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    CPAP Help for Seniors

    Treat sleep apnea = energy + brain back.

    Do you have sleep apnea?

    • Loud snoring most nights.
    • Spouse hears you stop breathing.
    • Wake gasping or choking.
    • Tired all day despite 7+ hrs sleep.
    • Morning headaches.
    • 50% of seniors 65+ have it — most undiagnosed.
    • Untreated = heart disease, stroke, dementia.

    Get diagnosed

    • Ask doctor for sleep study referral.
    • Home sleep test usually fine ($150-300).
    • Medicare covers with diagnosis.
    • Lab study if home test inconclusive.
    • AHI score: 5-15 mild, 15-30 moderate, 30+ severe.

    Mask types

    • Nasal pillow — small, light. Good if mouth-breather + chinstrap.
    • Nasal mask — covers nose. Most popular.
    • Full-face — nose + mouth. Best for mouth breathers.
    • Try multiple — DME supplier should let you swap first 30 days.
    • Comfort = compliance. Keep trying until right fit.

    Cleaning + care

    • Wipe mask cushion daily with mild soap.
    • Wash mask + tubing weekly.
    • Replace mask cushion monthly.
    • Replace mask every 6 months.
    • Replace tubing every 3 months.
    • Use distilled water in humidifier.
    • SoClean cleaners — convenient but not required.

    Common problems

    • Dry mouth — increase humidifier setting.
    • Mask leak — try different size/type.
    • Aerophagia (gas) — pressure too high. Doctor adjust.
    • Skin irritation — try different cushion material.
    • Claustrophobia — try nasal pillow type.
    • Don't give up — most adjust within 2-4 weeks.

    Resources

    cpap.com — supplies + advice. Reddit r/CPAP — active community. Sleep Foundation — sleepfoundation.org. Free. Medicare Part B covers CPAP rental, becomes yours after 13 months.