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How to Adjust the Pressure Settings on a Sullivan V Elite CPAP Machine

The Sullivan V Elite is a portable continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, breathing support apparatus that is used to treat sleep apnea. Usually, there is no need to calibrate the pressure because it's set accurately at the factory for most treatment protocols. This model does not even require pressure adjustment if you live at a high altitude, unlike similar units which do require such an adjustment. If you do need to change the pressure of your Sullivan V Elite for specialized treatment or monitoring, you can change the pressure setting with measuring equipment that determines the correct pressure.

Things You'll Need

  • Manometer (pressure measuring meter with a range of 0-22
  • cm H2O in intervals of 0.1 cm)
  • 6-foot length of standard oxygen tubing
  • Male Luer taper fitting
  • Blind bubble cushion (recommended)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plug your Sullivan V Elite CPAP machine into a regular wall outlet.

    • 2

      Set up the Sullivan V Elite with all of the accessories that you or the patient for whom you care uses; make sure to use the same mask that's used for actual treatment.

    • 3

      Flip the main power switch in the rear of the unit on and allow the machine to warm up for 15 minutes; press the stop button if the motor begins to run.

    • 4

      Insert the Luer taper into one end of the tubing and attach the other end to the manometer.

    • 5

      Remove the plug from one of the ports on the frame of your mask and insert the Luer taper end of the tubing into the port.

    • 6

      Turn the CPAP machine off.

    • 7

      Turn the main power switch on again while holding down the "Start," "5 minute" and "10 minute" buttons on the front console until all three buttons light up.

    • 8

      Block the flow of air to the mask, either with your hand or by attaching a blind bubble. Note that a blind bubble will not work with a "Mirage" type mask.

    • 9

      Press the "Stop" and "20 minutes" buttons together and then release them to start the motor and build up pressure.

    • 10

      Decrease the pressure as necessary by using the "5 minute" button or increase it with the "10 minute" button until the manometer reads "16 +/- 0.2 cm H20" for normal use or any other reading prescribed by your doctor or respiratory therapist.

    • 11

      Turn your CPAP machine off with the main power switch or press the "Stop" button to put it in regular use mode.

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