Are you experiencing problems with your CPAP machine?
Check our troubleshooting guide below to learn about common issues - if you are still experiencing problems, please reach out to us and we will assist you!
PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSES | WHAT TO DO |
Air Pressure feels too high or too low | Air pressure is set incorrectly | Contact Westmoreland Sleep Medicine to check pressure settings |
Air pressure settings may need adjustment for comfort | Schedule an appointment with Westmoreland Sleep Medicine | |
| Air from the machine is too hot | Temperature setting on the humidifier is too high or the temperature in the room is too hot | Lower the setting on humidifier, lower temperature in the room, or use heated tubing to enable constant temperature and humidity control |
Tubing under the blanket | Keep the tubing above the blanket | |
Dirty filters | Clean or replace filters | |
Air from the machine is too cold | Room temperature is too low | Place tubing (if standard) under blankets, increase room temperature, or use heated tubing for constant temperature control |
Rainout/moisture inside the mask | Water level too high in the water tub | Lower water level if above max point |
Heated air is cooling inside the tubing | Use heated tubing or use tubing wrap | |
Dry mouth or nose | The flow from the CPAP is drying the membranes | Increase humidifier settings or use heated tube for comfort |
Dry mouth | Switch to a full face mask if already using a nasal. Call your DME supplier for full face mask options | |
Eye irritation | Mask may be leaking air into your eyes | Adjust your mask or headgear |
Mouth falls open during sleep | High pressure levels or mouth breather | Use a chin strap or call your DME supplier for full face mask options |
Air leaks around the mask | Mask not fitting properly/wrong size | Call your DME supplier |
Sore on forehead or bridge of nose | Inappropriate fitting mask | Call your DME supplier |
Wrong size mask | Call your DME supplier | |
Headgear too tight | Loosen headgear | |
Initial symptoms worsen or reappear (snoring, daytime sleepiness, etc.) | Weight gain | Schedule an appointment with Westmoreland Sleep Medicine |
Pressure setting incorrect | Schedule an appointment with Westmoreland Sleep Medicine | |
| No pressure/ flow from machine | Power cord may be disconnected from machine OR no power to outlet | Plug power cord into grounded outlet and try another outlet |
| Equipment malfunction | Call your DME supplier |
CPAP and Supplies Cleaning Schedule
SUPPLIES | FREQUENCY | WHAT TO DO |
CPAP Mask or Nasal Pillows | Daily | Wash your face before putting on your mask each night. Mask should be washed daily with warm soapy water and rinsed well. Allow to air dry on towel. |
Humidifier Chamber | Daily | Always fill with distilled water before using. Chamber should be washed daily with warm soapy water and rinsed well. Allow to dry on towel. |
Tubing | Weekly | Once every week wash the tube with warm soapy water and rinse well. Allow to air dry. |
Humidifier Chamber | Weekly | Wash with warm soapy water and rinse well. Soak in 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for 30 minutes. Rinse well and allow to dry on a towel. |
Headgear | Weekly | Hand wash in warm soapy water and rinse well. Allow to air dry. |
Exterior of Machine | Weekly | Wipe with a damp cloth. |
Disposable Filter | Monthly | Do not wash – replace white disposable filter every month! |
CPAP Resupply Eligibility (for most insurance, please check with yours to verify)
ITEM | REPLACE |
Full face mask and headgear | Every 6 months |
Full face cushion replacement | Every 1 month |
Nasal mask and headgear | Every 6 months |
Nasal cushion replacement | Every 2 weeks |
Nasal pillow mask and headgear | Every 6 months |
Nasal pillow replacement | Every 2 weeks |
Chinstrap | Every 6 months |
Tubing | Every 3 months |
Filters | Every 2 weeks |
Water Chamber | Every 6 months |