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 |
How to Choose the Best CPAP Mask for You
Finding the right CPAP mask starts with choosing the right mask type. Most CPAP users find a comfortable fit with one of these three main mask styles:
What is Your Breathing Style?
You've already got obstructive sleep apnea, so we don't have to tell you how important breathing in your sleep is, but this question can very quickly narrow down your mask options.
Mouth Breather:
If you’re a mouth breather because of nasal congestion, allergies, or other difficulty breathing through your nose, you’ll want to try out a full-face CPAP mask first. Or if you would prefer less headgear or a wider field of vision, try a hybrid CPAP mask.
If you sleep with your mouth open, but don't have issues breathing through your nose, you may want to test the combination of a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask and a chin strap. This can help reduce dry-mouth or sore throat that are occasionally associated with CPAP therapy.
Nose Breather:
Great news! Nose breathers can use just about any CPAP mask style other than oral masks.
Both/Unknown:
You’ll want to stick with a full-face CPAP mask or a hybrid CPAP mask for the best versatility in airflow.
What Is Your Sleeping Position?
Back Sleeper:
Back sleepers can use any kind of CPAP mask.
Side Sleeper:
This position is the best for snoring, but bulkier mask styles may shift against your pillow and break your seal. The slimmer profile of a nasal CPAP mask or nasal pillow mask will help keep a proper seal, so you can maintain your airflow all night.
Stomach Sleeper:
As someone with sleep apnea you should try to break this habit, but as far as CPAP masks go you’ll want a minimal design, such as a nasal pillow CPAP mask. Look for one with a mask cushion made of gel or memory foam since it will be pressed against your skin.
You may also wish to try a CPAP pillow to help prevent mask shift or getting tangled in your tubes!
Active Sleeper:
Look for a mask with a hollow frame and a hose connector that attaches to the top of the head. The top-mount CPAP hose will keep you from getting tangled in your tubing as you toss and turn, while the hollow frame provides flexibility without interrupting your sleep therapy.
What Is Your Pressure Setting?
Low to Medium:
You’ll be safe with any style sleep apnea mask.
High:
Both full face and nasal CPAP masks can accommodate high pressure settings; however, full face CPAP masks may be more comfortable since they distribute the airflow over a larger area.
You’ll likely need to avoid nasal prong or nasal pillow CPAP masks.
CPAP Mask Types
Full Face CPAP Mask
Delivers airflow to the mouth and nose. Typically seals around the mouth and over the bridge of the nose, but may cradle underneath the nose instead.
Sleeping Position: Back sleepers, some side sleepers
Cushion Materials: Silicone, Memory Foam
Best For:
- People with high pressure settings
- People with chronic allergies or nasal congestion
- Mouth breathers
Nasal CPAP Mask
Delivers airflow to the nasal area, but not directly inside. Typically covers the entire nose, but may cradle underneath the nostrils instead.
Sleeping Position: Back sleepers, side sleepers, active
sleepers
Cushion Materials: Silicone, Memory Foam
Best For:
- People who like to read or watch TV before bed
- CPAP users who toss-and-turn
Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask
Delivers airflow directly into the nasal cavity. Two soft pillows rest just inside the nostrils and inflate slightly to create a secure but comfortable seal.
Sleeping Position: Back sleepers, side sleepers, active
sleepers, stomach sleepers
Cushion Materials: Silicone, Gel/Comfortgel
Best For:
- People who prefer minimal contact
- CPAP users who experience claustrophobia
- People with facial hair