Keep it Clean!
It is very important to maintain your cpap equipment to reduce the chance of contamination and infection. Following these cleaning instructions will ensure a happy and healthy cpap patient.
- Wash the cushion of your mask daily by wiping it off with a soapy cloth. This will reduce the amount of facial oils on the cushion that could cause the mask to slide on the face leading to leaks.
- Empty any remaining water from the humidifier canister daily and rinse the canister with hot water. Use fresh distilled water to fill the canister every night.
- Clean the tubing, mask cushion, and humidifier canister weekly by soaking all pieces in one part white vinegar and three parts hot water for twenty minutes. Rinse well and let air dry.
- Check the filters weekly. If they can be washed use hot soapy water, rinse, and air dry. Do not put any filters back into the cpap until they are completely dry. If the filters can not be washed with water simply check the color. If it is gray or black you need to discard the filter and put a new one into your cpap. Not sure if your filters may be washed? Just give us a call and we will gladly answer that question.
- The headgear on your mask may be hand washed with hot, soapy water and air dried whenever you feel it is needed.
Any questions regarding the maintenance of your cpap equipment may be answered by calling your local Cresscare Medical location.
Need Supplies? Free Shipping!
3-24-06
Need supplies and have no time to come into our store? We offer FREE shipping of supplies right to your front door. If you know the brand and size of mask, filters, and tubing you need it can be sent to you. To verify if you are eligible for any supplies through your insurance carrier just give us a call and we will gladly check your records for you.
If you are interested in something new or just want to see what other options you may have regarding cpap masks please make an appointment to come into the store and a respiratory therapist will show you all your choices. If you see something you like we can fit the mask for you. You will also have 72 hours to try it at home to assure its comfort. If it is not working you can return it within the 72 hour period and we will try another option at no extra cost to you.
If you can not sleep, neither can we!
Is your cpap mask keeping you up at night?
Have you seen all the new cpap mask choices that are available? If you are not satisfied with your current therapy we can help! CressCare Medical has a large inventory of all the latest cpap masks. There are a lot of sizes and shapes to fit anyone. Come into our office and meet with a Registered Respiratory Therapist who will show you all the options, fit you with any mask to try, and let you breathe while on cpap. Want to try a mask at home before deciding if it is the right choice for you…..no problem. We offer a 72 hour trial period for you to assess the mask fit and function in the comfort of your own home. If it is not for you, just bring it back to our office and we will explore other options until we find the fit for you.
It is very important to have the mask adjusted properly. A mask that is too loose will cause leaking. Air blowing in the eyes can dry them out and be very annoying. Large leaks also mean you will not be getting the cpap pressure you need. On the other hand, if your mask is too tight it can cause facial irritation and cause the mask to breakdown faster than it should. A lot of people think if the mask is not leaking it is adjusted properly. This may or may not be true. So how do you know? Simple, put your mask on and start your cpap. Once the air is coming through make your mask leak by loosening the straps (Yes, make it leak!). Now slowly pull the straps and as soon as the leaks cease you are perfect. Not too tight and not too loose. Still not sure, just call our office for an appointment and we will gladly assist you in this crucial mask adjustment.
If can’t sleep, neither can we!!
Replace your CPAP Supplies
It is important to replace your cpap supplies such as mask, filter, and tubing on a regular basis to assure proper function. Cleaning these items is a must, but even with weekly washings these items simply wear out.
The cpap mask should be replaced at least every 3 to 6 months. The mask must fit properly in order to get a good nights rest. The seal of the mask can become weak form the nightly compression against the face. This is evident as you may find the mask is not sealing like it once did and you need to make it tighter and tighter to seal. If you find this is happening you need a new mask so give us a call.
All cpap machines have filters that need to be checked on a weekly basis. In some cases, there are disposable filters and non-disposable filters. The non-disposable filters can be washed in soapy water and reused. The disposable filters do not need washed, but do need replaced when dirty. All cpap filters have required time frames when the filters should be replaced with new ones. If you are unsure when the filters need replaced please give us a call and we can answer this for you.
The cpap tubing can be replaced monthly. This will ensure a tight connection at the cpap and mask as well as a sanitary hose so the air is fresh and clean. The tubing can become thin and stretched and develop small holes thus creating leaks and a lesser cpap pressure delivered.
If you need cpap supplies please contact us and we can verify your insurance coverage to make sure you are eligible for the items. We also offer free shipping of supplies to your front door if this is more convenient for you.
TRAVELING PATIENTS!!!!!
For those travelers that require a battery powered cpap we now offer a new unit that will meet your needs. The unit is the Everest by AEIOMed. The unit is very small weighing in at 2.1 pounds or 3.1 pounds with the heated humidifier. The dimensions are 5 inches X 6 inches X 5 inches. The humidifier is integrated and sits under the cpap meaning the unit does not get any longer or wider with humidification.
A battery is also included that will power the unit for 11 hours on a setting of +10cmH20 using cpap only. The use of a humidifier will reduce the battery time by 50%. Battery recharge time is less than 4 hours and weighs only 1 pound.
If you have any questions about the new cpap please
contact us or feel free to stop in and take a look.
