Philips DreamStation (CPAP, CPAP Pro, Auto CPAP)
How to set up the Philips DreamStation (CPAP, CPAP Pro, Auto CPAP)
From the box to your first night. Keep the user guide that came with your machine nearby: if anything here differs from it, follow the guide.
Check recall status first
Before you use a DreamStation, find the serial number and look it up on Philips' recall site or call 877-907-7508. Talk with your prescribing clinician about whether to keep using it, switch to another device or use another treatment while you wait. Do not stop therapy on your own without that conversation.
Place the machine
Set it on a firm, flat surface lower than your bed, away from heating and cooling vents. Keep the filter area on the side clear of bedding and curtains, and do not put it on carpet, fabric or anything that can collect water.
Install the filters
Lift the filter door on the side. Snap a dry blue reusable pollen filter on top of a light blue disposable ultra-fine filter if you use one, slide the assembly in and close the door.
Attach the humidifier if you have one
Follow the separate DreamStation heated humidifier instructions to attach it and fill it. The humidifier must sit level and below the mask connection.
Connect power
Plug the AC cord into the power supply, the power supply into the side of the machine and the cord into an outlet not controlled by a switch. If the Check Power icon appears, push each connection in fully.
Connect tubing and mask
For a heated tube, line up the connector at the top of the air outlet on the back and press until the side tabs click. Standard tubing slides on. Set Tube Type in My Setup to match your hose (12, 15 or 22), then connect the mask.
Set the time
On first power up you may be asked to set the time. It defaults to Greenwich Mean Time and changes in 30 minute steps. It is only used to line up your data.
Start therapy
Put on the mask and press the Therapy button on top. Adjust the headgear if air leaks into your eyes. Press the Therapy button again in the morning to stop.
After setup: settings worth knowing
- Ramp start pressure: Sets the lower pressure the machine starts at before rising to your prescription.
- Ramp Time: Sets how long the machine takes to rise from the ramp start pressure to your therapy pressure.
- Flex: Eases pressure as you breathe out. Level 1 is mild, higher numbers give more relief.
- Humidification mode: Fixed keeps a set heater output; Adaptive adjusts it. With a heated tube attached the mode locks to Heated Tube humidification.
- Humidifier and tube temperature: Sets the moisture level and heated tube warmth.
- Mask Type: Matches the machine's pressure compensation to your Philips mask's System One resistance setting.
- Tube Type: Tells the machine which hose diameter you use so delivered pressure is correct.
- Check Mask Fit: Runs a 40 second leak test and shows a green check or red X.
- Preheat: Warms the humidifier water for up to 30 minutes before therapy.
Supplies that can help
The air inlet filter keeps dust and lint out of the machine and your airway; it is a cheap part that needs regular replacement.
The plain hose between the machine and the mask; it wears out and should be replaced on a regular schedule.
Plain, mild dish soap is the cleaning agent most CPAP makers and the FDA point to for masks, tubing and humidifier chambers.
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Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error