Sick of CPAP

If you are sick of CPAP treatment, it may be time to reevaluate your equipment and treatment options. You may find that a small change can make a big difference in the way you feel about your CPAP treatment.

Be sure you have the right CPAP mask.

Using a CPAP or BiPAP machine is a very simple treatment process. The machine blows air into your nose at a specific pressure in order to keep your airways open. Where treatment can get difficult is the physical side effects of the air pressure and the lifestyle effects of wearing the mask.

CPAP users commonly report a long list of physical issues caused by the pressurized air including:

• Dry nose, often with nosebleeds and nasal congestion
• Nasal irritation, sneezing or sinus discomfort
• Runny or cold nose
• Dry mouth or sore throat
• Eye irritation
• Skin irritation
• Difficulty exhaling, often with chest discomfort
• Abdominal bloating

Even users who do not have physical issues with their CPAP may become sick of CPAP treatment because of the changes it might require in their sleeping situation. For example:

• A noisy CPAP unit can make it difficult to fall, or stay, asleep.
• The sound or feel of the air blowing from the CPAP mask may not be well tolerated by the user or sleeping partner.
• CPAP units can be cumbersome to travel with, particularly when packed in carry on luggage.

It is not uncommon for an individual with sleep apnea to decide they are sick of CPAP treatment. This is the point where CPAP users need to reevaluate their alternatives.

A mask will typically start to lose its effectiveness and leak after about six to nine months of use. The silicon in the mask will become softer which will, in turn, keep the mask from forming an airtight seal on the face. This is the time to get a new mask.

If the mask has been leaking since it was new, it is possible that the mask is the wrong size or type. A nasal mask is probably too big if it leaks into the eyes or onto the upper lip from the bottom of the mask. Facial hair or contours can often make it difficult for the mask to form a tight seal and should probably be replaced with a nasal pillow mask. This mask fits right under the nose and uses cones to deliver the pressurized air directly into the nose.

Sometimes the way you sleep can keep the mask from being totally effective. A side sleeper may find it difficult to keep the mask from being pushed to the side by the pillow. A CPAP pillow with preformed indentations for the mask may help keep the mask in place throughout sleep. Sleepers who breathe through their mouth when they sleep may find that wearing a chinstrap keeps their mouth shut.

Hold a nasal mask up to your face and then tighten the straps to hold the mask securely against your face. The mask will usually have a hook and loop type closure system on the straps to make the nasal mask adjustable. If you are inclined to get up during the night, look for a mask that has quick release clips on the straps, which can be used to temporarily remove the mask. Don't just leave the mask loose enough to just pull the mask off when necessary. Leaving it loose will usually cause it to leak since it is not fitting tightly up against the face.

Bruises on the face may mean that the mask straps are too tight or that the mask is pushing into the face when the sleeper is lying on their side. Loosening the straps or sleeping with a CPAP pillow may alleviate these problems. If not, a new mask style should be considered.

A different mask style can often make a big difference in your sleeping freedom and comfort. Switching from a nasal mask to a nasal pillow mask can often alleviate many sleeping problems, particularly for slide sleepers who tend to fight with slipping nasal masks throughout the night. Using a longer hose can reduce any feelings of being "tied" to the machine.

A dry nose and throat can usually be relieved by adding a humidifier to the CPAP or BiPAP machine. Stuffiness and sneezing can often be helped by replacing the filters in the machine.

Untreated sleep apnea can quickly reduce the quality of life and may increase medical issues. Multiple sleep apneas through the night will result in frequently interrupted sleep, causing daytime sleepiness. Blood oxygenation levels may also be affected by apneas, making it more difficult to have a clear mind. Medical issues such as high blood pressure can occur because of untreated sleep apnea.

A mask change or adjustment may be enough to increase the effectiveness and comfort level of the CPAP treatment. Work with a sleep professional to find the best mask type and size. Don't give up…just make the necessary adjustments.

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