CPAP Device and Supplies

First, check to make sure the power cord is securely connected to the back of the CPAP machine. Then make sure that the power cord is plugged in.

If the device is still not turning on, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.

If the device does not turn on following these steps, please bring it to CommunityHealth (2611 W Chicago Ave) and leave it with the front desk. One of our team members will run a series of tests on the device to find and will attempt to fix the problem. We will do our absolute best to ensure that we get your machine back in working order as quickly as possible. 

Each CPAP device should have a water chamber and a heated humidifier that helps warm and moisten the air that goes through the machine (before being delivered to your nose through your mask). Find the water chamber on your device, and make sure that it is filled with distilled water and situated appropriately within the CPAP device.

If you know the name of your CPAP device, you can find an instructional video linked below on how to adjust heat and humidity settings. To find out your machine's model, look for a label somewhere on the front or back -- names typically have the manufacturer followed by a model, eg  "ResMed S9," "Fisher and Paykel SleepStyle," or "Philips Respironics Dreamstation."

If the air is still uncomfortable after adjusting the heated humidity settings, please bring it to CommunityHealth (2611 W Chicago Ave) and leave it with the front desk. One of our team members will run a series of tests on the device to find and will attempt to fix the problem. We will do our absolute best to ensure that we get your machine back in working order as quickly as possible. 

Take your mask off and gently wipe the mask cushion (the part that contacts your skin) with a damp washcloth or paper towel to remove any skin oil. Let the mask air dry for a minute or two, and while you're waiting for it to dry, turn on the CPAP device and press the button to start it blowing. Once the machine is turned on and you confirm air is coming from the mask, reapply the mask. This should allow the mask to inflate before you apply it to your face and should improve the seal between the mask and your skin. 

If you still have a large air leak after performing these steps, please send an e-mail to support@chipap.org including your name, CommunityHealth ID number, and the type and size of mask you need. If you don't know what type of mask you have, please take a picture of your mask and attach it to the email. 

One of our team members will work to get a replacement mask for you as soon as possible. You should expect a phone call from CommunityHealth once a new mask is ready to pick up.

If you feel like it's difficult sleeping with your CPAP machine and mask, that's OK. It's a common issue encountered by many people when they start using CPAP.

If you think the mask is the main issue (you don't like the feeling of sleeping with something on your face) we recommend moving your CPAP device and mask to wherever you spend time relaxing during the day (for example next to your couch in your living room). The next time you are sitting down to watch a TV show or relax, start by just putting on the mask (without turning on the machine). The goal is to let your body get used to wearing a mask, and by doing so while you're doing something enjoyable (like watching TV) your mind should start to link wearing the mask with pleasurable activities. Once you are comfortable with having the mask on your face, you can start turning the device on and letting it give you air while you're relaxing. After doing this for about 1 to 2 weeks, most people feel much more comfortable wearing their masks and using CPAP. 

At that point, simply bring your CPAP device and mask back into your bedroom, and start using the device at bedtime.

If you attempt all of the above steps and are still having issues, please make a follow-up appointment in the CHC Sleep Clinic to discuss further.

Yes. Please bring your CPAP device with you to any follow-up sleep clinic visits you have at CommunityHealth. This allows our team to troubleshoot any issues you might be having, and also lets us to review how effective the settings are at treating your sleep apnea and make adjustments if needed.