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Simply put, it means you regularly stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer while sleeping.
It is a potentially serious sleep disorder. There are many risk factors, including age and obesity.
It’s more prevalent in men.
Symptoms can include loud snoring and feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep. It is very often noticed by your sleeping partner and discounted by the patient. Treatment may include changes to your lifestyle, including weight loss, and the use of a device at night, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
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A CPAP mask is required to be used with a CPAP machine to apply the positive airway pressure to the body. There are typically 3 types of mask available…
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-mask-nasal-head.png)
Nasal
A nasal mask fits over your nose and provides a seal to contain the air flow. This type of mask is suitable for patients that consistently breath through their noses during sleep – or can comfortably use a can strap to keep their mouths closed.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-mask-nasal-pillow-head.png)
Nasal Pillow
A nasal pillow sits comfortably under your nose and has two small cone shaped pillows that fit slightly into your nostrils. Similar to a nasal mask, it is suitable for patients that mostly breath through their nose during sleep.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-mask-full-face-head.png)
Full Face
Some patients simply need to breathe through their mouths when sleeping. In this case, a full face mask is needed. This mask fits over both the nose and mouth to provide a seal for the air flow.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-heading.png)
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-heading-mobile.png)
Mask
The mask & strap assembly is touching your head and hair in a lot of places. It is important to regularly wash them both using the methods outlined by the manufacturer and replace every 3 to 6 months.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-mask-200x200xc.png)
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-cushion-200x200xc.png)
Cushion/Seal
The cushion/seal is usually a soft silicone based flexible plastic that forms the final connection with your nose or nose/mouth area and must seal effectively. The materials are specifically developed to provide a secure fit to maintain the air pressure.
After each use, the silicone can become covered with oils from contact with the skin surface.
To ensure an optimum seal, it is important to clean the cushion / seal daily as outlined by the manufacturer, and replace after 3 to 6 months use.
Hose
There is a hose that runs from your machine to your mask assembly. This hose can trap moist expelled air that carries bacteria. This bacteria can build up over time so it is important to wash your hose out at least weekly and replace after 3 to 6 months use.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-hose-200x200xc.png)
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-air-filter-200x200xc.png)
Air Filters
Your machine’s air inlet will have a foam pad inserted to filter the air from dust and other particles. This can become clogged over time and cause a reduced air flow and therefore a less that optimal CPAP treatment and may even damage the motor in your CPAP machine.
Cleaning these filters weekly and replacing them on a regular basis is recommended, especially in
dusty environments, or when there are smokers or pets in the household.
Use Distilled Water
If using a heated humidifier, do not use tap water. Manufacturers recommend using distilled water, which is the purest form of water. It has been treated to remove harmful bacteria, minerals and metals.
Bacteria including legionella can be very harmful to your health. As well as this, the build up of sediment can cause premature aging of the metal heating plate and void your machine’s warranty.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-distilled-water-200x200xc.png)
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-mask-200x200xc.png)
Mask
The mask & strap assembly is touching your head and hair in a lot of places. It is important to regularly wash them both using the methods outlined by the manufacturer and replace every 3 to 6 months.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-cushion-200x200xc.png)
Cushion/Seal
The cushion/seal is usually a soft silicone based flexible plastic that forms the final connection with your nose or nose/mouth area and must seal effectively. The materials are specifically developed to provide a secure fit to maintain the air pressure.
After each use, the silicone can become covered with oils from contact with the skin surface.
To ensure an optimum seal, it is important to clean the cushion / seal daily as outlined by the manufacturer, and replace after 3 to 6 months use.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-hose-200x200xc.png)
Hose
There is a hose that runs from your machine to your mask assembly. This hose can trap moist expelled air that carries bacteria. This bacteria can build up over time so it is important to wash your hose out at least weekly and replace after 3 to 6 months use.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-air-filter-200x200xc.png)
Air Filters
Your machine’s air inlet will have a foam pad inserted to filter the air from dust and other particles. This can become clogged over time and cause a reduced air flow and therefore a less that optimal CPAP treatment and may even damage the motor in your CPAP machine.
Cleaning these filters weekly and replacing them on a regular basis is recommended, especially in dusty environments, or when there are smokers or pets in the household.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-maintenance-distilled-water-200x200xc.png)
Use Distilled Water
If using a heated humidifier, do not use tap water. Manufacturers recommend using distilled water, which is the purest form of water. It has been treated to remove harmful bacteria, minerals and metals.
Bacteria including legionella can be very harmful to your health. As well as this, the build up of sediment can cause premature aging of the metal heating plate and void your machine’s warranty.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-when-its-time-for-a-new.png)
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-when-its-time-for-a-new-mobile.png)
Mask?
CPAP mask maintenance is an important part of CPAP therapy. A big part of that involves regularly cleaning and replacing your CPAP equipment. This is vital for two primary reasons:
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-new-mask-onetwo.png)
CPAP Mask Wear
Even with the most diligent cleaning and maintenance schedule, your mask will gradually show signs of wear. 8 hours of CPAP therapy each night will soon turn into hundreds and eventually thousands of hours use.
Some of the signs of mask wear include:
- Fraying and reduced elasticity in the headgear / straps.
- The cushion (the part that actually touches your nose and mouth areas) may exhibit signs of wear, brittleness or discolouration or wont stop leaking air.
- If you have facial redness, sores or discomfort.
Mask liners can help with some of these problems, but it could be a sign of mask wear and you need a replacement. In general, your CPAP Mask should be replaced every 3-6 months.
Machine?
Most manufacturer’s CPAP Machine warranties are typically between two and five years. This gives you a fair idea of a machine’s lifespan. In reality, a properly cleaned and maintained machine could even last for seven years or longer. There are certain indicators to look out for that may mean it’s time to get a replacement.
![](https://cpapsales.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/sleep-apnea-journey-new-machine-onetwo.png)
Any unusual lights or sounds are typically an indication your machine may stop working soon. CPAP therapy is a treatment, not a cure. Usually you will find it difficult to sleep without it, so you might want to be thinking about replacing it quickly. Waiting until your machine breaks down could mean many nights without treatment.
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