PAP Therapy FAQ

Education is key to early success with PAP therapy.

PAP (positive airway pressure) is a type of sleep apnea treatment that uses pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep. It includes CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), as well as other, more complex pressurized devices like BIPAP/Bi-Level, Auto-PAP, and ASV-PAP. PAP therapy is the gold-standard treatment for sleep apnea.
In bed reading while using PAP treatment

FAQs

For exisiting and new users.

For how long will I have to use the PAP device?

Will I have to use the device every night?

How do I clean my mask?

My mask leaks air and is uncomfortable. What should I do?

How often should I replace and clean the filter?

Sometimes I sense some dryness in my nose, mouth or throat; what should I do?

How much and what kind of water should I use with the heated humidifier?

At times it feels like I'm getting too much or too little air, what should I do?

Who do I contact if my machine breaks down or stops working properly?

How long will my mask and other accessories last and how do I get them replaced?

zzz_icon_med

For how long will I have to use the PAP device? 

The PAP machine is a therapeutic device that will assist you in getting a good night's sleep. You will most likely continue using the PAP device as long as your condition/diagnosis remains the same. Some patients find that they do not need to use their device or can reduce their pressure settings after significant weight loss. It is important to talk to your doctor before you stop therapy. You may benefit from a sleep study to determine a lower pressure or to evaluate the severity of your condition.
zzz_icon_med

Will I have to use the PAP device every night?

You should use the PAP machine as ordered by your physician. However, it is generally recommended that you use your PAP machine every night. If at first you experience some difficulty staying asleep with the PAP device for a long period, it is recommended that you use it every night for as long as you can. Then try adding 30 minutes - 1 hour to your usage time nightly, until you have fully adapted to the machine.
zzz_icon_med

How do I clean my mask?

Woman adjusting headgear on PAP maskDaily: Wash the mask system with warm, soapy water. Use soaps without added scents, such as plain Ivory® liquid soap or baby shampoo. Rinse well and allow to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Weekly: Separate and hand-wash the mask components and headgear in warm, soapy water. Use soaps without added scents. Rinse the components well and allow them to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Caution: Do not use solutions containing vinegar, bleach, chlorine, alcohol, aromatics, moisturizers, antibacterial agents or scented oils, as they can damage your mask!
zzz_icon_med

My mask leaks air and is uncomfortable; what should I do?

All masks are designed with exhalation ports, or small apertures where the pressurized air is released. If you notice air blowing out of these small ports, this is OK. However, it is important not to have air blowing around your face and into your eyes. Please contact us if you are experiencing excessive air leakage or discomfort with your mask. Our staff will explain how to avoid these problems.
zzz_icon_med

How often should I replace and clean the filter? 

If you are using a disposable filter (usually white colored and thinner than a non-disposable filter) you should change it twice a month. However, keep in mind that you may need to swap out these filters more often depending on the quality of the air in your room. 
zzz_icon_med

Sometimes I sense some dryness in my nose, mouth or throat; what should I do?

A heated humidifier specifically designed for your PAP device may help reduce dryness. Please refer to the user manual for operation instructions. If you have not received a heated humidifier along with your PAP device or if you have questions about the operation of your heated humidifier, please contact us. 
zzz_icon_med

How much and what kind of water should I use with the heated humidifier?

Most humidifiers come with a water chamber that has a maximum water level mark on them. Do not pour water past this mark. The water used with the humidifier needs to be distilled water and must be changed daily. Please refer to your user manual for more information.
zzz_icon_med

At times it feels like I'm getting too much or too little air, what should I do?

The air pressure on your device is normally based on the results of your sleep diagnostic test. At times, it will take up to eight weeks for you to fully adapt to this pressure However, if you feel like the pressure is causing you excessive difficulty, please contact us so that we can assist you.
zzz_icon_med

Who do I contact if my machine breaks down or stops working properly?

Our technical support team is ready to answer all your equipment questions. Please contact us as soon as a problem is detected.
zzz_icon_med

How long will my mask and other accessories last and how do I get them replaced?

Patient using PAP TherapyOne of the most important steps in taking charge of your health and maintaining effective therapy is replacing your mask and supplies regularly. Just as you replace your toothbrush, razor blades and many everyday items, it’s important for your comfort and health that you replace your mask and supplies as recommended to ensure every component is working at its best. Even minimal replacement can help drive effective therapy. However, failing to replace certain items on the mask and PAP device may lead to poor outcomes. 

Most insurance companies will authorize replacement supplies every 90 days. See our replacement supplies FAQ page to learn more about our resupply program.

Request supplies

Contact Us:

Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.
Corporate Office
17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300
Encino, CA 91316

Phone (877) 775-3377
Fax (877) 855-6227 
info@sleepdr.com

Top Links:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Download Service Request Form (Rx)
Request medical records
See a complete list of locations
Schedule an appointment
Sleep Better, Live Better Blog
Contact us

About Us:

Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health.

With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care. 

Subscribe to our blog:

Twitter linkFacebook linkLinkedIn link
© 2025 Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.

Original photos by Francisco Crow www.fc-images.net All rights reserved.
Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.