Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

General guidelines

Advice includes:

• It's very important not to give up! It takes time to get used to wearing the mask at night.

• Practice using your CPAP device during the day. Do this whenever you take a nap.

• There are different types of masks. If you can’t get used to your mask, ask your healthcare provider or medical supply company about trying another style.

• Talk with your provider or medical supply company if you have nasal stuffiness or dryness when using your CPAP device. There are ways to ease these problems. For example, your provider may advise using a nasal spray. Or the medical supply company may advise a device with a humidifier.

• The goal is to use your CPAP all night, every night, and during all naps. Use it even when you travel.

• Keep your mask clean. Wash it with soap and water. Be sure to rinse the mask and tubing well with water to remove any soap. Let them air-dry fully before using.

• Make yourself comfortable when sleeping with CPAP. Try using extra pillows.

Work with your medical supply company so that you know how to correctly use your CPAP. The company's staff will be able to help you:

• Use the CPAP correctly

• Troubleshoot any problems that come up

• Learn to clean and maintain the device

• Get used to using the CPAP daily

The CPAP device settings are given as centimeters of water (cm/H2O). Each person’s pressure settings are different. Your healthcare provider will tell you what settings to use. Never change your CPAP pressure setting unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

CPAP ____________cm/H20 pressure when you breathe in