Your sleep apnea machine is vital to you receiving a quality night’s sleep. It becomes a necessity that many can not do without for even one night. Just like anything that is used consistently, it will undergo normal wear and tear from nightly use and will eventually need to be replaced. However, there are some steps you can take to keep it running in optimal condition.
Place Your Unit On A Nightstand
It is important to place your sleep apnea machine near your bed on a nightstand or an appropriate table. This is important because the hose which attaches to your cpap unit is usually about 6 feet long. Although this is plenty for most people, if the unit is placed on a night stand that is to far or to low, the usable length of the hose is decreased. This increases the chance of pulling the unit off the nightstand and having it crash onto the floor. Also, keeping it of the ground allows it to receive proper ventilation.
Wipe Your Unit Down Frequently
By wiping down your sleep apnea machine frequently you keep dust from accumulating on the unit, which can be sucked in through the air inlet or any other openings it may have. It is always a good idea to disconnect the power cord from the wall to avoid electrical shock.
Clean And/Or Replace The Filters
This step is very important. Most cpaps have at least one air inlet filter usually located on the back of the machine. Some filters are washable, whereas, others require replacing after they become dirty. Whichever your cpap machine uses, it is important to inspect the filter once every two weeks and wash it or replace it for a clean one.
Dirty filters may cause the unit to operate at higher temperatures, which may damage the machine. If you notice the air coming from the unit is too warm, chances are good you have a clogged filter. WARNING: Never insert a wet filter into your machine.
Disconnect and Clean the Hose Daily
Many people forget about cleaning the hose on their machine. If anything, the hose should be disconnected everyday and allowed to drain to get rid of any excess water or condensation that may have accumulated throughout the night. This is important because if water is allowed to build up in the unit, it can drain back to the machine where in may not fully empty into the water chamber causing damage to the unit.
Have Your Unit Inspected By Your Medical Equipment Provider
If your unit is under rental or a maintenance agreement from your DME (durable medical equipment) provider, they will be happy to inspect your unit to make sure the pressure is calibrated correctly. Many units have a fine pressure adjustment which allows the technician to fine tune the air pressure in the event that the blower is slightly off.
Major Service Not Required
Cpap machines do not require routine servicing. If you feel that your machine is not working as it should, contact your medical equipment provider for more assistance.
Because a sleep apnea machine plays an important role in the lives of millions of people suffering with obstructive sleep apnea, it is always a good idea to take these simple steps in order to maximize the life of your unit.
