CPAP devices, masks and accessories

Masks

CPAP masks are worn while you sleep. They usually have a soft cushion that comes into contact with your skin and use a strap, or straps, to hold them snugly against your face. The masks come in a variety of configurations including nasal pillows, which rest against your nostrils; nasal masks, which cover your nose, and full-face masks which cover your nose and mouth. Each mask has its own configuration of straps. It is possible to mix-and-match masks and devices.

We recommend that you visit our clinic to experience the different devices or get a mask fit before committing to one product. 

Hygiene and comfort accessories

When you are in the clinic you can also discuss any other accessories you may need, such as a heated humidifier. Once you know which device works best for you, you can buy accessories and replacement parts.

Types of hygiene and comfort accessories for CPAP devices include:

• A heated humidifier which warms and moistens the air you breathe and is useful for preventing a dry throat or nasal passages
• Heated wire tubing to provide high humidty
• Travel inverters, DC power cords and cases for travelling with your CPAP machine
• Fabric covers to go over the tubes
• CPAP pillows with cut away sections so you can roll onto your side without the mask bumping the pillow
• Mask and device replacement parts like cushions, headgear, straps, hoses and filters
• Chin straps, or chin restraints, to hold your mouth closed to prevent the dry mouth that some CPAP users experience
• Hose guard to protect the hose from kinks and damage
• Hose arm to hold the air hose above you in bed
• Cleaners and wipes to clean your masks and accessories
• Hypoallergenic filters to clean the air you breathe

How to maintain your CPAP devices, masks and accessories

Each manufacturer has specific cleaning guidelines for their devices, masks and accessories – particularly the cushion between the mask and the face, which can be quite fragile.

However, these basic guidelines are typical to all devices:

• Wipe the external surfaces with a cloth dampened in soapy water
• The humidifier, where fitted, should be dried every day and cleaned thoroughly each week with warm soapy water
• The mask should be disassembled and washed every day, being gentle with the cushion and also carefully removing any facial oils from the cushion – follow the manufacturer’s care instructions
• Any washable air filters should be cleaned and dried weekly and disposable filters replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• The headgear – the straps that hold your mask on – should be cleaned each week, or when needed
• Ensure that the CPAP device, filters, air supply pipe, mask and accessories are dry before you use them again

Travelling with your CPAP device

Travelling with your CPAP device need not be difficult if you treat it carefully and plan ahead.

Moving your CPAP device

Always remove the humidifier chamber before moving your CPAP device – even if the humidifier chamber appears to be empty – to prevent water getting inside the device.

Camping with your CPAP device

• Away from mains power, you can power your CPAP device using a 12V deep cycle marine battery and a DC battery adapter cable or shielded DC power cord, and an inverter if your CPAP device does not have a built-in transformer
• It is a good idea to test your CPAP device’s performance by running it on the battery at home for a night or two before you set-out
• Do not power your CPAP device with your standard car battery, or an outlet in your car, because it will flatten the battery before morning
• Do not power your CPAP device from a battery if you use oxygen as part of your therapy as a spark from the battery terminals could create a fire hazard

Travelling overseas with your CPAP device

• Most CPAP devices are able to be used worldwide (110V to 250V) provided you have the correct plug adapter for the country you are in
• Most aeroplane sockets are 110V and use a US style plug
• Most airlines will treat your CPAP devices as medical equipment and allow you to carry it on board in addition to your regular carry-on luggage quota
• Not all airlines allow you to use your CPAP device in flight, even if you can carry it on, so check with your airline carrier before departure
• It is a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor when you fly

Tips for travellers

Many people who travel overseas and regularly with their CPAP device carry a universal adapter and also an extension cord in case their hotel does not have a spare power outlet close to the bed.