Our veteran clinicians share their tips for success for CPAP therapy
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Today's Clinician
Alice Bodemann
Alice has been a Registered Respiratory Therapist for 6 years and has spent that entire time serving our sleep and respiratory patients in Colorado. When she's not working, Alice loves to hang out with her family and dog, and read books.
CPAP
Q. I wake up with really puffy eyes after starting CPAP therapy. What is the cause of this and can I do something to prevent it?
A. If you are waking up with puffy eyes, your CPAP mask is most likely leaking. A leak will cause a constant airflow that goes up toward your eyes, often resulting in eye irritation and puffiness. I recommend replacing your mask cushion if it's past its useful life, refitting your mask if applicable, or even re-fit with a different style mask. Adding a humidifier in your room may also help!
Q. Is there a special way to clean heated tubing? I would think it can’t be submerged in water due to the electric connection.
A. You can and should wash out your heated tubing weekly, like you would unheated CPAP tubing, just avoid fully submerging so that the electric connection doesn't get wet. Use a mild dish soap and warm water to clean it, and when it's done make sure that the tube is fully dry before using it.
For more information: How to clean your CPAP equipment
Q. I have a sanitization machine for my CPAP equipment to use daily (from Apria) – do I still need to clean my equipment with soap and water?
A. Yes, I would suggest washing your CPAP device and supplies by hand with a mild dish soap and warm water regularly to get any oil, or dust that the sanitizing machine cannot reach. While sanitizing machines are helpful, washing by hand is considered to be the best way to clean your equipment.
Q. When I clean my CPAP tubing, it takes forever to dry the water droplets out. Is it ok if I use the device with some water droplets still in there?
A. I would suggest getting your tubing as dry as possible before using your device, to avoid any bacterial growth inside of the tube, or potential rain out problems in the future (when your tubing makes a gurgling noise from condensation inside). To speed up the drying process, try hanging it over a shower head or a shower rod, or you can pin it up to a clothes line so it can hang dry. Another trick is to hook your tubing up to your device, remove the water from the humidifier reservoir, and run the air for a few minutes.
For more information: Properly clean your CPAP tubing
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