How to Stop the Use of CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most widely used treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but it is not the only one, and it doesn't work for everybody. Patients who have started CPAP and wish to discontinue therapy may do so. However, they should follow certain procedures to make sure they are not endangering their health or are stuck with needless insurance-related costs.

Instructions

• 1

  Call your respiratory therapist to see if your CPAP machine is still in its lease period, or whether your insurance company has already paid for it outright.

• 2

  Contact your doctor before discontinuing CPAP therapy. Describe the problems you are having. Your doctor may wish to have you try a different kind of machine or mask. You doctor will also tell you whether you should stop CPAP immediately or wait until you can try a different treatment (such as surgery or a fitted dental appliance).

• 3

  Have your doctor fax a form to your respiratory therapist authorizing her to accept return of your CPAP machine, if the machine is still under lease.

• 4

  Return your CPAP machine to your respiratory therapist. Return only the machine itself. Items such as masks, headgear and airway tubing are not reusable.