Sleep Health FAQs

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder affecting more than 18 million adults in the U.S. It causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, sometimes lasting a minute or longer. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), leads to loud snoring, shallow breathing, and gasping for air. Without treatment, it can increase your risk for heart problems, high blood pressure, and daytime fatigue.

Treating sleep apnea doesn’t just improve sleep—it protects your health. Studies show that treatment can:

• Improve energy and alertness
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce strain on the heart
• Decrease the risk of serious heart conditions

It’s simple—and we’ll guide you every step of the way!

1. Get a prescription for positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) device: Schedule an appointment with a physician who diagnoses sleep conditions and have the prescription for therapy sent to us.
2. Benefit verification: After we receive your prescription, our team will verify your insurance benefits and coverage.
3. Equipment delivery: We’ll ship your equipment to you or you can pick it up at one of our branches.
4. Equipment setup & coaching session: We’ll contact you to schedule a one-on-one virtual appointment with one of our sleep coaches—right from the comfort of your home or at one of our welcoming branch locations. During this session, we’ll review your equipment and make sure you’re set up for success.
5. Ongoing monitoring & support: Our team will stay in touch to help track your progress, answer questions, and keep your therapy on track for long-term success.

Proper cleaning helps maintain performance and hygiene:

• Daily: Wash the mask and water chamber with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
• Weekly: Soak the mask, cushion, tubing, and water chamber in warm, soapy water. Rinse and air dry.
• Filters: Replace disposable filters as directed.
• Use only mild, nonabrasive soap. Avoid bleach, alcohol, or ozone-based cleaners, which can damage equipment and pose health risks.

Manufacturer Recommended Supply Replacement: (Not all insurance companies follow this frequency, check with your plan or contact us)

• Mask cushion/pillows: Every 1–3 months
• Mask frame: Every 3 months
• Headgear: Every 6 months
• Tubing: Every 3 months
• Water chamber: Every 6 months • Filters: Every 2–4 weeks

Air leaks are mostly caused by poor mask fit. To reduce leaks:

• Try different mask styles (nasal, full-face, or nasal pillow) and sizes to find one that suits your face shape.
• Avoid over tightening the straps, which can distort the seal. Aim for a snug but comfortable fit.
• Clean the mask cushion daily with mild soap (only mild, nonabrasive soap) to remove facial oils that interfere with the seal.

Advances in mask-fitting technology mean you can now get a personalized fit without leaving home. To learn more, please visit our Contact page and select Customer Service.

Discomfort may result from:

• Friction or pressure from a tight or poorly fitting mask.
• Allergic reactions to mask materials (e.g., silicone).
• Sweat and moisture build up around the nose and cheeks.
• Dirty equipment causing bacterial irritation.

Getting the right mask fit isn’t just about comfort—it’s about making therapy safe, effective, and sustainable. A better mask fit reduces leaks, noise, and discomfort—making it easier to stick with therapy long term. When your mask fits well, your sleep, energy, and daily routine all improve. Advances in mask-fitting technology mean you can now get a personalized fit without leaving home.

We make it simple:

• Use our mobile facial-scanning tool (sent by text or email) to find your ideal mask size and style
• Connect with a trained sleep coach for a virtual fitting and real-time guidance
• Try adjustments and tips recommended just for you, based on your scan and feedback

To connect with a specialist, visit our Contact page. 

The old mask adapter may still be lodged inside the tubing. Reattach the old mask and use a breaking motion to remove the adapter. Once removed, the new mask should connect properly.

Your pressure settings may be correct if:

• You no longer experience symptoms such as snoring, gasping, or daytime fatigue.
• Your apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) remains consistently low.

Signs of incorrect pressure include:

• Continued a pnea symptoms (pressure may be too low).
• Difficulty exhaling, bloating, or dry mouth (pressure may be too high).

If symptoms persist, consult your sleep specialist to review and adjust your settings.

Common causes include:

• Not replacing your water chamber every 6 months.
• Humidifier settings are too high.
• Heated tubing accelerating water usage.
• Air leaks forcing the machine to work harder.
• Overfilling or underfilling the chamber.

Solutions include replacing your chamber, changing humidity settings, checking for leaks, and filling the chamber to the marked line with distilled water.

This issue, known as “rainout,” can be minimized by:

• Lowering the humidifier setting.
• Using heated tubing or a tube cover.
• Positioning the PAP machine below head level.
• Slightly increasing room temperature to reduce condensation.

Yes, PAP therapy can be used during mild illness, depending on your comfort level:

• CPAP may help clear mucus by pushing air through nasal passages.
• Heated humidifiers or heated tubing can reduce dryness and inflammation.
• If nasal breathing is difficult, switching to a full-face mask allows mouth breathing.

Yes. This condition is known as aerophagia, or “air swallowing,” and is a recognized side effect of PAP therapy.

No. PAP therapy is a treatment, not a cure. It effectively manages symptoms by keeping the airway open during sleep. If therapy is discontinued, symptoms typically return. Consistent nightly use is essential for long-term success.

Yes! Traveling with your CPAP or BiPAP is easier than ever. Today’s compact travel units are FAA-approved, USB-chargeable, and include many of the same advanced features as your home device—just in a smaller package.

To use PAP therapy away from home:

• Bring a portable power source or confirm access to electricity.
• Pack essentials such as plug adapters (for international travel), your PAP prescription, and travel wipes.
• Contact airlines or hotels in advance to confirm power access and device accommodations.

Our team can help you:

• Choose a travel unit that fits your therapy and lifestyle.
• Pack your device and accessories to meet TSA guidelines.
• Troubleshoot power adapters, battery backups, and humidifier options.
• Understand how altitude and dry environments may affect your sleep.

To connect with a specialist, visit our Contact page.

No. PAP machines are classified as medical devices and do not count toward your carry-on limit. Pack the machine in its own bag, bring necessary documentation, and prepare for special screening. Confirm with your airline that the device fits in overhead or under-seat storage.

A sleep coach is a specially trained team member who helps you get the most out of your sleep therapy. They provide one-on-one support to:

• Answer questions about your CPAP or BiPAP
• Troubleshoot issues like mask leaks, dryness, or discomfort
• Share tips for better sleep routines and therapy success
• Guide you through equipment changes or new features

Think of a sleep coach as your personal guide to make therapy easier, more comfortable, and more effective—so you can sleep better and feel better. To connect with a specialist, visit our Contact page.