Our veteran clinicians share their tips for success for CPAP therapy
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Today's Clinician
Kelly Ann O'Malley
Kelly Ann has been a Registered Respiratory Therapist for 35 years and has been helping Apria's patients for 23 years. Kelly Ann works in the Colorado area and in her free time she enjoys taking advantage of the surrounding nature to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle.
CPAP
Q. My CPAP device has a bad smell, how do I clean it? Not the tubing or mask, I’ve cleaned those several times, but the actual device seems to smell no matter how well I clean the supplies.
A. If your CPAP equipment isn’t cleaned well or properly and/or stagnant water is left in the humidifier, a buildup of bacteria, mold, or mildew can occur, causing a variety of musty or unpleasant smells. Clean/disinfect your humidifier chamber immediately and replace it if it has been longer than 6 months since your last chamber replacement. Also, make sure that you are replacing your ultrafine filters monthly and the spongy air filters every 6 months (if your machine holds the spongy filters). You can also place an air purifier where your CPAP is to help reduce household smells and allergens from getting into the CPAP machine.
For more information: Stop CPAP odors.
Q. What do I do if I think my mask is the incorrect size?
A. Call your local Apria branch and schedule a mask fitting with one of our Respiratory Therapists. We can also provide telehealth services for your convenience.
Q. How do you clean the distilled water reservoir of your humidifier?
A. Empty the humidifier tub daily and wipe it with a clean disposable cloth. Wash the humidifier tub weekly with warm water and unscented mild dish soap. For stubborn mineral buildup, you can soak in a mixture of one-part white vinegar and nine parts warm water. Make sure you rinse thoroughly in water.
For more information: How to properly clean your CPAP device.
Q. When I use my CPAP my sinuses get really stuffy – should I increase or decrease my humidifier?
A. Make sure you clean your filters, mask cushions, and water chamber as recommended and replace supplies as required. Keeping your supplies clean and replaced helps to reduce respiratory infections and triggers that can cause allergies and asthma exacerbation. If the air from your machine is too dry, this will irritate your nasal passages and cause inflammation and increase mucus production. Increasing the heat on your CPAP humidifier can help to increase the humidity level and add moisture to the air, reducing congestion and inflammation. If you experience condensation in your tubing due to increase in your humidifier settings, please call your local Apria branch and request a heated tube.
Q. I’m having a hard time adjusting to the mask straps on my face and how tight they need to be to seal. Is there something I can do to ease in to wearing the mask?
A. Make sure you start by having all your straps even and the mask centered on your face. The cushion should not be so tight on your face that it feels uncomfortable. Things to consider are making sure you are changing your cushions out monthly for full face and every two weeks for nasal or pillow masks. the cushions stretch and lose their seal after a month, and if not replaced you will have to pull the straps tighter and tighter as time goes on. Also, make sure you clean your mask nightly with warm water and unscented mild dishwashing detergent and rinse thoroughly. Lastly, if these solutions don't work for you, you might need a refit to a smaller or larger size cushion.
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