As someone with sleep apnea, you know just how important your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is. Without it, you’re more likely to experience numerous breathing disruptions throughout the night that leave you feeling fatigued and unrested during the day. But like your toothbrush, your CPAP machine requires regular replacements to remain sanitary and operate at peak performance.
However, unlike your toothbrush that can simply be thrown away and replaced, your CPAP machine is far more complex. Although you don’t need to replace the entire machine regularly, the different parts of your CPAP equipment require regular replacing for optimal comfort and effectiveness. To ensure you’re maintaining your breathing equipment properly, ApneaMed has put together a quick guide outlining how often you should replace your CPAP equipment.
AutoPAP Machine
Your AutoPAP machine was a large investment, and with proper maintenance, you can expect your AutoPap or CPAP machine to last for five to seven years before it needs to be replaced. The overall wear and tear on your machine will impact how long it lasts, which is why it’s important to follow the proper maintenance schedule for all the parts attached to your breathing machine. You’ll know it’s time for an AutoPAP machine replacement if it stops working intermittently, or worse, altogether.
CPAP Mask
For your breathing machine to provide you with the necessary air to keep your airways open, you rely on a CPAP mask that goes over your nose (and possibly mouth as well). This allows the AutoPAP machine to deliver pressurized air to your airways.
The maintenance and cleanliness of your mask can impact your comfort levels while utilizing your breathing equipment. Because this part of the equipment helps deliver air to your airway, it must remain clean and germ-free. To ensure your mask remains clean and bacteria-free, it is recommended that you replace your CPAP mask at least every three months.
Tubing
The pressurized air travels from the AutoPAP machine through a hose or tubing to reach your airway. Because the breathing device is used each night, it’s likely to experience normal wear and tear. Small tears can disrupt the pressure settings in your machine, so it is best to replace them every three months.
Cushions/Pillows
For the CPAP mask to comfortably rest upon your face and provide an optimal seal, you likely utilize a cushion. This helps ensure the mask is comfortable and that the air is directed correctly, preventing any air leaks. Over time you may notice that the cushion or the nasal pillow may begin deteriorating from use, resulting in air leaks, skin irritation, discomfort, and redness. It is best to replace the cushions and pillows within the CPAP mask at least twice a month to avoid these issues.
Headgear
Headgear and chin straps are used to secure the CPAP mask to your face while you sleep. With regular use, you can expect these straps to stretch or wear out over time, leaving you with an ill-fitting CPAP mask. To avoid having the straps become too stretched out, it is recommended to replace them every six months.
Filters
CPAP filters keep the air delivered to you free of irritants and allergens. Your CPAP equipment works together to help you breathe easier, but if you aren’t taking care of it properly, you may be inviting more germs and bacteria into your system. Depending on the season or environment, you should visually inspect your filter at least once a month. You may need to replace the filters at least twice a month for the freshest air.
ApneaMed Has the Breathing Equipment You Need
In some cases, your breathing device may be past the point of repair. When this happens, you should consider whether to invest in another CPAP machine or switch to an APAP machine.
An AutoPAP machine offers both a continuous mode (otherwise known as CPAP) and an auto-adjusting mode, allowing you to determine which feels best for you. The auto-adjusting mode ensures you receive the ideal air pressure throughout the entire night, no matter the sleep stage or position you’re sleeping in.
If you’re ready to get a good night’s sleep, contact ApneaMed. Our team offers home sleep tests and a variety of in-home breathing equipment to treat your sleep apnea.