Problems with CPAP

Problems with CPAP machines and masks can make adjusting to the therapy for sleep apnea difficult. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy helps sleep apnea patients get a good, healthy night’s rest, but it requires an adjustment to sleeping habits. For most patients, the adjustment doesn’t occur over night.

Wear the right CPAP mask.

A sleep doctor’s prescription for CPAP therapy offers respite from the symptoms of sleep apnea, but it still takes time to adjust to the feeling of the mask, sleeping position, the machine and a dozen other little factors. Yes, CPAP can improve the quality of sleep and the quality of day to day life, but for a while, especially if there are problems with the CPAP mask, it can be hard to remember how CPAP improves life when it’s so darn annoying.

The wrong size mask is a bigger nuisance than most people realize. It can be embarrassing to say a mask is too small or it’s too tight, but that’s exactly what CPAP patients should say if the mask doesn’t fit properly. Ill-fitted nasal masks can cause other problems including face irritation, difficulty tolerating the mask, a leaky mask and facial pain. Allow the technician to fit the mask on your face properly during the initial consultation.

If the mask feels too tight or like it does not fit properly, order a slightly larger size. Be sure to verify the return policy on your mask. If your supplies are covered by your insurance, contact the company to schedule another consultation and request a selection of masks come with the consultant. Don’t be embarrassed because this is an important facet of getting the right fit.

The constant pressure of air being forced through a nasal mask can lead to a stuffy or dry nose. Be sure to invest in a CPAP machine that offers a humidity setting. The moisture will help reduce the effect of dryness on the nasal passages. Do not avoid taking allergy medicine while on CPAP therapy because allergies and colds can cause sinuses to become plugged as well. If nasal stuffiness is persistent, consider investing in a full face mask that covers mouth and nose.

As described above, an ill-fitting mask can lead to facial irritation. Lack of proper cleaning and care can also cause the mask to irritate the face. The mask should be cleaned daily with gentle, no abrasive soap. Users should also wash their face before and after wearing the mask. If irritation persists, discuss the mask form with the prescribing physician. It could allergy-related or it could be a change in hygiene habits is necessary. Be sure and tell your physician about any facial creams and lotions you are using to avoid clogged and irritated pores.

A leaking mask is a problem for CPAP users because the escaping air reduces the pressure and prevents the CPAP from performing correctly. Adjust the straps and the mask fit to stop the leaks. It can take some time to get the fit correct. If no adjustments correct the fit, consider investing in a new mask.

CPAP therapy requires a lifestyle adjustment. Most physicians recommend at least 30 days of wearing the mask and using the equipment every night to get used to it. It’s not uncommon to remove the mask while sleeping. Patients should persist in their attempts to wear the mask and use the CPAP therapy despite removing the mask. If a patient wakes in the middle of the night with the mask off, they should put it back on and begin the ramp up again.

It can take weeks and sometimes months to develop a tolerance for the face mask, the forced air and the need to sleep in a certain position. The helath benefits of CPAP use, however, far outweigh the problems with CPAP. Even partial success at first leads to more energy during the day. As a patient gets used to the CPAP therapy and reaps the benefits of a good night’s sleep, they will likely begin to wonder why it was so hard to get used to in the first place..

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