural.
- Respironics = C-Flex, C-Flex+, A-Flex and Bi-Flex
- Resmed = EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief)
What is C-Flex?
C-Flex is a pressure relief feature that makes breathing back against CPAP pressure easier to do by reducing the pressure at the beginning of exhalation and returning to therapeutic pressure just before inhalation. Independent studies conducted by leading universities indicate that patient comfort, and therefore, patient CPAP compliance, is higher with machines that use C-Flex. C-Flex is a technology invented by Respironics, is proprietary, and is not available on other brands of CPAP Machines.
C-Flex Easy Breathing Technology Visual Graph
C-Flex vs. Traditional CPAP: Brown University Study
cpaptalk.com Interview, C-Flex in the Remstar Pro and Remstar Auto
What is C-Flex+?
C-Flex+ is an improved pressure relief technology over the previous C-Flex technology. Like C-Flex, C-Flex+ reduces the pressure at the beginning of exhalation. Like A-Flex, C-Flex+ softens the pressure transition from inhalation to exhalation to provide additional comfort in fixed-CPAP mode.
C-Flex+ Easy Breathing Technology Visual Graph
What is A-Flex?
A-Flex is a form of exhalation relief which helps the air pressure from an APAP machine mirror a person's breathing. Like C-Flex, A-Flex provides flow-based pressure relief at the beginning of exhalation. Like Bi-Flex, A-Flex softens the pressure transition from inhalation to exhalation to provide additional comfort in an auto-CPAP mode.
A-Flex Easy Breathing Technology Visual Graph
What is Bi-Flex?
Bi-Flex is a feature that makes breathing back against CPAP pressure easier to do. Bi-Flex pressure relief technology offers pressure relief at the transition from exhalation to inhalation, at the transition from inhalation to exhalation, and during exhalation to make BiPAP therapy more like natural breathing.
Bi-Flex Easy Breathing Technology Visual Graph
What is EPR with Easy-Breathe?
EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief) is a pressure relief feature developed by ResMed. EPR reduces pressure during exhalation in order to make breathing more comfortable. Easy-Breathe technology applies a smooth waveform that helps make breathing feel more natural.
EPR with Easy Breath Manufacturer Fact Sheet
How do I avoid getting tangled in CPAP hoses?
There are a few ways to keep from getting tangled up in your CPAP tubing. Try running your CPAP hose behind the headboard of your bed. There are also several types of suspension systems we carry here at CPAP.com. You can see the different types of Hose Management Systems under our Comfort & Cleaning section. An example of a hose management system, the CPAP Hose Lift System, is shown below.
I sleep on my side or stomach, what are my options?
Sleeping on your side or stomach is preferable to sleeping on your back because sleeping on your back worsens all forms of sleep-disordered breathing. However, sleeping on your side or stomach can present problems to CPAP therapy. Both positions can put pressure on one side of your mask increasing your leak rate. Your options are to (1) try a mask that other side sleepers like (2) try bed pillows made for CPAP users.
- Masks: We have found some masks allow for movement in sleeping position better than others. See our recommended masks for Active or Side/Stomach Sleepers.
- Special CPAP Pillows: Regular bed pillows can put pressure against the mask and cause leaks. CPAP pillows are made with CPAP users in mind. These special pillows are designed to minimize the contact of the CPAP mask with the pillow, even when you are sleeping on your side.
How do I stop mask leaks?
Air leaks are caused by masks that are too big, too old, or just the wrong style.
Air leaking into the eyes is usually an indication that the mask is too big (long) as are leaks at the base of the nose. Leaks may also occur under the nose due to facial hair.
As the silicone in the mask cushion ages, it deteriorates and becomes too soft to hold a seal. For many masks, you can get a replacement cushion. See our Replacement Part Finder to see if your mask has a replaceable cushion.
You may be able to tighten it enough to stop the leaking when you go to sleep, but during the night it will loosen and leak.
Mask Leaks may also be caused by the pillow pushing against the mask and changing the position of the mask. There are special CPAP pillows which are are designed to minimize the contact of the CPAP mask with the pillow, even when you are sleeping on your side.
Why do I wake up with dry eyes?
Air leaking from the mask at the bridge of the nose and over the eyes during sleep will cause the eyes to dry out. The most common reason for air leaking at the nose bridge is that the mask is too big or too long for the nose.
We would suggest you resize your mask to be sure you have the best size. A mask that has an adjustment at the bridge may also be helpful in getting a good fit. Nasal pillow or nose cushion devices which do not rest on the nose are also an option.
It is not advisable to tighten the headgear to eliminate the air leak. Pressure from a mask that is too tight will cause bruises and even open sores if applied long enough.
Why might I want to use Aromatherapy with my Machine?
Pleasant smells induce strong feelings of calm, comfort, and relaxation. The sense of smell is part of the brain's emotional centers and cognitive distraction (the ability to exclude other distracting stimuli) is an important feature of human olfaction.
Some people do not like the "machine" smell which can be delivered from the machine. The aromatherapy can help control the scent you smell when going to sleep.
Some people tend to feel claustrophobic when using their CPAP. Having relaxing scents delivered through the machine can reduce the anxiety levels to reach a higher comfort level.
CPAP Aromatherapy consists of a variety of different essential oils which are applied to the included diffuser pad and placed in front of the machine's air intake. You should not apply essential oils directly to the machine filter, because it would break down the machine filter. You should also not add the essential oil to the humidifier chamber water, because it can damage your humidifier chamber.
Are Essential Oils Safe?
Essential oils are derived from botanical elements (citrus, leaves, flowers, herbs, etc.) through a simple distillation technique. CPAP Aromatherapy only uses the highest, therapeutic-grade quality, 100% pure essential oils. All of the essential oils used in CPAP therapy are disclosed on the label. CPAP.com uses only those essential oils that are listed on the "Generally Recognized as Safe" for human consumption list maintained by the FDA.
Please do not use this product if you have concerns about possible allergic reactions or other effects from exposure to essential oils. While essential oils are safe for human consumption, they are pure, undiluted and might cause irritation when applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. It is strongly advised to keep essential oils out of the reach of children and please avoid all direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes. You should wash off essential oils with warm, soapy water.
Is It Safe To Use Essential Oils All Night?
Indeed. People quickly become acclimated to the scents and research has shown that the olfactory sense basically turns off while you are asleep. You will smell the pleasant aroma when you need it the most; while relaxing and falling asleep and also again when you awaken. Remember, we are talking about extremely small quantities of aromatics (a little goes a long way) and all of the essential oils sold on CPAP.com are considered safe for human consumption by the FDA.
Can aromatherapy work with my APAP, VPAP, BiLevel?
CPAP Aromatherapy is compatible with all CPAP and BIPAP machines. Aromatherapy releases a minute amount of fragrance into the air prior to being taken into your CPAP/BIPAP machine. Place the diffuser near the air-intake and turn your machine on.
Can I Use Cotton Balls?
It is highly advised that you do not use any other materials besides the supplied Diffusion Pads, which are specifically engineered for use in the diffuser. There is a risk that any other materials may become dislodged or cause problems and the rates of diffusion could also differ if other materials are used.
Can I Re-Use the Diffusion Pads?
Diffusion Pads are made of durable fabrics and may be hand-washed and re-used. Simply wash with a mild detergent, rinse well, and air dry.
Are these Products Approved by the FDA?
The CPAP Aromatherapy products are not medications nor are they medical devices. They are considered "cosmetics" under the US Federal Food and Drug Act and related regulations. While there is certainly evidence that some essential oils might have a therapeutic value (for instance lavender oil potentially improving deep sleep), essential oils used for their aromatic qualities are regulated by the FDA as cosmetics. CPAP Aromatherapy products are in full compliance with FDA laws and regulations pertaining to cosmetics.
Why am I getting sores inside my nose?
Sores inside the nose may be caused by nasal pillow or nasal prong devices that are too big or the wrong shape for your nose.
If you use nasal pillows, try the smallest size available that seals around your nares. Your nose might also be sensitive to the presence of the nasal pillows, and it might take time for your nose to "toughen up" and adjust to the nasal pillows. Try switching back and forth between the nasal pillow mask and a nasal mask. You might also try nose lubricants to reduce the irritation.
Nasal prongs must be inserted into the nostrils and seal tightly, so they may cause irritation or sores. It may be just a matter of your nose "toughening up" over time, so try switching back and forth between the nasal prong device and a nasal mask. If the sores do not heal, we suggest you discontinue using the nasal prongs.
Sores inside the nose may also be caused by the CPAP air drying out the mucous membrane. Adding moisture with a heated humidifier will help alleviate the problem.
Why am I congested from CPAP use?
The primary reason why nasal passages sometimes dry out from CPAP use is lack of adequate humidification.
CPAP air is an irritant - to one degree or another - to everyone. The irritation may cause the nasal passages to dry out and bleed, or the mucous membranes may try to protect the nasal passages by producing excess mucous and so congestion results. And the irritation can be cumulative; the problem may develop over time. Furthermore, dry, cracked or bleeding nasal passages are a breeding ground for infection.
Add a heated humidifier to add moisture to the CPAP air and reduce or eliminate the irritation. A passover humidifier may not offer enough moisture. If you are already using a heated humidifier, try turning it up to a higher setting. If that produces condensation in the six foot hose, you should try an insulating cover for the hose. You can also try using a nose lubricant to reduce the dryness.
You can also try using a sinus rinse before going to bed and again once you wake in the morning to help clear your sinuses.
What can I do for sinus and congestion relief?
A lot of new CPAP users report having an increase in sinus congestion after starting CPAP therapy. When treating your Obstructive Sleep Apnea, sinus congestion presents a roadblock to healthy breathing. CPAP air is an irritant - to one degree or another - to everyone. The irritation may cause the nasal passages to dry out and bleed, or the mucous membranes may try to protect the nasal passages by producing excess mucous and so congestion results.
The best option is to add a heated humidifier to add moisture to the CPAP air and reduce or eliminate the irritation. If you are already using a heated humidifier, try turning it up to a higher setting. If that produces condensation in the six foot hose, you should try an insulating cover for the hose. Other options are to:
- Wait and See
- Visit your the ear/nose/throat doctor, and let them know you are on CPAP therapy.
- Try using a sinus rinse before going to bed and again once you wake in the morning to help clear your sinuses.
What is rainout?
Rainout is the accumulation of water in a CPAP tube due to warm moist air cooling on its way from your CPAP machine to your CPAP mask.
The image below from Fisher & Paykel explains how rainout is formed. Warm moist air leaves the heated humidifier and travels down the CPAP tube. As the air travels down the tube the room temperature can cool the tube and therefore cool the air traveling down the tube. As the air cools, the air released its moisture and condensation occurs, otherwise known as rainout.
Solutions to rainout include:
- Raising the temperature of your bedroom.
- Keep your CPAP machine at the same level as your bed.
- Insulating your tubing with a hose cover like Snugglehose.
- Purchasing a CPAP machine with a rainout reduction comfort feature.
Why is there water in the six foot CPAP hose?
Water collects in the six foot hose when the ambient room air is much colder than the heated CPAP air, or when there is too much moisture being produced by the humidifier.
First be sure that no vents or fans blow directly onto the CPAP hose.
Next, try turning down the temperature on the heated humidifier. If that alleviates the problem but causes irritation to the nasal passages, return the humidifier to the previous setting and add an insulating cover to the hose.
If neither response works, try using a heated CPAP hose.
What is a hose cover?
A hose cover is placed over the hose in order to insulate the hose and to make the hose more comfortable. The simplest and most cost effective way to insulate a CPAP hose is to wrap it in an insulating fabric. This enables the hose to remain flexible and adds little weight.
Companies such as Snugglehose provide a cost effective tubing insulation available in several colors and styles. Not only will the covers reduce or eliminate rainout, they also provide a more personal and less institutionalized appearance. An example of a Snugglehose is shown below.
Why would I want to insulate my CPAP hose?
Cool air holds less moisture than warm air. If warm air from a heated humidifier cools while moving through the CPAP hose, water will accumulate inside the hose rather than travel to the user. The condensation that occurs inside the CPAP hose is referred to as "rainout."
Insulating the CPAP hose will help maintain the moisture in the airflow all the way to the nasal membranes.
Do machines come with Rainout Reduction features?
Yes. Manufacturers have been working on developing ways to reduce rainout and better deliver humidification.
Fisher & Paykel has developed Thermostart Technology and Ambient Tracking Technology. Thermostart technology is a unique heated hose which maintains the warm environment for the airflow to prevent condensation. Ambient Tracking Technology monitors the ambient temperature and adjusts heat to maintain the most effective humidification, given the ambient conditions.
Philips Respironics has developed System One Humidity Control technology. System One Humidity Control technology tracks room temperature and adjusts the heat to avoid condensation.
ResMed has developed Climate Control technology. The Climate Control system is made up of the combination of the S9 machines, H5i heated humidifier, and the ClimateLine tubing. Air is delivered at the temperature requested while five sensors, including one close to the mask, monitor multiple conditions to provide optimal humidification to avoid condensation.
How will The Bedfan stop my night sweats?
Night Sweats generate significant heat that causes extreme sweating while you sleep. The Bedfan helps to cool down your body with a constant, gentle flow of air that lowers the temperature of your body and reduces unnecessary sweating.
Dr. Oz recommended the Ben Fan for help reducing night sweats. See the video segment here: Dr Oz's Remedies for Night Sweats
How can I get help from a CPAP Expert?
- Ask A Question. Question Submission Form.
- Email Us. cpap@cpap.com.
- By Phone. 1-800-356-5221 (7 AM -10 PM CST Mon-Fri; 8 AM - 6 PM CST Sat)
- By Fax. 1-866-353-2727
