How often to clean equipment and why it is important
Please refer to your specific mask user guide if available, otherwise the following instructions apply to most masks.
Every day, or after each use, you should do the following.
Disassemble the mask components (refer to the mask user guide for instructions). Patients using a nasal pillows mask should disassemble the pillows from the frame.
Thoroughly handwash the separated mask components (excluding headgear and soft sleeves) by gently rubbing in warm water (approximately 30°C/86°F) with mild soap. To optimise the mask seal, facial oils should be removed from the cushion after use.
Use a soft bristle brush to clean the vent, or any rotating parts on your mask such as the swivel, swivel ring or ball joint that require cleaning.
Inspect each component and, if required, repeat washing until visually clean.
Rinse all the components well with drinking-quality water and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.
Every week, you should do the following.
Hand wash the headgear, including the soft sleeves if these form part of your mask.
Rinse well and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.
The headgear can be washed without being disassembled and the dye used in the headgear may run during the first wash. If any component remains unclean after cleaning, or if there is visible deterioration of a system component (cracking, discolouration, tears, etc.), that component should be replaced.
We recommend that you use non-scented washing up liquid to clean the mask, as the residual vapours that are left behind from non-natural cleaners can be inhaled if not rinsed very thoroughly.
Why and how often to replace the CPAP mask cushion
Like any piece of clothing or accessory, mask cushions become worn out over time.
An old mask is more likely to leak, while old headgear may lose its elasticity, leading to over-tightening and discomfort. Using a mask that's in good condition will help you to enjoy comfortable, effective therapy every night.
The life of a mask cushion depends on various factors, such as how often you wear it, skin type (dry, oily, etc.) and how often the mask gets cleaned. Because the mask replacement schedule is unique to each patient and type of mask, we highly recommend that you inspect your mask according to the cleaning and maintenance routine outlined in the user guide supplied with the mask, which will help you inspect, assess and replace the different mask components.
When to replace a mask or components
If any part of the system shows signs of deterioration (cracking, crazing, discolouration, tears, cushion damage etc.), that component should be discarded and replaced.
In general, it might be time to replace the mask or some of its component parts if:
you're having to tighten the straps very frequently
the mask feels stiff, instead of soft and springy
you feel the treatment may be less effective than usual
the mask cushion is slippery even after it's been cleaned
the mask cushion is no longer clear and transparent
the mask cushion and frame show signs of wear, stiffness, cracks or breaks.
Because the replacement schedule is specific to each mask and person, we highly recommend reading the mask user guide for detailed information.
How to improve the fit of a CPAP
Here are four things to keep in mind when fine-tuning your fit.
Get in the right position
A mask that fits well when you're sitting up might not fit so well when you're lying down. Our facial muscles shift when we lie down, and relax even more when we're asleep. When you fit your CPAP mask do your best to lie in your usual sleeping position, whether that's in a bed with no pillows or on a recliner, lying on your back or curled up on your side.
Make sure it is the right size
Your headgear straps should be adjusted evenly and tightened to offer a comfortable seal. If you can only get a good seal by tightening the mask until it's uncomfortable, you may have the wrong size. Over-tightening your straps can also result in mask leaks so it's important to resolve this issue. Check the fitting guide for your mask to make sure you're using the right cushion size and, if necessary, get in touch with your equipment supplier or sleep specialist to request a mask re-fit session. Sizing can differ between mask designs.
Keep on top of mask maintenance
You might be confident you have the right mask size but feel that your headgear strap is too loose or too tight. Just like clothes that are worn frequently, CPAP headgear can get worn and baggy.
Try not to tinker with forehead support settings
If your CPAP mask has an adjustment dial on the forehead support, your clinician will have set it at the optimal position. Making significant adjustments to the dial setting will change the fit and might result in discomfort or less effective treatment.
How to fix a leaking CPAP mask
Mask leaks can affect your comfort and the quality of your therapy. Common causes of CPAP mask leaks and possible solutions are listed below.
Poor adjustment or fit
Take a look at the section above for tips on improving your mask fit and remember to download the free myAir app. If you're still having problems with fit, contact us via email (preferred) or leave a telephone message.
Email: OxfordCPAPService@ouh.nhs.uk
Tel: 01865 225969
Incorrect mask assembly
It is possible you didn't put your mask back together properly last time you cleaned it. Read your mask user guide for step-by-step guidance on assembling your mask and check everything is as it should be.
Wrong mask size
Your mask needs can change over time, for example if you gain or lose weight. Use the sizing template for your mask to check that you're using the right cushion size. If you're in doubt about the size of your mask, contact our service or attend our drop-in clinic.
Wrong mask type
If your mask is the right size and properly fitted but it's still leaking, you might need another kind of mask. Contact our service or attend our drop-in clinic.
Old or worn-out mask components
If you find you're tightening your headgear straps more than usual to achieve a good seal or you need to tighten them very frequently, it might be time to replace your mask or its components.
Insufficient cleaning
Dirt, oils and residues from your skin and your surroundings can build up on your mask and affect its seal. If your mask's seal isn't good and you think your cleaning regime may be to blame, take a look at our instructions above or your masks user guide for detailed cleaning instructions.
Getting a good seal
It's important not to over-tighten your mask - it should not feel uncomfortable. If you need to over-tighten your mask to obtain a good seal, you might have the wrong size, worn-out mask components or an incorrectly adjusted forehead support. Please refer to the information given above on identifying and resolving problems with fit and for information on replacing old or worn-out components.
Mask sizing guidelines and fitting templates
Many of the masks we provide have a printable sizing template. Simply print out the template and hold it to your face to identify a cushion size that should suit you.
Mask Template and Size Guide
CPAP Mask Template and Size Guide | Resmed Shop UK
Click on the links on the page above to download sizing templates. When using these templates, read the directions on the templates carefully before cutting and using them.
Mask sizing templates should be used to aid in the fitting of masks. The use of these templates is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional, sleep technician or equipment supplier.
Altering the size or dimensions of the original pdf files in any way may compromise the quality and accuracy of the template printouts. To avoid this problem, ensure you are printing at the actual size by turning off all page scaling in your printer settings. You may also refer to the ruler within the printout to ensure the printout is the accurate size.
Nasal vs nose-and-mouth (face) masks
The nasal mask just covers the nose; the face mask covers both nose and mouth. Nose masks may be adequate but many people experience a leak of air out of the mouth which dries the inside of the mouth. This can be quite unpleasant so if there is a mouth leak then a mask covering both the nose and mouth means that such a leak cannot occur.
How often to use CPAP
It is generally thought that wearing CPAP for most of the night and most nights is best as this ensures that sleep apnoea is treated for the majority of your sleep time. However many patients find that they can use for less than this (either for fewer hours per night or not every night) while still experiencing considerable benefit.
Stopping CPAP use
Because CPAP stops sleep apnoea occurring and is not a cure, then stopping it usually means it will return if nothing changes. If being overweight is the dominant cause of someone's sleep apnoea then weight loss can mean that the sleep apnoea is cured and CPAP can be stopped.
Occasionally other treatments may be possible and replace CPAP.
Alternative treatments to CPAP
CPAP is very effective and apart from weight loss other treatments are not usually as effective. There are devices worn in the mouth at night that hold the lower jaw forward, but these tend to only work in milder cases and thinner patients. Most other suggested treatments are still in the experimental stages.
CPAP and noise
CPAP machines are remarkably quiet, in fact most noise comes from the air escaping from the ventilation holes around the mask. Even this noise is pretty quiet, and vastly quieter than the snoring that CPAP resolves.
Travel with CPAP
Take an explanatory letter from your Sleep Clinic with the machine, to show to customs or security officials. Always check the electrical details of the countries you are visiting in advance. Most machines are auto-adjusting to local voltages, but do check before departing.
Remember, you may need an extra-long extension lead as the mains sockets are often not near the beds.
When flying, the CPAP machine should always be carried as hand luggage and must not be stored in the hold. You are allowed medical equipment as extra carry-on baggage for free.
Please visit:
Airlines and CPAP - Sleep Apnoea Trust
Hospital admission
If you are admitted to hospital, hospital staff should be aware of the need for you to use your CPAP when asleep and allow you to use it. If having an operation it is important that CPAP is available for you in the recovery area after the operation.
Driving with sleep apnoea
Untreated sleep apnoea often causes sleepiness which may dangerously impair driving ability. Once on CPAP, any sleepiness should disappear, making driving safe again. However, should sleepiness sufficient to impair driving ability return then of course driving should stop until sorted out.
Please visit:
Driving and Sleep Apnoea - Sleep Apnoea Trust
Informing the DVLA
If your sleep apnoea is causing sleepiness sufficient to impair driving ability, inform the DVLA.
