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CPAP, BiPAP Machines & Ventilator Rental

CPAP, BiPAP Machines & Ventilator Rental in Colorado

What is CPAP?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a machine that is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It delivers a continuous flow of pressurized air into your airways while you sleep to keep your airways open so you can receive the appropriate oxygen you need.

What are the components of CPAP?

  • Flow generator: Main unit that blows air into the hose.
  • Hose: Tube that connects the flow generator to the mask transporting the pressurized air.
  • Mask: Can be worn over the nose, mouth or both and delivers the pressurized air into the airway. There are numerous styles of masks including nasal masks, full-face masks, and nasal pillow masks to accommodate different preferences and comfort needs.

What are the benefits of CPAP therapy?

  • Prevents airway collapse during sleep, reducing or eliminating snoring and breathing interruptions.
  • Improves overall sleep quality, leading to increased daytime alertness and concentration.
  • Can improve mood.
  • Lowers the risk of cardiovascular problems associated with untreated sleep apnea such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and irregular heart rhythms.
  • Improves memory and thinking ability.

What are other types of Positive Airway Pressure Devices (PAP)?

  • Auto CPAP: Device that self-regulates, using a range of pressures to keep your airways open.
  • Bi-level PAP (BPAP): These machines use two different pressures- a higher pressure when you breathe in (inhalation) and a lower one when you breathe out (exhalation). You can set the number of breaths taken per minute on some BPAP devices. BPAP may be used in some patients with OSA to improve comfort over standard CPAP.
  • Auto-BPAP: Similar to CPAP, this device self regulates inhalation and exhalation.
  • Adaptive Servoventilation (ASV): ASV is used for certain types of central sleep apnea. It monitors your breathing and adjusts the pressures to regularize your breathing. It may also ensure that a certain number of breaths are taken per minute.

What do we offer at Roaring Fork Sleep and Breathing Consultants?

  • We offer two different options for PAP therapy- adjusting the device you already own or you are able to rent a device from us directly.
  • Upon completion of the sleep study, Dr. Rosenthal will adjust the device to appropriate settings tailored for you.
  • You will be able to try on different mask styles to find one that suits your facial structure, sleep habits and preferences.
  • After a trial period, if the mask does not feel comfortable, you will be able to have another mask fitting session.
  • Dr. Rosenthal will also assist in setting you up with the appropriate replacement supply schedule through an online company.

CPAP Cleaning and Supply Replacement Guide:

Use warm water with mild unscented shampoo or dish soap with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning products which contain bleach, alcohol or ammonia. These will damage the silicone in your mask.

Daily:

  • Wipe all parts of the mask, pillow, cushion, shell or swivel with warm water and unscented soap solution. Make sure to rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use unscented baby wipes.
  • Empty and refill humidifier with DISTILLED WATER.

Weekly:

  • Swirl tubing, mask, headgear and humidifier in a solution of water and mild dish soap for about 5 minutes
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Hang to dry or place on a clean towel

Every two weeks:

  • Reusable filter: Separate (if attached to disposable filter). Thoroughly rinse and dry the filter.
  • Disposable filter (ultra-fine filter): Replace if clearly soiled
  • Replace Nasal Pillow or Nasal Cushion

Every month:

  • Replace Full face mask cushion

Every 3 months:

  • Replace CPAP mask

Every 6 months:

  • Replace PAP Headgear. Can replace sooner if dirty or becomes stretched out.
  • Replace Chinstrap
  • Replace non-disposable filter
  • Replace humidifier chamber

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to fix a mask leak?

Most mask leaks can be fixed by pulling the mask away from the face and resetting the mask. If this does not fix the problem, try to identify the source of the leak. Usually if a nasal mask is leaking, it is because the strap kitty corner to the leak is too tight or the strap closest to the leak is too loose. The mask should be snug, but not so tight that it feels glued to your face. For most nasal style masks, there should be enough slack in the headgear to allow you to pull the mask about an inch away from your skin. If this does not fix the problem, please contact our office.

Do I really need to use distilled water for the humidifier?

Yes, it is recommended to use distilled water because it is free of bacteria and minerals which can clog your filter, damage your machine and irritate your airways.

I have a runny nose, congestion and dry mouth when I use my CPAP, how can I prevent this?

You can ask your doctor to ensure you have heated tubing and that your humidifier is turned on. If your humidifier is on, you can also adjust the settings to the highest number. Additionally, ensuring that you have a good mask fit is important as an air leak can also cause dryness.