Tired of CPAP

To avoid getting tired of CPAP treatment it is important to keep your treatment options open. A slight change in your CPAP routine may be all you need to fix any problems and regain your enthusiasm.

CPAP problems often signal the need for a new mask.

Many sleep apnea sufferers find it very difficult to initially adjust to a CPAP or BiPAP machine or mask. Some report feelings of claustrophobia. Others don't like the confinement of being tethered to a machine while sleeping. But after a month or so, most people grow accustomed to the treatment. They may not love sleeping with the machine and mask; but they certainly see the improvement in their daytime awareness and their overall medical condition. However, there will be times when they may just get tired of CPAP treatment and they consider giving it up, if only for a night.

It can frequently be difficult to use the CPAP mask while sick. A lack of patience, congestion and overall discomfort can make it very tempting to forego a night of treatment. However, sleep apnea does not go away when the body is fighting other medical issues; so, it is just as important to wear the mask on "sick nights" as it is on other nights. A medical professional can give you tips on minimizing congestion so that you can breathe more freely – such as over the counter medications, inhalant cold remedies and sitting up slightly while sleeping. You might also want to consider having a full face mask available for use when congestion requires you to breathe through your mouth.

It is not uncommon for CPAP users to have problems for the first few days as they get used to the pressurized air treatment. Frequently the user will have a dry nose or throat irritation. If the problems continue, you should contact your sleep doctor or therapist for suggestions on what you can do to minimize the problems. For example:

• Nose irritation – Use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray before going to sleep
• Dry and sore throat – Consider adding a heated humidifier to the CPAP or BiPAP unit to increase the moisture level in the air you are breathing
• Dry mouth – The air could be too dry, causing the machine to need a humidifier. A chinstrap or full face mask are both good solutions for a dry mouth caused by sleeping with the mouth open.
• Sinus pain or difficulty exhaling – The pressure may need to be lowered or the doctor may recommend a machine that ramps up the pressure or provides alternating levels of pressure during sleep
• Mask leaks – The mask may not be tight against the face or it might be the wrong size or type.

Don't give up on your sleep apnea treatment just because of an easily fixable problem.

Inspect your CPAP or BiPAP machine and mask regularly to make sure that they are still the best options for your treatment and your lifestyle. There are many types of machines and masks available for sleep apnea. There are also replacement parts and CPAP supplies, which can make sleeping with a CPAP machine much more comfortable. For example:

• Have your pressure needs evaluated – Weight gain or loss can affect the amount of pressure you need.
• Replace your mask frequently – The silicon in a nasal mask will start to break down after about six to nine months, becoming soft and causing the mask to leak.
• Consider new equipment styles – If you travel frequently, consider one of the new smaller-sized CPAPs. Talk with your doctor or therapist about switching to a different type of mask – like from a nasal mask to a nasal pillow mask.
• Replace worn parts – Gel-based spacers breakdown and become sticky. They can be replaced very inexpensively.
• Explore problem-solving supplies – Look into longer hoses if you want to have more freedom of motion. Consider a CPAP pillow if you are a slide sleeper with a mask that seems to be pushed to the side while you sleep. Purchase or make a fleece hose cover if you find yourself uncomfortable if you roll over on the hose.

Sleeping with CPAP treatment can be pleasurable and the lack of sleep apneas will certainly improve your quality of life. Take an active role in identifying and solving any problems that you may be having with your CPAP treatment.

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