Frequently asked questions

Give it time – but persistent tiredness usually comes down to one of three fixable causes.

1. Your therapy needs adjusting. Pressure settings that were right at diagnosis may need fine-tuning as your body adapts. A pressure check with your Sleep Therapy Consultant takes minutes and can transform your results.
2. Air is leaking from your mask. A poor seal means you’re not receiving your prescribed pressure. Look for red marks, listen for hissing, and check the fit seated upright and lying down – or ask us for a refit.
3. You’re not using it for the whole night. Benefits build with hours of use. Removing the mask at 2am halves your treated sleep; most people who push through the adjustment period stop noticing the mask within weeks.

If none of these apply and you’re still exhausted after several weeks, talk to your doctor – another sleep disorder or a medical condition can coexist with OSA.

Yes – CPAP devices are designed to travel, and airlines treat them as medical equipment, not luggage.

Carry your device as cabin baggage (it doesn’t count toward your allowance on most airlines³), pack it in its travel bag, and bring your prescription or device card. Most modern devices switch automatically between 110–240V⁴, so an adaptor plug is all you need overseas.

For in-flight use, check your airline’s medical-device policy in advance⁵ – many require notice and a battery for devices used onboard. Distilled water for humidifiers is available at most pharmacies worldwide, or run your device without the humidifier for short trips.⁶

3. IATA medical equipment carriage guidelines, 2024.
4. Manufacturer specifications: ResMed, Philips, F&P, BMC dual-voltage ranges.
5. Airline medical clearance policies vary; see your carrier’s special assistance page.
6. Manufacturer humidifier guidance for travel use.

It depends on the device, mask and support package you choose – and eligible patients have subsidised options.

Rather than a one-size price list, we’ll match equipment to your prescription, face shape and budget, including rental and rent-to-own pathways, DVA and NDIS funding where you qualify.

Check it monthly; replace it at least every six months.

Replace sooner if the filter looks discoloured, you live in a dusty area, or you have pets in the bedroom. A clogged filter makes the device work harder and louder, and can reduce therapy pressure.

Yes – the humidifier adds comfort, not therapy.

Your pressure treatment is identical with or without humidification. If you experience a dry nose, mouth or throat, add the humidifier back or increase its setting; if you get condensation (‘rainout’) in the hose, lower it or use a heated tube.

A fixed-pressure device delivers one prescribed pressure; an auto-adjusting device varies it breath by breath.

Auto-adjusting (APAP) devices monitor your breathing continuously and deliver the minimum pressure you need at any moment – helpful if your needs change with sleep stage, position or congestion. Your sleep physician will recommend the right mode for your diagnosis.

Start with the mask seal – over 90% of high-leak alerts are mask-fit issues.

Wash the cushion (skin oils reduce seal), refit the headgear without over-tightening, and check the cushion for wear – cushions need replacing every few months. If leaks persist after a refit, book a mask fitting; a different size or style may suit you better.