UZ Leuven CPAP User manual
CPAP treatment for
obstructive sleep apnoea:
manual
P a t i e n t I n f o r m a t i o n
2
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA 3
CPAP TREATMENT 4
MY CPAP MACHINE 6
MASK WITH HEADBAND 7
FLEXIBLE AIR HOSE 9
HUMIDIFIER (WHERE APPLICABLE) 10
GENERAL QUESTIONS 12
HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL 13
IN HOSPITAL 14
CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS 15
CONNECTED CARE 18
FURTHER INFORMATION 19
CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: manual 3
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA
WHAT IS APNOEA?
Apnoea: period during which breathing (temporarily) stops.
There are 2 types of sleep apnoea:
oCentral sleep apnoea: the brain is not sending signals to tell your
muscles to breathe.
oObstructive apnoea: blocked airways when the soft tissue in the
back of the throat collapses.
OSAS (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome): obstructive sleep apnoea
combined with feeling sleepy during the day.
Consequences of OSAS:
oEach time your breathing stops you briefly wake up (3 seconds
or longer), although you are usually not aware of this.
oYour sleep pattern will be disrupted and you will not go into a
deep sleep.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF
OSAS AND HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOUR DAILY
ROUTINE?
•You will not feel rested in the morning
•You will usually feel sleepy during the day
•Risk of traffic accidents due to fatigue
•Loss of concentration
•Memory problems
4
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
OF OSAS FOR YOUR GENERAL HEALTH?
•High blood pressure
•Arrhythmia
•Heart attack
•Cerebral haemorrhage
•Diabetes
CPAP TREATMENT
WHAT IS CPAP?
CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Air flow is introduced
into the airways to maintain a continuous pressure, i.e. to keep them
open.
WHY DO I NEED TO USE A CPAP MACHINE?
Breathing with apnoea: breathing in generates negative pressure in
the airways, which can lead to frequent collapse of the soft tissue in
the back of the throat.
When using a CPAP machine: positive pressure is maintained in the
airways and the throat is kept free and open.
CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: manual 5
WHEN DO I NEED TO USE MY CPAP MACHINE?
•Every night
•All night
Otherwise the treatment will not be effective.
WILL I HAVE TO USE A CPAP MACHINE FOR THE
REST OF MY LIFE?
Yes, because the use of the machine is a treatment rather than a cure.
If you stop using the machine the symptoms will return immediately,
i.e.:
osnoring
oapnoea
otiredness
In some, milder cases sleep apnoea can be alleviated, e.g. by losing
weight.
WHEN WILL I START NOTICING THE EFFECT OF THE
TREATMENT?
•Most people feel the impact within a week.
•If you need to catch up on a lot of sleep it may take a little longer
before you feel the optimum effect.
•Sometimes your body needs to adapt. That’s why you should give
it time and persevere. You should notice a significant improve-
ment within 4 weeks.
6
MY CPAP MACHINE
HOW DO I SWITCH THE MACHINE ON AND OFF?
The large square button at the top of the machine is the on/off switch.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ‘RAMP’ SETTING ON
THE MACHINE?
The Ramp setting allows the machine to start at a lower pressure
and then gradually increase to the treatment pressure. The machine
will check that you are asleep and then automatically increase the
pressure.
If you’re not asleep the machine will increase the pressure automati-
cally 30 minutes after it has been activated.
The Ramp setting has been programmed into the CPAP machine.
You don’t need to activate it.
Remember: the Ramp time is not included in the usage hours.
WHERE DO I POSITION MY CPAP MACHINE?
•As close as possible to your bed
•Not on the floor
CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: manual 7
SMOKING AND CPAP MACHINES
Nicotine can cause irreversable damage to the machine!
Smoking must consequently be banned at all times in the room
where the CPAP machine is used or stored.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY CPAP MACHINE?
Clean the dust filter on a weekly basis:
oRemove the filter from the machine.
oKnock off or blow off the dust (don’t rinse in water).
oReplace the filter in the machine ready for use.
Never remove the SD card from the machine.
MASK WITH HEADBAND
WHY A MASK?
Everyone has a differently shaped nose, which means that different
types of mask are required.
The nurse will identify the most suitable type of mask for you toge-
ther with you.
HOW DO I PUT ON MY MASK?
➡Tip: mark the position of the bands when the mask is cor-
rectly adjusted to ensure that you can easily replace
them after cleaning..
➡Tip: if you need to visit the toilet during the night, leave
your mask in place and disconnect the air hose from
the machine.
8
DOES MY MASK HAVE TO FEEL TIGHT?
The mask should never feel tight.
Tighten the bands just enough to ensure that there are no air leaks.
If the bands are too tight there will be folds at the edge of the mask,
which will:
oincrease leakage
orisk injuring the skin
ospeed up wear and tear
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY MASK AND HEADBAND?
•Nose piece: rinse in water every day and clean with soap and water
once a week.
•Headband: rinse with soap and water once a week.
•Use lukewarm water and neutral soap (never use alcohol, disinfec-
tant, detergents, etc.).
•Use your fingers to wash items, never use a scouring pad.
•Pat dry with a clean towel.
•Leave to air dry (never in the sun or on a radiator).
➡Tip: clean the material in the morning to ensure that it
will be dry by night time.
CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: manual 9
FLEXIBLE AIR HOSE
HOW DO I ATTACH THE AIR HOSE?
The air hose has 2 identical end pieces:
o1 to be connected to the mask
o1 to be connected to the CPAP machine
A heated air hose has 2 different end pieces for the mask and CPAP
machine.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN THE (HEATED) AIR HOSE?
•Clean weekly.
•Clean the air hose in warm water with a mild detergent (e.g. neu-
tral hand soap).
•Rinse the air hose well and leave it to dry away from direct sun-
light and/or heat.
•Once the air hose is dry you can reconnect it.
➡Tip: clean the air hose in the morning to ensure that it will be
dry by night time.
➡Tip: check for small cracks/tears whilst cleaning the air hose.
10
HUMIDIFIER (WHERE APPLICABLE)
WHO WILL BE GIVEN A HUMIDIFIER AT THE START
OF THE TREATMENT?
•People suffering from chronic nasal congestion
•People suffering from certain allergies
WHO MIGHT BE GIVEN A HUMIDIFIER LATER ON?
If, when already using a CPAP machine, you permanently suffer from
one of the following:
onasal congestion
onasal colds
oa runny nose
odry sinuses and throat
These problems often manifest themselves at the start of the treat-
ment, but should disappear after a while (4 weeks).
HOW DO I CONNECT THE HUMIDIFIER?
The humidifier fits directly onto the CPAP machine.
To connect the humidifier you first need to remove the side cover
on the right hand side of the CPAP machine.
The humidifier will start automatically when the CPAP machine is
switched on.
CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: manual 11
HOW DO I ADJUST HUMIDIFICATION?
The Climateline consists of a heated hose, which creates the right
temperature.
Climateline AUTO is the standard setting to optimise the therapy.
This setting is adjusted in advance.
The temperature and humidity level are automatically controlled.
HOW DO I REFILL THE HUMIDIFIER?
Remove the reservoir from the machine to refill it. Never refill above
the maximum indication.
WHAT DO I USE TO REFILL THE HUMIDIFIER?
Do not use mains water.
Use:
odemineralised water (same as for an iron)
oa Britta filter (replace the filter in good time)
obottled water (is an expensive option, only use it in an emer-
gency).
When cleaning the reservoir all the water needs to be replaced.
12
HOW DO I MAINTAIN THE HUMIDIFIER?
Stagnant warm water will allow bacteria and mould to multiply over
time, which is why the reservoir needs to be meticulously cleaned
every 2 days:
oEmpty the reservoir and clean by hand using lukewarm water
with a little washing up liquid.
oRinse the reservoir thoroughly and leave it to dry.
oRefill the reservoir with clean water.
In the event of lime scale: leave to soak for 30 minutes in a warm
water and vinegar solution and then rinse
thoroughly.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE SKIN UNDERNEATH THE
MASK BECOMES IRRITATED?
•Make sure your mask isn't too tight.
•Don’t apply cosmetics (creams, lotions) underneath the mask.
•Wash and dry your face well before you go to bed.
WHAT IF I SUFFER FROM SKIN INJURIES?
Skin injuries are always the result of incorrect use, usually because
the mask is too tight.
Contact the Centre for Sleep Disorders.
CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: manual 13
WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD I MAINTAIN IN MY
BEDROOM?
•In a cold bedroom the air injected into the nose soon becomes too
cold and too dry. This leads to nasal congestion or a runny nose,
sometimes even to nosebleeds and other airway problems.
•A dry nose and throat can also occur if the bedroom is too warm.
•The ideal temperature is 18°C or slightly higher.
•Sometimes it is enough to open the bedroom door to create the
right temperature.
•Sleeping with the window open is, therefore, only advisable during
the warm summer months.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IN THE EVENT OF AN ACUTE
COLD OR BLOCKED NOSE?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a nasal spray for short term use.
In some cases it may not be possible to use the CPAP machine for a
few days.
HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL
AIR TRAVEL
A CPAP machine can be taken as hand luggage.
You will have received a declaration from us to use when you check
in for flights. Always remember to keep this declaration with your
machine when travelling.
14
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME?
•Always take your CPAP machine and its accessories with you.
•In some cases you may need an adaptor and extension lead.
•The apparatus will automatically switch between 110 and 220 Volt
AC.
•For usage in a mobile home, truck or car: ask the nurse for more
information.
IN HOSPITAL
I HAVE TO BE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL
•Always take your CPAP machine with you when you are admitted
to hospital.
•Also use your CPAP machine when sleeping in hospital.
•Administration of oxygen is NOT a replacement for your CPAP
machine. Connecting an additional oxygen supply to your mask is
always possible with an adapter.
•Tell the physician who is treating you that you have to use a CPAP
machine, before you are admitted to hospital.
I NEED AN OPERATION
•Always tell the surgeon and anaesthetist in advance that you have
to use a CPAP machine.
•Take the CPAP machine with you to the operating wing. It can then
be used immediately after the operation in the recovery room.
•If you use a CPAP machine, you will normally be kept in the re-
covery suite or intensive care unit for one night for observation
following an operation involving an anaesthetic.
CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: manual 15
CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS
WHAT ARE CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS?
If you suffer from a severe form of sleep apnoea, part of the cost of
your treatment will be reimbursed by your health insurance fund.
The hospital will deal with the application for reimbursement.
WHICH SERVICES WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE?
On loan from the hospital will be the following:
oan appropriate CPAP machine for your treatment
oa specially adapted mask
oa flexible air hose
oa carrier
owhere necessary a humidifier
The hospital will cover any repairs or replacement in the event of de-
fects. Never attempt to repair your machine or accessories yourself.
You can call us on 016 34 25 20 or visit the Centre for Sleep Dis-
orders in person on any working day between 09.00 and 16.00 if
you have further questions or require support.
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR?
Your own contribution (REM patient contribution) will be approxi-
mately 0.25 € per day. You will receive an invoice from the hospital
every month. If you wish to do so, you can request to pay by direct
debit via medische.administratie@uzleuven.be.
Please note: if you request to pay by direct debit this will then
be applied not only to the CPAP machine, but to all UZ Leuven
invoices.
16
WHY DO I HAVE TO ATTEND ANNUAL CHECK-UPS?
Your request for (convention) reimbursement has to be renewed the
first time after 3 months, and annually thereafter.
The following will be checked:
owhether the treatment is working properly;
owhether the treatment needs to be adapted;
owhether you use the machine often enough (counter reading).
WHAT IF I DON’T USE MY MACHINE OFTEN ENOUGH?
Research has shown that if the machine is not used regularly or for
long enough, it will not be effective.
That is why health insurance funds have decided to no longer reim-
burse the treatment for people who use the equipment infrequently
➡i.e. the convention arrangement will cease.
A single attempt to try again for 3 months will be allowed.
WHAT IF MY CONVENTION ARRANGEMENT IS
STOPPED OR REFUSED?
•In that case you will have to return your CPAP machine and ac-
cessories to the hospital.
•Further treatment will then be entirely at your own expense.
•Monitoring and support: consultations will have to be arranged at
your initiative.
CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: manual 17
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NO LONGER COMPLY WITH MY
HEALTH INSURANCE FUND REQUIREMENTS OR DO
NOT ATTEND CHECK-UP CONSULTATIONS?
•Reimbursement of the treatment by the health insurance fund will
cease.
•The hospital will notify you accordingly by registered letter. Within
14 days of dispatch of the letter the CPAP machine and accessories
will have to be returned in satisfactory condition to the Centre for
Sleep Disorders.
If you fail to do so, you will be charged 800 € to cover the cost
of the material.
•You can, if you wish to do so, continue the treatment at your own
initiative. Any equipment and consultations will then be entirely at
your own expense.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF MY CPAP MACHINE FAILS
DUE TO INCORRECT USE, POOR MAINTENANCE, OR
IT IS NOTED THAT PEOPLE ARE SMOKING IN ROOMS
WHERE THE MACHINE IS USED OR STORED?
You will be charged for the full cost of the equipment, which can be
as much as 800 €.
If your treatment continues and your convention arrangement is up
to date, you will subsequently be provided with replacement equip-
ment.
18
CONNECTED CARE
WHAT IS CONNECTED CARE?
The CPAP machine is linked via an in-built modem and secure online
connection to the Centre for Sleep Disorders. The latter will be able
to check data online and adjust the settings on the CPAP machine.
ADVANTAGES OF CONNECTED CARE
•The treatment is monitored more effectively and can be adapted
more quickly.
•You will receive telephone back-up and support in the event of
problems.
PRACTICAL MATTERS
•The sleep laboratory will activate the modem; you don’t have to do
anything.
•Leave the CPAP permanently plugged in to the mains.
•The hospital will pay any data transmission charges.
•Any relevant data will be automatically transmitted one hour after
you have switched off your CPAP machine.
PRIVACY
Only doctors and nursing staff at the Centre for Sleep Disorders will
be authorised to access your data. Data transmissions and storage
are executed in accordance with European and Belgian data protec-
tion and privacy legislation.
Connected care is mandatory for health insurance reimburse-
ments.
CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: manual 19
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For information concerning the use of the equipment
and treatment related problems:
- on working days from 09.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 17 .00 hrs
- Tel. 016 34 25 20
To make or change an appointment:
- on working days from 09.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 17 .00 hrs
- Tel. 016 34 25 22
In the event of problems please call us on 016 34 25 20.
© september 2020 UZ Leuven
Duplication of this text and these illustrations shall always be subject to prior
approval from the UZ Leuven Communications Department.
Design and Production
This text was composed by the Centre for Sleep Disorders in conjunction with the
Communications Department.
This brochure is also available at www.uzleuven.be/en/brochure/701262.
Comments or suggestions pertaining to this brochure can be submitted via
communicatie@uzleuven.be.
Editor-in-chief
UZ Leuven
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
tel. 016 33 22 11
www.uzleuven.be
my
nexuzhealth
Consult your medical record via
www.mynexuzhealth.be or
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