How to Reset a CPAP Machine

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may order a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine that delivers a stream of compressed air at a predetermined pressure to keep your airways open and relieve snoring. While every CPAP machine consists of a unit that compresses air, a nasal or face mask and tubing to connect the mask and unit, different models offer various adjustments.

Things You'll Need

• Online or print user manual

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Instructions

• 1

  Identify the set-up menu. Located in a different place on various CPAP models, this menu serves as a control panel for changing various machine settings. Look for a clear panel that shows lighted letters or numbers when the machine is powered on.

• 2

  Scroll through the options until you get to ramp time and pressure. The ramp feature tells your machine to deliver air at a lower pressure for a pre-determined amount of time to make it easier for you to fall asleep. The pressure will gradually increase to the level prescribed by your doctor over a pre-set amount of time, which is the ramp time. Various CPAP models offer different options for ramp time and/or ramp pressure. Choose the settings that your doctor has prescribed for you.

• 3

  Scroll through the set-up menu until you find the expiratory pressure, which is the amount of pressure delivered by your CPAP machine when you exhale. Change this pressure to a level that's comfortable for you.

• 4

  Scroll through the menu until you find the altitude indicator and select the one closest to your current location. Your CPAP machine works best if set according to your location above sea level.