Cleaning and Replacement Guidelines in ReSupply
Article ID: 910
Cleaning CPAP Supplies
As with any medical equipment, it is important for a patient to keep their sleep therapy equipment clean. We recommend that the silicone mask be hand-washed every day using warm water and a pure soap. We recommend that the headgear be hand-washed once a week.
What to do if your mask doesn’t fit right or leaks
If the mask feels uncomfortable or is irritating the skin, or if air is leaking out when wearing the mask, these are signs something needs to be adjusted, whether it is the size of the mask or possibly the type of mask being used. There are several things that can be first tried to resolve the issue. If those don’t solve the problem, refering the patient to their doctor or equipment supplier is the next best step.
Tips for mask comfort and fit
First, make sure your headgear isn’t too tight, which can cause discomfort and pressure sores. Next, make sure you wash your mask after every use to clean off the dirt and oils that have built up and can irritate the skin. Use a mild soap, like baby shampoo or Neutrogena.®
Leak
Mask leak is most often caused by incorrect adjustment, assembly, mask size or mask type. In addition, components that are worn and in need of a replacement are not as effective and could be causing the leak.
First, make sure your headgear isn’t too tight. Next, confirm you have the right mask size and type. If your mask has never fit quite right, it’s most likely a sign you have the wrong mask size or mask type for your face.
Many sleep apnea patients have also found nasal liners help with comfort and fit, so those are worth a try as well.
Suggested Replacement Time Periods for CPAP Supplies
While your various pieces of sleep therapy equipment are durable, they are not designed to last forever and will need to be replaced at different times.
Some patients will be reluctant to replace their supplies, or they may be misinformed about the durability of their supplies. If a patient claims they do not need any supplies, see Patient Education and Script Essentials (ID: 1227) for some excellent ways to educate them about the nature of their supplies. Some additional conversation tactics can also be found in Conversation tactics to keep patients on their resupply program.
NOTE: These are guidelines and suggestions. Some insurance providers may set a different replacement schedule.
Monthly |
Every 3 months |
Every 6 months |
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NOTE: Many insurance providers may allow for a 3 month supply of these items at once. |
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Note: Suggested replacement times for supplies can vary based on insurance providers. Never confirm eligibility. Simply advise, “I see you may be eligible for <items listed>; however, your eligibility will be verified during processing.”
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Prepared By
Clint Rodenfels
Reviewed By
Clint Rodenfels
Process Owner
Nader Omar
Subject Matter Expert
Diane Clarke
Visibility
Internal - ACE
Revision Workflow
Standard
Archive Date
DAC
DAC3
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Date
Changes
5 March 2024
Rename this article: Cleaning and Replacement Guidelines in ReSupply. Add Summary. Update format to the current standard. Minor revisions for clarity. (K00344)
1 November 2024
Initial publication. All new content.