Patient information service

Bristol Royal Infirmary

Sleep unit

CPAP information booklet

(Dreamstation)
 The aim of this booklet is to provide you with some supporting
information about CPAP therapy and to help get you started
using it.

Name:.........................................................................................

T number:...................................................................................

Device name: Dreamstation Pro

Device serial number:...............................................................

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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
As well as the lifestyle changes, people with moderate to severe
obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) usually need to use a continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

This is a small pump that delivers a continuous supply of

compressed air through a mask that either covers your nose or
your nose and mouth. The compressed air prevents your throat
closing.

CPAP can feel peculiar to start with and you may be tempted to
stop using it. But people who persevere usually soon get used to
it and their symptoms improve significantly. The machine should
be used every night with a minimun usage of four hours, in
order to feel the full benefits. Provided it is used regularly, CPAP
is available on the NHS and is the most effective therapy for
treating moderate-severe cases of OSA.

Care of equipment
Machine

It is important that the machine is placed upon a firm and flat

surface near to the bed and should be kept clean and dust free
particularly around the air inlet.

Do not run the machine whilst it’s in the bag.

Machine surfaces

Please ensure the machine itself is kept clean as per your signed
loan agreement. It should be wiped clean with a damp cloth on
a weekly basis.
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 Mask

The seal of your mask should be cleaned every morning with

mild washing up liquid and warm water. Then leave to dry
naturally on a towel or paper. Do not dry on a source of direct
heat i.e. a radiator, or in direct sunlight.

Mask frame

This need to be washed as above weekly/on a regular basis.

Headstraps and chin restraints

We suggest washing these weekly either by hand or through a

cool cycle in the washing machine.

Hose

Wash the hose by soaking in warm water and washing up liquid

weekly and rinsing through with fresh water. Ensure the hose
has time to drain out fully before re-connecting to the CPAP.

If some water remains in the tube connect it to the machine, put

the mask end on the floor on a towel and run the machine. This
will blow dry the tube prior to you using it again.

Be sure to handle the hose with care and by the rubber end only to
prevent damage

Air filter

This is accessed as pictured. It should be cleaned regularly by running

in under warm water and leaving to air dry naturally before replacing
in the device. It is important the device is not operated without the
filter in place as this protects the device from dust clogging the motor.
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Hose

Filter

Transformer and
power cable
Pollen filter

Please look after your equipment; it is very specialised and

valuable to our hospital and costly to repair
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 Dreamstation Pro therapy device
Connecting the power

1. Plug the socket end of the AC power cord into the power
supply.

2. Plug the pronged end of the AC power cord into an electrical

outlet with the switch set to ‘off’.

3. Plug the power supply cord connector into the power inlet
on the device.

4. Turn on the socket to power the device.

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Connecting the breathing tube

Connect the breathing tube to the air outlet on the back of the
device.

Starting the device

1. Ensure the power is supplied to the device; the device should

display the ‘home screen’ as below.

2. Put on your mask assembly. Refer to mask instructions

provided and demonstrated.

3. Press the ‘therapy’ button (universal ON/OFF) to turn on the

airflow and begin therapy.

4. The current pressure delivered will be displayed on the

screen. This is your treatment pressure and will vary
throughout the night.

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 5. If you wake during the night, and find the pressure has risen
and is difficult to get off to sleep with again, press the RAMP
button (triangle symbol).

6. This will decrease the pressure to minimum level again to

enable you to get back to sleep with a lower pressure. The
screen will change, and a green circle will reflect this. The
machine will reach optimum pressure again as needed.

You may use this feature as often as you need by pressing the
RAMP button again.

7. In the morning when you wake to finish treatment or if you

need to get up in the night for any reason, press the power
ON/OFF again to turn the therapy off and return to the home
screen. To restart treatment follow step 2 onwards.

How to reduce mask leaks

The main problems experienced when using CPAP are generally
due to the mask leaking. You need to make sure that the mask is
fitted correctly. Your mask should last in excess of 12 months of
therapy if looked after appropriately.

The cushion of your mask needs to be washed every day as the

cushion absorbs your facial oils and will not seal with your skin

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until these oils are cleaned using warm water and washing up
liquid.

If you don’t wash your cushion, the leaks will mean you will not
get full benefit from your treatment.

Facial hair can cause leaks, so if you have a beard you may need
to try trimming it. Stubble can also prevent a good seal. If leaks
persist, call the sleep department for advice.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the air from the CPAP so cold?

The machine uses room air and will only be as warm as the room
that the machine is placed in. The air can be warmed slightly
to combat this by altering the temperature of your bedroom
(thermostat) or closing windows. Alternatively you can place the
tubing under the duvet to warm the air slightly, or purchase a
‘CPAP hose insulator’ from the internet.

I am going away, do I need to take my CPAP?

Yes. CPAP needs to be worn every night to prevent your

symptoms returning. If you are travelling by plane we can
provide you with a letter for the airline advising the CPAP to be
carried as additional hand luggage to prevent damage or loss
within a suitcase.

Please contact the sleep unit at least a week in advance so

a letter can be posted to you in time. We can also supply
12V adaptors which connect to your vehicle for use whilst
camping. Battery packs are not supplied on the NHS, but can be
purchased/hired (see information links on page12)
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 My mask will not fit onto my hose?
The hose will fit all types of the masks stocked at the sleep unit.
Many masks have a small removable plastic connector that joins
the mask to the tubing. Check that this is in place. If changing
between types of masks at home, this part should be removed
and left on the previous mask before attaching the new one. If
the problem persists, please contact us.

Why is air escaping from the holes at the front

of the mask?
The port holes at the front of the mask are for your exhaled air
(carbon dioxide), they are not a design fault and should not be
taped over or obstructed.

DVLA, driving and sleepiness

Once diagnosed, your medical consultant will advise you
whether, you should need to inform the DVLA. If you need to
inform the DVLA, and hold a car or motorcycle licence you will
need to fill in form SL1 and send it to the DVLA.

If you need to inform the DVLA and hold a bus, coach or lorry
licence you will need to fill in form SL1V and send it to the
DVLA.

These can be obtained from the DVLA website. We recommend

you inform the DVLA in writing, and the address for the DVLA is
printed on the forms.

For more detailed information and support completing the

forms, please visit http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/

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What happens after you tell the DVLA
They will post you a questionnaire so you can give them details
about your medical condition. The questionnaire also enables
you to provide consent for the DVLA doctors to request medical
information from your doctor/consultant.

It may take some time for the DVLA to complete their enquiries,
but you’ll usually get a decision within 6 weeks. You’ll get a
letter from the DVLA if it takes longer.

What the DVLA will decide

The DVLA will assess your medical condition or disability and
usually decide if:

• you can continue driving

• you need to get a new driving licence

• you can have a shorter licence - for 1, 2, 3 or 5 years - with a

review at the end of that period if you want to reapply

• you must stop driving and give up your licence - you’ll be

given a medical reason why you must stop driving, and be
told if and when you can reapply for your licence. You’ll also
be told how you can appeal against the decision.

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 Information links
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) links

NHS

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sleep-apnoea/Pages/Introduction.
aspx

British Lung Foundation

https://www.blf.org.uk/Page/Obstructive-sleep-apnoea-OSA-
health-information

Hope2Sleep

www.hope2sleep.co.uk/

The Sleep Apnoea Trust Association

http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/

Mask links

Resmed

https://www.resmed.com/uk/en/consumer/products/masks.html#

Philips Respironics

https://www.philips.co.uk/healthcare/consumer/sleep-apnea/
living-with-sleep-apnea/masks

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CPAP battery packs

These are not supplied by the NHS, however they can be

purchased from the following sites or rented for a daily fee.

Hope2Sleep

https://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/atom-battery-power-pack-for-all-
cpap-bipap-and-non-invasive-ventilators.html

Philips Respironics

https://www.philips.co.uk/healthcare/product/HC1124009/pap-
battery-kit-lithium-ion-battery-with-integrated-uninterruptible-
power-supply-ups

British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

https://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/shop/cpap/lithium-ion_cpap_
battery_c160.php

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 Contact us

Sleep unit
Zone B, B301,
King Edward Building,
Bristol Royal Infirmary,
Bristol, BS2 8HW

email us at: sleepunit@uhbw.nhs.uk

For enquiries regarding appointments:

0117 342 1649

For enquiries regarding equipment/consumables/problems:

0117 342 1640

Please note this is an answer phone, we aim to answer all calls within
48 hours

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Notes

15v
 As well as providing clinical care, our Trust has an
important role in research. This allows us to discover new
and improved ways of treating patients.
While under our care, you may be invited to take part in research.
To find out more please visit: www.uhbw.nhs.uk

Help us prevent the spread of infection in hospital. Please make

sure your hands are clean. Wash and dry them thoroughly/use the
gel provided. If you have been unwell in the last 48 hours please
consider whether your visit is essential.

Smoking is the primary cause of preventable illness and premature

death. For support in stopping smoking contact
NHS Smokefree on 0300 123 1044.
Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you’re worried about
your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free
helpline in complete confidence.
Drinkline on 0300 123 1110.

For access all patient leaflets and information please

go to the following address:
http://foi.avon.nhs.uk/

Bristol switchboard: 0117 923 0000

Weston switchboard: 01934 636 363
www.uhbw.nhs.uk

 For an interpreter or signer please contact the

telephone number on your appointment letter.

For this leaflet in large print or PDF format,

 please email patientleaflets@uhbw.nhs.uk.  @

© University Hospitals Bristol and Weston Published: 14/09/21 Expires: 31/09/24 MD/SLEU/AI/CPAPDS/SEPT21