Sleep Solutions

Your mask is arguably the most important piece of equipment in your CPAP setup. Like other regularly used personal health products, such as a toothbrush or razor/shaver, your mask becomes less effective and more unhygienic over time. The best way to know when it’s time for your mask (or any of its parts) to be replaced is to make it a habit of regularly inspecting it for wear and tear. Some mask parts will wear out sooner than you think! Mask cushions, for instance, rest against your face every night and can build up quickly with dirt, oil and bacteria. Without proper care, they can deteriorate leading to leaks and discomfort – even skin irritation. How often you replace your mask cushion depends on the kind you have. Silicone cushions are designed to be replaced every 6 months, whereas memory foam cushions are designed to be replaced monthly. Mask frames are more durable than mask cushions and their lifespan will depend on well you look after them. If they ever get damaged, cracked or discoloured, you should look to replace them. Mask headgear will lose elasticity and stretch out over time, leading to a bad mask fit. A common sign that your headgear needs to be replaced is when you’re starting to overtighten your headgear to achieve a secure seal. We suggest you replace headgear every 8 months or so to ensure your mask is always sealing as secure as it can without the need to overtighten it. Refer to your mask user instructions for further information.

Unfortunately, CPAP therapy does not cure sleep apnea. All it does is keep the airway open to treat the symptoms. If you stop using CPAP device, your airway will once again repeatedly obstruct during sleep. Sometimes if you lose a lot of weight, you may need less pressure or even be able to do without CPAP therapy. But you should talk about that with your Sleep Physician. Almost as soon as you stop CPAP therapy, your sleep apnea will come back. You should use your CPAP device everytime you sleep, including if you take daytime naps. Some people find this hard, but you should try to use it all night, every night. One or two nights with no CPAP therapy (e.g. if you are on holidays) is not likely to be a big problem to you. Most people with sleep apnea have had it for years before they knew it and during this time they didn’t have any treatment. All your symptoms will likely return very quickly once you stop using your CPAP device. You will snore at night and feel tired during the day and you may need to adjust your lifestyle (e.g. not drive) if you are sleepy or tired during the day