Learn About CPAP and BiPAP
Sleep Apnea Articles
CPAP Treatments
The course of treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) includes Positive Airway Pressure Treatment. It is not intended to be used as a life-support device. Nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and Bi-Level Unit, aka BiPAP systems treat OSA by providing low pressure air-flow to your airways via a nasal mask. For higher pressures a full face mask is recommended for better toleration.
Your CPAP/ BiPAP machine should have the following:
- CPAP/ BiPAP unit has an electrically operated generator, which uses a blower to open and maintain the airflow necessary for treatment.
- A Heated Humidifier with your CPAP machine or BiPAP machine is recommended to reduce nasal congestion or dryness and makes CPAP/ BiPAP therapy more comfortable. Keep in mind body temperature is usually at 98.6 degrees and air temperature would be about 72 degrees making the air cool and dry. To prevent condensation in the tubing you may insulate the tubing with bubble wrap. It is also helpful if the CPAP machine or BiPAP machine is positioned lower than the bed so the tubing is in a downward direction to the heated humidifier.
- Patient Interface should include a mask or nasal pillow system held in place by aheadgear which connects to the CPAP/ BiPAP unit via tubing.
Operation of the CPAP/ BiPAP Unit:
- Place the CPAP machine or BiPAP machine on a dresser, bedside table, or nightstand
- Do not place unit on the floor
- Make sure the area has good circulation and the air inlet is not blocked byanything
- When traveling to other countries with different electrical requirements, check your operation manual for specific instructions
CPAP Machine or BiPAP System Set-up:
- Connect one end of cpap tubing to the air outlet of the CPAP/ BiPAP machine with the other end of the cpap tubing going to the CPAP/ BiPAP nasal or full face mask and attach the headgear.
- Place the nasal CPAP mask over your nose or if you have the nasal pillow system insert them into your nostrils.
- Secure the CPAP headgear making sure it should be snug. The CPAP headgear should never be tight or loose. Make necessary adjustment to your CPAP mask and headgear and make sure the CPAP system is closed and no air is leaking.
CPAP/ BiPAP Care & Maintenance:
- CPAP/BiPAP machines should be wiped down periodically with a clean damp cloth. ALWAYS disconnect the CPAP/BiPAP units from the electrically power source before cleaning.
- CPAP Mask/Nasal Pillows/Tubing: Daily cleaning is recommended. One part vinegar to three parts water solution is the best cleaning agent as it does not leave a soap film over a period of time. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove vinegar odor. You may also use a mild detergent with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry.
- Headgear: Weekly cleaning of the headgear is recommended to maximize the life of your headgear, hand wash with mild detergent or wash using the gentle cycle.
NEVER use bleach and do not machine dry.
- The Heated Humidifier Reservoir: Daily cleaning is recommended. One part vinegar to three parts water solution is the best cleaning agent as it does not leave a soap film over a period of time. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove vinegar odor. You may also use a mild detergent with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry. Water should be changed daily with distilled or sterile water. Do not go pass the fill line.
Helpful Hints:
- Washing your face to remove excess facial oils before using cpap mask will help to achieve a leak free fit and prolong the useful life of your mask.
- If you are experiencing nasal or airway dryness and irritation use a nasal saline or water based lubricant. DO NOT use a petroleum based lubricant product.
- If you are experiencing morning dry eyes readjust or tighten the headgear and/or mask at the top. Be careful not to over tighten, as this could cause a pressure point on the bridge of the nose.
- Do not leave your cpap tubing or plastic parts out in direct sunlight for drying. This could cause a premature yellowing and cracking of the plastic.
- CPAP supplies or BiPAP supplies should be replaced on a three months basis to prevent infections or as needed.
About The Author:
Lloyd Mote is a licensed Respiratory Therapist with over twenty years of experience. He is also the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Americare Respiratory Services, Inc.,which has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission.
Back to top
Patients with Sleep Apnea Sleep Better Now with CPAP & BiPAP Equipment
For over twenty years I have had the privilege of helping patients with their respiratory needs. As a trained Respiratory Therapist, I have spent many years in a hospital setting helping patients overcome their respiratory challenges. The leading cause of death in the hospital is infection usually caused by staff, patients, and visitors not washing their hands. Respiratory supplies were changed every forty-eight hours to help prevent respiratory infections. When I got into home health I recognized that patients were not changing their CPAP supplies. I discovered that a lot of patients did not know that most insurance companies would pay for these new supplies. They were very thankful; some of them had never received a new CPAP mask or supplies. Thus the Supply Program was born! My hope in this article is that you will find out how to recognize symptoms associated with Sleep Apnea, learn some new terms, and discover the proper treatment to help you sleep better.
Sleep Apnea can be best defined as someone who stops breathing while sleeping. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association this affects more than twelve million Americans alone! There are three types of Sleep Apnea: Central, Mixed, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The most common form of Sleep Apnea is OSA, which is caused by an obstruction or collapse of the airway. For example, the tongue, palate, orepiglottis can obstruct the airway. Central Sleep Apnea is caused when the brain fails to tell the muscles to breathe. Mixed Sleep Apnea is a mixture of both Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Untreated Sleep Apnea can cause Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Headaches, Weight Gain, and Motor Vehicle Accidents. Since most people are not familiar with the symptoms of Sleep Apnea it is most often overlooked and undiagnosed.
A Sleep Test is the most common tool used to diagnose Sleep Apnea. During the sleep test usually half the night will be spent diagnosing whether the patient does have Sleep Apnea. The second portion of the test will be spent using CPAP equipment to document any improvement and measure its effectiveness. The most common test for symptoms is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This is not a diagnosis but simply a guideline to indicateto your physician that you may have Sleep Apnea and may require a sleep study. If you suspect that you or a loved one may suffer from Sleep Apnea try answering the following questions:
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the situations described below, in contrast to feeling just tired? This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you haven’t done some of these things recently try to work out how they would have affected you. Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
0 = would never doze
1 = Slight chance of dozing
2 = Moderate chance of dozing
3 = High chance of dozing
| Situation |
Chance of Dozing |
| Sitting and reading |
_____________ |
| Watching TV |
_____________ |
| Sitting, inactive in a public place (e.g. a theatre or a meeting) |
_____________ |
| As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break |
_____________ |
| Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit |
_____________ |
| Sitting and talking to someone |
_____________ |
| Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol |
_____________ |
| In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in the traffic |
_____________ |
| |
|
| Total |
_____________ |
Score:
0-10 NORMAL RANG
10-12 BORDERLINE
12-24 ABNORMAL
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most common treatment for patients who have been diagnosed for Sleep Apnea. The amount of pressure being delivered with a CPAP machine is usually determined by your sleep study and varies for each person. This equipment is only available through an order written by your physician. The biggest problem associated with CPAP is the patient’s inability to tolerate air pressure, the type of cpap mask used, or poor cpap mask fitting. Over a period of time many patients do get used to the pressure from CPAP with practice. I have found that an excellent way to alleviate the discomfort especially during this learning phase is to use the “ramp” feature. The patient can use this feature anytime they are having difficulty tolerating the pressure from CPAP. The “ramp” feature reduces the pressure dramatically and within 30-45 minutes the pressure slowly builds up until optimal pressure has been reached again. The patient will usually fall asleep during this period and not notice the increased air pressure.
BiLevel or BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) is designed for patients who have a high pressure prescribed or who have trouble tolerating the pressure associated with CPAP. BiPap has two pressures. Inspiratory (inhalation) and Expiratory (exhalation) The Expiratory pressure is dramatically reduced so the patient can tolerate BiPAP. Although this equipment is much more expensive than CPAP most insurance companies will pay for it with the proper documentation.
In conclusion, there are many types of equipment and supplies to treat Sleep Apnea. Selecting the right equipment to handle your personal pressure settings along with a comfortable mask and the right filters and cushions can be quite confusing. Therefore, it is important that you select a company that can not only provide you with quality CPAP machines and CPAP supplies but also with personal service customized for your particular needs. The very best durable medical equipment companies are awarded the Gold Seal of Approval by the Joint Commission so that is also something to look for when selecting a company. Lastly, select a company that specializes in Sleep Apnea equipment and service for your best chance at achieving your goal to sleep better now!
About The Author:
Lloyd Mote is a licensed Respiratory Therapist with over twenty years of experience. He is also the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Americare Respiratory Services, Inc.,which has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission.
Back to top
[Back]
Learn About CPAP and BiPAP
Sleep Apnea Articles
CPAP Treatments
The course of treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) includes Positive Airway Pressure Treatment. It is not intended to be used as a life-support device. Nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and Bi-Level Unit, aka BiPAP systems treat OSA by providing low pressure air-flow to your airways via a nasal mask. For higher pressures a full face mask is recommended for better toleration.
Your CPAP/ BiPAP machine should have the following:
- CPAP/ BiPAP unit has an electrically operated generator, which uses a blower to open and maintain the airflow necessary for treatment.
- A Heated Humidifier with your CPAP machine or BiPAP machine is recommended to reduce nasal congestion or dryness and makes CPAP/ BiPAP therapy more comfortable. Keep in mind body temperature is usually at 98.6 degrees and air temperature would be about 72 degrees making the air cool and dry. To prevent condensation in the tubing you may insulate the tubing with bubble wrap. It is also helpful if the CPAP machine or BiPAP machine is positioned lower than the bed so the tubing is in a downward direction to the heated humidifier.
- Patient Interface should include a mask or nasal pillow system held in place by aheadgear which connects to the CPAP/ BiPAP unit via tubing.
Operation of the CPAP/ BiPAP Unit:
- Place the CPAP machine or BiPAP machine on a dresser, bedside table, or nightstand
- Do not place unit on the floor
- Make sure the area has good circulation and the air inlet is not blocked byanything
- When traveling to other countries with different electrical requirements, check your operation manual for specific instructions
CPAP Machine or BiPAP System Set-up:
- Connect one end of cpap tubing to the air outlet of the CPAP/ BiPAP machine with the other end of the cpap tubing going to the CPAP/ BiPAP nasal or full face mask and attach the headgear.
- Place the nasal CPAP mask over your nose or if you have the nasal pillow system insert them into your nostrils.
- Secure the CPAP headgear making sure it should be snug. The CPAP headgear should never be tight or loose. Make necessary adjustment to your CPAP mask and headgear and make sure the CPAP system is closed and no air is leaking.
CPAP/ BiPAP Care & Maintenance:
- CPAP/BiPAP machines should be wiped down periodically with a clean damp cloth. ALWAYS disconnect the CPAP/BiPAP units from the electrically power source before cleaning.
- CPAP Mask/Nasal Pillows/Tubing: Daily cleaning is recommended. One part vinegar to three parts water solution is the best cleaning agent as it does not leave a soap film over a period of time. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove vinegar odor. You may also use a mild detergent with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry.
- Headgear: Weekly cleaning of the headgear is recommended to maximize the life of your headgear, hand wash with mild detergent or wash using the gentle cycle.
NEVER use bleach and do not machine dry.
- The Heated Humidifier Reservoir: Daily cleaning is recommended. One part vinegar to three parts water solution is the best cleaning agent as it does not leave a soap film over a period of time. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove vinegar odor. You may also use a mild detergent with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry. Water should be changed daily with distilled or sterile water. Do not go pass the fill line.
Helpful Hints:
- Washing your face to remove excess facial oils before using cpap mask will help to achieve a leak free fit and prolong the useful life of your mask.
- If you are experiencing nasal or airway dryness and irritation use a nasal saline or water based lubricant. DO NOT use a petroleum based lubricant product.
- If you are experiencing morning dry eyes readjust or tighten the headgear and/or mask at the top. Be careful not to over tighten, as this could cause a pressure point on the bridge of the nose.
- Do not leave your cpap tubing or plastic parts out in direct sunlight for drying. This could cause a premature yellowing and cracking of the plastic.
- CPAP supplies or BiPAP supplies should be replaced on a three months basis to prevent infections or as needed.
About The Author:
Lloyd Mote is a licensed Respiratory Therapist with over twenty years of experience. He is also the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Americare Respiratory Services, Inc.,which has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission.
Back to top
Patients with Sleep Apnea Sleep Better Now with CPAP & BiPAP Equipment
For over twenty years I have had the privilege of helping patients with their respiratory needs. As a trained Respiratory Therapist, I have spent many years in a hospital setting helping patients overcome their respiratory challenges. The leading cause of death in the hospital is infection usually caused by staff, patients, and visitors not washing their hands. Respiratory supplies were changed every forty-eight hours to help prevent respiratory infections. When I got into home health I recognized that patients were not changing their CPAP supplies. I discovered that a lot of patients did not know that most insurance companies would pay for these new supplies. They were very thankful; some of them had never received a new CPAP mask or supplies. Thus the Supply Program was born! My hope in this article is that you will find out how to recognize symptoms associated with Sleep Apnea, learn some new terms, and discover the proper treatment to help you sleep better.
Sleep Apnea can be best defined as someone who stops breathing while sleeping. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association this affects more than twelve million Americans alone! There are three types of Sleep Apnea: Central, Mixed, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The most common form of Sleep Apnea is OSA, which is caused by an obstruction or collapse of the airway. For example, the tongue, palate, orepiglottis can obstruct the airway. Central Sleep Apnea is caused when the brain fails to tell the muscles to breathe. Mixed Sleep Apnea is a mixture of both Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Untreated Sleep Apnea can cause Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Headaches, Weight Gain, and Motor Vehicle Accidents. Since most people are not familiar with the symptoms of Sleep Apnea it is most often overlooked and undiagnosed.
A Sleep Test is the most common tool used to diagnose Sleep Apnea. During the sleep test usually half the night will be spent diagnosing whether the patient does have Sleep Apnea. The second portion of the test will be spent using CPAP equipment to document any improvement and measure its effectiveness. The most common test for symptoms is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This is not a diagnosis but simply a guideline to indicateto your physician that you may have Sleep Apnea and may require a sleep study. If you suspect that you or a loved one may suffer from Sleep Apnea try answering the following questions:
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the situations described below, in contrast to feeling just tired? This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you haven’t done some of these things recently try to work out how they would have affected you. Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
0 = would never doze
1 = Slight chance of dozing
2 = Moderate chance of dozing
3 = High chance of dozing
| Situation |
Chance of Dozing |
| Sitting and reading |
_____________ |
| Watching TV |
_____________ |
| Sitting, inactive in a public place (e.g. a theatre or a meeting) |
_____________ |
| As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break |
_____________ |
| Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit |
_____________ |
| Sitting and talking to someone |
_____________ |
| Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol |
_____________ |
| In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in the traffic |
_____________ |
| |
|
| Total |
_____________ |
Score:
0-10 NORMAL RANG
10-12 BORDERLINE
12-24 ABNORMAL
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the most common treatment for patients who have been diagnosed for Sleep Apnea. The amount of pressure being delivered with a CPAP machine is usually determined by your sleep study and varies for each person. This equipment is only available through an order written by your physician. The biggest problem associated with CPAP is the patient’s inability to tolerate air pressure, the type of cpap mask used, or poor cpap mask fitting. Over a period of time many patients do get used to the pressure from CPAP with practice. I have found that an excellent way to alleviate the discomfort especially during this learning phase is to use the “ramp” feature. The patient can use this feature anytime they are having difficulty tolerating the pressure from CPAP. The “ramp” feature reduces the pressure dramatically and within 30-45 minutes the pressure slowly builds up until optimal pressure has been reached again. The patient will usually fall asleep during this period and not notice the increased air pressure.
BiLevel or BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) is designed for patients who have a high pressure prescribed or who have trouble tolerating the pressure associated with CPAP. BiPap has two pressures. Inspiratory (inhalation) and Expiratory (exhalation) The Expiratory pressure is dramatically reduced so the patient can tolerate BiPAP. Although this equipment is much more expensive than CPAP most insurance companies will pay for it with the proper documentation.
In conclusion, there are many types of equipment and supplies to treat Sleep Apnea. Selecting the right equipment to handle your personal pressure settings along with a comfortable mask and the right filters and cushions can be quite confusing. Therefore, it is important that you select a company that can not only provide you with quality CPAP machines and CPAP supplies but also with personal service customized for your particular needs. The very best durable medical equipment companies are awarded the Gold Seal of Approval by the Joint Commission so that is also something to look for when selecting a company. Lastly, select a company that specializes in Sleep Apnea equipment and service for your best chance at achieving your goal to sleep better now!
About The Author:
Lloyd Mote is a licensed Respiratory Therapist with over twenty years of experience. He is also the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Americare Respiratory Services, Inc.,which has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission.
Back to top
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