Connect a CPAP Machine to Your Oxygen Concentrator

How To: Connect a CPAP Machine to Your Oxygen Concentrator

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If you or a loved one suffers from sleep apnea, it may become necessary to use an oxygen concentrator in addition to a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine is used for obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. This condition is when the muscles in your throat cannot support their weight while you are sleeping. Often, a first sign would be a sleeping partner mentioning or complaining about your snoring, a common symptom of sleep apnea. It’s also extremely common for the patient to feel restless and run-down when they wake up; often being accompanied by headaches and other signs of not receiving enough oxygen at night.

Sleep apnea is a very serious and potentially life-threatening disorder. Weakened throat muscles, in those affected, tend to close up and breathing can stop for extended periods of time. If you believe you have sleep apnea, wake up feeling tired, or have a sleeping partner that has noticed you stop breathing at some points during the night — we recommend visiting your doctor. Your doctor can run a series of tests to help determine the safest and most effective sleep solution for you.

If you happen to suffer from COPD or other lung diseases that lower the blood-oxygen count dramatically, you may require oxygen therapy while you sleep as well! Luckily, you can easily connect your oxygen concentrator to your CPAP machine and use them simultaneously. View Oxygen Concentrators that Connect to CPAP Machines.

What You’ll Need

CPAP TubingCPAP Tubing
Bleed-In AdapterBleed-In Adapter
CPAP MaskCPAP Mask
open-ended tubingOpen-Ended Tubing
CPAP MachineCPAP Machine

 

HOW TO: Connect a CPAP Machine to Your Oxygen Concentrator

 

Step 1: Evaluate Type of CPAP Mask
STEP 1
In order to properly connect your CPAP device to an oxygen concentrator, you’ll first need to evaluate the type of CPAP mask you have. Some masks feature an oxygen port; however, most masks do not and will require a small and inexpensive device called an Oxygen Bleed-In Adapter (pictured left).TIP: If your mask has an oxygen port it may be covered with a small cap that you will be able to remove. Remove the cap by gently twisting and pulling until it pops off.
Step 2: Connect Tubing to the CPAP Mask
STEP 2
After locating your CPAP tubing and mask you’ll want to connect the tubing to the tubing of your CPAP mask. Wiggle the rubber end of your tubing onto the plastic tube of your mask.Make sure the rubber end is pushed forward until it reaches the first level indentation on the mask tube.

 

Step 3: Secure Bleed-In Adapter
STEP 3
Next, you’ll want to get your Bleed-In Adapter (See Step 1) and secure it to the opposite end of your CPAP tubing. Make sure you push the rubber portion of the tube as far forward as it comfortably allows.
Step 4: Connected Mask, Tubing, and Adapter
STEP 4
After you’ve connected your mask, CPAP tubing, and adapter together you’ll want to connect your tubing for your oxygen concentrator to the small end of the Bleed-In Adapter. Push the end of your tubing firmly over the first nob until secure. Connect the other end of the tubing to the concentrator.
Step 5: Connect the CPAP Machine
STEP 5
Lastly, connect everything to your CPAP machine. Not sure where to connect the tubing to your machine? Refer to your owner’s manual for individualized directions.
You’re now ready to use your CPAP machine with your oxygen concentrator! With everything connected turn on the CPAP machine first and then the concentrator. Once you’re done using them, turn off your oxygen concentrator first and then the CPAP machine.

Important: Do not allow oxygen to flow into the CPAP machine if the CPAP machine is not running.

CPAP Connecting Tips

 

  • When getting a CPAP mask fitted, make sure you have enough time and energy as the mask may need to be re-adjusted a few times before it sits comfortably on the face.
  • Be aware of the location of your machine’s filter and be sure to replace it often. (Refer to your owner’s manual for unit-specific information.)
  • Make sure your mask is snug and not overly tight; tightness will cause soreness and temporary strap marks on the face.
  • Use a mirror the first few times you place your mask on yourself; you’ll want to make sure it’s in the right place in order for it to function correctly.
  • Replace your nasal pillow or cushion every 6 months for hygiene.
  • Always turn ON your CPAP or BIPAP machine before turning ON your oxygen concentrator.
  • Always turn OFF your oxygen concentrator before turning OFF the CPAP or BIPAP machine.
  • Don’t worry about leaks in your tubing, many CPAP machines have leak sensors that will alert you and adequately increase pressure.
  • Do not settle with an uncomfortable mask.
  • Do not use alcohol or vinegar to clean your mask. Simply use a mixture of mild soap and water.
  • If you sense any nasal dryness or a sore throat we recommend using a heated humidifier to moisten the air.

Updated: June 12, 2023
Published: September 27, 2016

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Danielle is extensively trained oxygen specialist and used her oxygen therapy knowledge to write on products from leading manufactures such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare and ResMed.

About Danielle Jason:

Danielle is extensively trained oxygen specialist and used her oxygen therapy knowledge to write on products from leading manufactures such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare and ResMed.

28 thoughts on “How To: Connect a CPAP Machine to Your Oxygen Concentrator

    • Thank you for your inquiry, LeRoy. I have passed along your information to one of our Specialists regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to reach out to them directly at 877-774-9271 or at Sales@amsrco.com.

      • I am trying to figure out if I have my oxygen concentrator hooked to my cpap ( Dreamstation) can I continue to use my Soclean2 to clean my clean and sterilize my equipment?

  1. I have oxygen but I leave my cannula in my nose and just put the mask over it . Does that cause the machine to not run correctly, by not running oxygen through the machine. I keep having to wake up and hit the ramp to bring the passive Avapps pressure back down ? Help!

    • To make sure that we are providing you with the best solution and answer we ask that you give us a call and talk to a specialist so that they can best assist you. Please give us a call at 877-303-9289. We look forward to assisting you.

      • These directions don’t work with a climateline tubing as that tubing (heated to prevent rainout) must connect directly to the CPAP and twist in to the electrical portion. On these you have to put the adapter up at the mask end —I know, I have one oldermS9 with a heated tubing and perfecto2 concentrator.

        • Hi Rose,

          Yes, you are correct. With the climate-line tubing you have to connect the oxygen closer to the mask. I hope your CPAP machine is doing you wonders

          Sincerely,
          The AMSR Team

    • The heated hose should not change how you hook up your machine. The humidity setting is up to you based on what you are comfortable with.

    • “ The reason to turn on the CPAP machine first is to allow the blower to put out air first and ensure there is no backflow pressure build up.

      A similar idea is like “vapor lock” in your vehicle.

      From there turning on the oxygen and bleeding it in conjunction with the CPAP”

  2. If I have a humidifier on my oxygen concentrator, do I need to use the humidifier in my CPAP machine also? I live in a very dry climate. I just got the humidifier on my oxygen and I forgot to asks the technician to showed me how to use it.

    • You can certainly add a humidifier to your CPAP and if you are using it on your concentrator is is a good idea to add it to the CPAP. depending on the models you may need a separate humidifier for you CPAP.

  3. I have worked with Rex if this is the came company as the Denver store. I have a question the bleed in oxygen adaptor and how widely universal it would be for CPAPs Thanks, Kirk Mahon, MD OxygenNowAspen.com

  4. Is it possible to add a directional valve to your oxygen so you don’t have to physically change the oxygen line if you get up at night from cpap to oxygen mask?

      • We’ve been using this, works great but a little pricey. Trying to find alternatives.

        Cole-Parmer AO-01379-01 Ball Valve, 3-Way, 1/4″ Barb – PVC w/Buna N Seals [from Amazon]

  5. Does anyone know the answer to this question…My dads Oxygen machine has the bottled water and the CPAP machine also takes water… is this ok? or is it too much Humidifier?

  6. Will a portable oxygen concentrator work with a CPAP? I have an Inogen HOME concentrator and can’t see how I could travel with it.

    • Yes, a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) can work with a CPAP machine give that it can supply oxygen in continuous flow. We’ve got two POCs that provide continuous flow. They are the versatile Respironics SimplyGo and the powerful Caire Eclipse 5.
      The concentrator that you have, Inogen at Home, is the lightest 5-liter (continuous flow) concentrator in the market. Although it’s not a solution that works on battery power, it is small enough to fit in luggage for your travels. We can quickly answer all your questions over a phone call. Please reach us out at (877) 644-4581. We are open seven days a week.

    • Please consult that with your doctor. They would be able to assess whether you are getting the required saturation at 2 LPM.

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