You've been prescribed CPAP (or APAP). Now what? This page covers the things your sleep clinic might not have had time to explain: which device, which mask, how to survive the first two weeks, how to fix common problems, what it costs in Australia, and how to travel with it.
Adjusts pressure automatically — the most commonly prescribed starting device
Most common
How it worksAutomatically adjusts pressure breath-by-breath. Uses lower pressure when your airway is stable, increases pressure only when it detects resistance (from position changes, congestion, or REM sleep). You don't feel the adjustments.Source: ASA Guidelines 2024; Sleep Health Foundation
Why it's popularMore comfortable than fixed CPAP for most people — you're not getting maximum pressure all night. Doesn't require a separate in-lab titration study (the machine works out your pressure range over the first few nights). Higher adherence rates reported in clinical practice.Source: ASA Guidelines 2024 (citing AASM Taskforce systematic review)
Who it suitsMost people starting PAP therapy. Particularly helpful if your pressure needs vary (side vs back sleeping, alcohol, nasal congestion, weight changes).
Cost (AU)$1,200–$2,500 to buy. Rental from $50–$100/month from some suppliers. No Medicare rebate for equipment.Source: Sleep Health Foundation; supplier market review 2026
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Fixed CPAP
One set pressure all night — the original
Established
How it worksDelivers a single fixed pressure determined by your sleep study or an APAP titration. Consistent, predictable, simple. Has a "ramp" function that starts low and gradually increases to your set pressure over 5–45 minutes.Source: Sleep Health Foundation CPAP fact sheet
Who it suitsPeople whose pressure needs don't vary much, or who prefer a consistent sensation. Sometimes used after an APAP trial identifies a stable pressure. Generally less expensive than APAP.
Cost (AU)$800–$1,600. Lower than APAP because simpler electronics.
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BiPAP (Bilevel)
Different pressures for breathing in vs out
Specialist-prescribed
How it worksDelivers higher pressure when you inhale (IPAP) and lower pressure when you exhale (EPAP). Makes breathing out feel more natural, especially at higher pressures. Prescribed by a sleep or respiratory specialist.Source: AASM PAP Titration Guidelines; ASA position statements
Who it suitsPeople who need higher pressures (>15 cmH₂O), people with central sleep apnoea or complex sleep-disordered breathing, people with co-existing respiratory conditions (COPD, obesity hypoventilation), or those who can't tolerate exhaling against CPAP pressure.
Cost (AU)$2,000–$4,000+. Specialist prescription required. May attract higher private health insurance rebates as a medical device.
😷 Find your mask type
Answer two questions — we'll suggest which mask style to try first. Your CPAP supplier will help you find the exact fit.
1. How do you mostly breathe at night?
2. How do you mostly sleep?
Source: Sleep Health Foundation CPAP fact sheet; Mayo Clinic CPAP tips (Jan 2026). This is orientation only — your CPAP supplier or sleep clinic will fit and adjust your mask in person.
The three mask types at a glance
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Nasal pillow
Lightest, least facial contact
FitsSmall cushions sit at the entrance of your nostrils. Minimal headgear. Clear line of sight — you can read or wear glasses.
Best forNose breathers, side sleepers, people with claustrophobia, people with facial hair, people who read or watch TV before sleep.
Not ideal forMouth breathers (air escapes through mouth), people needing very high pressures, people who move a lot in sleep.
Cost (AU)$100–$200. Cushions replaced every 1–3 months (~$30–$50 each).Source: Sleep Health Foundation; mySleep.com.au
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Nasal mask
Covers the nose — the middle ground
FitsTriangular cushion covers the nose from bridge to upper lip. Headgear holds it in place. More secure seal than nasal pillows.
Best forNose breathers who need higher pressures, active sleepers who move positions, people who find nasal pillows too unstable.
Not ideal forMouth breathers (unless combined with a chin strap). Can cause bridge-of-nose pressure marks if overtightened.
Cost (AU)$150–$300. Cushions replaced every 1–3 months.Source: Sleep Health Foundation
😮
Full face mask
Covers nose and mouth
FitsCovers both nose and mouth with a single seal. Larger headgear. Some newer designs sit under the nose with a cradle rather than over the bridge.
Best forMouth breathers, people with chronic nasal congestion (allergies, deviated septum), people who need higher pressures, back sleepers.
Not ideal forSide sleepers (bulk can shift against pillow), people prone to claustrophobia. Higher leak rates require slightly higher pressure settings.Source: Sleep Foundation; Mayo Clinic CPAP guide Jan 2026
Cost (AU)$200–$350. Cushions replaced every 1–3 months.
🛡️ The first two weeks — your survival guide
Most people who quit CPAP do so in the first 1–4 weeks. If you can get through this adjustment period, it typically gets easier. Here's what actually helps.
1
Wear the mask while awake first. Put it on while watching TV or reading for 20–30 minutes before bed. Get used to the sensation without the pressure of needing to fall asleep. Do this for the first 2–3 nights.Source: Mayo Clinic CPAP tips; Sleep Health Foundation "Making CPAP Work for You"
2
Use the ramp function. Most machines have a "ramp" that starts at very low pressure and gradually increases over 5–45 minutes. This lets you fall asleep before full pressure kicks in. Set it to 20–30 minutes initially.Source: Sleep Health Foundation CPAP fact sheet
3
Turn on the humidifier from night one. Heated humidification dramatically reduces dry mouth, nasal irritation, and congestion — the three biggest comfort complaints. If you're in a cold room or use air conditioning, consider heated tubing to prevent condensation ("rainout") in the hose.Source: Sleep Health Foundation "Caring for CPAP Equipment"
4
Fit, don't tighten. The most common beginner mistake is overtightening the mask straps to stop leaks. This causes pressure sores on the nose bridge and actually makes leaks worse. The mask should be snug when you lie down, with just enough tension to seal. Fit it while lying down, not sitting up.Source: Sleep Health Foundation; mySleep.com.au mask fitting guide
5
Use it every night, including naps. Skipping nights makes it harder to build the habit. Even if you take it off partway through the night, put it on every time you go to sleep. Aim for at least 4 hours per night — that's the threshold most clinicians and data tracking systems use for "compliant use."Source: ASA Best Practice Guidelines for CPAP; AASM compliance standards
6
Call your supplier early. If something isn't right — mask leaks, dry mouth, sore nose, the machine feels too strong — call your CPAP supplier or sleep clinic in the first week, not the first month. Most problems are fixable with a different cushion size, a mask swap, or a pressure adjustment.
7
Track your data. Modern machines track your usage hours, AHI (apnoea events per hour), and mask leak. Most have a companion app (ResMed myAir, Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle). Check it weekly — the numbers tell you if therapy is working, even before you feel the difference.
🔧 Common problems and what to try
😤 Mask leaks — air blowing into my eyes or making noise
Re-fit the mask while lying down. Loosen the straps slightly (overtightening distorts the cushion and creates channels for air). Check the cushion for wear — if it's flattened, wrinkled, or has lost its bounce, replace it. If leaks persist, you may need a different cushion size or mask style.Source: Sleep Health Foundation; mySleep mask troubleshooting
🏜️ Dry mouth or dry nose
Turn up the humidifier setting. If using a nasal mask or nasal pillow, dry mouth usually means your mouth is opening in sleep — try a chin strap, or consider switching to a full face mask. Nasal saline spray before bed can help nasal dryness. Heated tubing reduces condensation without needing to lower humidity.Source: Mayo Clinic CPAP guide; Sleep Health Foundation
💧 Water in the tube ("rainout")
Caused by warm humidified air cooling in the tube before reaching your mask. Solutions: use heated tubing, keep the machine level with or below your pillow, insulate the tube (tube wraps are available), or slightly lower the humidifier setting.Source: Sleep Health Foundation "Caring for CPAP Equipment"
😰 Feeling claustrophobic or anxious
Try a nasal pillow mask — it has the least facial contact and leaves your field of vision clear. Practice wearing the mask while awake doing a relaxing activity. Use the ramp function so pressure builds gradually. Some people find it helps to hold the mask to their face before attaching the headgear, to feel in control.Source: Mayo Clinic CPAP tips Jan 2026
🤧 Nasal congestion getting worse with CPAP
Ensure the humidifier is on and set appropriately. Try nasal saline rinse before bed. If congestion persists, talk to your GP — a nasal corticosteroid spray (e.g. mometasone, fluticasone) can be very effective and is available over the counter. Chronic congestion may indicate you need a full face mask instead of nasal.Source: Sleep Health Foundation; eTG Rhinosinusitis 2024
🔴 Pressure marks on my nose or face
Almost always from overtightening. Loosen the straps. If marks persist, the mask may be the wrong size — most masks come in 2–3 sizes. Mask liners (thin fabric barriers) can reduce skin irritation. Replace cushions regularly — worn silicone loses its conformability.
🌀 Taking the mask off in my sleep without realising
Very common in the first few weeks. Tips: use the ramp so you fall asleep at low pressure, keep the bedroom cool, check your mask isn't too tight (discomfort triggers unconscious removal). Your machine's app will show the exact time you removed it — patterns help identify causes. If it happens every night after 3–4 hours, that's still therapeutic — you're getting the deepest sleep treated.
📊 My AHI on the machine app is still high
If your machine-reported AHI is consistently above 5 despite good usage, contact your sleep clinic. Possible causes: mask leak (the machine can't deliver effective pressure), incorrect pressure range, central apnoeas (different mechanism from obstructive), or positional issues. Don't adjust your own pressure settings — talk to your sleep team.Source: ASA APAP reporting requirements 2024
💰 What CPAP costs in Australia
Item
Typical cost range (AUD)
APAP machine (auto-adjusting)
$1,200–$2,500
Fixed CPAP machine
$800–$1,600
BiPAP machine (specialist-prescribed)
$2,000–$4,000+
Mask (nasal pillow / nasal / full face)
$100–$350
Replacement cushion/seal (every 1–3 months)
$30–$70
Replacement headgear (every 6–12 months)
$30–$60
Heated tubing (optional upgrade)
$60–$120
Filters (change monthly)
$5–$15
Rental (machine + mask, per month)
$50–$100
Sleep study — in-lab Type 1 (Medicare-rebated)
$0–$300 gap
Sleep study — home Type 3/4 (Medicare-rebated)
$0–$150 gap
Medicare and private health insurance. There is no Medicare rebate for CPAP machines, masks, or accessories. Sleep studies (MBS items 12203, 12250) are Medicare-rebated. Some private health insurance extras policies provide rebates for CPAP equipment under "appliances" or "aids" — check your policy. The equipment has no scheduled replacement timeline from Medicare, so the full cost is out-of-pocket.
Source: Sleep Health Foundation; MBS Book July 2026 (sleep study items)
🧼 Cleaning schedule
Clean equipment regularly to prevent bacteria, mould, and mineral buildup. Warm water and mild dish soap — that's it. No vinegar, bleach, or UV sanitisers (they can degrade silicone and void your warranty).
Daily
Wipe mask cushion with a damp cloth. Empty and air-dry the humidifier water chamber. Use distilled or filtered water only (tap water causes mineral buildup).
Weekly
Wash mask (cushion, frame, headgear) and tubing in warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Air-dry away from direct sunlight. Inspect cushion for wear or discolouration.
Monthly
Replace disposable (white) filter. Check reusable (grey/dark) filter — wash and dry if present. Inspect tubing for cracks, holes, or discolouration.
3–6 months
Replace mask cushion/seal when it loses bounce, develops cracks, or no longer seals well. Consider replacing headgear when elastic stretches.
12+ months
Replace tubing, water chamber (if mineral deposits won't clean out), and full mask assembly. Machines last 5–7 years with good care.
Source: Sleep Health Foundation "Caring for your CPAP Equipment" (May 2025); manufacturer guidelines (ResMed, Fisher & Paykel).
✈️ Travelling with CPAP
Flying: CPAP machines are approved as carry-on by all major airlines and are exempt from cabin baggage weight/count limits (they're classified as medical devices). Carry it in a dedicated CPAP bag or your carry-on — never check it. You don't need a letter from your doctor to bring it on a plane, but some airlines appreciate seeing one.
Airport security: Remove the machine from its bag and place it in a separate tray for X-ray, like a laptop. Leave the water chamber empty. Security staff see them regularly.
Power overseas: Most modern CPAP machines have universal voltage (100–240V, 50/60Hz) — check the label on your power supply. You'll need a plug adapter for the destination country but usually not a voltage converter. If camping or travelling without power, battery packs designed for CPAP are available ($200–$500).
Distilled water: Hard to find in some countries. You can use bottled water (low mineral) in the humidifier for short trips — just clean the chamber more frequently. Some people skip the humidifier entirely for 1–2 night trips.
Source: Sleep Health Foundation "Travelling with CPAP" fact sheet; FAA medical device regulations.
Questions for your GP or sleep specialist
→Is APAP or fixed CPAP better for my situation?
→What AHI should I be aiming for on my machine data?
→Do I need to report my sleep apnoea to the transport authority for my driver's licence?
→How often do I need a follow-up sleep study?
→Would a care plan help me access other services (dietitian, exercise physiologist) for my sleep apnoea?
→If CPAP isn't working for me, what are the alternatives?
This page provides general information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Your GP, sleep specialist, or CPAP supplier can explain what's appropriate for your specific situation. Last verified: July 2026.