CPAP Guidelines - Americare Respiratory Services, Inc

1 cpap GuidelinesThe course of treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) includes positive AirwayPressure 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 OSAby providing low pressure air-flow to your airways via a nasal higherpressures a full face mask is recommended for better cpap / BiPAP machine should have the following: cpap / BiPAP unit has an electrically operated generator, which uses a blower toopen and maintain the airflow necessary for treatment. A Heated Humidifier with your cpap machine or BiPAP machine isrecommended to reduce nasal congestion or dryness and makes cpap / BiPAPtherapy more comfortable.

2 Keep in mind body temperature is usually at and air temperature would be about 72 degrees making the air cool anddry. To prevent condensation in the tubing you may insulate the tubing withbubblewrap. It is also helpful if the cpap machine or BiPAP machine ispositioned lower than the bed so the tubing is in a downward direction to theheated humidifier. Patient Interface should include a mask or nasal pillow system held in place by aheadgear which connects to the cpap / BiPAP unit via of the cpap / BiPAP Unit: Place the cpap machine or BiPAP machine on a dresser, bedside table, ornightstand 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, checkyour operation manual for specific instructionsCPAP Machine or BiPAP System Set-up.

3 Connect one end of cpap tubing to the air outlet of the cpap / BiPAP machinewith the other end of the cpap tubing going to the cpap / BiPAP nasal or full facemask and attach the headgear. Place the nasal cpap mask over your nose or if you havethe nasal pillow systeminsert them into your nostrils. Secure the cpap headgear making sure it should be snug. The cpap headgearshould never be tight or loose. Make necessary adjustment to your cpap maskand headgear and make sure the cpap system is closed and no air is BiPAP Care & Maintenance: cpap /BiPAP machines should be wiped down periodically with a clean the cpap /BiPAP units from the electrically powersource before cleaning. cpap Mask/Nasal Pillows/Tubing: Daily cleaning is recommended.

4 One partvinegar to three parts water solution is the best cleaning agent as it does not leavea soap film over a period of time. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with warm waterto remove vinegarodor. You may also use a mild detergent with warm soapywater. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry. Headgear: Weekly cleaning of the headgear is recommended to maximize the lifeof your headgear, hand wash with mild detergent or wash using the gentle use bleach and do not machine dry. The Heated Humidifier Reservoir: Daily cleaning is recommended. One partvinegar to three parts water solution is the best cleaning agent as it does not leavea soap film over a period of time. Make sureto rinse thoroughly with warm waterto remove vinegar odor.

5 You may also use a mild detergent with warm soapywater. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry. Water should be changed daily withdistilled or sterile water. Do not go pass the fill Hints: Washing your face to remove excess facial oils before using cpap mask will helpto 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 orwater based lubricant. DO NOT use a petroleum based lubricant product. If you are experiencing morning dry eyes readjust or tighten the headgear and/ormask at the top. Be careful not to over tighten, as this could cause a pressure pointon the bridge of the nose. Do not leave your cpap tubing or plastic parts out in direct sunlight for could cause a premature yellowing and cracking of the plastic.

6 cpap supplies or BiPAP supplies should be replaced on a three months basis toprevent infections or as The Author:Lloyd Mote is a trained Respiratory Therapist with over twenty years of experience. He isalso the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Americare Respiratory Services, Inc.,whichhas been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission.