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FAQ

I am scheduled for a sleep study at my Doctor’s recommended sleep lab.  What can I expect?

I have just completed my sleep study. Although the technician tried to remove products from my skin and hair, I still have some adhesive residue left over. What can I do to remove this?

I have numerous allergies and will be having a sleep study. Will the technician be using products that will cause a reaction?

What should I do if the pressure feels too high?

Do I need to use my CPAP when I take a nap?

Why do I wake up to find I have taken off my mask in my sleep?

Why is it difficult to exhale when I’m using my CPAP?

Can I adjust my own CPAP/BIPAP pressure?

What should I do when I have nasal/throat dryness or a nosebleed?

What should I do for soreness and marks on my face caused by my mask?

How often should I replace my CPAP equipment?

How often should I replace my equipment's filters?

How do I clean my mask? And how often should I do this?

How do I clean my tubing? How often should I do this?

How do I clean my headgear? And how often should I do this?

What precautions should I take when I travel?

What should I do when I have nasal congestion?

How much water should my humidifier go through during the night?

What if my water is not lasting at least eight hours?

Why do I get water (or condensation) in my tubing during the night?

Do I need to use special water for my humidifier and how often do I need to change the water?

What if I am not able to find what I am looking for on your website?

My CPAP hose is always in the way and its really hard to sleep.  What can I do to avoid this?

Do you accept insurance?

I am scheduled for a sleep study at my Doctor’s recommended sleep lab.  What can I expect?
Very often, sleep labs will mail out information packets at the time of scheduling your appointment with helpful information specific to the particular lab. Also, Patient Sleep Supplies carries informational books and DVDs such as “WELCOME  TO  THE  SLEEP  LAB” which   is an educational and very thorough walk through of what to expect for your sleep study complete with patient testimonials.

I have just completed my sleep study. Although the technician tried to remove products from my skin and hair, I still have some adhesive residue left over. What can I do to remove this?
Initially, the residual conductive paste on the scalp can be removed by using a fine tooth comb, and following with shampooing the scalp and hair.  Products such as Detachol Adhesive Remover®  has a pleasant citrus odor, and will remove all remaining adhesive tape residue.

I have numerous allergies and will be having a sleep study. Will the technician be using products that will cause a reaction?
The  biggest offenders for people that are highly allergic in a sleep study are Paraben from the conductive paste, Glycerin from the prepping cream and the adhesive on surgical tapes.  Inform the lab of your allergies during the scheduling process so that they can use hypo-allergenic products  at the time of your study. Products such as Redux Gel®, Paste, and Cream, are Paraben free conductive products,   PRO ADVANTAGE®    paper tape, is highly porous, and will help to avoid adhesive reactions to the skin, Protective Skin Barrier Wipes® are designed to minimize irritation from adhesives and gels,  SkinPure®, and Wave Prep®, are glycerin free prepping gels.

What should I do if the pressure feels too high?
It will take time for you to adjust to the pressure of your CPAP or BPAP device. If after 30 days, your discomfort persists, consult your physician as a pressure change may be necessary.

Do I need to use my CPAP when I take a nap?
Yes. In order to increase the efficiency and quality of your sleep, you should always use your CPAP device, even if it’s only for a short nap.

Why do I wake up to find I have taken off my mask in my sleep?
This sometimes happens while you are adjusting to CPAP and should only be temporary. Check the fit of your mask to maximize comfort and seal. Be patient and consistent with your therapy. Once you have adjusted to the device, this should no longer be a problem. However, contact your physician if this does continue as you are not getting the full benefits of your treatment.

Why is it difficult to exhale when I’m using my CPAP?
CPAP means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. The pressure prescribed by your doctor is constant and does not release as you exhale. Most often, after time and consistent use, you will adjust very well. If you are intolerant or if discomfort persists, contact your physician about other options available to you, such as BIPAP.

Can I adjust my own CPAP/BIPAP pressure?
Your pressure was prescribed by your physician and should only be changed with a new prescription and done so by a professional. If you feel that your pressure should be adjusted, contact your physician about scheduling a re-titration study. Follow-up studies and re-titrations are often recommended with a weight change of at least 20 pounds or as a result of new or returning symptoms (e.g., snoring, gasping, excessive sleepiness, etc.).

What should I do when I have nasal/throat dryness or a nosebleed?
Try adding moisture to the air by using a humidifier (available by prescription). If you are already using one, you may consider upgrading to a heated model or increasing your heater setting so that the air becomes warm as well as moist.

What should I do for soreness and marks on my face caused by my mask?
Often times, this means that your mask is too tight. Be sure your device is at maximum pressure when you are putting on your mask at night and gently tighten only until there is no air-leak. Hopefully, this will keep you from over-tightening. Products such as REMzzzs ® CPAP mask liners, Sleep Comfort Care Pad ® reusable gel barriers, Noz Guard ® disposable pads or Pad-A-Cheek CPAP Mask Pads®  may increase the comfort and efficiency of your mask while also preventing soreness and marks left over from your mask. If the soreness and discomfort continues, call your home care company as you may need to be refit.

How often should I replace my CPAP equipment?
Masks, headgear, and tubing should be replaced every six months. Beyond that time, masks and headgear can begin to wear and lose elasticity causing excessive air-leak and in turn reducing the overall effectiveness of your CPAP device. Also, be sure to check with your insurance carrier. Most insurance plans cover mask and headgear replacement every six months.

How often should I replace my equipment's filters?
Check with specific manufacturers as times may very. On average, CPAP/ BPAP unit filters should be inspected weekly and replaced when they appear dirty or after no longer than one month. Patient Sleep Supplies carries a wide variety of replacement filters which are specific to manufacturer and model, so please have this information available when ordering.

How do I clean my mask? And how often should I do this?
Please see package insert for specific cleaning requirements as they may vary by mask and manufacturer. Generally, you can clean your mask every other day (or as needed) in a solution of mild liquid dish soap and distilled water that is not too sudsy. Rinse it thoroughly, and allow the mask to air dry. Products such as Citrus II ® sprays and wipes are safe for repeated use and RespiClean RespiKit ® is an entire system that keeps equipment clean and deodorized. The Hurricane Home Edition® dryer is a gentle, static warm air dryer for your CPAP equipment such as masks, pillows, headgear, hoses, humidifier chambers, etc.

How do I clean my tubing? How often should I do this?
Clean your hose/tubing every week with a soft bristle brush while soaking in detergent. Rinse them thoroughly. Soak in an ortho-phthalaldehyde solution. Again, rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry. RespiClean RespiKit ® is an entire system that keeps equipment clean and deodorized. The Hurricane Home Edition® dryer is a gentle, static warm air dryer for your CPAP equipment such as: masks, pillows, headgear, hoses, humidifier chambers, etc. Store in a dry, dust-free environment.

How do I clean my headgear? And how often should I do this?
Hand wash your headgear as needed with warm, soapy water or baby shampoo. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Avoid vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol solutions or any solutions containing moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils as these may reduce the life of the headgear. The Hurricane Home Edition® dryer is a gentle, static warm air dryer for your CPAP equipment such as: masks, pillows, headgear, hoses, humidifier chambers, etc.

What precautions should I take when I travel?
Use the travel case that came with your machine. When traveling by car, be sure to store your machine so as to avoid temperature extremes. When traveling by air, obtain a prescription from your physician allowing you to carry your CPAP device with you on the aircraft. Do not check it in baggage. Consider bringing an extension cord for hotel rooms without an outlet near the bed and/or plug adapters when traveling to foreign countries.

What should I do when I have nasal congestion?
Products such as Ayre ® Saline mist and gel or Sinus Rinse® help keep your passages moist and clear. Also, you can try adding moisture to the air by using a humidifier (available by prescription). If issue continues, you should consult your physician.

How much water should my humidifier go through during the night?
If you fill the humidifier chamber to the maximum line, it should last you at least eight hours. This may vary, depending on your humidifier setting and the humidity levels in your environment.

What if my water is not lasting at least eight hours?
This is often a sign of mouth-breathing. Contact your physician about the possibility of adding a chinstrap or changing to a full face style mask. Patient Sleep Supplies carries a wide variety of chinstraps and CPAP masks.

Why do I get water (or condensation) in my tubing during the night?
This happens when the air in your room is cooler than the air coming from your machine/heated humidifier and it creates condensation. Thermal wrapping such as Tube Buddies™ or Snuggle Hose™ for your tubing or special climate controlled tubing such as Hybernite® Rainout Control will alleviate this problem. You may also try turning your humidity level down or increasing the temperature of your bedroom at night.

Do I need to use special water for my humidifier and how often do I need to change the water?
Always use distilled or sterile water in your humidifier to prevent the buildup of minerals in your water chamber. Change daily.

What if I am not able to find what I am looking for on your website?
We are adding new products daily to our inventory, so there are sometimes items that have not been updated to our website. If there is a particular item not on our website, contact one of our customer representatives at 1-877-823-9310 with a description or part number. If it is something we do not carry, we may still be able to locate the product for you.

My CPAP hose is always in the way and its really hard to sleep.  What can I do to avoid this?
It is important for your CPAP hose to be in a position that does not interfere with your sleep and is that it is able to ‘adjust’ to your changing positions so as not to pull on your mask causing an air-leak. Products like The Hozer® and the Hose Buddy® levitate the CPAP hose above the bed giving you more freedom and comfort to move.

Do you accept insurance?
Patient Sleep Supplies is for cash paying patients only. While we do not bill private insurance companies for the cost of your CPAP supplies, you can submit a request for reimbursement to your insurance company to cover your out-of-pocket costs.