Helpful Tips for Your Respiratory Equipment and Supplies

BayCare HomeCare wants to ensure you have the best sleep possible once you receive your CPAP/BiPAP equipment. We’ve put together these tips to help you have a positive sleep experience.

Helpful Tips on Maintaining Your Equipment

Each morning

  • Wipe the nasal interface (mask, pillows, etc.) with a warm, wet cloth.
  • If using a heated humidifier, empty the water chamber. Open the chamber and place on a clean, dry towel to dry.

Weekly

  • Soak the tubing, mask/pillows/headgear and humidifier in a mild dishwashing liquid. Rinse and hang to dry.
  • If using a heated humidifier with your machine to relieve dryness, it is very important to keep it clean. After washing the chamber, soak in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water for 30 minutes and rinse again.

Machine Filter Information

All machines have filters. Please adhere to these general and manufacturer’s recommendations.

Philips Respironics

  • The reusable blue pollen filter should be cleaned once every two weeks and replaced every six months. To clean the reusable blue pollen filter, turn it upside down at your sink and run water through the white filter to rinse away any debris. Next, lightly shake the filter to remove as much water as possible. Allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling it.
  • The light blue ultrafine filter is disposable and should be replaced after 30 nights of use. DO NOT clean the ultrafine filter.

ResMED

  • Check the air filter and replace every three to six months or when visibly dingy and/or soiled. To replace the air filter, open the air filter cover and remove the air filter. Place a new filter onto the air filter cover and close the cover.
  • The air filter is not washable or reusable.

General

  • Use distilled water in your humidifier.
  • Keep the outside of your equipment clean with a damp, wet cloth.
  • Always use the travel bag to transport your equipment. When flying, never check your equipment into the baggage area; always carry it on with you. Always empty the water before moving or traveling with your equipment.

BayCare HomeCare Allowable Supplies

Supplies  Medicare/BCBS  All Other Payers 
 Full Face Mask-Frame
  One every three months
  One every three months
 Nasal Mask Frame
  One every three months
  One every three months
 Nasal Pillows System-Frame
  One every three months
  One every three months
 Headgear
  One every six months
  One every six months
 Full Face Cushion
  One every month
  One every month
 Nasal Cushion
  Two every month
  Two every month
 Nasal Pillows
  Two every month
  Two every month
 Regular Or Slim Line Tubing
  One every three months
  One every three months
 Heated Tubing
  One every three months
  One every three months
 Bottom Light Blue Filter (Respironics)
  Two every month
  Six every three months
 Top Dark Blue Filter (Respironics)
  One every six months
  One every six months
 Disposable White Filters (Resmed)
  Two every month
  Six every three months
 Humidifier Chamber
  One every six months
  One every six months
 Chinstrap
  One every six months
  One every six months

Call today

Most commercial insurance providers and Medicare will allow you to receive supplies throughout the year. Call BayCare HomeCare to place an order: (800) 940-5151

Additional Resources - Videos

Each of the videos below, from the American Lung Association, can help you better understand your oxygen equipment.