DeVilbiss Healthcare / Drive Medical IntelliPAP Machine

For patients using the DeVilbiss Healthcare / Drive Medical IntelliPAP Machine (CPAP and Bi-PAP) for treatment of their obstructive sleep apnea or complex/central sleep apnea, please use this patient reference guide for information on the usage, cleaning, and maintenance of your IntelliPAP.

 INTELLIPAP VIDEO

A 10 video series reviewing sleep apnea, its causes and risk factors, comorbidities, and what to expect with PAP Therapy treatment.

A 6 video series reviewing sleep deprivation, sleep hygiene, insomnia, and how to improve your overall sleep quality.

SLEEPSOMATICS HELPFUL TIPS

  • Please wash your mask, water chamber, and tubing before your first night's usage and on a regular, ongoing basis. The manufacturer recommends using mild dish washing soap and warm water. Only use clean, distilled water with your water chamber.

  • For disinfection of your mask, water chamber, and tubing, you may also consider using a diluted mixture of three (3) parts clean water with one (1) part white vinegar for soaking the mask and parts. Always clean after with mild dish washing soap and warm water thereafter and thoroughly rinse clean.

  • You are using filtered, humidified bedroom air (delivered at a higher pressure) to treat your sleep-breathing disorder. If you were diabetic, you wouldn't use a dirty needle to inject your insulin. So, the cleanliness and quality of that air goes a long way toward improving your therapy usage. Regular cleaning of your mask, tube, water chamber, and filters is critical. Also, regular vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting of the bedroom and immediate area around your machine is equally important. Allergen-free houseplants can also be helpful in filtering particulate matter in the bedroom.

  • The first few therapy nights will represent a disruption to your established sleep environment. Bringing a PAP Therapy Unit home is similar to a new pet or baby in that it takes time to get accustomed to the new element. Wearing your mask and using your therapy an additional 1-3 hours nightly before going to sleep while watching television, playing on the computer, or reading can significantly reduce your initial acclimation period.

  • PAP Therapy only works if you wear it when you sleep. If you don't use your therapy, you stop breathing and symptoms begin to return. Always use your therapy as prescribed whenever sleeping, traveling, or napping.

When to schedule follow-up consultation:


SIGN #1: I STOPPED USING MY CPAP/BI-PAP

Sleep apnea, snoring, and oxygen loss are only treated if you always use your PAP Therapy whenever sleeping, napping, or traveling. If you have stopped using your PAP Therapy altogether (or only use it intermittently or inconsistently), then it's time to schedule a follow-up PAP Therapy Assessment so we can help you evaluate the causes of your usage problems and offer potential solutions.

SIGN #2: I FORGOT HOW TO USE MY CPAP/BI-PAP

SleepSomatics provides comprehensive user guide information on our website, including the manufacturers' YouTube videos, online manuals, and our clinical 'CPAP Hacks' to optimizing your treatment usage. Please refer to these free, self-service options available to you. If you're still having problems and want a face-to-face review of your equipment usage, schedule an appointment with us to go back over your equipment in detail with you again.

SIGN #3: PEOPLE COMPLAIN I STILL SNORE/CHOKE

PAP Therapy is prescribed to treat sleep apnea and snoring. If you are continuing to (or have resumed) snoring or having sleep apnea episodes even while using your PAP Therapy, it's time to review your treatment prescription settings and determine if a prescription adjustment is necessary. 

SIGN #4: MY SYMPTOMS RETURNED OR WORSEN

If daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or other symptoms return or worsen, sleep apnea may not be effectively treated at the current prescription settings. In that case, it is important to return to SleepSomatics for PAP Therapy Assessment to review your system's usage and effectiveness to determine if a prescription adjustment is necessary.

SIGN #5: I GAINED OR LOST 10% OR MORE WEIGHT SINCE MY SLEEP STUDY

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends re-evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing severity if there is a weight change of +/- 10%. Weight gains may increase sleep apnea and snoring severity (as weight loss may reduce sleep apnea and snoring severity), thus necessitating an adjustment to your prescription settings after we assess current PAP Therapy efficacy.

SIGN #6: I HAD A SENTINEL EVENT OR CHANGE IN HEALTH

Untreated sleep apnea increases a patient's risk for hypertension, diabetes, car accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and even death. If you experience a heart attack, stroke, car accident, or significant change to your health, condition, or medication scheduling, please immediately follow-up with your treating provider. If your treating provider wants a review of your PAP Therapy usage, schedule a follow-up PAP Therapy Assessment.

SIGN #7: MY EQUIPMENT IS FALLING APART

SleepSomatics can evaluate your equipment's current warranty coverage and offer potential replacement options if your equipment is no longer under warranty. Sometimes, the PAP Therapy needs replacement of individual accessories to resume normal functioning. Refer to our self-service online user guide information, and if you have further questions, schedule a follow-up PAP Therapy Assessment appointment.

SIGN #8: I NEED A DOWNLOAD/COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION (CDL/DOT)

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) operators undergoing a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam or physical may be required to provide proof of PAP Therapy usage (what is known as compliance or download reporting) to his or her DOT medical examiner. SleepSomatics provides this service as part of a PAP Therapy Assessment appointment. Please note that signed download test results from the sleep specialist average 3-5 business days. Patients are responsible for scheduling their PAP Therapy Assessment appointment early enough to allow for results completion and delivery prior to any medical/physical exam deadlines imposed by the DOT medical examiner.

SIGN #9: I’M INTERESTED IN A NEW MASK

SleepSomatics offers self-service online ordering of PAP masks and accessories for SleepSomatics patients. If you would like a custom fitting appointment to trial new mask options, please schedule a PAP Therapy Assessment appointment for in-clinic custom fitting and trial services.

SIGN #10: MY DOCTOR TOLD ME I NEED TO GET IT CHECKED

Always follow your doctor's orders and recommendations. If your physician or healthcare provider recommended a PAP therapy settings and usage review or download, please schedule a PAP Therapy Assessment appointment with SleepSomatics.