CPAP Therapy

cpap Sleep Apnea is a disorder that causes people to frequently stop breathing for short periods of times while sleeping. As a result, they fail to get the oxygen or sleep that their bodies need. If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is utilized for the treatment of obstructive disorders. A CPAP system is for your use at home to treat obstruction sleep apnea.

The equipment delivers a flow of air, at a prescribed amount of pressure, applied through a mask over the nose. This pressure prevents the structures in your throat from blocking air movement in and out of your lungs while you sleep. By using CPAP Therapy, you will experience almost immediate relief from your symptoms.

If your doctor has prescribed oxygen and/or a humidifier along with the CPAP system, this will be explained to you during your training.

General Instructions

Your physician has prescribed this system. It is important that you use the system EXACTLY as your doctor prescribed. Specific pressure (and other settings if applicable) has been prescribed by your physician to treat your disorder. These settings cannot be changed without consulting your physician.

Read the Operating Instructions that have been provided by our representative. These instructions are specifically written for the system you have been provided. These instructions serve as a reference and should be used in conjunction with the instruction and protocol set by the doctor ordering the system and the training provided by our representative.

Cleaning The Equipment

Expiration valve (when applicable), nasal mask/pillows.

Each Morning:

1. Disassemble and wash with liquid dish washing detergent and warm tap water in a clean basin or container.
2. Rinse well with clear warm running tap water. Proper rinsing reduces the potential for skin irritation resulting from soap residue.
3. Air dry.
4. Reassemble when dry.
5. If still damp when ready to use, assemble the nasal mask/pillow to the swivel and then to the hose. Attach the other end of the hose to the flow generator. Turn the generator on and allow these items to blow-dry for 10 to 20 minutes.

Flow Generator Cabinet

Once a week, unplug the unit and wipe the outside of the cabinet with a cloth slightly dampened with warm water.
NEVER immerse the unit in water or allow water to enter any vents or ports.
Completely dry before plugging in.

Filters

Clean and/or replace filter as instructed by our representative. (Refer to Operating Instructions.)

Humidifier

Clean and disinfect as instructed by our representative. (Refer to Operating Instructions.)

Headgear/Softcap and Straps

These items should be washed once a week using mild detergent and warm water either by hand or in the washing machine. NEVER place in a dryer. Hang to dry.

Helpful Hints

Washing your face with soap and water to remove excess facial oils before putting on the nasal mask helps prolong the life of the mask and headgear/softcap and straps.
Once the straps are properly adjusted, the mask and headgear/softcap can be removed and reapplied by unfastening or loosening one strap only. You can mark the positions where the end of each strap is fastened to the Velcro with a permanent marker for easy adjustment after washing.
A tighter fit is NOT necessarily better. It can be as loose as desired as long a seal is maintained.

Safety Precautions

If supplemental oxygen is being used in conjunction with your system:

1. Keep equipment away from heat or open flame.
2. Absolutely NO SMOKING in the area of this device.
3. Make sure that the CPAP system is running before the oxygen source is turned on. Turn the oxygen flow OFF before turning the system OFF.

DO NOT:

DO NOT block the vents and filter openings of your unit. Air must flow freely around the unit for the system to work properly. Make sure that bedding, draperies; curtains, etc. do not restrict airflow.
DO NOT permit smoking in the room with unit. Tobacco smoke will cause tar build-up that may result in the units malfunctioning.
DO NOT use the system around water, other than that contained in the humidifier. Electrical shock may occur.
DO NOT leave system turned on while unattended.
DO NOT USE if your system is dropped or otherwise damaged, or if any liquid spilled into the system. Contact First Health Medical Supply immediately.
DO NOT eat or drink for two or three hours prior to bedtime if you are using a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
It is recommended that you DO NOT plug your system into an outlet that is controlled by a wall switch.
Your system is NOT intended for life support.

DO:

DO unplug the unit before cleaning or changing the fuses to avoid electrical shock.
DO position the system on its base on a level. Secure surface for proper operation.
All setting must be determined by your physician through appropriate diagnostic studies and monitoring. Settings are to be adjusted only by authorized personnel in compliance with yours doctor’s prescription.
DO read and understand your Operating Instructions prior to using your system. Contact First Health Medical Supply if you have any questions.
DO make sure that all fittings and connections are secured prior to use. The exhalation port/valve on your mask system is designed to exhaust CO2 (carbon dioxide) from the patient circuit. Continuous flow is required for safe operation. DO NOT block or try to seal the exhalation opening.

CPAP Routine Maintenance of Equipment

There are no user-serviceable components in your system. DO NOT attempt to open the enclosure or service this device.

At least once a year arrangements should be made to have your unit tested. This check-up is necessary to assure the long life of your unit and to ensure that you are getting the treatment prescribed by your doctor. Our representative will periodically check your equipment including the circuit, mask fit, and the pressure being delivered by your unit. In typical use, the hose mask nasal/pillows, and headgear/softcap may need to be replaced once or twice a year and the hose annually.

Troubleshooting

For common problems such as air leaks around the mask, sore or dry eyes, skin irritation, dryness or burning sensation in the throat, nose or nasal sinuses or ear pain, feeling that the pressure is too high or too low, air from the device seems warm, etc., refer to your Operating Instructions. These instructions will give possible causes and instructions to solve the problem. Contact our office if you are unable to correct the problem.

Travel Tips

Use precaution when transporting your system. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. If exposure to such temperatures does occur, the unit should be allowed to return to room temperature before being turned on.

The voltage selector switch, if applicable, must be set for the proper line voltage. Refer to the Operating Instructions for a guide to line voltages/fuse size required to operate your unit when traveling outside the United States. You can also call First Health Medical Supply for assistance prior to your travel.

The carrying case, if provided, is designed to be used as an airline carry-on bag. When traveling, DO NOT check your unit as baggage. Always use the carrying case for the unit’s protection. The accessories (including the humidifier) can also be placed inside the carrying case.

If your CPAP system is used on a 12-volt system in a recreational vehicle or a motor home, DO NOT attempt to use any power cord other than the DC power cord provided by our representative. Using a different power cord may result in damage to your vehicle and/or to your CPAP system.

If you have received instructions from your physician or therapist that differ in any way from the above information, follow those instructions explicitly. If you experience any functional problems with this product, discontinue use and call your First Health Medical Supply office for assistance.