In the home health care field, caregivers will be exposed to many different types of illnesses, procedures and medical equipment. A home health aide learns to care for clients and gains experience by hands-on training with unknown home medical equipment. Training includes things like oxygen tanks and other respiratory aids. Many new nurse assistants are apprehensive about caring for clients that need to use breathing devices like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines.

The role that a caregiver plays with breathing equipment in the patient's home is simply one of cleaning and maintenance. Any adjustments on the device can be handled by either a visiting nurse, or the patient themselves. The steps to cleaning and maintaining CPAP machines are easy and simple. Proper cleaning of the apparatus will give it a longer life.

Cleaning The CPAP Mask

The face mask should be cleaned everyday. They can either be rinsed with water and allowed to dry, or a special cleanser made for that type of material can be used. The face cover is never to be cleaned with alcohol-based products. Using alcohol of any type to clean the item can damage the structure of the cover and give it a much shorter life. There are commercially-prepared cleaning wipes and sprays available specifically for the face mask.

Check Filters And Clean Tubing

Another part of this device that needs to checked and cleaned is the tubing. This part can be removed from the facial covering and rinsed in water and left to air dry. There should always be spare tubing in the home so the patient can rotate them as needed. The filters also need to be checked, rinsed and maintained. Machines with humidifiers come with built-in water receptacles. These receptacles can be taken out and washed with warm soapy water. After the parts are completely dry, the device can be put back together again.

Making The CPAP Patient Comfortable

Getting a patient completely comfortable while wearing the mask can be a challenge. Many remove them in the middle of the night because they can be so uncomfortable. Side sleepers can especially be challenged by harder devices that dig into the face. Special CPAP pillows for side sleepers can help. These pillows have strategic contour shapes that may provide some relief.

It is important that the patient wear the device according to the physicians instructions. The home health aide can do her/his part by always making sure the machine and its parts are cleaned and maintained and that the client be made as comfortable as possible during treatment.