Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the discomfort that may arise during the treatment of sleep apnea is usually related to the mask. Therefore, all ResMed masks have been designed to provide comfortable, effective therapy that promotes restorative rest.

We offer facial masks, nasal masks, and nasal pillow masks, as well as the necessary accessories for each type. If you tend to breathe through your mouth or have difficulty breathing through your nose, we can help you find the most suitable option, which will generally be a facial or oronasal mask.

If you have any questions about which to choose, please feel free to contact us. Our team of professionals will advise you on selecting the mask that best fits your sleep habits and individual characteristics.

If you notice irritation in your eyes, it may be due to an air leak in the mask. This is a common issue when the mask is not properly sealed or does not fit correctly. We recommend checking the section “Why is air leaking from my mask?” to identify the most common causes of these leaks and learn about possible solutions.

The main causes of leaks in the mask, as well as some possible solutions:

Improper fit. We advise you to reposition the mask following the instructions in the user manual. It is important to adjust it in the position you normally sleep in, as the facial muscles change when lying down and relax during sleep.

Incorrect assembly. Check the mask manual, where you will find the assembly instructions in the User Manuals section available on each product page.

Incorrect size. Consult the size guide to ensure you are using the correct size. This information is also available in the User Manuals section of the corresponding product.

Inappropriate mask model. If the size is correct and the fit is adequate, but leaks continue, you may need a different type of mask. Please feel free to contact us if you suspect this is your case.

Product wear. When any part shows signs of deterioration, it is advisable to replace the mask or its components.

Lack of hygiene. The accumulation of grease, dirt, or particles from the environment can affect the sealing if proper daily cleaning is not performed. Please refer to the user manual for maintenance and cleaning recommendations.

If your mask produces excessive noise during the night, it may not be sealing properly. Check that it is well adjusted, correctly assembled, clean, and in good condition.

It is important to place it in the same position you usually sleep in, as the facial muscles change when lying down and tend to relax during sleep.

If the problem persists, it may be necessary to change the size or even the type of mask. Please feel free to contact us if you think this is your case.

Below, you will find the sizing templates corresponding to each mask model:

• AirFit N20

• AirFit N30

• AirFit N30i

• AirFit F20

• AirFit F30

• AirFit F30i

• AirFit F40

The AirFit P10 and AirFit P30i models do not require a measuring template, as they include all available cushion sizes in the packaging.

This type of discomfort is usually due to a mask that is too tight in order to prevent leaks. If you need to tighten it excessively to achieve a good seal, it is possible that the cushion size or even the mask model is not suitable. Please feel free to consult us if you think this may be your case.

Below, we indicate the available sizing templates for each mask model:

• AirFit N20

• AirFit N30

• AirFit N30i

• AirFit F20

• AirFit F30

• AirFit F30i

• AirFit F40

In the case of the AirFit P10 and AirFit P30i models, a measuring template is not necessary, as the packaging includes all cushion sizes.

If the mask comes off during the night, it may be related to nasal congestion. If you think this may be the cause, please feel free to consult us, as using a facial mask and/or a humidifier could help improve the comfort of the treatment.

ResMed masks are made of silicone, and allergies to this material are very rare. If you experience skin irritation, it may be due to one of the following causes:

• Incorrect mask fit. It may be too tight or too loose. We recommend checking the user manual to adjust it properly. Also, replace the harness if you notice signs of wear.

• Inadequate size. You may need a different size or even another model of mask to achieve a better fit.

• Equipment wear. If the mask is damaged, it is advisable to replace it or change the affected parts.

Lack of cleaning. Silicone can retain residues such as grease, sweat, dirt, or cream remnants, which can cause irritation with continued use. Therefore, it is important to perform daily cleaning following the instructions in the manual. It is also recommended to wash your face before sleeping to remove excess grease and avoid using creams on the areas that come into contact with the mask.

Cold and dry air during treatment can cause nasal irritation or sneezing in some people, although these symptoms usually subside after a few days.

If nasal discomfort persists, using a heated humidifier may help, as well as a heated tube or a tube cover. Please feel free to contact us if you think this may be your case.

If you experience dryness in your mouth or throat, using a thermal humidifier and/or switching to a facial mask may be beneficial. Please feel free to contact us if you think this applies to you.

For people who suffer from claustrophobia, minimalist design masks are especially recommended, meaning those that are lighter and more discreet and do not obstruct the field of vision.

If you have a beard, it is not necessary to shave to use the therapy. In these cases, nasal pillow masks are usually recommended, such as the ResMed AirFit P10, AirFit P30, and AirFit P30i models.

The user manual precisely details the cleaning procedure for the equipment. Below are some general guidelines applicable to most masks:

Daily:

• Desmontar la mascarilla (consulte el manual de usuario si tiene dudas).

• Wash all parts separately, except for the harness and padded arms, using warm water and mild soap.

• Clean the ventilation hole and moving parts with a brush.

• Rinse all parts thoroughly and let them air dry, avoiding direct sunlight.

• Reassemble the mask once dry.

Semanalmente:

• Hand wash the harness.

• Rinse well and let it air dry, without exposing it directly to sunlight.

If any part cannot be cleaned properly or shows signs of wear, it is recommended to replace it.

In the user manual of the mask, you will find detailed information about its renewal and the available replacements. Below are the situations that indicate it is necessary to replace the mask or any of its parts:

• If any component shows signs of wear or deterioration, it must be replaced.

• In the case of facial masks, if the valve shows damage, it is necessary to replace the elbow. Do not use the mask if the valve is defective, as it may not fulfill its safety function.

It is recommended to renew the mask when:

• It is necessary to frequently readjust the straps.

• The mask has lost flexibility and feels stiff instead of soft and elastic.

• You perceive a decrease in the effectiveness of the treatment.

• The cushion remains slippery even after cleaning.

• The cushion has lost transparency or clarity.

• The cushion or the frame show signs of wear, hardening, cracks, or breaks.

Podrá encontrar los manuales de usuario y documentos técnicos en el apartado Manuales de Usuario de cada producto.

ResMed masks that incorporate magnets are safe when used according to the current instructions for use, including the contraindications and warnings indicated.

Magnets are used in some ResMed masks to provide users with an easy and simple way to attach and detach the mask frame harness. This can be very beneficial for patients with disabilities, including those who suffer from a lack of coordination or visual acuity.

It is recommended to replace masks with magnets with a non-magnetic alternative at the appropriate time. To do this, contact your mask provider and evaluate the different options available.

Note: ResMed provides non-magnetic masks to providers as an alternative for patients with contraindications. If a suitable option is not available, consult your doctor to determine the next steps in your treatment.

If you have questions about whether a medical device or implant is included in the contraindications, or need more information about possible effects of magnetic fields in your specific case, contact your mask provider or your doctor.

Most people manage to adapt to using CPAP therapy within one to two weeks. However, in some cases, more time may be required, for example, if there is greater sensitivity to the mask. Even so, it is essential to maintain the treatment, even if it is uncomfortable at first. It is recommended to gradually increase the time of use of the device as tolerance is gained. If discomfort continues, it is advisable to consult with a doctor or sleep specialist.

You may notice an improvement from the start of treatment, although in some people it may take a little longer to manifest.

There is a group of patients with sleep apnea who do not present obvious symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, insufficient nighttime rest, or headaches upon waking. If you find yourself in this situation, you may not perceive immediate changes with the use of CPAP. However, it is important to continue with the therapy, as it helps reduce the risk of developing hypertension, heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, among other complications.

During treatment, the airflow without humidity and at low temperature can cause nasal discomfort, such as irritation or sneezing in certain patients. Generally, these symptoms are temporary and disappear after a few days of use.

If the discomfort in your nose continues, it may be helpful to incorporate a heated humidifier, as well as use a heated tube or a cover for the duct. If you feel that this situation affects you, we recommend contacting us for guidance.

If you suffer from an upper respiratory tract infection, middle ear infection, or sinus infection, you should consult your doctor before continuing therapy. You may be advised to discontinue therapy until the infection has resolved. If you continue therapy during the infection, clean the mask and tube more frequently. Using a facial mask may be a good alternative during this time, as it covers the nose and mouth so that you receive effective therapy.

Sleep apnea and insomnia are often connected, as the breathing interruptions characteristic of apnea can disrupt rest and contribute to difficulties sleeping. In other words, if you have apnea, you may experience frequent awakenings or problems maintaining continuous sleep, which can lead to insomnia.

If you are already using a CPAP device and are experiencing sleep problems, it is advisable to check if both the equipment and the mask are the most suitable. In many cases, discomfort during therapy is related to the mask. Having professional guidance can help you find the most comfortable option, tailored to your sleeping style and specific needs.

If, despite these adjustments, insomnia persists, it is best to consult a sleep specialist. They can assess the need for a new study or suggest alternatives such as cognitive-behavioral therapy focused on treating insomnia.

The feeling that it is hard to exhale often occurs because you are breathing against the air supplied by the CPAP machine. During sleep, breathing adapts automatically and naturally, even with that pressure, so it usually does not represent a problem. However, at the beginning of treatment, some people need an adjustment period to get used to releasing air while they are awake.

To facilitate this process, it can be helpful to practice during the day in calm moments, for example, while resting or listening to music, with the aim of becoming familiar with the sensation.

If this discomfort does not go away over time, it is advisable to consult with your doctor or the equipment provider, as they may make adjustments to the settings to improve the experience with the therapy.

Yes, it is recommended that you use it. If you interrupt the therapy, the recovery process could be prolonged, and the symptoms of sleep apnea may intensify again.

In case you undergo a surgical procedure, it is very important to inform both the surgeon and the anesthetist that you are being treated for sleep apnea. Likewise, you should inform your sleep specialist that you will be hospitalized, so they can take it into account in your follow-up and recommendations.

ResMed devices incorporate a power system designed to automatically adapt to the different electrical voltages used around the world.

These devices can operate with a range of 100 to 240 V and frequencies of 50 to 60 Hz, without the need for any additional configuration.

Even so, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to bring a plug adapter compatible with the country you are traveling to.

Before your flight, it is recommended to contact the airline to check if you need any specific documents to transport the equipment.

In addition, there are external batteries, such as the Pilot-24 Lite, that provide additional power when there is no access to an electrical outlet.

It is possible to monitor your progress through myAir, a free online platform that offers support during therapy. After registering, you will receive guidance tailored to your needs to help you achieve better results with the treatment.

Additionally, you can check your usage data each night to see how the therapy is responding over time. The tool also includes personalized training, helpful recommendations, and small challenges designed to improve adherence and comfort.

In the case of AirMini device users, treatment tracking can be done through the AirMini™ app from ResMed.

If you had a negative experience with CPAP therapy in the past, it is important to keep in mind that technology has evolved significantly in recent years. Nowadays, devices are more compact, considerably quieter, and more effective, in addition to incorporating automatic systems that adjust pressure according to the needs of each moment.

Masks have also improved a lot, as they are often the main cause of discomfort. They are now made with more ergonomic designs and softer materials, which increases comfort during use.

Our team of professionals can guide you in choosing the most suitable device for sleep apnea and help you find the mask that best fits your sleep pattern and individual characteristics.

Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder whose main treatment today is CPAP therapy. The good news is that this treatment can effectively control the condition, as long as it is used consistently and appropriately.

It is recommended to use the CPAP equipment every night during sleep, with a minimum use of at least 4 hours. If this routine is not maintained, previous symptoms, such as snoring, apnea episodes, excessive daytime sleepiness, and associated cardiovascular risks, may reappear.

If you are using a fixed pressure CPAP device or a bi-level therapy system, the pressure will remain stable at the values set by your doctor, according to your clinical needs. However, in certain situations, it may be necessary to readjust these levels, for example, if significant weight changes occur.

If the pressure is difficult to tolerate, the sleep specialist may consider a temporary reduction at the beginning of treatment to facilitate adaptation.

On the other hand, if you use an auto-adjustable device (APAP or ASV), the pressure is automatically and continuously regulated, adapting to the variations in your needs throughout the night.

User manuals and technical documentation are available in the section corresponding to "User Manuals" within each product.