If you have ever wondered whether your CPAP is still working like it should, then you are not alone. We have customers stop by our office all the time asking us to “check” their CPAP. We take the CPAP in the back, hook it up, and verify that the pressures are correct. It takes us about 2 minutes. So, it finally struck me, maybe we should teach people how to do this on their own. So here we go…  

How to check your CPAP Pressure and Performance:

Checking your CPAP pressure on a simple CPAP Meter is pretty simple. Fortunately, there are inexpensive home versions that CPAP users can use on their own without taking the CPAP back to the provider. You can order one of these manometers by clicking here. Below are the steps to perform the function test of your CPAP:

1. Disconnect the CPAP mask from the CPAP tubing. Be sure that you do not have a quick connector from your mask stuck in the end of the tubing.
2. Plug the CPAP Meter gauge onto the end of the CPAP tube.
3. Turn on the CPAP and hold the CPAP Meter gauge vertically, and as straight as possible.
4. The ball will settle at the pressure your CPAP is pushing out.

 

Things to keep in mind while checking the CPAP pressure:

While this is a very simple process, there are some very simple things to keep in mind.

• Make sure that your Pressure Relief setting is turned off. If you do not do this, the pressure gauge may look a little lower than it should.
• The manometer gauge should be held as perfectly vertically as possible.
• Be sure that there are no leaks from the humidifier all the way to the manometer gauge.
• Be sure that you actually know what setting your CPAP is set at. It won’t help you to determine whether it is blowing the correct pressure if you do not know what pressure it is set at. This can be tricky when you have an Auto-CPAP on some models.

Full disclosure, we are not a Medicare dealer here at CPAPmyway. However, we have well over a decade of experience in that world. So, while you may not need our self-pay CPAP services today, we hope you may come back for non-covered or extra CPAP accessories. Our goal is to help you find what you need, even if that is not us right now. So, let’s jump in below on how to find a Medicare CPAP provider.

Where do I look for a Medicare CPAP Supplier?

There are quite a few of them out there these days, and they are located everywhere. Keep in mind, that even though you have found a Medicare CPAP Supplier, you may still have a few more hurdles to jump through to qualify for Medicare to pay. Click here for a link to what Medicare requires to cover a CPAP machine. To locate a Medicare CPAP supplier, you visit their website by clicking here. If it seems like a hassle and you would like to self-pay, then we are the place to do that. We can help with Home Sleep Testing, CPAP Prescriptions, CPAP Machines, and CPAP Supplies if you want to pay out of pocket.

How do I find a Medicare Supplier near me?

Once you have gone to the Medicare website (here) you will just enter your zip code in the search box. Then set your search radius to your desired setting. After that you will see a list of Medicare CPAP Suppliers in your area. This list will provide you with their address, phone number and a map of their location relative to you. It is always best to call the Medical Equipment provider to see how they deal with new customers.

Will Medicare cover the cost of your CPAP?

The second part of your Medicare CPAP journey is whether or not you meet the criteria for coverage. Those criteria are known as LCDs (Local Coverage Determinations). This criterion sets the minimum standards for you to meet in order for Medicare to pay for your CPAP equipment. It is important to understand this so that you do not end up frustrated. Finding the provider is only half the battle. Your Sleep Physician can usually provide you with the information needed to move forward. You can visit the Medicare LCD website by clicking here.

We are asked all the time by customers, “why does my CPAP keep running when I turn it off?” This is a great question. Luckily, it has a very simple explanation. Chances are if you are experiencing this issue, you are using a ResMed CPAP. This is actually a feature of ResMed CPAPs and is necessary. Let’s take a look at what’s going on.

Why does the CPAP keep running when it is turned off?

ResMed CPAPs have a feature that allows the unit to shut down properly after every use. It is a cool-down process which helps the CPAP to operate correctly. Every time you shut the CPAP down it will go into this cool-down mode. It does this automatically. In the top of your screen, you will notice a blinking snowflake signaling to you that it is in this mode. When it is complete the snowflake will disappear, and the motor will turn off completely.

Can the cool-down be disabled?

We have customers trying to disable this feature all the time. It cannot be turned off, and really should not be. It is a necessary part of the proper operation of your CPAP machine. Simply allow it to run the course, and it will last for years to come.

What does the cool-down mode do?

The engineers are ResMed are pretty smart dudes and dudets. They make CPAPs work very well and last a long time. So, I will assume that there is a very smart engineering reasoning behind it that I don’t fully understand. However, I will say that there are a couple obvious reason.

1. Letting the motor cool down– Like any motor it is important for the CPAP motor to finish up and rest properly. This feature gives it the chance to runs lightly until it goes back to a good resting temperature.
2. Drying out the system– The light air running through the tube and mask are great for drying out any excess condensation that may be left behind by the humidifier.