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Sleep centre

The CPAP device

A CPAP device is an electric unit with an integrated compressor and pressure control, connected via an air tube to a mask and headgear. A heated humidifier may optionally be attached. Read more about how the components work, how to maintain them, and key points to keep in mind when using the device.
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Contact

  • For urgent questions about your CPAP device, you can always contact the sleep centre at 016 34 25 20.

Maintenance of the CPAP device

Clean the dust filter weekly:

  • Remove the filter from the device.
  • Tap or blow out the dust (do not rinse with water).
  • Place the filter back in the device before use.

Never remove the SD card from the device.

Mask with headgear

Everyone has a unique nose, so different shapes of masks are needed. The nurse will help determine which type of mask is best suited to you.

Tips for putting on your mask

  • Mark the position of the straps once the mask is correctly adjusted. This will help you refit them easily after cleaning.
  • If you get up at night to go to the toilet, keep your mask on and disconnect the air tube from the device.
  • The mask should never feel tight. Tighten the straps as lightly as possible; just enough to prevent air leaks. Over-tightening causes folds along the mask’s edge, leading to more leakage, skin irritation, and faster wear.

What to do in case of skin irritation?

  • Do not tighten the mask too much.
  • Do not use cosmetics (creams, lotions) under the mask.
  • Wash and dry your face thoroughly before going to bed.
  • If you have skin lesions, contact the sleep centre.

How do I maintain the mask and headgear?

  • Nasal piece: rinse daily with water and once a week with water and soap.
  • Headgear: rinse once a week with water and soap.
  • Use lukewarm water with neutral soap (never use alcohol, disinfectants, detergents, etc.).
  • Wash using only your fingers, do not use a scouring sponge.
  • Pat dry with a clean towel and allow to air-dry (never in the sun or on a radiator).
  • Clean the equipment in the morning so it is dry by the evening.

Air tube

The air tube has two identical ends:

  • one for connecting to the mask
  • one for connecting to the CPAP device

Note: the heated air tube has two different ends, one for the mask and one for the CPAP device.

How do I maintain the (heated) air tube?

  • Clean once a week.
  • Wash the tube with warm water and a mild cleaning agent (e.g. neutral hand soap). Check for cracks while cleaning.
  • Rinse the tube thoroughly and allow to air-dry (never in the sun or on a radiator).
  • Once the tube is dry, you can reconnect it.
  • Clean the tube in the morning so it is dry by the evening.

Humidifier

At the start of CPAP therapy, you may experience symptoms such as a blocked nose, nasal cold, runny nose, or dry nose and throat.

If these symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks, a humidifier may be prescribed.

How do I connect the humidifier?

The humidifier fits directly onto the CPAP device.

  • Remove the right side cover of the CPAP device to attach the humidification chamber.
  • The humidifier starts automatically when the CPAP device is turned on.

How do I adjust the humidification?

The Climateline is a heated tube that ensures the desired temperature.

The default setting 'Climateline AUTO' is pre-installed to optimise the therapy. Temperature and humidity levels are automatically regulated.

How do I fill the humidifier?

  • Remove the reservoir from the device to fill it.
  • Preferably avoid tap water, as it often contains too much lime.
    Use instead:
    • demineralised water (like for an iron)
    • BRITA® filter
    • bottled water (most expensive, so only in emergencies)
  • Fill up to the marked level (not higher).
  • When cleaning, replace all the water in the reservoir.

How do I maintain the humidifier?

Thoroughly clean the water reservoir every two days:

  • Empty the reservoir and clean it by hand with lukewarm water and washing-up liquid.
  • Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
  • Fill with fresh water.

In case of lime deposits: soak for 30 minutes in warm vinegar water and rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Travelling with your CPAP device

  • Always take your CPAP device and accessories with you when travelling. You may need a plug adapter and extension cable. The device automatically switches between 110 and 220 volts AC.
  • If you are flying, the CPAP device may be carried in your hand luggage. The sleep centre will provide an English-language information document (certificate) for check-in. Keep this document with the device whenever you travel.
  • For use in a motorhome, truck or car, ask the nurse for further information.

Connected care

The CPAP device is securely connected online to the sleep centre via a built-in modem. Our staff can access the data online and adjust the device settings.

Benefits

  • The treatment is monitored more effectively and adjusted more quickly.
  • You receive telephone assistance and support in case of problems.

How does it work?

  • The sleep lab activates the modem, so you don’t need to do anything.
  • Always keep the CPAP device plugged in.
  • The hospital covers the cost of sending the data.
  • One hour after switching off the CPAP device, the data is sent automatically.

Privacy

Only the doctors and nurses of the sleep centre have access to the data. The data is transmitted and stored in accordance with European and Belgian legislation on data security and privacy.

Reimbursement

  • Connected care is a condition for the reimbursement of your treatment by the health insurance fund.

Frequently asked questions

The on/off button is a large square button on top of the device.

  • As close to your bed as possible
  • Not on the floor
  • Not in a room where people smoke: nicotine can irreparably damage the device.

An ideal temperature is around 18 °C or slightly warmer.

  • In a cold bedroom, the air blown into your nose becomes too cold and dry, causing nasal congestion, nosebleeds and even airway problems.
  • In a hot bedroom, your nose and throat may quickly feel dry.

Sometimes it is enough to leave the bedroom door open to achieve the right temperature. Sleeping with the window open is only advisable during the warmer summer months.

Ask your GP or pharmacist for a nasal spray for short-term use.

Sometimes it may not be possible to use the CPAP device for a few days.

  • Tell your treating physician before admission that you use a CPAP device.
  • Always bring your CPAP device and accessories with you. Continue using it while in hospital.
  • Oxygen therapy does not replace your CPAP use. Extra oxygen can always be connected to your mask using an adapter.
  • Inform the surgeon and the anaesthetist in advance that you use a CPAP device.
  • Take the CPAP device with you to the operating theatre. It can be used straight after surgery in the recovery room.
  • If you use a CPAP device, you will usually spend a night in observation in the recovery room or intensive care unit after a general anaesthetic.

This function starts at a low pressure and gradually increases to the treatment pressure.

The device checks whether you are asleep and then increases the pressure automatically. If you are not asleep, it increases the pressure automatically within 30 minutes of starting.

The RAMP function is preprogrammed, so you don’t have to do anything. The RAMP time does not count towards the usage hours.

Also read

Possible problems or complaints during your CPAP therapy

A CPAP treatment has no side effects. However, problems or discomfort may occur, such as a blocked or runny nose, issues with your mask or claustrophobia.

CPAP therapy

Treatment for sleep apnoea using a device that continuously blows air into your airways at night. The continuous positive airway pressure keeps your mouth and throat open, allowing you to breathe normally during sleep.

CPAP convention

Patients with severe sleep apnoea who are affiliated with a Belgian health insurance fund are entitled to partial reimbursement for their CPAP treatment. The hospital handles the reimbursement application.
Last edit: 5 august 2025