DreamStation 2 CPAP - A Complete Guide to getting started

DreamStation 2 CPAP – A Complete Guide to getting started

By Clay Rollyson
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January 18, 2023
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The DreamStation 2 CPAP is the latest and greatest from Philips Respironics. It is small, lightweight, and very quiet. However, if you are going to enjoy the benefits of this great new CPAP, you have to get it setup right. In this setup guide we are going to give you that right start. Below we will detail how to properly setup the DreamStation 2, how to adjust your settings, routine maintenance, and much more.

DreamStation 2 Setup Instructions:

Setting up the DreamStation 2 is pretty easy, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Below we take you through a quick step by step setup guide. If you are a tech savvy person, then you may want to use the DreamMapper app or their Quick Start Guide to help with the setup.

Place your DreamStation 2 on a level and stable surface beside your bed. It is not recommended to place the unit higher than your sleep position. Usually, a nightstand is a great spot. Be sure that you have space and that it is not hanging off the edge.
Connect your power supply to the unit. Power port is located on the bottom of the CPAP and the cord can be directed to either side. Then connect your plug to your Home AC outlet.
Pull out your Humidifier Chamber by pressing gently down on the release at the top of the chamber and sliding it out. Remove the top of the chamber and fill with distilled water. Reinstall the lid and slide the chamber back into place after you install the filters, next step.
Install your filters behind the humidifier chamber. There is a thin disposable filter and a larger reusable filter. The thin disposable filter inserts into the larger filter and they both slide into the filter housing like a drawer.
Connect your tubing to the front of the DreamStation 2. This CPAP can use 15mm slim tubing, 22mm standard tubing, or either of the DreamStation heated tube. If you are using the heated tubing be sure to plug in the tubing with the plugs at the top.
Now you can connect your mask to the other end of the tube, and you are off to a great night’s sleep. Be sure to use the universal mask adapter if you are using the new DreamStation 2 12mm heated tubing.

DreamStation 2 User Settings:

In the patient level menu of the DreamStation 2 there are a few settings that can make huge differences in your CPAP therapy. Below we will detail those settings options, what they represent, and how to best adjust them. If you do not see these settings, you can enable them in the Clinical Menu or by requesting that your CPAP provider to turn them on for you.

Ramp Plus– Ramp is the setting that allows you to fall asleep at a lower pressure and will gradually increase or “ramp” up the pressure after you are asleep. This is a great feature for new CPAP users. In this setting you can set the time to 15, 30, or 45 minutes. You can also leave the ramp Off if you want full therapy pressure from the start. Starting ramp pressure can be adjusted from 4 cmH2O to 10 cmH2O in 1 cmH2O increments. During the set ramp time, the air pressure will remain at your set starting pressure unless the device detects an event and identifies the need to increase your pressure.
Humidity– You can change the humidification level setting from 0 to 5. This symbol only displays when humidification is enabled. If you wake up dry, then increasing this setting can add extra humidity to help with that issue. If you have excess condensation in your mask or tubing, then decreasing this setting is helpful to reduce that.
Heated Tube Temperature– You can change this setting from 0 to 5. This symbol only displays when optional heated tube is connected. As you add in extra humidity it is usually beneficial to increase this setting to account for the extra humidity in the tubing.
Flex– This allows you to adjust the level of air pressure relief that you feel. when you exhale during therapy. Your home care provider can enable or disable this feature. When your provider enables Flex, a level will already be set for you on the device. You change the setting between Off, 1, 2, and 3. The setting of “1” provides a small amount of pressure relief, with ‘‘2’’ and ‘‘3’’ providing additional relief. Many new CPAP users enjoy the relief that flex provides, but some old-school users might find this feature different and may want it off.

DreamStation 2 Cleaning and Maintenance:

This is another simple part of using your DreamStation 2 but is as important as it is simple. This CPAP will last for years to come if you keep up with it properly. Let’s look over the details on proper DreamStation 2 maintenance.

Daily:

Empty the water chamber daily and allow to air-dry indoors.
Refill the water chamber nightly with distilled water before use.

Weekly:

Air tubing – Wash in warm water using a mild dishwashing liquid. Remember to air-dry the tubing fully before use. Hang over a door or run air through it to speed this up. A Tube Brush helps here significantly. This will work for heated or non-heated tubing.
Humidifier tub – Wash the DreamStation 2 water chamber in warm water using a mild dishwashing liquid OR in a solution with a ratio of 1 part vinegar and 9 parts water at room temperature. You can scrub the chamber with a soft bristle brush to help here as well. This chamber should last 6 months to a year.
Washable filter- The washable filter is the larger rectangular filter. It slides in and out of the housing like a drawer. That housing is located behind the water chamber. Rinse this filter weekly dry and put back in place.
Disposable Filter– The disposable filter on the DreamStation 2 should be changed out every 2-4 weeks but should be physically examined once per week. If any dust has collected the filter should be discarded and replaced with a new filter. This filter is attached to the washable filter but should not be washed. Dirty filters are the number one killer of CPAP machines.