How to use a CPAP Machine
How to Use a CPAP Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide for Better Sleep
Starting CPAP therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to using a machine every night. But with the right support, a little patience, and practical guidance, using your CPAP machine can quickly become part of your regular bedtime routine. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started — from setting up your machine to cleaning it properly — all in a simple, step-by-step format.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or you’re finally setting up your first machine, the team at Sove CPAP Clinic is here to help. Our goal is to make your transition to CPAP therapy smooth, supportive, and effective so you can enjoy the deep, restorative sleep you deserve.
Step #1: Prepare Your CPAP Machine and Sleeping Area Before Bedtime
Before heading to bed, it’s important to create a restful environment and make sure your CPAP setup is in place. This small but meaningful nightly ritual sets the tone for a comfortable and successful therapy session.
Choose a quiet, stable spot beside your bed to place the machine. Ideally, this should be at the same height or slightly lower than your head to allow for optimal airflow and reduce the chance of water travelling back through the tubing.
Fill the humidifier with fresh, distilled water. Using distilled water helps prevent mineral deposits that can damage the machine and irritate your airway. Avoid using tap water, especially in hard-water areas.
Check all connections between the device, tubing, and mask. Make sure everything is snug and secure, with no twists or kinks that could disrupt the airflow.
Ensure the air filter is clean and in place. Filters keep dust, pollen, and other particles out of the air you breathe. Keeping them clean also helps your CPAP machine run more efficiently.
Sove Tip: If you’re setting up your machine for the first time, or if you’ve recently changed your sleep environment, Sove CPAP Clinic can help guide you through the optimal setup either in person or over the phone.
Step #2: Fit Your CPAP Mask Properly to Ensure Effective Therapy
CPAP mask fit is crucial for both comfort and effectiveness. An ill-fitting mask can lead to leaks, noisy airflow, or discomfort that can interrupt your sleep.
Start by placing the mask on your face while sitting upright. Make gentle adjustments to the headgear so it feels firm but not overly tight.
Turn on the machine and lie back in your usual sleeping position. This will give you a better sense of how the mask fits in real-world conditions.
Check for air leaks by running your fingers along the mask seal. Adjust the headgear or reposition the mask if you feel any escaping air.
Consider using mask liners if you experience irritation or if your mask shifts during the night. These soft fabric covers can enhance comfort and reduce red marks.
There are three main types of CPAP masks:
- Nasal masks that cover the nose.
- Nasal pillows that sit inside the nostrils.
- Full-face masks that cover both the nose and mouth.
Sove Tip: Everyone’s face is unique, and the right mask can make a world of difference. Sove CPAP Clinic offers professional mask fittings to help you find the most comfortable and secure option. You can also trial multiple masks before committing.
Step #3: Power On the Machine and Breathe Normally Throughout the Night
Once everything is set up and your mask is properly fitted, it’s time to start your therapy.
Turn on the CPAP machine. Some models include a “SmartStart” feature that activates automatically when you begin breathing into the mask.
Engage the ramp feature if your machine has one. This gradually increases the pressure to your prescribed level over a set period, allowing you to fall asleep more comfortably.
Relax and breathe normally. It might feel unusual at first to breathe against air pressure, but with time your body will adjust. Try to maintain a regular sleep routine to help with this adjustment.
If you wake up in the middle of the night:
- Try not to remove your mask unless it is absolutely necessary.
- If you do remove it, replace it as soon as possible and restart your machine if needed.
Sove Tip: If you’re finding it difficult to get used to the pressure, speak with one of our clinicians about adjusting ramp time, using expiratory relief features, or exploring other comfort settings available on your machine.
Step #4: Clean Your CPAP Equipment Every Morning to Maintain Hygiene
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for your health and the longevity of your equipment. Dirty or poorly maintained equipment can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or reduce therapy effectiveness.
Daily Routine:
- Empty the humidifier chamber and rinse it with warm water. Allow it to air dry completely before refilling in the evening.
- Wipe your mask cushion with a soft cloth or CPAP-specific wipe to remove facial oils that can compromise the seal.
Weekly Routine:
- Wash your tubing, mask, and humidifier chamber with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry on a clean towel.
- Check the headgear and straps for signs of wear. Over time, elastic components can lose their shape, affecting the mask fit.
Monthly Routine:
- Replace or clean your air filter. Dusty filters reduce air quality and place extra strain on the motor.
- Inspect all components for cracks or discolouration. If in doubt, replace them with parts from a trusted supplier.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea treatment. When considering whether CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor.
Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine with Humidifier
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best position to sleep in with a CPAP machine?
Sleeping on your side is often recommended for people with sleep apnoea. It helps keep the airway open and can reduce the number of apnoea events compared to back sleeping, which may cause the tongue and soft tissues to collapse into the airway.
If you find it difficult to sleep on your side, consider using a CPAP-specific pillow or body pillow for support. Some people also find success with a semi-upright position using an adjustable bed or wedge cushion.
Sove Tip: Ask Sove CPAP Clinic about CPAP pillows designed to accommodate masks and reduce pressure points, especially if you’re a side sleeper.
Should I sleep with my mouth open or closed with a CPAP machine?
Your sleep position and breathing style affect how your CPAP therapy works. If you’re using a full-face mask, mouth breathing isn’t an issue. But if you use a nasal or nasal pillow mask, sleeping with your mouth open can lead to air leaks and dry mouth.
Chin straps can help gently keep the mouth closed, and some users find that using a humidifier also reduces the discomfort caused by mouth breathing.
Sove Tip: If dry mouth or leaks persist, consult with a Sove clinician. We can help you find a more suitable mask or add accessories that support better breathing habits.
Should my CPAP be higher or lower than my bed?
Your CPAP machine should be positioned at or just below the level of your mattress. This helps promote natural airflow and prevents condensation from flowing into your mask (a phenomenon known as “rainout”).
Placing your machine too high can also increase tubing tension and reduce comfort. Conversely, setting it too low can lead to dust exposure or kinks in the hose.
Sove Tip: Use a bedside stand or shelf for your machine and consider a hose lift system to manage the tubing neatly and prevent tugging during the night.
What should I do if water collects in my CPAP mask or hose?
Condensation, or “rainout,” can occur when warm, humid air cools in the tubing. This leads to water droplets collecting in the hose or mask, which can be uncomfortable or disruptive.
To prevent rainout:
- Use heated tubing to keep the air warm.
- Lower the humidifier setting if the room is already humid.
- Raise your room temperature slightly.
- Insulate your tubing or use a hose cover.
Sove Tip: Heated hoses are available for most CPAP machines. Visit Sove CPAP Clinic to find the right model for your device and improve your comfort.
What if I feel claustrophobic or uncomfortable with the CPAP mask?
It’s common to feel uneasy wearing a CPAP mask at first. Start by wearing the mask for short periods during the day while watching TV or reading. This helps build familiarity without pressure.
Gradually extend the time you wear the mask and try breathing exercises to stay relaxed. If the feeling persists, you may need a different style of mask that offers a lighter or less intrusive fit.
Sove Tip: Book a mask trial session with Sove CPAP Clinic. We’ll work with you to find a more comfortable option and offer tips for overcoming mask anxiety.
How often should I clean and maintain my CPAP machine?
Regular maintenance ensures that your CPAP machine continues to work effectively and hygienically. Follow this schedule for best results:
Daily:
- Rinse and dry the humidifier chamber.
- Wipe down the mask cushion.
Weekly:
- Wash the mask, tubing, and water chamber with warm, soapy water.
- Let parts dry completely before reassembly.
Monthly:
- Replace disposable filters.
- Inspect and replace worn parts such as cushions and headgear.
Sove Tip: Keeping a maintenance calendar or setting reminders on your phone can help you stay on track. At Sove CPAP Clinic, we offer customised care plans and automatic reminders for part replacements.