PAP/CPAP Therapy
What is PAP/CPAP Therapy?
Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is a general term used for all sleep apnea treatments that keep the airway open while sleeping by providing a constant stream of air through a mask. This eliminates snoring or breathing pauses during sleep and allows you to sleep through the night without waking up from a lack of oxygen. When referring to PAP therapy, CPAP is the term most often used, since it’s the most commonly used PAP device.
You’ll first need a sleep study to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If your study is positive for OSA and your provider has determined PAP therapy is best for you, there are four PAP treatments:
- AutoPAP/APAP (automatic positive airway pressure)
- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)
- BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure)
- ASV (auto-servo ventilation)
If you require an AutoPAP, there is no need for a daytime/overnight sleep study, since your machine will be set at a variable pressure–the machine adjusts the pressure automatically based on your breathing needs.
If you need CPAP, BiPAP, or ASV, an in-lab titration study is required. This is a daytime or overnight sleep study done at our sleep center that helps us determine the level of pressure needed for your ASV, CPAP or BiPAP.
PAP therapy is a lifestyle change and it can take weeks or even months to get used to wearing it nightly, which is why it is best to work closely with your respiratory therapist to help identify the mask that best suits you. Finding the right mask is an important step in successful PAP therapy. There are several different types and styles of mask from which to choose:
- Nasal pillow mask: Small “pillows” that fit in your nostrils to create a seal.
- Nasal mask: Covers your nose only.
- Full Face mask: Covers your nose and mouth. This mask is the best choice for anyone who breathes through their mouth for any significant portion of time during the night.
The mask should be comfortable and create a seal so that air does not leak from it. If you are having issues with your mask, it’s important to communicate with your respiratory therapist or CPAP equipment supplier right away so that they can address it with you.
PAP machines are smaller and quieter than ever—they are about the size of an AM/FM bedside radio. Masks and machines with stylish looks and sized for women’s faces are now available, taking beauty sleep to a new level.
You should use your PAP/CPAP every time you sleep, even while napping. Consistent PAP/CPAP use increases your quality of sleep at night, which will eliminate daytime sleepiness. It can increase memory function, daytime alertness and energy levels. It also decreases the risk of congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
You can see a Sleep Insights sleep specialist to determine if you have OSA and to learn more about PAP/CPAP therapy.
PAP/CPAP has to be ordered by a health care provider. You don’t get your PAP equipment and supplies from a pharmacy; instead, you would get them from a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier. Sleep Insights is a DME supplier and provides PAP supplies at the majority of our locations.
To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist, call (585) 385.6070 or contact us.
PAP/CPAP are considered durable medical equipment (DME), which is prescribed by your sleep provider.
Sleep Insights conveniently offers PAP/CPAP supplies (DME) at our Rochester and Geneseo locations and participates with the following insurances:
- Excellus BCBS (except Blue Choice Option)
- We accept most BCBS plans. Exceptions: BCBS of Michigan and Blue Choice Option
- Pomco
- RMSCO
- Univera
- Lifetime Benefit Solutions
If your insurance changes at any time, please notify us immediately.
If you are in your 10-month rental period and your insurance changes to a non-participating policy, you may be required to return your machine and restart your purchase with another company.
PAP/CPAP supplies should be replaced regularly. You can either refer to the Resupply Chart below or print: Recommended Replacement Schedule for PAP Supplies
Supplies that need regular replacing are:
- Masks
- Tubing
- Filters and cushions
- Water chamber
Some insurance plans require an authorization every 6 months in order for them to pay their portion of your supplies.
It takes some time to learn what needs to be done to keep your equipment clean and working well, and what needs to if you decide to travel or have nasal congestion:
CLEANING YOUR PAP EQUIPMENT
ALWAYS
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after cleaning your equipment
- Hand washing is one of the most effective ways of preventing infection.
DAILY
- Clean the cushion or pillow with mild dish soap and water and let dry
- Do not use anti-bacterial soap–it has a high level of alcohol content and can cause the mask to breakdown much faster.
- Baby wipes or CPAP wipes (available at Sleep Insights) are also an effective way to clean your mask. If using baby wipes, you need to rinse well with water.
- Check the level of your distilled water in the water chamber. Change the water every 2-3 days.
WEEKLY
- Submerge the tubing, water chamber, mask and headgear in soapy water for 15-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and air-dry
- Heated tubing can be submerged in water, it will not affect the heating element
- PAP manufacturers recommend cleaning only with soap and water. The use of an ozone cleaner on your machine may modify your manufacturer’s machine warranty; please check with your PAP machine manufacturer for details.
- Remove filter from rear or side of unit and shake the dust off. If the white portion of the filter is gray, then it is time to replace it.
- Clean and dust the exterior of the unit. This will prolong the life of your filter and help prevent dust from getting into the motor.
MONTHLY
- Change the filter
- Consider changing your cushions
IF YOU NEED DISTILLED WATER during COVID, here are TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVES:
If you’re unable to access distilled water, you can use bottled, room temperature water. Boil tap water for 10-20 minutes. Cool to room temperature prior to use.
In either scenario, wash water chambers more frequently–every 2-3 days in soapy water–rinse well and air dry. Remember to separate the inner seal when doing so.
Once you’re able to obtain distilled water regularly again, replace the water chamber if it has deteriorated.
These are some of our favorite PAP items, designed to make PAP use easier, cleaner, and sometimes both!
CPAP travel machines (Z2 Auto & ResMed AirMini)
Every Month
- Nasal pillow, nasal cushions
- Filters
- Full face cushions
Every 3 Months
- CPAP hose
- Mask/headgear
Every 6 Months
- Water chamber
Ask the Respiratory Therapist
For your convenience, our Respiratory Specialist has answered some of your frequently asked questions. If you need more information, please call us at (585) 385.6070 #4.
Heated tubing helps to eliminate condensation from forming in your tubing. When your humidity is set relatively high, and your bedroom temperature is lower than the dew-point, then condensation will form and make this harmless noise. However, as you’ve found out, it can be very bothersome when you’re sleeping!
To correct the issue, try turning your humidity level down one level at a time and/or increase your tube temperature 1-2 degrees at a time until that annoying noise stops. It may take a couple of nights to get it perfect, so don’t make big changes at one time.
Many patients who change masks forget to take the “elbow” from their old mask out of the tubing. All tubing/masks are universal connections. Try looking at the end of your tubing that connects to your mask and see if you have left an adapter in there. You should have just a gray rubber end there; that is where your new mask will connect. Once you remove the old connector, your new mask can be inserted.