A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine helps people with sleep apnea, allowing for better breathing during sleep. It pushes a pressure of air through a mask into either your nose or mouth to keep your airways open allowing you to breathe easier.

People diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which is a condition where your airways narrows during sleep. CPAP can help prevent snoring, gasping, and pauses in breathing.

• Better sleep quality

• More energy during the day

• Less snoring (your partner may tell you!)

• Fewer morning headaches

• Less frequent bathroom trips

• Standard CPAP: Delivers a constant air pressure.

• Auto CPAP (APAP): Adjusts air pressure throughout the night automatically.

• BiPAP: Gives different pressures for inhalation and exhalation (often for more complex cases)

It can take a few days to a few weeks. You can start by using it during naps or while watching TV to get comfortable. Be persistent, most people adjust with time and patience.

• Wearing the mask during the day to get used to it

• Starting with short sessions

• Trying a different mask style (like nasal pillows)

• Using relaxation techniques before bed

• Daily: Clean your mask cushion and humidifier chamber

• Weekly: Wash tubing and full mask, keeping it clean helps prevent infections and keeps the machine working well. Wash your chamber and tube with warm soapy water and then rinse out with water, letting them air dry fully before reassembling. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.

• Quarterly: Change the filter on your machine

• Yes, continue to use your CPAP machine even when you’ve got a blocked nose. The humidity from the CPAP machine can help relieve congestion. Skipping CPAP machine use can make you feel more tired or worsen your sleep apnoea symptoms.

• Ensure that you clean your mask, humidifier chamber and tubing after each use to avoid spreading bacteria.

Generally:

• Filter: Every 1–3 months

• Mask: Every 6-12 months

• Tubing: Every 12 months

• Humidifier chamber: Every 12 months

Check your user manual and insurance guidelines, as they can vary per manufactures

Yes! CPAP machines are travel friendly and do not count towards your 7kg carry on as they are medical devices. There are portable options available as well, if interested please enquire with our reception.

CPAP machines will not work during a power outage, as they will simply shut off. You will be unable to use it unless you have a backup battery pack.

Dry mouth from using a CPAP machine is most often caused by a poorly fitting mask. When the mask doesn’t fit properly it can lead to air leaks that allow cold, dry air to escape and dry your airway. To alleviate dry mouth, try increasing the CPAP humidity level in the machine’s setting and adjusting your mask for a better fit to reduce leak.

Dry mouth from using a CPAP machine is most often caused by a poorly fitting mask. When the mask doesn’t fit properly it can lead to air leaks that allow cold, dry air to escape and dry your airway. To alleviate dry mouth, try increasing the CPAP humidity level in the machine’s setting and adjusting your mask for a better fit to reduce leak.

Congestion can occur as your body tries to compensate for dried out mucus membranes in the airway caused by the CPAP machine. To help reduce congestion, try increasing the humidity settings on your CPAP machine, ensuring good mask fit or utilising a nasal spray prior before bed.

Bloating may be caused by aerophagia, which occurs when you swallow air from the CPAP machine into your stomach. This may occur with suboptimal pressures from the CPAP machine, please contact the CPAP technician for review if you are experiencing this issue.

No, you do not require a prescription to get a CPAP machine, please give our reception a call on 1300 867 533 to do a trial of CPAP.

Medicare unfortunately does not cover the associated costs of CPAP treatment, however, depending on your private health provider and your level of coverage you may be able to obtain a rebate. Please speak with your private health provider.

If the pressure is feeling suboptimal, please contact reception for a review appointment with the CPAP technicians.