CPAP FAQs - Revision history

Palerider: /* How often should I replace my mask? */

2018-11-19T05:02:19Z

‎How often should I replace my mask?

jgpender: /* How do I stop these leaks? */

2018-01-20T23:47:16Z

‎How do I stop these leaks?

jgpender: /* How do I stop these leaks? */

2018-01-20T23:43:19Z

‎How do I stop these leaks?

babblebits: Minor puntuation fix and additional tape loosening problem solving added.

2017-10-02T16:45:01Z

Minor puntuation fix and additional tape loosening problem solving added.

babblebits: Added reference to 3M Micropore medical tape (better choice than painters tape) and added detail on why this may be needed.

2017-10-02T16:28:01Z

Added reference to 3M Micropore medical tape (better choice than painters tape) and added detail on why this may be needed.

DreamDiver: /* Insurance */

2011-04-05T03:24:38Z

‎Insurance

Katherinefulmer: /* How Do I dry CPAP Hoses after cleaning? */

2009-12-28T22:59:00Z

‎How Do I dry CPAP Hoses after cleaning?

Katherinefulmer: /* How Do I clean the CPAP Hoses? */

2009-12-17T16:41:19Z

‎How Do I clean the CPAP Hoses?

Katherinefulmer: /* Supplies */

2009-11-24T21:42:21Z

‎Supplies

Katherinefulmer: /* How do I stop these leaks? */

2009-11-24T21:42:11Z

‎How do I stop these leaks?

@@ Line 104: / Line 104: @@
 ==Replacement==
 === How often should I replace my mask? ===
-* Many masks have replaceable cushions, pillows, or other parts. Typically, a mask cushion should be replaced at least once every six to nine months. If your mask does not have a replaceable cushion, you may need to buy a whole new mask.
+* Many masks have replaceable cushions, pillows, or other parts. Replace the individual parts as needed, when they don't perform well any more.
 === How often should I replace my headgear? ===
 * It depends. Sure signs your headgear needs to be replaced are leaks, having to over tighten the headgear, elasticity is gone, etc.

@@ Line 42: / Line 42: @@
 Some nasal mask users need a seal over the mouth. The reason for this is that during sleep, everyone's body naturally enters sleep paralysis which causes one's skeletal muscles, including facial muscles, to completely relax. It's not possible for anyone to physically press their lips closed after sleep commences due the normal effects of sleep paralysis. When a nasal mask or nasal pillow user wakes with a very dry mouth, even with a humidified CPAP, the most likely cause is "puffing" where air is flowing into nasal passages from the mask and then flows right back out through the mouth uncontrollably. A CPAP machine will typically begin pumping a much larger volume of air during this time to compensate for the air leaking past the CPAP user's lips. By taping over one's lips while using a nasal CPAP mask, it's entirely possible to achieve zero air leaks the entire night as reported by data collected by modern CPAP machines and also eliminate the terrible dry mouth feeling. Chin straps are often recommended to solve this "puffing" issue, but they are only effective in keeping one's jaw from opening during sleep paralysis. Chin straps have no direct ability to keep lips sealed, so air will still flow out ones mouth. Taping over lips will not keep one's jaw from dropping down, but typically this is not a problem since the important thing is just having one's lips sealed to prevent "puffing". A chin strap is likely not necessary when taping lips closed, but could be helpful for some if the tape is not holding up all night.
-There is now a product called the "DeepSleep" made by Goldstream CPAP which can also help prevent airflow out the mouth. It is placed in front of the teeth and behind the lips at bedtime and forms a gasket against the inside of the lips. It is simple, comfortable, inexpensive, durable and tasteless and can work when a chin strap does not.
+There is now a product called the "DeepSleep" made by Goldstream CPAP which can also help prevent airflow out the mouth. It is placed in front of the teeth and behind the lips at bedtime and forms a gasket against the inside of the lips. Many find that it can work when a chin strap does not.
 One form of seal is 3M Blue painter's 2" tape, or a better choice may be 2 inch 3M Micropore medical hypoallergenic tape. For the 3M Micropore tape, search for item number 1530-2 (white) or 1533-2 (tan) on your favorite online shopping site or ask for it at your local drugstore. (The tan may cost a bit more; the only real difference is that it looks a bit less scary than the white tape does to other household members.) Micropore tape also comes in 3 inch wide which may be needed at higher CPAP pressures to keep a good mouth seal all night long, 2 inch should be adequate for most.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:43, 20 January 2018
Line 41:		Line 41:

	Some nasal mask users need a seal over the mouth. The reason for this is that during sleep, everyone's body naturally enters sleep paralysis which causes one's skeletal muscles, including facial muscles, to completely relax. It's not possible for anyone to physically press their lips closed after sleep commences due the normal effects of sleep paralysis. When a nasal mask or nasal pillow user wakes with a very dry mouth, even with a humidified CPAP, the most likely cause is "puffing" where air is flowing into nasal passages from the mask and then flows right back out through the mouth uncontrollably. A CPAP machine will typically begin pumping a much larger volume of air during this time to compensate for the air leaking past the CPAP user's lips. By taping over one's lips while using a nasal CPAP mask, it's entirely possible to achieve zero air leaks the entire night as reported by data collected by modern CPAP machines and also eliminate the terrible dry mouth feeling. Chin straps are often recommended to solve this "puffing" issue, but they are only effective in keeping one's jaw from opening during sleep paralysis. Chin straps have no direct ability to keep lips sealed, so air will still flow out ones mouth. Taping over lips will not keep one's jaw from dropping down, but typically this is not a problem since the important thing is just having one's lips sealed to prevent "puffing". A chin strap is likely not necessary when taping lips closed, but could be helpful for some if the tape is not holding up all night.		Some nasal mask users need a seal over the mouth. The reason for this is that during sleep, everyone's body naturally enters sleep paralysis which causes one's skeletal muscles, including facial muscles, to completely relax. It's not possible for anyone to physically press their lips closed after sleep commences due the normal effects of sleep paralysis. When a nasal mask or nasal pillow user wakes with a very dry mouth, even with a humidified CPAP, the most likely cause is "puffing" where air is flowing into nasal passages from the mask and then flows right back out through the mouth uncontrollably. A CPAP machine will typically begin pumping a much larger volume of air during this time to compensate for the air leaking past the CPAP user's lips. By taping over one's lips while using a nasal CPAP mask, it's entirely possible to achieve zero air leaks the entire night as reported by data collected by modern CPAP machines and also eliminate the terrible dry mouth feeling. Chin straps are often recommended to solve this "puffing" issue, but they are only effective in keeping one's jaw from opening during sleep paralysis. Chin straps have no direct ability to keep lips sealed, so air will still flow out ones mouth. Taping over lips will not keep one's jaw from dropping down, but typically this is not a problem since the important thing is just having one's lips sealed to prevent "puffing". A chin strap is likely not necessary when taping lips closed, but could be helpful for some if the tape is not holding up all night.
		+
		+	There is now a product called the "DeepSleep" made by Goldstream CPAP which can also help prevent airflow out the mouth. It is placed in front of the teeth and behind the lips at bedtime and forms a gasket against the inside of the lips. It is simple, comfortable, inexpensive, durable and tasteless and can work when a chin strap does not.

	One form of seal is 3M Blue painter's 2" tape, or a better choice may be 2 inch 3M Micropore medical hypoallergenic tape. For the 3M Micropore tape, search for item number 1530-2 (white) or 1533-2 (tan) on your favorite online shopping site or ask for it at your local drugstore. (The tan may cost a bit more; the only real difference is that it looks a bit less scary than the white tape does to other household members.) Micropore tape also comes in 3 inch wide which may be needed at higher CPAP pressures to keep a good mouth seal all night long, 2 inch should be adequate for most.		One form of seal is 3M Blue painter's 2" tape, or a better choice may be 2 inch 3M Micropore medical hypoallergenic tape. For the 3M Micropore tape, search for item number 1530-2 (white) or 1533-2 (tan) on your favorite online shopping site or ask for it at your local drugstore. (The tan may cost a bit more; the only real difference is that it looks a bit less scary than the white tape does to other household members.) Micropore tape also comes in 3 inch wide which may be needed at higher CPAP pressures to keep a good mouth seal all night long, 2 inch should be adequate for most.

@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 When using nasal masks; e.g. Swift For Her, Airfit P10, ......
-Some nasal mask users need a seal over the mouth. The reason for this is that during sleep, everyone's body naturally enters sleep paralysis which causes ones skeletal muscles, including facial muscles, to completely relax. It's not possible for anyone to physically press their lips closed after sleep commences due the normal effects sleep paralysis. When a nasal mask or nasal pillow user wakes with a very dry mouth, even with a humidified CPAP, the most likely cause is "puffing" where air is flowing into nasal passages from the mask and then flows right back out through the mouth uncontrollably. A CPAP machine will typically begin pumping a much larger volume of air during this time to compensate for the air leaking past the CPAP users lips. By taping over ones lips while using a nasal CPAP mask, it's entirely possible to achieve zero air leaks the entire night as reported by data collected by modern CPAP machines. Chin straps are often recommended to solve this "puffing" issue, but they are only effective in keeping ones jaw from opening during sleep paralysis. Chin straps have no direct ability to keep lips sealed, so air will still flow out ones mouth. Taping over lips will not keep ones jaw from dropping down, but typically this is not a problem since the important thing is just have the lips sealed to prevent "puffing". A chin strap is likely not necessary to use when taping lips closed, but could be helpful for some.
+Some nasal mask users need a seal over the mouth. The reason for this is that during sleep, everyone's body naturally enters sleep paralysis which causes one's skeletal muscles, including facial muscles, to completely relax. It's not possible for anyone to physically press their lips closed after sleep commences due the normal effects of sleep paralysis. When a nasal mask or nasal pillow user wakes with a very dry mouth, even with a humidified CPAP, the most likely cause is "puffing" where air is flowing into nasal passages from the mask and then flows right back out through the mouth uncontrollably. A CPAP machine will typically begin pumping a much larger volume of air during this time to compensate for the air leaking past the CPAP user's lips. By taping over one's lips while using a nasal CPAP mask, it's entirely possible to achieve zero air leaks the entire night as reported by data collected by modern CPAP machines and also eliminate the terrible dry mouth feeling. Chin straps are often recommended to solve this "puffing" issue, but they are only effective in keeping one's jaw from opening during sleep paralysis. Chin straps have no direct ability to keep lips sealed, so air will still flow out ones mouth. Taping over lips will not keep one's jaw from dropping down, but typically this is not a problem since the important thing is just having one's lips sealed to prevent "puffing". A chin strap is likely not necessary when taping lips closed, but could be helpful for some if the tape is not holding up all night.
-One form of seal is 3M Blue painter's 2" tape, or a better choice may be 2 inch 3M Micropore medical hypoallergenic tape. For the 3M Micropore tape, search for item number 1530-2 (white) or 1533-2 (tan) on your favorite online shopping site or ask for it at your local drugstore. (The tan may cost a bit more, but the only difference is that it looks a bit less scary then the white tape does to other household members.) Micropore tape also comes in 3 inch wide which may be needed at higher CPAP pressures to keep a good mouth seal all night long, 2 inch should be adequate for most.
+One form of seal is 3M Blue painter's 2" tape, or a better choice may be 2 inch 3M Micropore medical hypoallergenic tape. For the 3M Micropore tape, search for item number 1530-2 (white) or 1533-2 (tan) on your favorite online shopping site or ask for it at your local drugstore. (The tan may cost a bit more; the only real difference is that it looks a bit less scary than the white tape does to other household members.) Micropore tape also comes in 3 inch wide which may be needed at higher CPAP pressures to keep a good mouth seal all night long, 2 inch should be adequate for most.
 Rip off a piece of tape about 3 1/2" to 4" long, fold over a small amount of all 4 corners of the tape at about a 45 degree angle, sticky side to sticky side (so that you can grab any tape edge easily after application in case you feel the need to quickly remove the tape) and place over mouth. Apply your favorite lip balm to lips prior to applying the tape so that the tape does not stick directly to your sensitive lip skin for easier removal. If 3M tape is not staying stuck on skin, if tape user is waking up in the middle of the night with the tape loose and wet, it may be air puffing out between lips (blowfishing) causing warm air condensation under the tape or drooling.
-To prevent this, in addition to the tape, there are numerous options; some of them are: Purse, pucker or fold lips under the tape, place Poligrip Strips between lips, or .......
+To prevent this tape becoming loose potential issue, in addition to the tape, there are numerous options; some of them are: Purse, pucker or fold lips under the tape, place Poligrip Strips between lips, use a chin strap in conjunction with the tape, or .......  It also could be due to oily facial skin, so washing and drying one's face before applying the tape may help the tape stay put better all night.
 To use the Poligrip Strips, bend each one so it fits the curve of the lip line, place each strip onto wet bottom lip. Then, wet the top of the strip and top lips, close lips. EASY to take off with a tissue in the a.m.  There is no taste to the Poligrip Strips due to the fact that they sit on lips and do not ooze into mouth or touch tongue like polident paste would.

@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 '''Mouth Leaks'''
-When using nasal masks; e.g. Swift For Her, ......
+When using nasal masks; e.g. Swift For Her, Airfit P10, ......
-Some nasal mask users need a seal over the mouth.
+Some nasal mask users need a seal over the mouth. The reason for this is that during sleep, everyone's body naturally enters sleep paralysis which causes ones skeletal muscles, including facial muscles, to completely relax. It's not possible for anyone to physically press their lips closed after sleep commences due the normal effects sleep paralysis. When a nasal mask or nasal pillow user wakes with a very dry mouth, even with a humidified CPAP, the most likely cause is "puffing" where air is flowing into nasal passages from the mask and then flows right back out through the mouth uncontrollably. A CPAP machine will typically begin pumping a much larger volume of air during this time to compensate for the air leaking past the CPAP users lips. By taping over ones lips while using a nasal CPAP mask, it's entirely possible to achieve zero air leaks the entire night as reported by data collected by modern CPAP machines. Chin straps are often recommended to solve this "puffing" issue, but they are only effective in keeping ones jaw from opening during sleep paralysis. Chin straps have no direct ability to keep lips sealed, so air will still flow out ones mouth. Taping over lips will not keep ones jaw from dropping down, but typically this is not a problem since the important thing is just have the lips sealed to prevent "puffing". A chin strap is likely not necessary to use when taping lips closed, but could be helpful for some.
-One form of seal is 3M Blue painter's 2" tape, or you can use   (other brand tape).
+One form of seal is 3M Blue painter's 2" tape, or a better choice may be 2 inch 3M Micropore medical hypoallergenic tape. For the 3M Micropore tape, search for item number 1530-2 (white) or 1533-2 (tan) on your favorite online shopping site or ask for it at your local drugstore. (The tan may cost a bit more, but the only difference is that it looks a bit less scary then the white tape does to other household members.) Micropore tape also comes in 3 inch wide which may be needed at higher CPAP pressures to keep a good mouth seal all night long, 2 inch should be adequate for most.
-Rip off a piece of tape about 3 1/2" long and place over mouth. If 3M tape is not staying stuck on skin, if tape user is waking up in the middle of the night with the tape loose and wet, it may be air puffing out between lips (blowfishing) causing warm air condensation under the tape or drooling.
+Rip off a piece of tape about 3 1/2" to 4" long, fold over a small amount of all 4 corners of the tape at about a 45 degree angle, sticky side to sticky side (so that you can grab any tape edge easily after application in case you feel the need to quickly remove the tape) and place over mouth. Apply your favorite lip balm to lips prior to applying the tape so that the tape does not stick directly to your sensitive lip skin for easier removal. If 3M tape is not staying stuck on skin, if tape user is waking up in the middle of the night with the tape loose and wet, it may be air puffing out between lips (blowfishing) causing warm air condensation under the tape or drooling.
 To prevent this, in addition to the tape, there are numerous options; some of them are: Purse, pucker or fold lips under the tape, place Poligrip Strips between lips, or .......

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 ==Insurance==
 === What are the insurance billing codes for my CPAP equipment? ===
 =Common CPAP Side Effects=

@@ Line 133: / Line 133: @@
 . Rotate Hoses <bR>
 Fishhead says: bought a second hose so i could rotate them each day, doubling my drying time.
 == If I lose weight can I get off the CPAP? ==

@@ Line 113: / Line 113: @@
 CPAPtalk member Bluebonnet_Gal says: Have you tried soaking it in water that has a little bleach mixed in. Bleach should kill any mold. My DME recommends cleaning my mask and hose in bleach water. I personally don't think it's a good idea to use bleach on something that I strap to my face every night, so I use vinegar to disinfect, but on a one time basis, I don't think it will do any harm. Be sure to rinse well, repeatedly, after soaking in bleach.
-===How Do I clean the CPAP Hoses?===
+===How Do I dry CPAP Hoses after cleaning?===
 Cleaning Tubes or Hoses requires warm soapy water.
 To dry hoses, try these techniques:

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:42, 24 November 2009
Line 53:		Line 53:

	Moleskin		Moleskin
−
−	~~[[Mask Leak]]~~

	==Additional Problems==		==Additional Problems==

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:42, 24 November 2009
Line 46:		Line 46:

	To use the Poligrip Strips, bend each one so it fits the curve of the lip line, place each strip onto wet bottom lip. Then, wet the top of the strip and top lips, close lips. EASY to take off with a tissue in the a.m. There is no taste to the Poligrip Strips due to the fact that they sit on lips and do not ooze into mouth or touch tongue like polident paste would.		To use the Poligrip Strips, bend each one so it fits the curve of the lip line, place each strip onto wet bottom lip. Then, wet the top of the strip and top lips, close lips. EASY to take off with a tissue in the a.m. There is no taste to the Poligrip Strips due to the fact that they sit on lips and do not ooze into mouth or touch tongue like polident paste would.
		+
		+	[[Mask Leaks]]

	===Supplies===		===Supplies===