Skip to Content
800-533-8762
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Health Care Professionals
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
UPMC
  • Find a Doctor
  • Services
    • Frequently Searched Services
    • Frequently Searched Services
      Allergy & Immunology Behavioral & Mental Health Cancer Ear, Nose & Throat Endocrinology Gastroenterology Heart & Vascular Imaging Neurosciences Orthopaedics
      Physical Rehabilitation Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Primary Care Senior Services Sports Medicine Telemedicine Transplant Surgery Walk-In Care Weight Management Women’s Health
      See all Services
    • Services by Region
    • Find a UPMC health care facility close to you quickly by browsing by region.
      UPMC in Western Pa. Western Pa. and New York
      UPMC in Central Pa. Central Pa.
      UPMC in North Central Pa. North Central Pa.
      UPMC in Western Md. Maryland & West Virginia
    • See All Services
  • Locations
    • Locations by Type
    • Locations by Type
      UPMC hospitals
      Hospitals
      Physical Therapy
      Physical Therapy
      Urgent care
      Walk-In Care
      UPMC Outpatient Centers
      Outpatient Centers
      UPMC Imaging Services
      Imaging
      Community Health Centers
      Community Health Centers
      See All Locations
    • Locations by Region
    • Locations by Region
      UPMC in Southwest Pa. Southwest Pa.
      UPMC in North Central Pa. North Central Pa.
      UPMC in Northwest Pa and Ny. Northwest Pa. & Western N.Y.
      UPMC in West Central Pa. West Central Pa.
      UPMC in Central Pa. Central Pa.
      UPMC in Western Md. Maryland & West Virginia
    • See All Locations
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Patient & Visitor Resources
    • Patient & Visitor Resources
      Patients and Visitors Resources Pay a Bill Classes & Events Medical Records Health Library Patient Information
      Patient Portals Privacy Information Shared Decision Making Traveling Patients Visitor Information
      Man uses mobile phone
      Pay a Bill
      Nurse reviews medical chart
      Request Medical Records
  • Patient Portals
  • Find Covid-19 updates
  • Schedule an appointment
  • Request medical records
  • Pay a bill
  • Learn about financial assistance
  • Find classes & events
  • Send a patient an eCard
  • Make a donation
  • Volunteer
  • Read HealthBeat blog
  • Explore UPMC Careers
Skip to Content
UPMC
  • Patient Portals
  • For Patients & Visitors
    • Find a Doctor
    • Locations
    • Patient & Visitor Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Services
    • More
      • Medical Records
      • Financial Assistance
      • Classes & Events
      • HealthBeat Blog
      • Health Library
  • About UPMC
    • Why UPMC
    • Facts & Stats
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Community Commitment
    • More
      • Financials
      • Support UPMC
      • UPMC Apps
      • UPMC Enterprises
      • UPMC International
  • For Health Care Professionals
    • Physician Information
    • Resources
    • Education & Training
    • Departments
    • Credentialing
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Newsroom
  • UPMC >
  • Our Services >
  • Pulmonology >
  • ... >
  • Our Services >
  • Sleep Medicine >
  • Sleep Medicine Resources >
  • FAQs for CPAP/BPAP Users
Pulmonology
Our Services
Comprehensive Lung Center
ACPET Program
Asthma Institute
Interventional Pulmonology
UPMC Sarcoidosis Clinic
UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center: Vape Clinic
Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Program
Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease
Sleep Medicine
About Us
Sleep Medicine Locations
Telemedicine
Symptoms of Common Sleep Disorders
Conditions We Treat
Sleep Studies
Our Experts
Sleep Medicine Resources
What Happens During Sleep?
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
Having Trouble Sleeping?
Napping
The Effects of Food and Drink
Sleep Solutions for Shift Workers
FAQs for CPAP/BPAP Users
Contact Us
Upper Airway Exercise Breathing Center
Conditions We Treat
Our Locations
Patient Stories
Post COVID-19 Recovery Clinic
Telemedicine
Pulmonology
Our Services
Comprehensive Lung Center
ACPET Program
Asthma Institute
Interventional Pulmonology
UPMC Sarcoidosis Clinic
UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center: Vape Clinic
Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Program
Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease
Sleep Medicine
About Us
Sleep Medicine Locations
Telemedicine
Symptoms of Common Sleep Disorders
Conditions We Treat
Sleep Studies
Our Experts
Sleep Medicine Resources
What Happens During Sleep?
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
Having Trouble Sleeping?
Napping
The Effects of Food and Drink
Sleep Solutions for Shift Workers
FAQs for CPAP/BPAP Users
Contact Us
Upper Airway Exercise Breathing Center
Conditions We Treat
Our Locations
Patient Stories
Post COVID-19 Recovery Clinic
Telemedicine

Chat Keywords List

  • cancel or exit: Stops your conversation
  • start over: Restarts your current scenario
  • help: Shows what this bot can do
  • terms: Shows terms of use and privacy statement
  • feedback: Give us feedback
Continue
Chat with UPMC
RESTART
MENU
CLOSE

Frequently Asked Questions for CPAP/BPAP Users

UPMC Content 2

Reminder: Always bring your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/ bilevel positive airway pressure ventilation (BPAP) machine or mask to the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center so that we may verify your pressure settings and fit your mask if you are having problems.

  • During my sleep study, I am not sure that I will be able to sleep because of the strange environment and monitoring equipment. Can you help?
  • How often should I replace my equipment's masks, headgear, and tubing?
  • How often should I inspect and replace my equipment's filters?
  • How do I clean my humidifier? And how often should I do this?
  • How do I clean my mask? And how often should I do this?
  • How do I clean my tubings? And 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?
  • What should I do when I have nasal/throat dryness?
  • What should I do when I have facial soreness and pressure markings on my face?
  • What should I do when I have excessive gas and abdominal bloating after using CPAP or BPAP?
  • What should I do when the pressure feels too high?
  • What should I do when the pressure feels too low?
  • Is sleep medicine covered by insurance?
     

During my sleep study, I am not sure that I will be able to sleep because of the strange environment and monitoring equipment. Can you help?

Despite the environment and equipment, the majority of patients do fall asleep in the sleep lab, and we are able to collect enough data to determine if sleep disordered breathing is present.

How often should I replace my equipment's masks, headgear, and tubing?

Masks, headgear, and tubings should be replaced every six months. At that time, masks and headgear will begin to show wear and lose elasticity, and as a result, the mask may begin to leak because it doesn't fit as well as it should. Leaking means that you are not getting the therapy you need. Replace your equipment regularly, and check with your insurance carrier. Most insurance plans cover mask and headgear replacement every six months.

How often should I inspect and replace my equipment's filters?

Many CPAP and BPAP units have filters that need to be inspected weekly and replaced when they appear dirty.

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

Change the water in your humidifier daily. Only use distilled water in the unit. Tap water contains particles that may leave mineral deposits and affect the equipment.

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

Clean your mask every other day 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.

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

Clean your hoses and tubings every week in a mild liquid dish soap and distilled water solution. Rinse them thoroughly, and allow them to air dry.

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

Hand wash your headgear in laundry detergent once a month or as needed. Rinse it well, and allow it to line dry.

What precautions should I take when I travel?

Use the travel case that came with your machine. When traveling by car, keep your machine in the glove compartment rather than in the trunk to avoid temperature extremes.

When traveling by air, always carry your CPAP/BPAP with you on the aircraft. Do NOT check it in baggage. We will be happy to provide you with a letter, signed by your doctor, explaining what your CPAP/BPAP device is and advising the airline that it should be carried on board the aircraft.

You should take an extension cord along with you if you are staying in a hotel. Outlets may not be conveniently located next to the bed. When traveling to a foreign country, a plug adapter may be required to make your power cord compatible with the power outlets of that country.

What should I do when I have nasal congestion?

Your nasal congestion may be caused by a previous sinus condition, a dry airway, or the positive pressure from your equipment. To ease your discomfort, try adding moisture to the air by using a humidifier, and keep your nasal passages moist by using an over-the-counter nasal saline spray. To open your nasal passages, you may use an over-the-counter antihistamine or nasal steroids.

What should I do when I have nasal/throat dryness?

If you are suffering from nasal/throat dryness, you are probably not breathing enough moist air. To remedy this problem, you should try adding a humidifier to your room. If you are already using one, you may consider upgrading your humidifier to a heated model so that the air becomes warm as well as moist.

What should I do when I have facial soreness and pressure markings on my face?

Facial soreness and pressure marks on your face typically mean that your mask is too tight. To help ease the fit, make sure your CPAP or BPAP is at maximum pressure when you are putting on your mask at night.

Tighten it until the mask does not leak, but no further. If you are still uncomfortable, call your home care company or the UPMC Center for Sleep Medicine for a mask refit. Always bring your machine and mask with you to the Center so that we may verify your pressure settings and mask fit.

What should I do when I have excessive gas and abdominal bloating after using CPAP or BPAP?

You may be swallowing air while using your equipment. To eliminate this problem, elevate the head of your bed. You may also try using simethicone, a drug that is available over-the-counter, at bedtime. If the problem persists, contact the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center.

What should I do when the pressure feels too high?

It may take time for you to become familiar with the pressure of your CPAP or BPAP unit, or a pressure change may be necessary. Contact the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center, and always bring your machine and mask with you to center so that we may verify your pressure settings and mask fit.

What should I do when the pressure feels too low?

Contact the UPMC Sleep Medicine Center or your home health care provider to check your machine. Always bring your machine and mask with you to the Center so that we may verify your pressure settings and mask fit.

Is sleep medicine covered by insurance?

Yes. We accept many types of insurance. You should check with your home health care provider to ensure that your CPAP/BPAP equipment is also covered.

UPMC
200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-647-8762 800-533-8762

Patients And Visitors
  • Find a Doctor
  • Locations
  • Pay a Bill
  • Patient & Visitor Resources
  • Disabilities Resource Center
  • Services
  • Medical Records
  • No Surprises Act
  • Price Transparency
  • Financial Assistance
  • Classes & Events
  • Health Library
Health Care Professionals
  • Physician Information
  • Resources
  • Education & Training
  • Departments
  • Credentialing
Newsroom
  • Newsroom Home
  • Inside Life Changing Medicine Blog
  • News Releases
About
  • Why UPMC
  • Facts & Stats
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Community Commitment
  • Financials
  • Supporting UPMC
  • HealthBeat Blog
  • UPMC Apps
  • UPMC Enterprises
  • UPMC Health Plan
  • UPMC International
  • Nondiscrimination Policy
Life changing is...
Follow UPMC
  • Contact Us
  • Website/Email Terms of Use
  • Medical Advice Disclaimer
  • Privacy Information
  • Active Privacy Alerts
  • Sitemap
© 2025 UPMC I Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences Supplemental content provided by Healthwise, Incorporated. To learn more, visit healthwise.org
Find Care
Providers
Video Visit
Portal Login