DreamStation CPAP Machine

This video demonstrates the steps to follow before using your DreamStation machine for the first time.

This setting is critical to the effectiveness and comfort of your sleep apnea treatment. A level that is too low may cause nasal congestion, headaches and sinus irritation, while a level that is too high may decrease usage and create condensation in your tubing.

Make sure the heated tubing is properly connected to the device. When the unit is on, you can adjust the Circuit Temperature or Humidifier settings. The number on the top right is the temperature of the heated tubing, while the number on the bottom right is the humidity level. We recommend starting with the Humidity setting at 3 or 4 and the Heater Tubing at 2 or 3.

Go to the "My Settings" section. Select the ramp in the My Settings section (triangle icon). You can change the initial pressure level of the ramp from 4.0 to the starting pressure of your device.

To change the ramp time use Auto mode (recommended) for automatic ramp adjustment or set a fixed time between 5 and 45 minutes.

You may not be able to change this feature depending on the settings made by your respiratory therapist when you calibrated your device.

This feature increases your comfort by decreasing the amount of airflow from the device as you exhale. The level of exhalation support is usually set by your respiratory therapist to optimize your comfort and the quality of your therapy.

In the main menu, go to the "My Info" section. You will be able to see different usage statistics. The most important ones to monitor are: mask placement (leaks), average use time, residual apnea index (HAI).

In general, it is recommended to use the device for a minimum of 4 hours per night while having an apnea index (HAI) of less than 5 per hour.

The Dreammapper mobile app gives you access to the same data as on your device but with a more user-friendly interface. The app is compatible on both Apple and Android mobile devices and requires a Bluetooth connection. A new account will need to be created to use the app.

Use your DreamMapper account information login.

Read also: DreamStation maintenance sheet

Even with regular maintenance, it is recommended to renew certain equipment every year for reasons of hygiene and comfort.

Q: I notice that there is condensation or water in my tubing.

A: Condensation in the tubing indicates that the relative humidity is at 100%. Here are some ways to decrease the relative humidity:

• increase the temperature of the heated tubing (0 = off. 5 = max. temperature)
• decrease the humidity level of the humidifier (0 = off. 5 = max. temperature)
• increase the temperature of the room (e.g. increase the heating or close the windows in winter)

Q: How do I know if my mask is properly adjusted?

A: In the My Settings section, go to "Check Mask Fit". Be sure to connect the mask to the tubing and adjust the straps and mask cushion to your face and lie down. The device will send a burst of air for a few seconds. If you see a green check mark, the leak level is adequate. If you see a red X, the leak level is too high.

Q: I would like my machine to start or stop automatically OR my machine starts automatically but I prefer to start it manually.

A: The automatic shutoff option can cause the machine to stop working when it thinks you are no longer wearing your mask. When you have an excessive leak during the night, the machine may realize that you have removed your mask and stop working if the auto shutoff is on. You may not be able to disable this option. However, your respiratory therapist is able to make this change remotely through your modem.

If AUTO start no longer works : You may not be breathing deeply enough to trigger AUTO start or you may be using a mask that does not support AUTO start. You will need to start your device manually with the start button on the top of your device.

If there are excessive leaks, the device will fail to detect your breathing and will not start automatically. So, make sure the tubing is connected to your device and mask and that the mask is securely in place on your face.

If the AUTO shut-off does not work: Your device does not automatically shut off until 90 seconds after you remove your mask. Your mask may not be compatible with this option. Nostril masks are not compatible with this feature.

Q: My device is louder than usual.

A: Follow these steps:

• Check the filter - a dirty or outdated filter affects the airflow through the unit and can cause increased motor noise. Remove/replace the filter and confirm the noise level.
• Remove the humidifier chamber - check that it is in good condition. Reinsert it into the humidifier (Note: the humidifier chamber should be replaced every year).
• Inspect the seal at the air outlet (where the water tank joins the flow generator) for damage.
• Inspect the unit's air outlet (where the tubing connects) for damage.

Q: Abnormal noise that does not seem to be coming from the unit.

A: Follow these steps:

• Make sure your humidifier chamber is properly inserted into your unit and that the humidifier lid is securely closed.
• Make sure the tubing is properly inserted into the back of your unit.
• Inspect the tubing for signs of breakage (small holes, cracks, etc.)
• The device may also be making more noise due to a mask mounting problem. Make sure your mask is properly mounted. Refer to your mask section for specific assembly instructions for your model.

Q: I would like to check that my humidifier is working properly.

A: To confirm that the humidifier is working:

• Turn on the Preheat feature in My Settings.
• If the hot plate starts to heat up 2-5 minutes after the warm-up is activated, the humidifier is working properly.
• If the hot plate does not heat up after 2-5 minutes; possible problem with the unit or humidifier.

Q: My unit shuts itself off during the night.

A: If the Auto Shut Off feature is enabled, turn it off to see if it solves the problem (even a brief high leakage may cause the therapy to be disabled).

Check that the electrical connection is securely plugged in at the back of the unit and between the power supply and the wall socket.

Q: My device won't start at all.

A: Follow these steps:

• Plug the power plug into another outlet to validate that the problem is not caused by this one.
• If you are using a surge bar, plug the unit directly into a working wall outlet to validate that the surge bar is not defective.